News in Short

• Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a special V12 grand tourer.
• It features a manual-by-wire six-speed gearbox paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
• Drivers can switch between manual and automatic modes with a button.
• The 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 continues to produce 820bhp.
• The supercar carries a starting price of €590,000 (around ₹5.95 crore before taxes).

Ferrari has done something enthusiasts thought they might never see again—it has brought back the manual gearbox. But there’s a catch. The newly unveiled Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale doesn’t use a traditional manual transmission. Instead, it introduces a groundbreaking manual-by-wire system that combines the feel of a classic six-speed manual with the convenience of an automatic gearbox.

The limited-production supercar retains Ferrari’s iconic 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 while introducing technology that could redefine how performance cars balance driver engagement with modern convenience.

A Manual Gearbox That Isn’t Mechanically Connected

At first glance, the 12Cilindri Manuale looks like a classic Ferrari.

It features an open-gated metal gear shifter, a clutch pedal, and the familiar driving position that Ferrari fans have admired for decades.

However, neither the gear lever nor the clutch pedal connects mechanically to the gearbox.

Instead, both components work electronically through a manual-by-wire system. They send digital signals to Ferrari’s existing eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which simulates the experience of driving a traditional six-speed manual.

The result is a manual gearbox experience without the mechanical linkage.

Switch Between Manual and Automatic Anytime

Ferrari hasn’t abandoned convenience.

Drivers can press dedicated buttons behind the gear selector to switch between manual and automatic driving.

In manual mode, the transmission uses the first six gears of the dual-clutch gearbox.

When switched to automatic mode, the car unlocks all eight gears, making highway cruising smoother and improving fuel efficiency.

Interestingly, Ferrari has removed the steering-mounted paddle shifters, allowing the gear lever to remain the primary control.

It Even Feels Like a Real Manual

Ferrari says it spent years recreating the exact sensation of driving a traditional manual.

The clutch pedal offers around 15kg of resistance, matching the feel of the legendary Ferrari 599—the brand’s last production model with a true manual gearbox.

Similarly, the gear lever delivers realistic mechanical feedback despite having no physical connection to the transmission.

Drivers can even stall the car if they misuse the clutch, adding another layer of authenticity.

If someone attempts to shift into an inappropriate gear at high speed, the system blocks the shift just like a real manual transmission would.

Performance Remains Unchanged

Although Ferrari has introduced an entirely new driving experience, performance remains identical to the standard 12Cilindri.

The supercar continues to use a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine producing:

• 820bhp
• 500lb-ft of torque

Ferrari claims both versions accelerate from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in just 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 211mph (340km/h).

The company believes skilled drivers can match the performance of the standard dual-clutch version despite using manual inputs.

A Special Ferrari With a Special Price

Ferrari will build only 1,499 units of the 12Cilindri Manuale.

Every car will go through the company’s Tailor Made customization program, allowing buyers to personalize colors, finishes, wheels, and interior details.

The exclusivity comes at a significant premium.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale starts at €590,000, roughly ₹5.95 crore before Indian taxes and duties.

For comparison, the standard 12Cilindri costs €400,000, or approximately ₹4.04 crore before taxes.

If Ferrari ever brings the Manuale to India as a Completely Built Unit (CBU), the final on-road price could comfortably exceed ₹10 crore, considering import duties, GST, registration charges, and optional customization.

Why Ferrari Chose to Bring Back a Manual

Ferrari says customer demand inspired the project.

The company believes many enthusiasts still crave the involvement of a manual gearbox but don’t want to compromise on modern performance or convenience.

Rather than redesigning an entirely new transmission, Ferrari created a system that delivers the emotional experience of a manual while retaining the speed and efficiency of its proven dual-clutch gearbox.

The technology could also find its way into future Ferrari models.

Should Enthusiasts Be Excited?

For years, manual gearboxes have steadily disappeared from high-performance cars as automakers prioritized faster lap times and stricter emissions regulations.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale takes a different approach. It proves that driver engagement doesn’t have to disappear in the digital age.

Whether the manual-by-wire system can truly replace the feel of a traditional gearbox remains to be seen. However, Ferrari has certainly delivered one of the most innovative ideas the automotive world has seen in years.