Ferrari Revives the Gated Manual Transmission with Limited-Run 12Cilindri Manuale

• Ferrari will build 1,499 examples of the limited 12Cilindri Manuale.

• Manuale By-Wire uses a gated lever and clutch pedal with electronic actuation.

• The 6.5-litre V12 produces 820 hp and revs to 9,500 rpm.

Ferrari has introduced the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition version of its magnificent front-engined V12 grand tourer that adds a new Manuale By-Wire system developed in-house at Maranello.

The model keeps the 12Cilindri’s 6.5L naturally aspirated V12, rated at 820 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari lists a 9,500-rpm maximum engine speed, a top speed above 340 km/h, 0–100 km/h acceleration in 2.9 seconds and 0–200 km/h in under 7.9 seconds.

The new system provides the driver with a gated gear lever and clutch pedal, but the hardware operates electronically rather than through traditional mechanical linkage. Inputs from the lever and clutch-by-wire pedal are sent to the car’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which manages the actual gear engagement.

In manual mode, the driver can use six forward gears and reverse. The car also operates in full automatic mode. Ferrari says the system can reproduce familiar manual-gearbox behaviours, including resistance to incorrect shifts, jerky starts or stalling when the clutch is not used properly.

The gear selector uses sensors, a machined mechanical module and kinematic mechanisms designed to provide load changes and engagement feedback. The compact assembly weighs less than 3.5 kg or 7.7 lbs. Ferrari also developed the sound, the “snick”, and feel of the lever movement to reinforce the mechanical impression.

The clutch pedal uses position sensing and hydraulic actuation from the DCT clutch pack. A passive mechanical system replicates the load-travel curve of a conventional clutch pedal, while software coordinates the engine and transmission during gear changes.

Inside, the 12Cilindri Manuale receives a redesigned centre console, aluminium gear knob, backlit shift pattern, revised pedals and a steel shift-gate plate with an anodised aluminium element shaped like a tuning fork.

Ferrari will build 1,499 examples. The number refers to the displacement of the first Ferrari twelve-cylinder engine produced in 1947. Each car will use the Tailor Made personalization programme, with dedicated materials, colours and trim.

Exterior details include a laser-etched side badge, five-spoke forged wheels, special scudetto treatment, engraved aluminium door sills and pinstripe elements on the front splitter and rear wings inspired by the 365 GTB4.

Ferrari says its seven-year maintenance programme applies to the 12Cilindri Manuale, including scheduled service every 20,000 km or once a year, with no mileage limit.