- Ferrari has brought back the manual transmission with the 12Cilindri Manuale - sort of.
- The new system uses a sophisticated blend of hardware and software to recreate the feel of a manual from a DCT.
- It's even possible to stall the car too!
Ferrari has unveiled a limited-edition version of its flagship V12 grand tourer, the 12Cilindri Manuale. While modern Ferraris have used automatic paddle-shifters for over a decade, this new special edition brings back the traditional gear stick and clutch pedal to cater to drivers seeking a more physical, "analogue" experience.
However, this isn't a return to old-fashioned mechanical parts - instead, Ferrari has engineered a sophisticated "Manuale By-Wire" system that uses digital technology to simulate the feeling of a classic manual transmission.
The by-wire system is essentially a high-tech interface that uses digital signals to bridge the gap between classic manual controls and a modern automatic transmission - while the car physically features a gated gear stick and a clutch pedal, they are not mechanically or hydraulically connected to the engine or gearbox.
Instead, Ferrari has engineered a system where physical hardware and smart software work together to "recreate the sensation of a traditional manual".
The Physical Controls and Hardware
The company says it has developed specific hardware to ensure the driver feels the weight and "click" of a real gearbox:
- The Gear Lever Mechanism: The lever is mounted in a classic metal shift gate and is built around a rotating block of solid-machined high-strength steel. To make the lever feel authentic, it uses eccentric rollers that allow it to self-centre to the neutral position. A profiled drum and a preloaded system generate a physical "thunk" or resistance that is felt directly through the gear knob when a gear is engaged.
- The Clutch-by-Wire Pedal: Because there is no cable connecting the pedal to the clutch, Ferrari uses a preload spring, cam, and roller mechanism. This internal setup mimics the "load-travel curve" of a real clutch, providing the physical resistance drivers expect as they find the biting point.
- Sensor Integration: The system uses high-precision Hall-effect angle sensors to detect the exact position of the gear lever and the clutch pedal. These sensors translate the driver's physical movements into digital signals that are sent to the transmission control unit.
- Paddles Removed: To emphasise the "ritual" of using the gear stick, Ferrari has removed the steering wheel paddles entirely for this special edition.
The Operating Logic
The system is designed to act as a "virtual" manual operating within an actual automatic gearbox:
- 6-Speed Interface, 8-Speed Gearbox: Although the car uses Ferrari's high-performance 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the manual lever only gives the driver access to the first six forward gears. This was done to match the traditional "character" of a six-speed manual.
- Authentic "Imperfections": To keep the experience realistic, the software does not automatically smooth out the driver's inputs. If the driver fails to coordinate the clutch and accelerator correctly, the car will jerk, shudder, or even stall the engine.
- Performance Techniques: Ferrari says the system is responsive enough to support "performance driving manoeuvres" like heel-and-toe downshifting and dumping the clutch for burnouts (yay!).
- Automatic Mode: Drivers can switch to a fully automatic mode at any time. In this mode, the car manages all eight gears like a normal DCT. When in automatic, the driver can still use the lever to "pre-select" a gear, with a digital display on the dashboard showing how the engine's RPM will react.
- Shift Protection: The system will not allow the driver to accidentally shift into a gear that would over-rev the engine. If a driver tries to select an inappropriate gear for their current speed, a solenoid will physically block the gear lever from moving into that position.
Beyond the transmission, this 12Cilindri Manuale includes several custom design touches, including front seats that feature a specific trim with six vertical grooves - a nod to the six-speed gear pattern - while the exterior features laser-etched badges and forged alloy wheels available in four different finishes. Buyers can also choose from 25 historic Ferrari exterior colours, including Rosso Rubino and Argento Nürburgring.
