The Glorious Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuele
Purists rejoice! Ferrari have brought back the manual gear-shift gate to the Ferrari 12 Cilindri, a sports car we featured here on MHH International a while back. Yes indeed, prestige supercar brand Ferrari have unveiled the Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition special series of the gloriously premium Ferrari 12 Cilindri. This different version opens up a new way of experiencing the purest expression of Ferrari’s legendary DNA, placing the relationship between driver input, mechanicals and control at the heart of the driving experience.
Designed for those seeking a purely physical and truly aware driving experience but without compromising on usability, the car combines a tradition of driving typical of Ferrari Gran Turismo models from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, but with the most advanced contemporary technology, all aiming to make the interaction between driver and car even more direct.
Okay, It Isn’t Quite The Same
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale is designed to deliver old school bygone driving emotions through two major innovations: the manual command and a new clutch pedal, which together form the ‘Manuale by-wire’ system, engineered entirely in-house at the Italian motoring master’s headquarters in Maranello, Italy.
Essentially, the shift isn’t attached to a 1960’s gearbox as such: The system offers a contemporary ‘reinterpretation’ of the analogue gear-shifting experience, leveraging the most advanced technology to ensure precision, repeatability and ease of use. The intensive design and development work carried out in Maranello made it possible to translate the physicality of mechanical movement through the gate into an electronic signal while fully preserving its analogue feel, consistency, and naturalness.
This was achieved through a highly integrated process that drew on a range of cross-functional expertise within the company to develop a cutting-edge technological ‘by-wire’ solution. The car can be driven in manual mode in the first six gears and in reverse, or in automatic mode, offering maximum freedom to choose between driving engagement and comfort. Within this balance, the naturally aspirated V12 powerhouse is the ideal engine for enhancing the progression and handling of gear changes, thanks to its rev range extending up to 9,500 rpm and the character of its power at high revolutions.
How It Works
The interplay between the innovative gear lever, the clutch pedal, and the accelerator pedal becomes an integral part of the driving experience, fostering a deep connection between driver and car that allows the car’s full potential to be realised. The new ‘Manuale by-wire’ system combines the technology of Ferrari’s highly acclaimed 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) gearbox with a system redesigned from scratch, introducing entirely new components and a gear lever designed to deliver a pure, engaging analogue feel.
The architecture features a lever gear selector, a control panel and a pedal assembly with a clutch pedal (also ‘by-wire’) that allows the driver to manage the engagement and disengagement of the clutch pack, as well as updates to the control unit and gearbox/engine control software. The result is a blend of mechanical‑electronic technology that delivers pinpoint precision and load control without compromising the driving feel, creating a unique offering in the world of high-performance motoring.
The manual control system consists of a mechanical module equipped with sensors and advanced ‘kinematic’ mechanisms that replicate the mechanical loads typical of Ferrari manual gearboxes of old during the synchronisation, engagement and disengagement phases. The ‘kinematic’ mechanism generates clicks and load variations, providing clear feedback to the driver regarding gear engagement.
If the clutch is not depressed or an unauthorised gear is selected, the system is able to mechanically inhibit engagement, preventing the operation from being completed; when the lock is not active, however, the ‘kinematic’ mechanism is free to move. The manual control system is completed by two angle sensors that detect lever positions, a knob and a backlit button panel for improved readability and integration with the interface. The compact, modular mechanism is machined from solid blocks and weighs less than 3.5 kg. Furthermore, even the acoustic effects of its movements have been the subject of dedicated development, aimed at enhancing the perception of the underlying mechanics.
The manual gear-changing process is complemented by the three-pedal layout, completely redesigned for the Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale. The ‘clutch-by-wire’ pedal acts as a high-precision interface between the driver and the power-train: the pedal position is detected by a position sensor on the pedal assembly and then translated into hydraulic actuation of the DCT clutch, thereby coordinating the transmission and engine during gear changes. The system recreates the typical load-travel curve of mechanically linked manual gearboxes thanks to an innovative passive mechanical system.
Further, an angle position sensor continuously reads the driver’s intent throughout the entire range of pedal travel. This results in behaviour consistent with the logic of traditional manual gearboxes: correct synchronisation yields a smooth, precise gear change; otherwise, it may become more difficult, resulting in a jerk or a stall and all older drivers know about that! It’s certainly a sure way to heighten driver involvement and the satisfaction of authentic torque feedback. The system also features specially developed transition logics between manual and automatic modes, as well as ‘coasting’ management to ensure complete fluidity right down to idle, with behaviour consistent with the use of the clutch during deceleration.
The Prestige Cabin
Inside the cabin of the premium Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale, the centre tunnel console, gear lever, knob, gear shift gate and pedals reinterpret in a modern way the iconic elements of Ferrari cars with lever-operated manual transmission. The gear shift gate echoes the six-speed shift pattern, with reverse at the top left, while the round aluminium gear knob is enhanced by a backlit screen print indicating the six gears and the currently active driving mode (automatic/manual).
The centre tunnel console area has been redesigned to improve ergonomics during manual gear changes and in automatic mode; the pedal assembly completes the driver-focused layout, arranged in a triangular configuration between the steering wheel and the seat. The iconic gear shift gate has been reinterpreted, retaining that iconic status and integrating it harmoniously into the car’s stylistic operating language. The steel plate is embellished with an anodised aluminium sculpture in the shape of a tuning fork, which incorporates the control panel and key housing.
The design of the components and the leather-upholstered console has also been crafted to harmonise with the contemporary aesthetic of the Ferrari 12 Cilindri in a balanced and coherent way: a refined touch, designed to discreetly celebrate the gear shift gate’s return to its original function.
MHH International With Ferrari
The Ferrari 12 Cilindri Manuale is offered as a limited series of just 1499 units at the time of writing, but we can see this being a popular addition to the prestige range of sports cars from this legendary brand. It is designed for the ‘Ferrarista’ loyalty to front-engined V12 two-seater ‘berlinettas’ and seeking a more physical level of driving emotions.
Its exclusivity is further reinforced by a dedicated ‘Tailor Made’ specification and details that ensure instant recognition, not merely as an extension of the range but as the very language from which the design took shape. The side badge features the car’s laser-etched logo, whilst the front splitter and rear wings feature a pinstripe finish that pays homage to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4. These elements are complemented by a special finish for the ‘scudetto’ (badge), specially designed five-spoke forged wheels and aluminium door sills engraved with the car’s logo.
This is a brand new speciality car to market but MHH International also offer VAT-qualifying new and used prestige Ferrari models (see here for export worldwide from the UK. Twenty-seven destinations are served including New Zealand and Kenya, to name but two. MHH International also sell a wide range of exclusive vehicles from many premium car makers. Please see the easy-to-use search facility on our Home Page and get in touch with our dedicated team to find out more.
