
Ferrari Bids V12 Goodbye with a Stunning Daytona SP3 One-Off
An Automotive Masterpiece Like No Other
Originally introduced as part of Ferrari's exclusive 'Icona' series, the Daytona SP3 already stood out as a design and performance marvel. But now, the Italian automaker is unveiling a very special version—serial number 600—of what was originally a 599-unit limited series. This additional car wasn't made for just any collector; it was created for a noble cause and will be auctioned globally for charity. It features a bespoke exterior color, applied only once and never to be repeated, enhancing its value and uniqueness even further.
Drawing inspiration from the legendary endurance racers of the 1960s—particularly the Ferrari 330 P4—this SP3 blends vintage racing spirit with avant-garde Italian design. Every curve, intake, and line has been sculpted not just for aerodynamics, but to evoke emotion and admiration.
A Naturally Aspirated V12 — The Beating Heart of a Dying Era
At the core of this spectacular machine lies a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine, mounted in the middle to honor Ferrari's most authentic performance DNA. With an astonishing output of 829 horsepower at 9,250 rpm and 697 Nm of torque, this powerplant ranks among the most formidable engines Ferrari has ever produced without turbocharging or hybrid assistance.
The numbers speak for themselves: 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds, a top speed exceeding 340 km/h, and a throttle response that delivers unfiltered, visceral emotion. It's not just fast—it's symphonic, offering a soundtrack no future electric drivetrain could replicate.
Driver-Centric Interior: Purpose Meets Elegance
Inside, the Daytona SP3 doesn't waste space on excess or distractions. Instead, it embraces a motorsport-inspired philosophy: fixed carbon fiber bucket seats integrated into the monocoque, with driver adjustments handled via the pedals and steering wheel. Lightweight materials dominate, reinforcing its track-focused intent.
Yet, true to Ferrari's grand touring heritage, there's no lack of sophistication. Hand-stitched leather, refined detailing, and a fully digital interface strike a perfect balance between form and function, immersing the driver in a cockpit designed for pure engagement.
Why Now? The Symbolism Behind the 600th Daytona SP3
Ferrari didn't build this 600th car for profit. It exists as a symbolic gesture—a tribute to the brand's storied history with naturally aspirated V12s, created just as the automotive world shifts toward electrification. Placing this final edition in a charity auction serves both as a celebration and a goodbye, offering collectors one final chance to own a pure V12-powered Ferrari of this caliber.
Expected to command a multi-million-dollar price, this SP3 isn't just rare—it may well be the last of its kind. A final, emphatic chapter before the curtain closes on Ferrari's glorious naturally aspirated era.
A Farewell Wrapped in Passion, Speed, and Sound
The Daytona SP3 doesn't return to chase records or attention—it returns to make a statement. A tribute to an era defined by unfiltered power, mechanical purity, and the unmistakable wail of a V12 at full throttle. This isn't just a car; it's Ferrari's love letter to its most loyal fans and to a generation of performance that's fading into history.
Is this the end of the mid-engine V12 Ferrari as we know it? Or will Maranello surprise us again before the final engine note fades? Either way, this SP3 ensures the story ends not with silence, but with a roaring crescendo.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab News
29 minutes ago
- Arab News
FIA and Formula E agree 10-year extension to electric world championship
LONDON: The FIA and Formula E have agreed a 10-year extension to their partnership, securing the future of the FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2038. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Announced on Friday, the new multi-year agreement between the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile and Formula E ensures the world's premier all-electric racing series will continue to operate under the FIA's governance for another decade beyond the current deal. The extension is a pivotal moment for Formula E, which has recorded 20 percent year-on-year growth since its inaugural race in 2014. The sport now attracts more than 400 million fans worldwide and reaches a global TV audience of about half a billion. Described by the FIA as a milestone for innovation and sustainability in motorsport, the renewed deal will allow Formula E to accelerate its expansion, pursue long-range partnerships and enhance its position as a testbed for electric vehicle technologies that translate to consumer markets. 'The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E World Championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation, and growth across all areas of motorsport,' said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president at the FIA. 'This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, which are all central to the championship's unique identity and purpose. It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all. We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come,' he added. Formula E's cutting-edge credentials were further bolstered by the recent launch of the GEN3 Evo race car, which accelerates from 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds, about 30 percent quicker than a current Formula 1 car. It has a top speed of 200mph and regenerates nearly half the energy used in a race. Sustainability is a core pillar, with tyres containing 35 percent recycled materials and bodywork incorporating recycled carbon fibre and natural fibres. Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer at the FIA, added: 'Formula E has not only demonstrated impressive growth since its inception, but has also led the way on sustainable innovation in our industry. This is a landmark agreement for the FIA and Formula E, and we are excited to be working with the championship in the years to come.' The deal also provides the long-term security required to invest further in vehicle performance, fan engagement, and technological advancement. Formula E is targeting faster top speeds, enhanced aerodynamics, better tyre performance, and closer racing. 'We've believed in Formula E since Day 1, and this extension reaffirms our confidence in where it's headed. This is the motorsport of the future, a championship that combines the very latest technology, close-combat racing, and a mission that really matters,' said Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, Formula E's majority owner. 'With the FIA's continued backing, we can now take the next big steps — scaling the sport, growing its global fanbase, and continuing to push the boundaries of what electric racing can achieve. 'With this new agreement in place, Formula E is now positioned better than ever to define the future of motorsport — more innovative, more inclusive, more sustainable — and to inspire the next generation of fans, drivers, and partners around the world,' he added. Formula E's roster includes major automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Maserati, Stellantis, Mahindra and Lola-Yamaha, with 11 teams and 22 drivers competing in cities including Jeddah, Monaco, Tokyo, London, Miami, and Shanghai. Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, said: 'Formula E's growth since its inception has been nothing short of extraordinary, with hundreds of millions of fans and world-class teams and drivers deciding to choose highly competitive electric racing. 'This long-term extension of the partnership enables us to continue building the brand, investing in the product and delivering some of the most captivating racing that has made us famous. 'With this long-term extension, the opportunity that Formula E now has to impact world motorsport will be truly transformational,' Dodds added. Formula E has topped global rankings for environmental, social and governance performance in sport for the past three years and continues to reduce freight emissions while delivering positive legacies in its host cities through its Better Future Fund. With global EV sales forecast to exceed 40 percent of all vehicle sales by 2030 and battery production expected to triple, the series is positioning itself at the forefront of technological and cultural shifts in motorsport and mobility.


Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Piastri outpaces Verstappen in opening practice at Belgian GP
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium: Series leader Oscar Piastri outpaced defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull to top the times for McLaren in Friday's opening free practice at the Belgian Grand Prix. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The 24-year-old Australian, reacting positively to his disappointment at Silverstone where he was handed a controversial penalty, clocked a best lap in one minute and 42.022 seconds to beat the four-time champion by four-tenths of a second in a keenly-contested session. Verstappen was driving for the first time since Red Bull dismissed former boss Christian Horner two weeks earlier. Frenchman Laurent Mekies took his place on the pit wall. Piastri's McLaren team-mate Lando Norris was third ahead of Mercedes' George Russell, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari and rookie Kimi Antonelli in the second Mercedes with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton in the second Ferrari seventh. Lance Stroll was eighth for Aston Martin ahead of team-mate two-time champion Fernando Alonso and Racing Bulls' rookie Isack Hadjar and the two Williams drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. On a cool misty morning in the forests of the Ardennes, Antonelli set an fast lap before Norris and then Verstappen took command on mediums as the heavy mist began to lift with intermittent sunshine lighting up the majestic circuit. The champion remained in charge as he trimmed his time to 1:44.236 until Leclerc went quicker in 1:44.148, running his Ferrari on a hard compound tire as Hamilton, his team-mate, complained of instability and 'rear locking'. Norris, bidding for a third consecutive victory to overhaul Piastri in the title race, laughed at suggestions that he had developed a 'nose for success' — the scarred result of a facial injury suffered after winning the British Grand Prix. 'It's healing nicely,' he revealed. 'I had a professional repair job. If I ever want to look in the mirror and think of something great, I look at my nose!' His misfortune, when a photographer fell on him as a trackside fence collapsed, had no apparent effect on his upbeat mood at a circuit revered by the drivers. With 10 minutes remaining, as most teams switched to race simulation work, some took softs and this resulted in Stroll going top in 1:43.112, a full second faster than Leclerc's previous best to spark a spate of more late fast laps on softs. Piastri and Verstappen led the gang with the Australian going top in 1:42.123, half a second faster than the Red Bull driver who went second, before the Mercedes of Russell and Antonelli climbed to second and fourth on mediums. Norris made a mistake at Stavelot where he dropped two wheels into the gravel, as compatriot Oliver Bearman ran off, but he recovered to go third behind his McLaren team-mate and the Dutchman.


Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Red Bull's post-Horner era begins with sprint qualifying at the Belgian Grand Prix
BRUSSELS: Laurent Mekies didn't get long to settle in as Red Bull team principal on his first Formula 1 race weekend leading his new team. There was just one practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix on Friday before Red Bull and Mekies get straight into competitive action with qualifying for Saturday's sprint race. The hectic schedule is an extra challenge as Mekies takes over from Christian Horner, who had led the team since it entered F1 20 years ago until he was abruptly fired just over two weeks ago. Max Verstappen had some aerodynamic updates and was competitive for Red Bull in the sole practice session, going second fastest at .404 of a second behind standings leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren. The second McLaren of Lando Norris was third fastest, .1 further back. Red Bull uncertainty Red Bull's parent company still hasn't explained exactly what led to Horner's exit, and Verstappen's future remains uncertain. The Dutch driver said Thursday that Horner was like a 'second family' but that his removal wouldn't affect his plans. Verstappen said he still hoped to remain with Red Bull for the rest of his career but noted that 'life is unpredictable.' In an extra twist, Mercedes driver George Russell indicated to broadcaster Sky Sports on Thursday that he believed Verstappen and Mercedes remained in talks. Besides the small question of Verstappen's future, Mekies will need to draw on his extensive experience in F1 to cope with a daunting to-do list. He needs to deal with a decline in the team's results over the last year, prepare for big rule changes for 2026, and work out why Yuki Tsunoda — 18th in Friday practice — is the latest in a series of Verstappen's teammates to struggle with the car. Piastri's frustration All the focus has been on Red Bull, but there's still a thrilling — and controversial — title race at McLaren. Norris' emotional win in the rain at the British Grand Prix cut Piastri's standings lead to just eight points, while Piastri fumed at what he saw as an unfair penalty. Belgium is the first test of the Australian's vow to harness the 'frustration' he felt in Britain to win more races. And just like at Silverstone, rain could play a big part this weekend. It could affect both Saturday's sprint and the Grand Prix on Sunday. Crunch time for Hamilton With half of the season gone and no Grand Prix podium finish yet, Lewis Hamilton has declared it's 'crunch time' for him at Ferrari. Hamilton, whose biggest success this season was a sprint race win in China in March, was seventh in Friday practice. The seven-time champion revealed Thursday he's been setting up a series of meetings not just with top team personnel, but with Ferrari's corporate leadership, to seek 'structural adjustments' and make sure his voice is part of Ferrari's development plans for 2026.