A new ICONA SP4 is coming: Rumors and Speculation

Doesn't mean they'll do it - why spend the development dollars if it isn't what their customers want? But they wouldn't have trouble selling them if they did.

I also think they'd sell fine in production cars as well, at least in certain models. Probably not a majority, but a lot higher than in the 430 and 599. Times have changed.

 

Your source is for all what know credible. But, I can't piece together how they will unveil an Icona in Novemberm when there has been zero road testing of anything remotely similar to a late prototype stage SP car recently. Also, F80 production commences Q4, taking over from the last SP3 deliveries to secure the strong product matrix offered by the top cars.

 

How much road testing if an icons is needed when they’re all based on existing platforms.

 

You would be surprised. Try taking some parts from your computer or phone, and trying to use it without re testing everything. Now multiply that.

 

I guess I mean it would still be perhaps less testing than if brand new tech and also they can test it with the originating models bodywork.

 

SP3 had mechanical differences from LaFerrari and if my memory is correct they did test it for a while before introducing the SP3, or am I mistaken?

 

Yes, the mules had LaF Aperta bodies. Were seen quite a bit during the testing phase.

 

I don´t remember any mules of the SP1. Probably there were some, but as it was a chopped off 812 it wouldn´t need much testing and it would be easy to disguise them.

 

When I first saw the SP1/2 in Maranello at one of the suppliers (who also showed me the then first F8 Spider to come out of the new tooling, really cool to see a "rough" car), they said the Monza was a mix of F12tdf and 812 parts.

The SP3 has a new drivetrain, being a LaF minus hybrid. This means a lot of recalibration is needed and thus road testing. As pointed out, quite extensively road tested for being a small series production car.

If the SP4 car is one the way, based on the rumours saying Flavio Manzoni has been driving around in an SF90 with blacked out windows sporting a manual transmission with no hybrid system, we are talking basically a new car. That will require new engine management, new ADAS, new ESC, you name it. There are no mules that are either disguised or camouflaged to indicate any such activity is taking place.

They are building a new test track now, which will be enclosed. I would imagine such a project will see a lot of its work being done there.

The CMD on October 9 should give an indication to the future of SP cars.

 

Didn't know about the new test track being built until now...Interesting..

Is the exact location known yet? All i see it's to be located near to Fiorano.

 

Yes, it’s beside Fiorano. There are details here, and one of the suppliers has posted a picture of the banking being layed.

https://www.gazzettadimodena.it/modena/cronaca/2025/03/01/news/nuova-pista-ferrari-c-e-l-accordo-a-fiorano-arriva-il-test-track-per-il-collaudo-1.100669550

 

We hope that it will be open for club days, like in the days when we could drive on Fiorano for entire days.

 

I always figured they have to have some places they could test that are more private. I also always thought they did a great job of getting kind of free PR from all the enthusiasts and others who take all the pictures and videos on the streets of Maranello. I wonder if the new track will have different features, I would imagine it wouldnt make sense to make a track that was similar.

 

I have heard the reason for the new circuit is twofold:

1. More privacy on sensitive R&D
2. Retaining the element of "surprise" for clients ordering special spec cars. Currently seeing their new car partially taped on a social media feed for the first time, rather than the ceremonial unveiling is understandably something that is to be considered and respected. I would want the first time I saw my Tailor Made car to be either at the factory for delivery, or at the dealership in a presentation condition. Not on social media.

Regarding features, there are limited "features" that a track needs. There is quite extensive local reporting on it.

 

That all makes sense, especially the social media stuff- though I think its part of the charm, I can understand how many others would not agree.

 

Thanks for in the info.

We are going to start to see lots of drones over Maranello i think.

 

I find that all of this distances us even further from the automobile... it has already become a bunker, so a little more...
Porsche runs its flagship models on the Ring, barely camouflaged, I don't think that diminishes their desirability. Maybe also because they produce cars that are made to drive, which can be found in abundance on the track... Generally speaking, for Ferrari currently, when you take away the show-off aspect, and the C & C, you hardly see them anywhere, and certainly not on the track, except for a tiny handful of die-hards... at one time, all clubs and dealerships could reserve a practice day on Fiorano. Today, it feels like you need presidential authorization to set foot on Fiorano, a bit like they were testing secret defense nuclear ballistic missiles... they are still cars, at some point we need to stop the paranoia...
I don't like the direction the brand has taken.
We no longer really know what they produce? Fashion accessories?

 

Do you mean all the Porsche EV models (they are no longer taking orders for gas powered 718 models… the successor is pure EV)

If you will allow me an indulgence into some flowery thinking- Ferrari is a dream. It is beyond a car, but, at the core, it is also a car. I think the brand is big enough for the high style, I actually think this will prove to be a good side project for the brand. But, they also need to remember they are selling cars and they need to make sure people still dream of their cars. Which means, among other things, the cars should be seen as you rightly point out. Thats why I said I like seeing the pictures from the photographers, to me, its part of the human aspect of the brand, which I hope they never lose.

 

Still going for now >

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- motor1

 

At the Dino Anni event, law/insurance/etc changes that had taken place made it clear that future Fiorano events would be very limited or non-existent. That was several years ago, but I imagine there are very different aspects at play today than years/decades ago.

As much as I hate the idea, it actually makes perfect sense and helps mitigate any claims against a company that would have a huge risk by allowing such fun stuff to happen.

Shawn

 

You can´t see pictures of the private Porsche track, stop the BS.

At some moment Ferrari will have to test the cars on the road and then you will have your pictures, but I get that they want some privacy. Also I think that some mystery is good, They tested the SF90XX and the F80 barely without any camouflage so I didnt´care about the presentation photos. You can´t open the birthday presents the day before.

 

Maybe we need to return to the essentials, don't we? It's supposed to be cars made for driving, not masterpieces or speculative assets from Wall Street !
it’s not a question of photo, I couldn’t care less, I am the last one to need it, it’s a question related to an evolution of the brand that doesn’t excite me much, the secret, the compartmentalization, the impression of belonging to a caste... all of that, I couldn’t care less, I am happy to see the kids dreaming as they watch the cars go by, just like I was...
I do not forget that this started when Marchionne restricted entry to Fiorano for the 70s by preventing non-participating owners from accessing it... and then, the Fiorano enclosure was so empty that they opened it to everyone who had made the trip with their cars, often from very far away... a shame!!! Nothing to do with the celebration of the 60s in Maranello and 4500 cars... It was at that moment in the 70s that the decline began...
this stupid idea of removing Ferrari from car manufacturers to introduce it as a luxury product !!!

 

icona sp4 will be front or rear mid engined?

 

Again you´re being selective with your arguments. Wasn´t Enzo Ferrari the one who said something like "the myths, when seen up close, are less myth", "always build one less car", etc...

I actually wish that Ferrari kept a more distant stance, but I know that we´re living in a different world, with social media and so on: if you´re not always on the air people forgets about you. When I was a kid, the only chance you had to see a Ferrari was in a few pictures in a magazine or in the rare ocasions you found one on the road. I saw three or four Ferraris per year, in pictures or TV. Seeing one live happened maybe less than once a year, so it was a real visual shock each time you saw one. Now we have the internet, lots of TV channels and more Ferraris on the road. Meh, times change, nothing to cry about.

 

I don't agree with all of your sentiments. However, one thing is evident for the circuit stuff. Where are all the "track special" Ferraris? Because I barely see them being run when doing trackdays throughout Europe. I've seen one SF90XX being driven at Spa, and decibel limits is certainly not an issue with the newer cars to prevent them being used. They are produced in volumes large enough that statistically you should see them turn up at circuits.

The 992 GT3 RS presence is mad, you'll see dozens of them where ever you go. And lots with the full Manthey kit.