The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 have been unveiled as the first in a new series of limited edition specials.
The series will be called Icone – signifying ‘Iconic cars whose sophisticated design and engineering are inspired by legendary Ferrari sports racers of the past’.
For the SP1 and SP2, the inspiration came from the Ferrari Barchetta cars that raced in the 1950s and helped build the brand’s sporting reputation – the 166 MM and the 750 and 860 Monza were designed solely to win races in the World Sportscar Championship.
The Monza SP1 is described as ‘an uncompromising single-seat road car that offers a truly unique experience behind the wheel.’ The SP2 is similar, but adds a second seat, windscreen fairing and roll bar to enable the carrying of a passenger.
Yet while the inspiration comes from the 1950s, Ferrari insists the two cars utilise the brand’s most up-to-date engineering techniques. Much of their build is in carbon-fibre while they employ the most powerful engine ever built by Ferrari, resulting in the best power-to-weight ratio of any Barchetta model.
The entire body shell is moulded from carbon-fibre and is shaped like a wing, the designers’ task eased by not having to cope with incorporating traditional open-top car architecture such as a full windscreen or hood.
Instead a ‘virtual windshield’ is built into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel, its main task being to control the airflow into the car’s interior and minimise drag.
The doors open upwards, and the bonnet is front-hinged, a one-piece unit again made from carbon-fibre. In total the dry weight of the SP1 variant is only 1500kg, the SP2 adding 20kg.
Installing a V12 engine of 810hp and 719Nm of torque results in a 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds and 124mph in 7.9 seconds. According to Ferrari, the result is a feeling of “blistering speed normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers, which derives from the concept of a cockpit carved from the car’s very volume that wraps around the driver.”
Production of the SP1 and SP2 will extend to no more than 500 cars in total, with the split between the two models based on customer demand. The price is yet to be revealed but industry sources suggest it will be around the equivalent of £2.3 million.
And those who secure a Monza SP1 or SP2 will even be able to look the part – Ferrari has signed up leading luxury fashion brands Loro Piana and Berluti, to create what are described as “elegant gentlemen-driver-inspired apparel and accessories.”
The driver’s selection includes racing overalls, jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes. Ferrari adds that even these use modern technology to guarantee a comfortable fit and ensure freedom of movement while driving.
