Ferrari unveils 12Cilindri Manuale

Ferrari has whipped the wraps off the 12Cilindri Manuale, a limited-edition special series of the Italian marque’s flagship grand tourer.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale gated shifter

Image: Ferrari

In May 2026, reports surfaced that Ferrari is planning to bring back the manual V12, with rumours suggesting the 12Cilindri as the likely receptor of such a gearbox. Well, the Italian marque has now officially whipped the wraps off a “manual”-equipped 12Cilindri, named the Manuale. However, it’s not manual-only…

Indeed, the special edition retains an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), but gains the Maranello brand’s in-house-developed “Manuale By-Wire” system. This setup replaces steering column paddle shifters with a gated six-speed ‘box and a functional clutch pedal to simulate an analogue driving experience. Drivers can operate the car in automatic mode or switch to manual mode; the latter comprising the first six forward ratios and reverse.

The compact, solid-machined shift mechanism weighs under 3.5 kg. It uses internal kinematic rollers, cams, and electronic locks to mimic the exact weight, resistance, and metallic “clink” of a classic Ferrari gated manual. If the clutch is not depressed or an invalid ratio is selected, a push-pull solenoid physically blocks the lever from moving. Conversely, a sloppy shift will result in a jerk or a complete engine stall. A completely redesigned clutch-by-wire pedal manages left-foot interaction. Rather than operating a mechanical cable, position sensors read the driver’s exact input to digitally actuate the DCT’s clutch packs, backed by a passive mechanical system that replicates the heavy resistance curve of an “old-school” clutch.

Inside, the cabin layout has been reorganised into a driver-focused triangle between the seat, steering wheel, and new aluminium pedals. The central tunnel features a reinterpreted steel gate shaped like a tuning fork, complemented by a round aluminium shift knob with an integrated backlit screen that changes colour based on the active driving mode. Paying homage to the legendary 365 GTB4 Daytona, the exterior features custom pinstripes on the front splitter and rear wings, alongside laser-etched badges and unique 21-inch six-spoke forged alloy wheels.

Under the bonnet, the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 remains unchanged, howling to a 9 500 r/min redline, while delivering 610 kW and 678 N.m of torque to the rear wheels. The 12Cilindri Manuale completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds, before topping out at 340 km/h.

Production will be strictly limited to 1 499 units globally, a nod to the 1 499 cc displacement of Ferrari’s very first V12 engine, built in 1947.

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The post Ferrari unveils 12Cilindri Manuale appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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