The new 12Cilindri Manuale is a V12 Ferrari with a 'manual' gearbox

The new 12Cilindri Manuale is a V12 Ferrari with a 'manual' gearbox

Ferrari is bringing a simulated manual shifting experience back to its V12 lineup with the introduction of the 12Cilindri Manuale. While the car features a gated shifter and a clutch pedal, it does not employ a traditional mechanical manual transmission. Instead, the company has developed a shift-by-wire system that interfaces with the existing eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

The project spent two years in development, according to reports. This comes despite Enrico Galliera previously stating in 2025 that customers wanting a manual Ferrari were too late and should purchase a classic model. Galliera later explained that the request for a manual gearbox came directly from customers, though engineers initially claimed such a feat was not possible.

The 12Cilindri Manuale is limited to 1,499 units. Each example is classified as a Tailor Made Ferrari, allowing for bespoke colors and trims. Deliveries for the first units are scheduled to begin before the end of 2026.

Technical Execution and Hardware

Ferrari opted against a true six-speed manual transmission because such a unit would be unable to manage the V12 engine's 500lb ft of torque and power output of 819bhp (or 818bhp, according to some reports). Consequently, the Manuale uses the standard eight-speed DCT but replaces the steering wheel paddle shifters with a physical lever.

The shift mechanism is machined from steel, the same material used for the gearbox ratios. It is supported by a plastic composite cradle and utilizes a single spring with two roller bearings to control movement. Ferrari claims the tactile feel is as close as possible to the 599 GTB, the last manual V12 Ferrari.

The system operates via an ECU and spring-loaded contact rollers that mimic the resistance of a traditional gearbox. The total weight of these additional components is 3.5kg. The clutch pedal has 110mm of travel, with a biting point at 50 percent of that distance requiring 10 to 15kg of pressure.

Operation and Driver Experience

The car defaults to automatic mode upon start-up, utilizing R, N, and D buttons on the console. To engage manual mode, the driver must depress the clutch pedal. This action triggers an amber glow in the gate on top of the aluminium gearknob and changes the instrument pack color to orange.

In manual mode, the driver has control of six forward gears and reverse. Because the system only utilizes the first six of the eight DCT gears, drivers are encouraged to return to automatic mode for motorway driving to access the two highest ratios. The car allows for authentic manual errors; drivers can stall the engine or "fluff" a gear change, and there is no throttle blip or auto-blip function for heel-and-toe shifting.

To prevent engine damage, the electronics employ a lock-out mechanism. If a driver attempts to select a gear that is too low for the current road speed, a "block" in the mechanism prevents the lever from moving further into the gate, and a warning appears on the display.

Performance and Pricing

The engine remains a 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12, revving to 9,500rpm. Performance figures are rated at 0-62mph in three seconds with a top speed of 210mph. Ferrari asserts that performance remains identical whether the driver utilizes the automatic or manual settings.

The Manuale will not be available in the Spider configuration, being limited to the Coupe. The cost of this transmission setup is a premium of €190,000 over a regular coupe.

Visual distinctions for the Manuale include:

• Laser-etched Manuale badges on the front wings.
• Silver Ferrari badges.
• Unique five-spoke forged wheels.
• Fine pinstripes on the active rear winglets and the black strip across the nose, referencing the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’.

Timeline and Availability

The vehicle was reportedly revealed to clients during the Ferrari Cavalcade on June 29, 2026. Following a hint from chief executive Benedetto Vigna at a Las Vegas dealer conference, the car is set for a full public reveal on July 4, 2026.

According to Galliera, the Manuale is a complement to the lineup rather than a replacement and is aimed specifically at existing V12 owners. He further confirmed that clients will not be required to purchase the electric Luce to obtain this special car.