This week, Ferrari unveiled two new limited-edition models intended to kick off a new category of vehicles. The two cars, called the Monza SP1 and SP2, initiate a fresh segment for the brand. Known as “Icona,” it will consist of vehicles inspired visually by iconic automobiles from the Italian sports car manufacturer's storied past—dating as far back as the brand’s founding in the late 1940s—but housing advanced technologies from the modern era.
The SP1 and SP2 share the same elegant, tapered design, one that is evocative of the marque’s 1948 166 MM. That car was built for one of Italy’s most famous 20th century road races, the Mille Miglia (hence the MM in its name) a 1,000-mile feat of endurance. Its long hood and sloping tail earned it the nickname barchetta, which translates literally as “little boat.” This term has gone on in Ferrari history to apply to stripped-down, race-bred cars that lack a roof, and often a windshield, both deleted to reduce weight and encumbrances. The two new cars fit this description, and differ only in the number of seats offered in their selfish little cabins. The SP1 has only one; the SP2 adds a second (and 45 lbs.).
Both vehicles are built on the chassis of Ferrari’s range-topping sports car, the 812 Superfast. Wrapped in high-strength and lightweight carbon fiber body panels, and featuring an upgraded version of that car’s outrageously potent 12-cylinder engine, the SP1 and SP2 make nearly 800 horsepower—the highest output of any Ferrari engine. This is enough to rocket the approximately 3,300-lb. vehicles from zero to 60 m.p.h. in under three seconds, on their way to a top speed of 186 m.p.h.
In order to make the cars drivable at this rate, the cars feature a novel “Virtual Windshield,” a cutout in front of the passenger compartment that magically diverts air around the cabin. For additional protection, a roll bar is incorporated into the fairing behind each passenger’s head. And, to add style to safety, Italian luxury goods manufacturer Berluti has created exclusive custom accessories to accompany the vehicles, including goggles, scarves, gloves, and, of course, helmets.
Ferrari will not confirm pricing or production numbers until next month’s Paris Auto Show, but a select group of customers can expect to pay in the low seven-figure range for the opportunity to purchase one of what will likely be a very limited (and sold out) run of just a few hundred vehicles.
