New Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Revealed

Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-production V12 supercar featuring a “Manuale By-Wire” system. Rather than a mechanical linkage, the vehicle utilizes a gear lever and a 15kg-pressure clutch pedal to actuate an existing eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), providing a tactile, traditional driving experience for enthusiasts.

What makes the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale different?

The 12Cilindri Manuale is not a traditional manual transmission vehicle. According to technical details revealed through patent drawings and company specifications, the car retains the standard 12Cilindri’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

Instead of a physical connection between the shifter and the gearbox, Ferrari has implemented a “Manuale By-Wire” system. In this setup, the gear lever and the clutch pedal act as electronic actuators. They send signals to the DCT software to execute gear changes, mimicking the sensation of a mechanical gearbox without the physical hardware.

This approach allows Ferrari to offer a manual-style experience while maintaining the speed and efficiency of a modern DCT. The system is specifically designed to interact with the first six ratios of the transmission.

How does the “Manuale By-Wire” technology function?

The tactile feedback of the 12Cilindri Manuale relies on high-precision hardware and complex algorithms. The gear selector is constructed from a rotating block of solid-machined, high-strength steel. To ensure the lever returns to its center position, Ferrari engineers utilized a system of eccentric rollers and a single spring, paired with two angle sensors to track the lever’s position.

The clutch experience is similarly engineered. The clutch pedal requires 15kg of pressure to activate. Sensors monitor the pedal’s position to dictate how the DCT’s clutch packs engage. Ferrari has programmed the software to be highly sensitive to the driver’s input; if a driver misses the biting point, the car may stall or experience “pogoing” movements.

Technical Specifications of the Manuale System

• Transmission Base: Eight-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT).
• Clutch Mechanism: Electronic “By-Wire” pedal requiring 15kg of force.
• Gear Selector: Solid-machined steel with eccentric rollers and angle sensors.
• Operational Limits: The manual mode is restricted to the first six gear ratios.

Why did Ferrari develop a digital manual?

The development of the Manuale By-Wire system follows significant demand from Ferrari’s core enthusiast base. The company recently acknowledged that its upcoming all-electric models, such as the Luce, are not specifically targeted at traditional driving enthusiasts.

By releasing the 12Cilindri Manuale, Ferrari provides an “antidote” to the industry’s shift toward electrification. The model draws inspiration from the 599 GTB, which was the last Ferrari V12 to feature a traditional three-pedal setup. This move places Ferrari in direct competition with other enthusiast-focused releases like the Aston Martin Valiant and the GMA T50.

Unlike DIY attempts to convert modern gearboxes—such as retrofitting manual controls to Porsche’s PDK systems—Ferrari’s solution is an integrated engineering project. The firm reports that the development of this specific transmission system required two years of dedicated work.

How much does the 12Cilindri Manuale cost?

The 12Cilindri Manuale carries a significant price premium over the standard 12Cilindri. According to company data, the model requires an additional 190,000 euros over the base price. In the United Kingdom, this places the total cost of the vehicle at over £500,000.

Every one of the 1,499 units will also be part of Ferrari’s Tailor Made programme, allowing for high levels of customization. While the cost for the “manual” experience is high, the limited production numbers suggest the model will likely sell out quickly.