Ferrari 12Cilindri ManualeKai GrossmannThe new Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale marks the return of a three-pedal Ferrari, pairing the brand's naturally aspirated V12 with an entirely new electronically controlled manual transmission designed to recreate the feel of a traditional stick shift without relying on mechanical linkages.Rather than reviving an old gearbox, Ferrari developed what it calls a "Manuale by-wire" system at its Maranello headquarters. The technology replaces conventional mechanical connections with electronic controls while preserving the weight, resistance, and feedback drivers expect from a classic manual transmission.A Manual Transmission Built for the Modern EraAt the heart of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission used in the standard 12Cilindri. Instead of steering-wheel paddles, however, drivers operate the gearbox through a traditional gear lever and clutch pedal.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe gear lever has been engineered to mimic the mechanical sensation of a classic Ferrari manual gearbox. Sensors and specially developed internal mechanisms recreate the resistance, clicks, and engagement feel of shifting through the gates, giving drivers clear physical feedback with every gear change.Ferrari 12Cilindri ManualeThe system even prevents incorrect shifts. Attempting to engage a gear without pressing the clutch—or selecting a gear the transmission won't allow—creates a physical lockout similar to that of a conventional manual gearbox.Ferrari says extensive development focused not only on the feel of the shift but also on its sound. The movement of the lever was carefully tuned to deliver the familiar mechanical clicks enthusiasts associate with classic gated Ferraris.A Clutch Pedal That Behaves Like the Real ThingThe clutch pedal is equally unconventional. Rather than operating a mechanical clutch directly, it uses electronic sensors that translate pedal movement into hydraulic control of the transmission's clutch pack.AdvertisementAdvertisementFerrari developed a passive mechanical system that reproduces the resistance and travel of a traditional clutch pedal, allowing drivers to modulate engagement naturally. That means technique still matters.Smooth clutch work rewards the driver with seamless shifts, while poor timing can produce jerky gear changes—or even stall the engine—just as in a conventional manual transmission. Ferrari intentionally retained those characteristics to preserve the involvement that has largely disappeared from modern performance cars.Drivers can also switch between manual and automatic modes, allowing the transmission to handle shifting whenever comfort takes priority.A V12 That Rewards Every ShiftThe manual transmission is paired exclusively with Ferrari's naturally aspirated V12, an engine that revs to 9,500 rpm.AdvertisementAdvertisementIts broad power delivery and willingness to chase the redline make it particularly well suited to a manual gearbox, encouraging drivers to work through the gears rather than simply relying on instant paddle shifts.Ferrari 12Cilindri ManualeFerrari says the combination creates a stronger connection between driver and machine, with the clutch, throttle, and gear lever all playing an active role in extracting the car's performance.Classic Ferrari Details Return Inside the CabinThe interior pays tribute to Ferrari's legendary manual-transmission models without becoming retro.A redesigned center console features a modern interpretation of Ferrari's famous open metal shift gate, complete with a traditional six-speed shift pattern and reverse positioned in the upper-left corner. The aluminum shift knob includes illuminated graphics that display the gear layout and indicate whether the transmission is operating in manual or automatic mode.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe driving position has also been revised around the new three-pedal layout, with the pedals arranged to encourage precise footwork while maintaining the ergonomics expected of a modern grand tourer.Limited to 1,499 ExamplesThe Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be built in a limited production run of just 1,499 cars.Ferrari says the production number references the displacement of its first V12 engine introduced in 1947, linking the company's newest manual-transmission supercar with the engine that helped establish Ferrari's identity nearly eight decades ago.For enthusiasts who believed Ferrari's manual gearbox had disappeared forever, the 12Cilindri Manuale represents something many thought they'd never see again: a front-engined Ferrari V12 with three pedals, a gated shifter, and the driver fully in charge.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis article was originally published on Forbes.com
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