Ferrari launches the 12Cilindri Manuale with a new 'Manuale By-Wire' setup that copies a gated manual feel through its dual-clutch gearbox.
It includes a genuine clutch pedal and lever, allowing full manual gear changes and even the chance to stall.
The 819-hp V12 engine remains the same, and output stays capped at 1,499 units.

Ferrari has not lost sight of what defines its vehicles despite recent surprises. Customer input led the brand to create a manual edition of the 12Cilindri grand tourer.

The term manual appears in quotes for good reason here.

The fresh 12Cilindri Manuale brings a transmission never seen before from Ferrari. It draws ideas from the Koenigsegg CC850 by mixing dual-clutch speed with traditional shifter engagement. Opinions vary on whether this mix succeeds.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale

Photo by: Ferrari

How The System Operates

This remains the eight-speed dual-clutch unit from the regular 12Cilindri. Ferrari added its Manuale By-Wire feature to let drivers select the first six gears plus reverse in classic manual style. Stalling remains possible too.

Drivers pick Manual mode, use the clutch pedal, and move the lever across the open gate. The car gets a classic gated shifter with a shiny knob to keep the direct feel of older manuals.

Photos by: Ferrari

Two sensors track shifter motion while an actuator blocks shifts unless Manual mode is active. A fresh three-pedal setup uses an electronic clutch. Sensors read pedal position and turn it into hydraulic action for the dual-clutch unit.

Starting with only the brake pressed makes the transmission act like a standard DCT. Starting with the clutch down enters Manual mode right away. Drivers can toggle to auto mode anytime, though seventh and eighth gears stay for steady cruising.

Photo by: Ferrari

Powertrain Stays The Same

Ferrari kept the engine unchanged to deliver expected performance. The 6.5-liter V12 still makes 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. The car hits 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and reaches 211 mph.

What do you think?

Output stays very limited as expected. Ferrari will build only 1,499 cars, each customized via the Tailor Made program. Price remains unknown but will exceed the standard model's starting point near 423,000 dollars.

Motor1's Take: Even if this does not count as a true manual, the engineering stands out. Like the Koenigsegg approach, giving drivers gear control adds value if the feel matches expectations.