Gated shifter returns with new Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale
The limited-run 12Cilindri Manuale pairs its 830 cv naturally aspirated V12 with a new Manuale By-Wire system to deliver a modern manual driving experience.
Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition special series of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, created for drivers who want a more physical and engaging connection with the car. Limited to 1,499 units, the number recalls the 1,499 cc displacement of Ferrari’s first twelve-cylinder engine from 1947, making it part of the car’s identity rather than just a production figure. The model introduces Ferrari’s in-house-developed Manuale By-Wire system, designed to recreate the analogue feel of a traditional manual gearbox while retaining the benefits of Ferrari’s 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Manual feel, DCT technology
At the heart of the system is a new manual command architecture featuring a gear lever and a clutch-by-wire pedal. The driver can use manual mode in the first six gears and reverse, or switch to automatic mode when comfort and convenience are preferred.
The system translates the physical movement of the gear lever and clutch pedal into electronic signals while preserving the feeling, load and rhythm of a mechanical manual gearbox. Developed entirely in Maranello, it also drew on cross-functional expertise from Ferrari’s Hypersail project, which used a similar by-wire approach for a cutting-edge nautical application.
V12 performance
The 12Cilindri Manuale retains Ferrari’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, producing 830 cv at 9,250 rpm and 678 Nm at 7,250 rpm. The engine revs to 9,500 rpm, making it well suited to the progressive, high-rev character of manual-style gear changes.
Performance remains firmly in supercar territory. Ferrari quotes a top speed of more than 340 km/h, 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and 0-200 km/h in under 7.9 seconds. Braking performance is equally serious, with 100-0 km/h taking 31.4 metres and 200-0 km/h completed in 122 metres.
The car has a dry weight of 1,565 kg, a dry weight-to-power ratio of 1.88 kg/cv, a 48.4:51.6 front-to-rear weight distribution, a 92-litre fuel tank and 270 litres of boot capacity.
How the system works
The Manuale By-Wire system uses a mechanical module with sensors and advanced kinematic mechanisms to recreate the load and feedback of Ferrari’s traditional manual gearboxes. The system generates clicks and resistance during gear selection, giving the driver clear feedback during synchronisation, engagement and disengagement.
If the clutch is not depressed, or if an incorrect gear is selected, the system can mechanically inhibit the shift. The gear selector is self-centring, while the backlit aluminium gear knob displays the six-speed pattern and the active driving mode.
Ferrari has also removed the steering-wheel paddles, placing full focus on the gear lever and clutch pedal. Drivers can even experience traditional manual-style behaviour, including heel-and-toe shifts and engine stalling if the clutch is not operated correctly.
A redesigned cockpit
Inside, the centre tunnel, gear lever, gear shift gate, knob and pedals reinterpret Ferrari’s classic manual transmission details in a modern way. The shift gate follows a six-speed pattern, with reverse positioned at the top left.
The console has been redesigned for better ergonomics during manual gear changes, while the aluminium gear knob and steel gate are integrated into a cabin finished with Ferrari’s usual focus on craftsmanship and detail. The pedal layout has also been redesigned, creating a more driver-focused three-pedal arrangement.
Tailor Made exclusivity
The 12Cilindri Manuale is offered with a dedicated Tailor Made specification. Exterior details include a laser-etched side badge logo, a pinstripe finish on the front splitter and rear wings inspired by the Ferrari 365 GTB4, special scudetto detailing, forged five-spoke wheels and aluminium door sills engraved with the car’s logo.
Buyers can choose from 25 iconic Ferrari colours, including the launch shade Rosso Rubino, along with heritage-inspired finishes such as Argento Nürburgring, Nero Daytona, Rosso Dino, Giallo Montecarlo, Blu Pozzi and Bianco Mille Miglia.
Ferrari heritage with modern technology
The Ferrari 12Cilindri already draws inspiration from the brand’s front-engined V12 grand tourers of the 1950s and 1960s. The Manuale version deepens that connection by bringing back the emotional ritual of a gated shifter, but with modern electronic precision.
It is not a traditional manual in the old mechanical sense. Instead, it is Ferrari’s attempt to preserve the feel, involvement and imperfections of manual driving inside a high-performance car built around modern DCT technology.
The 12Cilindri Manuale is also covered by Ferrari’s seven-year Genuine Maintenance programme, which includes scheduled routine maintenance using genuine parts and Ferrari-trained technicians across the official dealer network.
The result is one of Ferrari’s most unusual recent creations. It is a front-engined V12 berlinetta that blends analogue nostalgia, electronic intelligence and limited-run exclusivity for Ferraristi who still want to feel part of the machine.
