THE AWESOME MONZA DEBUTS FROM FERRARI

Wow, awesome, amazing – these and plenty of other superlatives can be used to describe the latest creations from Ferrari’s Maranello design centre, writes David Whinyates.

Evoking memories of the prancing horse’s World Sports Car Championship racers of the 50s, the new Monza SP1 and SP2 are limited-edition, special-series, collector’s cars and the first of a new series which Ferrari has dubbed “Icone”.

They look decidedly retro – even art nouveu – but they come with the most advanced sports car technology available today.

The Monza SP1 is designed as an uncompromising, single-seat road car while the SP2, thanks to the elimination of the tonneau cover and the addition of a second protective screen and a second roll-bar, is a two-seater.

Carbon-fibre is used extensively in the construction and in the distinctive detailing, including the head-and tail-lights, wheels and interior.

Equipped with the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, an 810bhp, 6.5-litre, V12, they can sprint from 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and hit 144mph in 7.9 seconds with a jaw-dropping top speed of 186mph.

The two Monzas have been designed to satisfy the demands of Ferrari’s “dedicated clients and collectors”, which translates to: if you have to ask the price you can’t afford one.

Doubtful, too, that many could afford the “elegant gentlemendriver-inspired apparel and accessories”, which Ferrari is offering to buyers of the Monza.

Designed in collaboration with two leading Italian luxury brands, the selection includes racing overalls, jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf and driving shoes.

Not sure if the gentleman-driver bit will go down too well in this day and age – perhaps they will need to design a lady-driverinspired collection, too?