A while back, Ferrari promised that it will be more unpredictable in regard to its upcoming models. It seems the Italian company relies on its ultra-exclusive Icona models in order to do so, as it recently unveiled the $2.26-million Ferrari Daytona SP3, of which only 599 will be made. This, however, will not be the only model we see from Ferrari’s Icona program, as the company is working on more special projects, with V-12 power.

Not long ago, we got spy footage of a test-mule, resembling a 1960s Ferrari 330 P4. This turned out to be the newly-unveiled Daytona SP3, which joins the ranks of the Monza SP1 and SP2, both of which, inspired by the 1950s Ferrari 750 Monza.

We know that more Icona models are on the way, since Ferrari confirmed it, during the Daytona SP3’s official debut, in Florence. According to Autocar, chief communications and marketing officer, Enrico Galliera said: “there are four to five potential concepts we could work on”.

Ferrari’s head of design, Flavio Manzoni had a heavy influence in the final design of the SP3, which is said to have been inspired by 330 P3/4, 412P, and 512S. The head of design says that “there are many other intriguing concepts for the future. The richness of Ferrari is very high and the sky is the only limit”. With what Manzoni said, in front of Autocar, we can expect at least a few more classic-inspired Icona models to make an appearance at some point in the near future.

“This is not a supercar”, said chief technical officer, Michael Leiters, even though the Daytona SP3 is based on an updated LaFerrari Aperta chassis. According to him “A supercar is the pinnacle of technology. When we produce a new supercar, we always introduce new technology. Here, we are not looking at the pinnacle of performance. The driver is more central, which is why it is so welcome for the collectors”. He also made it clear that, despite the underpinnings, this is not a special version of the LaFerrari.

Manzoni is adamant that, despite the classically-inspired appearance, the Icona cars are not nostalgic. “It’s fine if you are working on an Icona project to get inspiration from the past and the heritage, but without losing the vision and approach. In the last years, so many have asked: why don’t you make a modern version of the 250 GTO, for example? My answer is always the 250 GTO is a sum of its age. That form was configurated that way because there were certain conditions, the technical development and aerodynamics were not sophisticated as they are today, and it’s correct that way”.

The Autocar interview also tackled the topic of restomods, which according to Manzoni is s “banal” trend and “obvious low level”. Icona cars are said to focus around the driving experience, With this in mind, Leiters was asked why the SP3 is equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, instead of a more traditional manual. The answer was: “Even if this is a pure car, it’s not a nostalgic car”.

Is this the last hurrah for Ferrari’s normally-aspirated V-12? Leiters stated that the V-12 perfectly matches the emotion and purpose of the Icona models, which is why they are keeping it around for as long as possible. While not the most efficient unit, the SP3’s limited production also means a limited impact, in terms of CO2 emissions. At the same time, with its 829 horsepower, the SP3's V-12 engine holds the record for the most powerful Ferrari V-12 engine, yet.

Leiters added: “I personally believe we have to fight for this engine. From a technology point of view, it’s not the most efficient. A V8 turbo could make it better in terms of performance. But from an emotional point of view, it’s the best you can have. On power, 829bhp or on the Pininfarina Battista 1900bhp – who cares? You get thrilled if you are a good driver with either. If you are a normal driver, you get scared if you put the pedal to the metal”.

Ferrari SP3 Daytona specifications

Engine

6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12

Power

840 HP @ 9,250 RPM

Torque

477 LB-FT @ 7,250 RPM

Transmission

F1 dual-clutch gearbox, seven speed

0 to 62 mph

2.85 seconds

0 to 124 mph

7.4 seconds

Top Speed

>340 km/h (211mph)