Ferrari Daytona SP3 hypercar gets 618kW V12

The 2022 Ferrari Daytona SP3 has emerged – the latest limited-run series that follows in the tyre tracks of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 models and celebrates the famous Italian brand's heritage.

Claimed to blend cutting-edge aero while paying homage to Ferrari's most celebrated motorsport victories, the new hypercar's name is a reference to the 1967 24 Hours of Daytona – a race the prancing horse brand dominated with a 1-2-3 finish for its legendary 330 P3/4, 330 P4 and 412 P racers.

Just 599 examples of the Daytona SP3 will be built, each priced at €2 million ($A3.2m) when deliveries begin in late 2022.

Sharing its muscular naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 with the latest Ferrari 812 Competizione, output has been boosted to 618KW (+8kW) and 697Nm (+5Nm) via a modified intake and exhaust, a set of lighter titanium conrods, reduced-friction piston pins and a lighter, rebalanced crankshaft.

Keeping up with the highly-strung V12 that's claimed to deliver an "astonishing soundtrack" (and will rev to an incredible 9500rpm) is a seven-speed dual-clutch auto that offers quicker shifts than in the 812 Competizione coupe.

Against the clock, the rear-drive Daytona SP3 can hit 100km/h in just 2.85 seconds and top out at more than 340km/h, suggesting the new hypercar could be the fastest-ever Ferrari road car.

If you're wondering about the link to the original racers, designers say the wraparound windscreen is a nod to the P3/4, while the 'double-crested' front fenders hint at the 512 S, 712 Can-Am and the 312 P sport prototypes.

The removeable targa roof is also reminiscent of the old racers.

An active front spoiler, meanwhile, is said to be another tribute, this time to supercars like the F40 of the late 1980s.

Other retro hints include rear-view mirrors mounted high up on the front fenders and aggressive intakes on the butterfly-hinged doors that feed cooling air to the radiators.

At the rear-end there are slats that hint at the 1980s Testarossa, while a full-width LED light bar adds a futuristic element.

Inside, designers have again looked to history for inspiration and, like classic prototype racers, the seats are mounted directly to the chassis.

Keeping in theme with the motorsport feel, both the driver and passenger sit more reclined than in any other Ferrari road cars to ensure the Daytona SP3 only stands at 1142mm tall.

Ahead of the driver is Ferrari's Manettino steering wheel with selectable modes that pre-arm the car's chassis and powertrain to the road you're driving.

Thought to be based on a modified full carbon-fibre monocoque that was used for the LaFerrari, the Daytona SP3 also gains composite panels that ensure weight is kept down to an impressive 1485kg (dry).

Improving handling, Pirelli has helped Ferrari develop a special stickier version of its P Zero Corsa tyre that works better in low-grip situations, while new chassis tech like Ferrari's Dynamic Enhancer and Side Slip Control should ensure more balanced hard cornering.

Despite the towering price, all 599 Daytona SP3s have found homes around the world. There's no word on right-hand drive production or if any of the cars will make it Down Under.