Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Revealed: The V12 Berlinetta That Brings Back The Manual Gearbox

Ferrari has unveiled the 12Cilindri Manuale, a special-edition version of its V12 berlinetta fitted with what the brand calls a six-speed manual transmission. Limited to 1,499 units, the car will be built exclusively through Ferrari's Tailor Made personalization program.

The last Ferraris to offer a genuine manual gearbox were the California and the 599 GTB Fiorano, both discontinued 14 years ago. The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale does not bring back that mechanical setup. Instead, Ferrari has engineered a new system called Manuale By-Wire, built around the same eight-speed dual-clutch transmission fitted to the standard 12Cilindri.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: How the Manuale By-Wire System Works

The gearbox hardware on the rear axle remains the standard eight-speed DCT unit. Ferrari has added a separate mechanical module with sensors, a gear lever, a control panel and a clutch pedal, none of which is physically connected to the transmission or clutch. The module uses by-wire technology to recreate the feel of shifting gears manually.

Between the seats sits a gearstick mounted in a steel housing with an open six-speed gate. Two angle sensors detect lever position, while a backlit panel indicates the selected gear. Ferrari machined the mechanism from solid blocks, and the complete assembly weighs under 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs).

On startup, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale's transmission defaults to automatic mode, controlled by reverse, neutral and drive buttons on the centre console. Pressing the clutch pedal switches the car into manual mode, signalled by an amber glow around the gear gate. The system covers the first six gears of the DCT plus reverse, so the two highest gears remain accessible only in automatic mode, useful for motorway driving.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: Built to Feel Mechanical, Not Simulated

Ferrari has engineered the system to replicate the mechanical loads and resistance typical of a traditional manual gearbox, including clicks and load variations through the lever. The car allows the driver to stall the engine or mistime a gearchange, and Ferrari has programmed a simulated clutch bite point into the pedal travel.

There is no auto-blip function, and the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel have been removed entirely on this variant. A lock-out mechanism prevents the driver from selecting a gear too low for the car's road speed, and the driver can return to automatic mode at any time by pressing the D button.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: All The Other Details

The naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 has been carried over unchanged from the standard Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, producing 818 bhp (830 PS) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque, revving to 9,500 rpm. Gear ratios and engine mapping remain identical to the standard car. Ferrari quotes 0-100km/h in 3.0 seconds and a top speed of 340km/h.

Visual differences for the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale include a laser-etched Manuale badge on the front wings, silver Ferrari badges, and a unique five-spoke forged 21-inch wheel design available in four finishes. Fine pinstripes run across the black nose strip and the active rear winglets, a tribute to the 1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona that inspired the 12Cilindri's design language.

Customers can also specify an optional livery celebrating the six-speed gearbox, alongside a palette of 25 Ferrari colours including Rosso Rubino, Nero Daytona, Azzurro La Plata and Viola Hong Kong.

The cabin layout mirrors the standard 12Cilindri aside from the added gearstick and clutch pedal, with the wider Tailor Made colour and trim palette available to buyers.