Ferrari have unveiled the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited edition version of its flagship front engined V12 grand tourer. While it may look similar to the standard 12Cilindri on the outside, the biggest change lies beneath the surface. The Italian marque has introduced an all new Manuale By Wire system that combines the engagement of a traditional manual gearbox with the speed and technology of Ferrari’s eight speed dual clutch transmission.
Limited to just 1,499 units worldwide, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale has been designed for enthusiasts who want a more involved driving experience without giving up the convenience and performance of a modern transmission.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale – Manuale By Wire system Explained
The highlight of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is its new Manuale By Wire system, developed entirely at Maranello. Unlike a conventional manual gearbox, the system retains Ferrari’s existing eight speed dual clutch transmission but introduces a completely new gear lever and clutch pedal that electronically control the gearbox while recreating the feel of a traditional manual.
Drivers can manually shift through the first six forward gears and reverse using the new gear lever and clutch pedal. At any point, they can also switch back to fully automatic mode, allowing the car to function like a conventional dual clutch automatic.
Ferrari says the system has been engineered to recreate the physical sensations of a mechanical gearbox, including resistance while shifting, positive engagement between gears and even the possibility of jerky shifts or stalling if the clutch is not operated correctly. This allows drivers to experience techniques such as heel and toe downshifts while maintaining the precision of a modern electronic system.
The Manuale By Wire system introduces several completely new components. The gear lever uses advanced kinematic mechanisms and sensors that recreate the resistance and clicks associated with Ferrari’s classic gated manual gearboxes. The mechanism itself weighs less than 3.5 kg and has been machined from solid metal for maximum precision.
The clutch pedal also follows a completely new design. Instead of directly operating a mechanical clutch, pedal inputs are measured electronically before being translated into hydraulic operation of the dual clutch gearbox. Ferrari has carefully calibrated the pedal to reproduce the familiar load and travel characteristics of a traditional clutch, making every gear change feel natural and rewarding.
The company has even tuned the sound produced by the gear lever mechanism to further enhance the mechanical sensation inside the cabin.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale – Exterior and Interior Design
Ferrari will produce only 1,499 examples of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale. The production number pays tribute to the displacement of Ferrari’s very first V12 engine introduced in 1947.Exterior design changes are minimal, with the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale largely retaining the standard model’s styling. Exclusive badging, unique forged wheels, subtle pinstripe detailing and Tailor Made finishes are the only visual cues distinguishing it from the regular 12Cilindri.
The special edition also receives exclusive forged five spoke wheels, laser etched side badges, unique Tailor Made interior trims and a pinstripe finish on the front splitter and rear wings inspired by the iconic Ferrari 365 GTB4. Customers will be able to choose from 25 historic Ferrari colours, including launch colour Rosso Rubino along with shades such as Argento Nürburgring, Blu Pozzi, Rosso Dino and Giallo Montecarlo.
Inside, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale features a redesigned centre console inspired by Ferrari’s legendary manual sports cars. The centrepiece is a modern interpretation of the classic open metal gated shifter with a six speed shift pattern and reverse positioned in the top left corner. The seats, available in Comfort and Racing versions, are enhanced with Tailor Made materials and a specific trim featuring six vertical grooves, a small hat tip to the six gears of the manual transmission.
The aluminium gear knob features illuminated markings displaying the six forward gears along with the selected driving mode. The centre console has also been redesigned to improve ergonomics during manual shifting, while the pedals follow the classic three pedal layout. Ferrari has also incorporated anodised aluminium trim, engraved door sills and several bespoke design elements exclusive to the Manuale edition.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale – Powertrain
Powering the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is the same naturally aspirated 6.5 litre V12 engine found in the standard model. It produces 830 hp, revs to an impressive 9,500 rpm, and delivers power exclusively to the rear wheels. Performance figures remains exceptional with a claimed 0 to 100 kmph time of 2.9 seonds and a top speed exceeding 340 kmph. Ferrari believes the high revving nature of its V12 makes it the perfect engine to pair with the more engaging manual driving experience.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale – Has Ferrari’s Redemption Arc Begun?
Just last month, Ferrari found itself at the centre of criticism following the reveal of the brands first electric car, the Ferrari Luce. With enthusiasts questioning everything from its design to the brand’s future direction. While the 12Cilindri Manuale has clearly been in development for while now, its arrival could not have come at a better time.
A naturally aspirated V12, rear wheel drive and three pedals are exactly what many enthusiasts believed was disappearing from the modern supercar world. Whether the Manuale By Wire system can truly replicate the feel of a traditional manual gearbox will only become clear once people get behind the wheel. But on paper, Ferrari has shown that it still understands what makes driving special. For many enthusiasts, this could well be the beginning of Ferrari’s redemption arc