Meet the latest Italian twins from Ferrari – Monza SP1 & SP2

There’s just something about the words ‘Italian twins’ that gets most hearts to beat a little faster. Follow them up with the name Ferrari and most petrolheads will jolt to attention, mine sure did. Why? Because the home of the prancing horse in Maranello has unveiled two new limited-edition special-series speedsters – the Monza SP1 & SP2.

These gorgeous cars are the first in a new segment that Ferrari will call ‘Icona’ and will be aimed at their most dedicated clients and collectors. The SP1 & SP2 themselves are based on Ferrari’s racing barchetta designs of the 1950s much like some of the recent concepts from Mercedes and Infiniti. But these are real and for sale. The Ferrari Monza SP1 is a single seat road car while the Monza SP2 is a two-seater which eliminates the tonneau cover, adds a second protective screen and a second roll bar so that a passenger can enjoy the experience too.

These speedsters take the ‘speed’ part very seriously. There is an extensive use of carbon fibre in the body with distinctive details like the headlights, taillights, wheels and interiors. Under the large hood lies the most powerful engine built in Maranello – the 6.5-litre V12 from the 812 Superfast which is capable of a monstrous 789bhp and 719Nm. That kinda power in that lightweight a body results in performance numbers like 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and 0-200kph in 7.9 seconds. It may not look as nice but you’d have to wear a helmet when behind the wheel of both Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 because even a fly hitting your face at those speeds will hurt a whole lot. The steering mechanism will include 812’s all-wheel steering system to manage all that power through turns which Ferrari say will make handling the SPs through corners not that challenging.

The complete absence of a roof and windshield allowed designers to play around with the proportions and aerodynamic profile, which would not be possible on a typical spider. The all-carbon fibre one-piece bonnet-wing assembly is hinged at the front and the doors open upwards as well. Meanwhile, the problem of aerodynamics without a windscreen was resolved with a Ferrari-patented ‘Virtual Wind Shield’ which is incorporated into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel and the steering wheel.

Ferrari has also created a line of elegant gentleman driver apparel and accessories in collaboration with luxury brands which includes racing overalls, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes too. What do you make of the new Monza SP1 and Monza SP2? What cars do you think Ferrari should make in their new ‘Icona’ series? Share your thoughts in the comments below and subscribe to The Auto Loons for the latest updates on all the newest awesome content.