After images of Ferrari’s new limited-run supercar, called the Monza, were leaked online, the iconic Italian brand has releases official information about the ultra-exclusive model.
Photos and video taken on Tuesday at a behind-closed-doors event for the Italian manufacturer’s most loyal customers had shown the new machine’s extreme design that’s crafted around the shape of racing cars from the 1950s.
Ferrari confirmed that two variants will be available – the SP1, with a single-seat layout – and a two-seat SP2 version, both of which come without a roof and will feel like an F1 car to drive.
Stunner: These are the first images of the glorious limited-edition Ferrari Monza, which was first shown at a behind-closed-doors even in Maranello on Tuesday
Having been first shown at a private viewing held at Ferrari’s headquarters, more details about the limited-edition supercar were released on Tuesday evening.
The company said the car will be aimed at the brand’s ‘dedicated clients and collectors’ and will hark back to the iconic Ferrari racing barchettas of the past, including the 1948 166 MM and the 750 and 860 Monza.
Just 500 will reportedly be built and cost in excess of £1million each.
The SP1 is said to be designed as an ‘uncompromising single-seat road car’ while the SP2 extends that package to include a passenger.
The second configuration also get the addition of a second protective screen and a second roll-bar.
It will be powered by the most potent engine the Maranello outfit has ever made available for the road – an 810hp 6.5-litre V12, which is an upgraded version of the same motor used in the existing 812 Superfast.
The limited run car – of which only 500 will be made – will be available as a single-seat SP1 or this beautiful two-seat SP2 version
The car will be based on the current Ferrari 812 Superfast and use the same 6.5-litre V12 engine, though upgraded for better performance
With 810hp, it’s the most potent road car Ferrari has ever released. It will accelerate at a lightening pace, hitting 62mph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds
That means it will accelerate at a lightening pace, hitting 62mph from a standstill in just 2.9 seconds. The 124mph mark is smashed in just 7.9 seconds, Ferrari states.
As for the top speed, though unconfirmed, it is likely to exceed the 211mph maximum of the 812 Superfast.
This is mainly thanks to the Monza weighing in significantly lighter than the model it’s based on – in part because it has no roof at all.
Ferrari confirmed the entirety of the bodywork is carbon fibre, while the chassis is said to be aluminium to make it as flyweight as possible.
Up front, the low-slung nose is similar to a 1950s racer, while the rear is a simple design with a full-width light bar and quad exhaust outlets
The elegant design of the Monza harks back to racing barchettas of the 1950s, with the interior materials designed to replicate the style of those found in Ferraris half a century ago
The result of having no roof at all means the exposed cabin gives the driver a feeling of blistering speed that is ‘normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers’, according to Ferrari
The Italian supercar builder said the form of the vehicle is based around an aerodynamic wing profile, with the complete absence of a roof and windscreen allowing the design team to create some incredible angles.
The result of the exposed cabin is a feeling of blistering speed Ferrari said is ‘normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers’.
Pictures show the SP1 version gets a single piece of fairing behind the driver’s head, while the SP2 also features a second fairing fin behind the passenger.
Up front, the low-slung nose is similar to a 1950s racer, while the rear is a simple design with a full-width light bar and quad exhaust outlets.
The flanks of the Monza taper dramatically towards the rear, exposing a pair of haunched wheel arches at the back.
The stunning design is part of Ferrari’s new mission to create a stream of limited-edition, high-cost, models
Both versions of the Monza feature upward-opening doors and a clamshell bonnet that can be lifted forward to expose the powerhouse of an engine underneath
Other styling features highlights include upward-opening doors and a clamshell bonnet that can be lifted forward to expose the powerhouse of an engine lurking underneath.
While extreme in its design, it’s not entirely unique.
Jaguar’s £130,000 F-Type Project 7 – of which 250 we made in 2015 – has a similar finned read deck, while the 75-only £1million Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss from 2009 also has an exposed cabin with tiny windscreens for the driver and passenger.
Ferrari says the Monza will be aimed at the brand’s ‘dedicated clients and collectors’, which will ultimately mean a huge price tag
We have seen similar examples before, such as the £130k Jaguar F-Type Project 7 (left). The closest thing to the Monza is possibly the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR Stirling Moss (right), which cost around £1m and only 75 we made
The Monza is part of Ferrari’s latest efforts to double its profits to 2billion euros ($2.3billion) by 2022 with increased production volumes, new limited-run cars like this and a forthcoming SUV
The Monza – which shares its name with the famous Italian race track – will be the first new model launched since the passing of chief executive Sergio Marchionne in July.
Part of his plans were for the brand to increase its production volumes and grow the number of limited-run special models.
New chief executive officer Louis Camilleri will now look to spearhead the project, which aims to double the company’s profit to 2billion euros ($2.3billion) by 2022.
Reports suggest the Monza (left) will be heavily based on the Ferrari 812 Superfast (right) and uses the same engine
Back in May, Ferrari revealed the last example of a special edition model. Called the SP38 and revealed in May, it’s a one-off car based on the 488.
Ferrari is also due to release its first ever SUV as part of the project.
Despite no price being quoted by Ferrari, the exclusivity of the model is likely to see it carry a price tag in excess of £1million.
Ferrari’s last limited-edition open top car – the LaFerrari Aperta – cost £1.6million.