Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition series capped at 1,499 units featuring a new "Manuale By-Wire" system. The vehicle combines a physical open-gate shifter and clutch pedal with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, keeping the brand's iconic 830-horsepower naturally aspirated V12 engine firmly at the center of driver engagement.
MILAN — Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari NV has officially unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a highly exclusive, limited-edition grand tourer designed to reintroduce three-pedal driver engagement to its flagship lineage. Announced on July 3, 2026, the vehicle introduces an innovative, in-house developed "Manuale By-Wire" transmission architecture. This system pairs a physical gear stick and clutch pedal with a modern dual-clutch automated gearbox, allowing drivers to manually manipulate gear ratios or shift into a fully automatic cruising mode.
The launch marks a vital strategic pivot for the Maranello-based marque. Coming exactly one month after the debut of the company's first fully electric vehicle, the Luce EV, which faced mixed reviews and vocal criticism from brand traditionalists, the 12Cilindri Manuale serves as an uncompromised celebration of internal combustion mechanics. Production is strictly limited to 1,499 units worldwide, catering directly to elite collectors and automotive purists.
Technical Innovation: The Manuale By-Wire System
The technical centerpiece of the 12Cilindri Manuale is its hybrid transmission arrangement. Ferrari has not offered a traditional gated mechanical manual since the discontinuation of the California and 599 GTB Fiorano. Rather than re-engineering an entirely obsolete mechanical gearbox, Ferrari’s powertrain team, led by project head Valentin Marguet, designed a standalone mechanical module that interfaces electronically with the standard eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT).
Inside the cabin, drivers are met with an open six-speed gate crafted from solid-machined high-strength steel and an LED-backlit shift knob. In the footwell sits a dedicated clutch pedal. Although neither the shifter nor the pedal has a direct physical link to the transmission on the rear axle, an intricate kinematic mechanism simulates authentic physical feedback.
Pre-loaded springs, cams, and eccentric rollers replicate the varying resistance weights, clicks, and "bite points" of an old-school mechanical assembly. The electronic interface allows drivers to execute precise heel-and-toe downshifts and even simulate an engine stall if the clutch is released incorrectly, yet it retains a software lock-out to prevent catastrophic engine over-revving.
Heritage Aesthetics and Raw V12 Firepower
Underneath the long, sculpted hood sits Ferrari's iconic, naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine. The powerplant remains unchanged from the standard 12Cilindri model, generating 830 metric horsepower (818 bhp) and 500 lb-ft of torque while screaming to an absolute redline of 9,500 rpm. The limited-edition coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 3.0 seconds flat, matching the performance of its automatic counterpart, before reaching an unrestricted top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).
To distinguish the Manuale from standard variants, Ferrari is routing all 1,499 examples through its exclusive Tailor Made personalization program. Visual updates include:
A laser-etched "Manuale" badge on the front wings.
Polished silver Ferrari accents replacing the standard dark trim.
Unique five-spoke forged 21-inch alloy wheels available in four distinct finishes.
Front splitter and active rear winglet pinstriping paying homage to the 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
Official Sources Section
According to official corporate documentation published on the global media portal of Ferrari NV, the 12Cilindri Manuale will be sold on an invite-only basis to verified, loyal clients of the brand's front-engined V12 platform.
Regulatory and pricing filings confirm that the model commands a significant premium over the standard base vehicle, with retail pricing in Italy starting at €590,000 (approximately $672,000 USD) before bespoke options are rendered.
Quote Section
"According to officials at Maranello, the 12Cilindri Manuale places the relationship between driver input, mechanics, and control directly back at the heart of the driving experience. The engineering goal was to capture the analogue romance of a gated manual without sacrificing the raw performance capabilities of our modern dual-clutch gearboxes."
Why It Matters
The unveiling of the 12Cilindri Manuale highlights how luxury automotive manufacturers are navigating the broader transition toward electrification. By creating an ultra-premium, low-volume analog experience alongside its electric models, Ferrari protects its heritage identity while capturing highly lucrative collector margins.
For automotive investors, the rapid sell-out of this series confirms that consumer demand for high-revving, non-hybrid internal combustion engines remains exceptionally high, providing Ferrari with a reliable financial buffer as it experiments with alternative powertrain technologies.
Key Facts at a Glance
Production Volume: Strictly capped at 1,499 units globally via the invite-only Tailor Made program.
Transmission Type: Advanced "Manuale By-Wire" system utilizing a physical six-speed gated stick and simulated clutch pedal operating over an eight-speed DCT.
Engine Performance: Naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 outputting 830 metric horsepower with a 9,500 rpm limit.
Base Pricing: Commences at €590,000 ($672,000 USD) in its domestic Italian market.
Delivery Window: First customer allocations are scheduled to leave the Maranello factory in the first quarter of 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale a true mechanical manual car?
No. It features a simulated "Manuale By-Wire" setup. It utilizes a physical gear shifter, open gate, and clutch pedal connected to advanced digital sensors and mechanical tension simulators. These components send signals to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, giving the physical sensation of a manual without the traditional mechanical linkages.
Can you drive the vehicle as a standard automatic?
Yes. Upon ignition, the car defaults to automatic mode controlled by console buttons. Pressing the physical clutch pedal engages the manual system, illuminating the gated shifter and transferring gear selection duties to the driver for the first six forward gears. Seventh and eighth gears remain automated for highway cruising.
Why did Ferrari develop this car right after launching an EV?
Following the mixed reception of the all-electric Luce EV, the 12Cilindri Manuale was developed to satisfy core automotive purists and brand loyalists who demand the classic sound, tactile feedback, and mechanical engagement of a traditional combustion engine.
Can a customer stall the engine in the 12Cilindri Manuale?
Yes. To ensure an authentic manual experience, Ferrari’s engineers programmed a simulated clutch bite point into the pedal travel. If the driver releases the clutch too quickly or without enough throttle input, the electronic management system will deliberately stall the V12 engine.
Source: Official Press Bulletins, Technical Specifications, and Corporate Product Disclosures from Ferrari NV Media Relations.
