Ferrari Resurrects the Mid-Engine V-12 Supercar for a Worthy Cause
Ferrari has once again captured the imagination of the automotive world with the return of its breathtaking Daytona SP3, this time as a one-off, highly bespoke “599+1” edition crafted for charity. The mid-engine V-12 configuration, a hallmark of Ferrari’s engineering excellence, makes a powerful statement in this era of downsizing and electrification. The original Daytona SP3, introduced in 2021 as part of Ferrari’s Icona series, was limited to 599 units, all of which were quickly spoken for by collectors and loyal clients. But Ferrari’s creative and philanthropic spirit led it to produce one more — the 600th car — to support The Ferrari Foundation’s educational initiatives. Set to go under the hammer during Monterey Car Week in California through RM Sotheby’s, this unique SP3 is not just a supercar; it is a rolling work of art that embodies Ferrari’s legacy, innovation, and generosity. Its auction proceeds will fund educational projects globally, continuing Ferrari’s tradition of leveraging its most exclusive creations for meaningful causes. And this remarkable vehicle showcases more than just exclusivity; it reasserts Ferrari’s commitment to the naturally aspirated V-12, ensuring its place in history even as the world transitions toward alternative powertrains.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3: A Tribute to Racing History
The Daytona SP3 is Ferrari’s second entry in the Icona series, paying homage to the marque’s legendary endurance racing prototypes of the 1960s and 70s — cars like the 330 P4, 350 Can-Am, and 512 S that cemented Ferrari’s dominance on the track. Designed as a modern reinterpretation of these classics, the SP3 combines timeless styling cues with cutting-edge engineering. Its bodywork is a symphony of aerodynamics and elegance, with a low-slung silhouette, flowing lines, and aggressive rear buttresses. The SP3 is powered by a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine, mounted mid-rear, producing a staggering 840 metric horsepower (about 829 hp) and 697 Nm of torque. This enables the SP3 to rocket from 0-100 km/h in just 2.85 seconds and reach a top speed exceeding 340 km/h (211 mph). Beyond performance, it is meticulously crafted with exclusive materials, offering an unmatched sensory experience — the raw roar of the V-12, the tactile precision of the carbon fiber cockpit, and the sheer theatre of its presence. As a member of the Icona family, the SP3 not only celebrates Ferrari’s racing heritage but also elevates it with innovations worthy of the 21st century.
The One-Off “599+1” Edition: Unique in Every Detail
Ferrari’s Tailor Made customization program took the already extraordinary SP3 and transformed it into a singular masterpiece for the charity auction. Officially named the Daytona SP3 “599+1,” this car acknowledges its position beyond the original sold-out production run. On the exterior, it features a stunning two-tone finish that combines exposed carbon fiber with Giallo Modena — Ferrari’s iconic yellow. The carbon fiber appears in glossy black on the front splitter, side sills, and rear diffuser, adding dramatic contrast and emphasizing the car’s sculptural lines. Perhaps the most striking visual feature is the bold Ferrari logotype stretched across the upper bodywork, split creatively into “Ferr” and “ari,” a design never before seen on a Ferrari. This subtle but daring choice underscores the car’s uniqueness and its role as a symbol of creativity. Inside, Ferrari employed recycled tire-derived fabric for the seats, an innovative nod to sustainability, while maintaining the luxurious feel expected of such a car. Even the carbon fiber used on the steering column and the checkerboard dashboard is sourced from Formula 1, making the car a tangible bridge between Ferrari’s road-going and racing worlds. A unique plaque between the seats marks its singular status as the only one of its kind.
Charity and Legacy: Ferrari’s Tradition of Giving Back
The “599+1” SP3 continues Ferrari’s admirable practice of supporting humanitarian and educational causes through its most desirable models. The proceeds from this car will benefit The Ferrari Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) public charity recognized by the IRS, dedicated to fostering educational initiatives worldwide. Ferrari has a history of extending production slightly to create unique cars for worthy causes. In 2016, Ferrari built a 500th LaFerrari to support earthquake relief efforts in Italy, which sold for an astounding $7 million — nearly five times its original price. Similarly, the 210th LaFerrari Aperta was sold for nearly $10 million, benefitting Save the Children. With the “599+1” SP3, Ferrari aims to raise significant funds to elevate educational standards globally, continuing its legacy of pairing extraordinary craftsmanship with profound social responsibility. Among its current initiatives is a collaboration with Save the Children to rebuild the Aveson Charter School in Altadena, California, which was destroyed in a wildfire. This synergy of luxury, philanthropy, and vision further cements Ferrari’s role not only as a builder of dream cars but also as a steward of positive change.
The Ferrari Icona Series: Distilling History into the Future
The Icona series, introduced in 2018 with the Monza SP1 and SP2, represents Ferrari’s most exclusive line, reserved for its top clients and collectors. Unlike the rest of Ferrari’s lineup, which looks forward technologically, the Icona series looks backward in time — not to copy, but to reinterpret the essence of an era and its vehicles. The Monza models were inspired by the barchettas of the 1950s, while the Daytona SP3 channels the spirit of Ferrari’s endurance prototypes from the late 1960s. What sets the Icona series apart is its philosophy: each car is designed to become an icon for future generations while encapsulating the soul of Ferrari’s past. Exclusive solutions, materials, and design cues differentiate these vehicles from the standard lineup, making them true collector’s items. Buyers of the Icona models don’t just purchase a car; they become ambassadors for Ferrari’s legacy, safeguarding the marque’s heritage while showcasing its capabilities in craftsmanship and innovation. The “599+1” Daytona SP3 is the ultimate embodiment of this philosophy, combining historical reverence with contemporary execution and an unprecedented commitment to a cause larger than itself.
Engineering Masterpiece: Technical Specifications of the SP3
Beneath its sculpted exterior, the Daytona SP3 remains a pinnacle of Ferrari engineering. Its 6.5-liter V-12 engine is positioned mid-rear, optimizing weight distribution (44% front, 56% rear) and ensuring exceptional handling dynamics. With 618 kW (840 cv) available at 9,250 rpm and a maximum rev ceiling of 9,500 rpm, the SP3 delivers intoxicating performance, paired with a seven-speed F1 dual-clutch transmission. It accelerates from 0-200 km/h in just 7.4 seconds, underscoring its blistering pace. Despite being one of the most powerful Ferraris ever, it weighs a remarkably low 1,485 kg dry, thanks to extensive use of lightweight materials like carbon fiber. Aerodynamics are finely tuned to keep the car planted at speed, while advanced electronic aids — including ESC, F1-Trac, e-Diff 3.0, and Side Slip Control 6.1 — ensure that the ferocious power remains usable even at the limit. The suspension, brakes, and tire setup (265/30 ZR 20 front, 345/30 ZR 21 rear) complete the package, delivering a driving experience that is raw yet refined. These specifications underline Ferrari’s ability to fuse art and science into a machine that’s both a showpiece and a technological marvel.
A Sustainable Touch: Materials with a Purpose
One of the more intriguing aspects of the “599+1” SP3 is its emphasis on sustainability, seamlessly integrated without compromising luxury. The interior seating material, made from recycled tires, is a testament to Ferrari’s ability to innovate responsibly. This choice aligns with broader industry trends towards greener practices while maintaining the premium feel expected by Ferrari’s elite clientele. Likewise, the carbon fiber used on the steering column and dashboard has been sourced from Ferrari’s own Formula 1 operations, giving new life to otherwise single-use materials. These details do more than add novelty — they signal Ferrari’s commitment to a future where high performance and environmental awareness coexist. Even the unique two-tone exterior, showcasing vast swathes of exposed carbon fiber, hints at both technological prowess and an awareness of material provenance. These sustainable touches reflect Ferrari’s understanding that its role in the luxury segment carries with it a responsibility — not just to thrill, but to lead by example in adopting sustainable practices, even in limited-production, high-performance supercars.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Mid-Engine V-12
While the “599+1” Daytona SP3 is a unique creation, it also offers a glimpse into Ferrari’s future. Despite widespread industry electrification and downsizing, Ferrari has publicly committed to keeping its naturally aspirated V-12 alive “until the very end of the ICE era.” This commitment reassures enthusiasts and collectors that the visceral experience of a high-revving twelve-cylinder engine still has a place in Ferrari’s portfolio. Indeed, the Icona series is expected to continue, and at least one more mid-engine V-12 appears likely in the coming years. This decision not only preserves Ferrari’s engineering heritage but also differentiates it from competitors who have already moved entirely to hybrid or fully electric powertrains at the top of their range. The SP3 “599+1” is therefore more than just an endcap to a model line; it’s a bold statement of intent from Maranello that passion and performance can still reign supreme even in a changing automotive landscape. For Ferrari, history is not something to leave behind — it is something to carry forward, reimagined and reborn with every generation.
Conclusion: A Supercar That Transcends the Road
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 “599+1” is more than a supercar; it is a symbol of what Ferrari represents — innovation rooted in history, craftsmanship elevated by passion, and performance fused with purpose. It reaffirms the company’s ability to build not just machines but stories, each car embodying a chapter of Ferrari’s saga that collectors and enthusiasts are eager to preserve. With its arresting design, potent V-12 engine, and profound philanthropic mission, the “599+1” stands apart as one of the most significant Ferraris of the modern era. Its auction at Monterey Car Week is not simply a sale but a celebration of what makes Ferrari unique: the courage to create something extraordinary and the conviction to use that creation for the greater good. As the hammer falls and the car finds its new home, it will not just be the owner who wins — it will be every student, every classroom, and every future generation touched by the educational initiatives this car will fund. The “599+1” is a supercar that transcends the road, proving once again that in Maranello, the heart always beats alongside the engine.
