Carbon Finish Boosts Performance by Reducing Car Weight
Ferrari takes great pride in their unique car color customizations available through their Tailor Made program. However, for those who are seeking something even more extravagant than just a coat of paint, Ferrari has developed a one-of-a-kind finish called “Carbonio a Vista” (or visible carbon), which showcases the striking beauty of raw carbon fiber. This exclusive finish was recently applied to three Daytona SP3 supercars for some of Maranello’s most discerning clients.
The newest commissioned models adhere to the principle of “less is more.” As a result, the stunning V12 supercars with their naturally aspirated engines are almost bare, revealing a clear and safeguarding coating that preserves their original black carbon-fiber appearance. One of the cars even boasts a striking blue paint, further accentuating its sleek design. Additionally, both vehicles were treated with a unique Spazzolato (brushed) finish to elevate their already majestic bodies.
One of the primary difficulties faced with this particular finish is achieving a seamless installation of the carbon fiber sheets. The design team was tasked with reevaluating the entire arrangement of the car’s body panels, as these two-tone coatings often result in minor imperfections when the sheets are joined together. In order to prevent such blemishes from being noticeable, an intricate investigation was conducted to determine the placement of the sheets.
The vehicle continues to be run by a 6.5-liter non-turbocharged V12 engine, delivering an impressive 829 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari made the decision to keep the beloved rear-wheel-drive setup in this iteration, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This combination allows the Daytona SP3 to hit a maximum velocity of 211 mph and accelerate from 0-60 mph in a mere 2.85 seconds.
Currently, the Carbonio a Vista exterior coating is only available on the Daytona SP3 model. This feature boasts the benefit of lessening the vehicle’s overall weight, which in turn Ferrari claims will result in increased velocity. However, the company has been open about this selection not being primarily motivated by performance. In addition to this option, individuals who possess one of the 599 exclusive units can choose from a range of distinct colors inspired by valuable elements, such as Rubino, Zaffiro, Malachite, Ambra, Oro, and Ametista.
Bugatti is well-known for its extraordinary exposed carbon finishes, a feature that adds to the overall appeal of their vehicles. Similarly, Koenigsegg also offers this option, but with such meticulous attention to detail that only three cars in existence have it.