Ferrari Brings Back The Mid-Engine V-12 Supercar

Ferrari sparked controversy when it launched the F80 with a small V-6, half the cylinder count of the LaFerrari before it. Some enthusiasts took issue with the fact that, while the front-engine 12Cilindri and even the Purosangue SUV rock V-12s, Maranello’s range-topping Prancing Horse had to make do with a six-cylinder mill.

Nevertheless, the ultra-wealthy clientele snapped up all 799 cars anyway. But for those who believe there’s no replacement for displacement, a pleasant surprise awaits, provided their pockets are deep enough. The V-12 is back behind the seats.

The Daytona SP3 makes a surprising return, albeit as a one-off. The initial 599-unit run was sold out before the car’s official 2021 debut. All 499 owners of the Monza SP1 and SP2 committed to buying the follow-up car from the Icona Series, and the remaining 100 vehicles were quickly claimed by other collectors. Now there’s a 600^th car, and it hasn’t been sold yet.

RM Sotheby’s will auction it next month during Monterey Car Week in California. All proceeds will go to The Ferrari Foundation, with the funds supporting educational projects. It’s hard to say what the final hammer price will be, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it surpasses the $2.2 million sticker of the original 599 cars.

It’s not the first time Ferrari has extended production to support a worthy cause. An unplanned 500^th LaFerrari fetched $7 million, five times its original price, to aid reconstruction efforts in central Italy following the devastating 2016 earthquakes. We also recall the 210^th LaFerrari Aperta selling for nearly $10 million, with proceeds benefiting the Save the Children charity.

As for the 600^th Daytona SP3, it sports a two-tone exterior and a bold Ferrari logotype split into “Ferr” and “ari,” an unusual layout never used before. Inside, the seats are upholstered with material made from recycled tires, while the carbon fiber on the steering column and checkerboard-patterned dashboard is sourced from Formula 1. To distinguish it from the previous 599 cars, Ferrari has added a special plaque between the seats marking it as a one-off.

But the final Daytona SP3 is likely not the last mid-engine V-12. Ferrari has vowed to keep the naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder alive until the very end of the ICE era. With the Icona Series set to continue, at least one more V-12 behind the driver seems like a safe bet.