- Ferrari launched the 12cylinder manual with a ‘manual by-wire’ system that mimics a gated manual using a dual-clutch gearbox.
- It added a real clutch pedal and shifter, allowing drivers to manually control the gears and even stop the car.
- The 819-hp V12 remains unchanged, with production limited to 1,499 units.
Recent bombshells aside, Ferrari hasn’t forgotten what makes its cars special: the driving experience. That’s why, after listening to customer feedback, Maranello has introduced a “manual” version of its flagship grand tourer, the 12Cilindri.
And yes, “manual” in quotation marks is doing a lot of work here.
The new 12cylinder manual introduced a transmission unlike anything seen in a modern Ferrari. It is conceptually similar to the Koenigsegg CC850’s manual, blending the speed of a dual-clutch transmission with the involvement of a traditional stick shift. Whether that’s the best or worst of both worlds depends entirely on who you ask.
ferrari 12cyl manual
Photo by: Ferrari
how it works
Technically, this is still the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission found in the standard 12Cilindri. The difference is Ferrari’s new “manual by-wire” system, which lets you shift and reverse through the first six gears – just like you do with a traditional manual transmission. Hey, you can even stop it.
To use it, simply select manual mode, press the clutch pedal – yes, there is an actual clutch pedal – and move the shifter through the open metal gate. The 12cylinder manual features a classic gated shifter with a polished shift knob, which Ferrari says helps preserve the “analog feel, stability and naturalness” of a traditional manual gearbox.
Behind the scenes, two Hall-effect sensors monitor the shifter’s movement, while a small electric actuator prevents gear engagement unless manual mode is selected. There’s also an all-new three-pedal layout with an electronic clutch pedal. A sensor measures the travel of the pedals and converts those inputs into hydraulic control of the dual-clutch transmission.
Start the car by simply pressing the brake pedal, and the transmission behaves like a normal DCT, automatically engaging drive. Start it by pressing the clutch pedal, and it boots straight into manual mode. You can switch back to automatic operation at any time while driving, although Ferrari says seventh and eighth gears are reserved for comfortable, high-speed touring.
Photo by: Ferrari
New gearbox, same V12
To ensure that the manual V12 maintained the expected performance of a flagship, Ferrari left the powertrain untouched. Under the hood is the same naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 that produces 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Ferrari says the 12cylinder manual still reaches 62 mph in 3.0 seconds before hitting a top speed of 211 mph.
As you would expect, production will be extremely limited. Ferrari plans to build only 1,499 examples, each of which is available through its Tailor Made personalization program. Pricing hasn’t been announced, but it almost certainly won’t be cheap. The standard 12cylinder already starts at around $423,000.
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Source: Ferrari
Motor1’s Opinion: is this or not Real Manual transmission, you can’t deny the fact that the technology is attractive. Similar to Koenigsegg’s gearbox in the CC850, customers having the ability to change their own gears is only a good thing – assuming Ferrari was able to pull off this experience.
