The 7 Latest 2023 Ferrari Special Series And Icona Models

11 min read

23 Aug

23Aug

Ferrari is known for pushing the boundaries of automotive performance, and their Special Series lineup takes this ambition to new heights. So, welcome to an exhilarating journey into the realm of automotive innovation and luxury. The year 2023 has brought with it a collection of Ferrari Special Series models that redefine excellence on the road.

With cutting-edge technology, breathtaking design, and unparalleled performance, these vehicles offer a tantalizing glimpse into the future of driving. This article delves into the remarkable features and advancements that make the seven 2023 Ferrari Special Series and Icona models a true testament to the brand's legacy of automotive supremacy.

1. 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale

Powertrain: PHEV Twin-Turbo 4.0-Liter V8/ 3 E-Motors
Horsepower: 1,030 Horsepower
Top Speed: 217 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.3 Seconds
Starting Price: Around $840,378

While models like the 488 Pista and 812 Competizione have already established themselves as legendary machines in Ferrari's lineup, the Italian marque's "XX Programme" rolls out extreme performance cars that are not intended for the regular roads but designed to get driven to the limits on the track. These cars offer a unique experience to a select group of expert drivers with a need for speed.

One of the remarkable models to emerge from this program is the FXX-K EVO. Building upon the knowledge gained from the XX Programme and the road-going production models, Ferrari has now introduced a new Special Series car called the SF90 XX Stradale.

What makes this car truly exceptional is that it combines the concepts and innovations of the XX Programme with the features necessary to make it road-legal. Some would call it “the bomb.” The SF90 XX Stradale takes the performance of the original SF90 Stradale to impressive new heights. It has been enhanced with an additional 30 horsepower, specific software logic, and revolutionary aerodynamic solutions.

Notably, it features a fixed rear wing, a feature that hasn't been seen on a road-going Ferrari since the iconic F50. Developing the SF90 XX Stradale, Ferrari focused primarily on creating the most high-performance road car in its lineup while ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.

As such, it was crucial to retain all the functionalities of the SF90 Stradale's hybrid powertrain while pushing the boundaries of performance even further.

How to achieve that feat?

The automaker devoted significant resources to scaling the car's performance. Call it performance versatility, if you may. The SF90 XX Stradale offers exceptional fun behind the wheel while maintaining the versatility of the hybrid powertrain. It delivers impressive performance not only on the track but also in various driving conditions.

Even in electric (eDrive) mode in urban settings, the SF90 XX Stradale can reach a top speed of 84 mph. It's a surprising high-performance capability that showcases the impressive performance of its electric powertrain.

Furthermore, the SF90 XX Stradale introduces the ABS EVO controller, which made its debut on the 296 GTB. This advanced controller, in conjunction with the ESC (Electronic Stability Control) sensor, enhances both performance and repeatability during high-performance braking in dry conditions.

By integrating with the ESC sensor, the ABS EVO controller optimizes the braking maneuver to achieve a target value consistently. This minimizes losses caused by component tolerances or natural variability in test conditions. The result is improved braking performance and enhanced consistency, ensuring a more precise and predictable driving experience.

With its increased power, advanced software, and groundbreaking aerodynamics, the SF90 XX Stradale promises to deliver an unparalleled driving experience. It represents a fusion of Ferrari's expertise in both track-focused extreme cars and road-legal production models. By bridging these two realms, Ferrari has created a truly extraordinary vehicle that pushes the boundaries of performance and innovation.

2. 2024 Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale Spider

Powertrain: PHEV Twin-Turbo 4.0-Liter V8 / 3 E-Motors
Horsepower: 1,016 Horsepower
Top Speed: 199 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.3 Seconds
Starting Price: Around $920,000

The SF90 XX Spider represents a perfect blend of track-focused performance and road-legal functionality. Ferrari’s XX Program is an exclusive opportunity for privileged gearheads to become race car test drivers with models like the FXX-K EVO.

Now, for the first time, Ferrari has merged these two programs to create the SF90 XX Spider. By “two programs,” we mean that this remarkable vehicle, like its roofed sibling, is the first Ferrari that combines the concepts and innovations of the XX Program with the necessary modifications to make it road-legal.

While the SF90 XX Spider retains its predecessor (SF90 Spider)'s Retractable Hard Top (RHT), the XX Spider takes the performance to the next level by unleashing an extra 30 horsepower. Moreover, it features specifically designed software logic that enhances its overall capabilities.

The development of the SF90 XX Spider has not only resulted in enhanced performance but also provided the Ferrari Styling Centre with an opportunity to create visually stunning architecture.

The modifications made to the car’s rear create a seamless integration of the flying buttress, a beloved element of the Ferrari tradition, with the arrow theme of the front. This unique design creates an instantly recognizable visual effect that extends the body forward, giving the SF90 XX Spider a distinct appearance compared to the SF90 XX Stradale.

Incorporating the flying buttress and the wraparound windscreen that seamlessly blends with the side windows contributes to the perceived lowering of the car's center of gravity, especially when viewed from the side. Using a carbon-fiber roof, including the roll bars, further enhances this effect.

The renowned Ferrari Retractable Hard Top (RHT) mechanism allows the top to get opened or closed while the car is in motion, taking just 14 seconds, and can complete the operation at speeds of up to 28 mph. This feature enables occupants to fully enjoy the SF90 XX Spider in various weather conditions, adding to the versatility and comfort of the driving experience.

The SF90 XX Spider inherits the distinctive design and technological advancements of the ‘regular’ SF90 Spider while incorporating the performance enhancements derived from the XX Program. This combination results in a truly exceptional driving experience and sets the SF90 XX Spider apart as a unique limited-edition supercar.

3. 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione

Powertrain: 6.5-Liter V12
Horsepower: 830 Horsepower
Top Speed: 211 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.9 Seconds
Starting Price: $589,513

The 812 Competizione represents the pinnacle of Ferrari's vision for an extreme front-engined Berlinetta, taking the exceptional qualities of the acclaimed 812 Superfast to unprecedented levels.

This extraordinary car embodies over 70 years of Ferrari's expertise on the world's circuits, drawing upon its DNA as a thoroughbred sports car to achieve a flawless combination of performance, aesthetics, and functionality.

Designed for Ferrari's most dedicated collectors and enthusiasts, the 812 Competizione incorporates a range of uncompromising engineering solutions to ensure an unrivaled driving experience.

One of the standout features of the 812 Competizione is its hood, which includes a transverse groove that houses a carbon-fiber blade. This innovative design not only serves as an elegant solution for concealing the air vents for the engine bay but also increases their surface area, optimizing airflow and enhancing performance.

The car's front grille, flanked by distinctive headlights, exudes power and presence, leaving no doubt about its commanding performance capabilities. To preserve the renowned Ferrari engine sound while incorporating a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF), the 812 Competizione features a new exhaust tailpipe design.

This innovative solution maintains the traditional high standard of engine sound by reinstating medium-high frequency tones. The visible exhaust tailpipes emphasize their function as well as the car's track-inspired character and aesthetics.

More so, adding a second pair of resonators enhances the engine's combustion order harmonics, resulting in a seamless blend of exhaust and intake system sounds. The awe-inspiring power generated by the 812 Competizione's powertrain is complemented by advanced vehicle dynamics controls, ensuring that its performance can be fully harnessed for maximum driving enjoyment.

One of the standout features is the adoption of independent steering on all four wheels. This revolutionary technology enhances the car's agility and precision during cornering.

4. 2023 Ferrari 812 Competizione A

Powertrain: 6.5-Liter V12
Horsepower: 819 Horsepower
Top Speed: N/A
0–60 Acceleration: N/A
Starting Price: $672,000

The 812 Competizione A (Aperta) is a remarkable limited-series sports Berlinetta with a Targa top, paying tribute to Ferrari's rich heritage of open-top cars. It represents over 70 years of the company's expertise in the racing world, combining performance, design, and functionality.

Designed for Ferrari's most dedicated collectors and enthusiasts, it incorporates advanced engineering solutions to ensure an unparalleled driving experience. One of the challenges faced in this car's development was maintaining the signature engine sound while introducing a Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF).

To overcome this, Ferrari introduced a new exhaust tailpipe, which successfully reanimated the medium-high frequency sound that Ferrari is known for. Additionally, the visibility of the exhaust tailpipes emphasizes their function and highlights the car's track-inspired character, contributing to both excellent acoustics and aesthetics.

The 812 Competizione A’s interior design closely mirrors that of the 812 Superfast, maintaining the primary dashboard and door panel interfaces and volumes, including the distinctive diapason motif. However, there have been some notable changes.

The door panel is redesigned to reduce weight, and introducing the H-gate theme on the tunnel gives the cockpit a sportier and more modern appearance to align with the car's racing spirit.

The 812 Competizione A's exterior styling features a lower center of gravity. This is not only due to the inclusion of a roof and wraparound windscreen but also because the flying buttresses are positioned lower than those found on the 812 Competizione.

The car boasts a carbon-fiber targa top that can get conveniently stored in a compartment designed to match the targa's shape. When the Targa top gets stowed, the roll bars partly extend above the bodywork but blend seamlessly, enhancing the overall aesthetic without compromising the impact created by the flying buttresses.

One of the significant advantages of the removable targa top is the flexibility it offers. This means that regardless of the weather conditions, the driver can fully enjoy the car, whether with the top on or off.

The Ferrari Icona Series 2023

5. Icona Series: 2023 Ferrari Daytona SP3

Powertrain: 6.5-Liter V12
Horsepower: 829 Horsepower
Top Speed: 211 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.7 Seconds
Starting Price: Around $2.250 Million

The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a remarkable sports prototype that embodies the essence of Ferrari's racing heritage. Ferrari achieved a historic feat in the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona by securing the top three positions in the International World Sports Car Championship.

The iconic trio of the 330 P3/4, 330 P4, and 412 P crossing the finish line together symbolized the spirit of the 1960s sports prototypes, a decade widely regarded as the golden era of closed-wheel racing. The Ferrari Daytona SP3’s engineering takes advantage of Maranello's expertise in ergonomics, drawing inspiration from their Formula 1 endeavors.

One notable feature is the seats’ integration into the chassis to achieve a lower, more reclined driving position. This positioning closely resembles that of a single-seater race car, contributing to reduced weight and maintaining the car's height at an impressive 1,142 mm.

More so, the adjustable pedal box allows an SP3 driver to find their most comfortable driving position. The Daytona SP3’s mid-rear architecture and composite chassis use a meticulous design that optimizes weight distribution between the axles. This strategic placement of mass concentrates the car's weight around the center of gravity, resulting in an enhanced overall balance and handling.

In conjunction with the engine optimization, these engineering choices result in a record-breaking weight-to-power ratio, inadvertently boosting the SP3’s exceptional acceleration figures, including the 0-62 and 0-124 mph sprints.

As the second car in the exclusive Icona series, the Ferrari Daytona SP3 pays tribute to the legendary mid-rear-engined Ferrari V12 sports prototypes that solidified the brand's unrivaled status in motorsport.

Ferrari collaborated with Pirelli to develop a special tire to enhance the SP3’s performance. The new P Zero Corsa tire offers optimized grip and stability in both dry and wet conditions, with a particular emphasis on maintaining control in low-grip situations.

Furthermore, the Daytona SP3 features the innovative SSC system 6.1. It's a cutting-edge technology incorporating the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer (FDE) for the first time in a naturally aspirated V12 mid-rear-mounted engine. This system enhances the car's cornering capabilities to achieve precise and exhilarating driving dynamics.

6. Icona Series: 2023 Ferrari Monza SP1

Powertrain: 6.5-Liter F140 GC V12
Horsepower: 809 Horsepower
Top Speed: 186 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.9 Seconds
Starting Price: $1.8 Million

The Ferrari Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 represent a bold new concept called 'Icona' (Icon), introducing a special limited series of exceptional automobiles that pay homage to the most iconic vehicles in Ferrari's history.

Ferrari makes these models for discerning clients and collectors who appreciate a perfect blend of modern aesthetics, advanced technology, and unparalleled performance achieved through continuous innovation.

The Monza SP1 exhibits a postmodern aesthetic, particularly evident in its rear design, reminiscent of the sinuous curves and compact tails seen on Ferraris from the 1950s. The car features muscular forms that evoke a sense of power and elegance.

The automaker paid special attention to the compact upward-opening doors to achieve a striking design with functionality. This required a complete re-engineering of the door assembly utilized in the 812 Superfast, resulting in a spectacular outcome. Additionally, the Monza SP1 boasts an all-carbon-fiber one-piece hood-wing assembly hinged at the front.

This unique styling immediately points to the impressive engineering and craftsmanship that went into its creation. The Ferrari Monza SP1 boasts the most powerful naturally-aspirated Ferrari V12 engine ever produced. It incorporates several groundbreaking technologies, including a 350 bar direct injection system, a first for a high-performance petrol engine.

Additionally, the variable geometry intake tracts, inspired by those used in naturally aspirated Formula 1 engines, further enhance the engine's performance capabilities. The automaker devoted meticulous attention to calibrating the performance strategies to fully optimize the engine's potential and deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

Ferrari says the goal was to make it easier for the driver to control the immense torque the engine churns out, with smooth and progressive power delivery across all engine speeds. Thanks to its open configuration, the Monza SP1 offers an unparalleled auditory experience.

The V12 engine's sound is immersive and captivating. You can already imagine how the soundtrack envelops the driver in a symphony of automotive excellence. The distinctive intake sound is particularly noticeable, making it unmistakably a Ferrari. We agree with Ferrari that the overall experience of driving the Monza SP1 is incomparable.

7. 2023 Ferrari Monza SP2

Powertrain: 6.5 Liter F140 GC V12
Horsepower: 809 Horsepower
Top Speed: 186 MPH
0–60 Acceleration: 2.9 Seconds
Starting Price: $1.8 Million

The Ferrari Monza SP2, hand-in-hand with the Monza SP1, introduced the groundbreaking Icona series. This concept draws inspiration from the most captivating cars in Ferrari's illustrious history, giving rise to a special limited series of vehicles designed exclusively for discerning clients and collectors.

The objective is to combine a modern aesthetic with timeless style, incorporating technologically advanced components and pushing the boundaries of performance. The fruit of such continuing innovation is a model that achieves impeccable balance, devoid of any roll, resulting in an unimaginably pure and uncompromising sports car handling experience.

With no windscreen pillars obstructing the view, the driver enjoys unhindered visibility, akin to the freedom experienced in a Formula 1 car. This unobstructed view empowers the driver to attack corners with remarkable confidence and experience the thrill of a truly engaging and rewarding sports car on twisting routes.

The Monza SP2 delivers gratifying performance without being overly challenging to control – striking an ideal balance between driver involvement and ease of handling. The scooped side air vent is a nod to the classic barchettas of the past. It adds a touch of nostalgia to the SP2’s overall design.

The side vents not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also serve a functional purpose by channeling airflow to cool the engine and brakes. Moving towards the front of the car, the headlights continue the theme of the "line of light." They are sleek and sharp, seamlessly integrated into the overall design. The LED technology adds a modern and futuristic touch while ensuring optimal visibility on the road.

The front grille is minimalist yet distinctive, with a bold emblem proudly displayed at its center. The grille's design allows for efficient airflow to cool the engine while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication.

The SP2’s overall silhouette feels streamlined, thanks to the smooth curves and a low, aggressive stance, while the absence of unnecessary lines and clutter contributes to its purity and simplicity.

The interior echoes the same design philosophy since the cabin is a seamless continuation of the car's exterior, with a focus on minimalism and functionality. High-quality materials, such as fine leather and polished metal accents, create a luxurious and refined atmosphere inside the car.

The cockpit is driver-centric, with all controls intuitively placed for easy access and a commanding driving experience. The seats' ergonomic design promotes excellent support and comfort even on long journeys. Technological advancements are seamlessly integrated into the interior, complete with a state-of-the-art infotainment system and advanced driver-assistance features.

These technologies enhance the driving experience while maintaining a sense of elegance and sophistication. Essentially, the SP2 is mostly an SP1 but with a passenger cockpit that lets you share the Icona experience.

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The 7 Latest 2023 Ferrari Special Series And Icona Models: A Glimpse into the Future of Automotive Excellence