For some car enthusiasts, nothing beats the manual gearbox, and they’ll do anything to get their hands on a car that has that third pedal. Making good on Gianmaria Fulgenzi's 2025 statement, Ferrari is now offering a car they’re unlikely to resist, but there’s a twist.
The 12Cilindri Manuale is a limited-edition car conceived to place the relationship between driver, mechanics, and control at the center of the experience. In simple terms, that just means the car offers a manual gearbox, but there’s a little more to the story than that.
Combining the character of Ferrari’s front-engined Gran Turismo models from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s with modern technology, the new model introduces what can be referred to as modern-day manual gear changing while holding on to the benefits of a dual-clutch transmission.
The star of the show is Ferrari’s new 'Manuale By-Wire' system. It combines a manual gear lever with a clutch pedal, which translates the driver's physical movements into electronic signals without compromising the feedback and natural feel of a regular manual transmission. At least, that’s the claim.
The manual gear changes work through the car’s first six gears and reverse. An automatic mode is also available. How is that possible? Ferrari designed a new architecture around its eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The installation includes a gear selector, a control panel, a redesigned pedal assembly, and electronic control software.
Of note is the system’s ability to mechanically prevent an incorrect selection. When the clutch is not depressed, or when the driver attempts to select ‘the wrong’ gear, the mechanism prevents movement.
The clutch pedal gives the 12Cilindri Manuale a redesigned three-pedal configuration. Its clutch-by-wire technology detects pedal position and translates the driver’s input into hydraulic control of the dual-clutch transmission.
A passive mechanical system recreates the load and travel characteristics of a regular clutch pedal. An angle sensor continuously reads the driver’s input throughout the pedal’s movement, coordinating the transmission and engine during each gear change. All of that sounds impressive, but will it work as described?
The Manuale By-Wire technology is paired with the 12Cilindri’s naturally aspirated V12 engine, and the performance numbers are no different from those of the ‘regular’ 12Cilindri. The engine’s progressive delivery and high-revving character complement the timing and physical process of manual gear changes.
Inside, the redesigned center tunnel has new transmission controls. The gear gate follows an exposed six-speed pattern, with reverse positioned at the upper left. The round aluminum gear knob features backlit markings displaying the six ratios and the selected driving mode.
Ferrari has repositioned the center console to improve ergonomics in both manual and automatic mode. The three pedals, steering wheel, and seat form a triangular, driver-focused layout intended to support the actions required during gear changes.
Leather upholstery and contemporary detailing connect the manual controls with the wider interior design of the car.
Production of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be limited to 1,499 cars. That number aligns with the displacement of Ferrari’s first twelve-cylinder engine, produced in 1947.
Developed for fans of Ferrari’s front-engined, two-seat V12 berlinettas, the 12Cilindri Manuale presents manual driving as a new combination of analog interaction and electronic precision. The only question left is how well the manual gearbox fans will receive it. Since it is essentially a simulation, there’s little doubt that the purists may not be fully impressed.
