Ferrari Finally Brought Back The Manual—Sort Of

Ferrari has introduced the 12Cilindri Manuale, a new version of its flagship grand tourer that features a ‘Manuale By-Wire’ system, which mimics a gated manual using a dual-clutch gearbox. The system adds a real clutch pedal and shifter, allowing drivers to manually control gears and even stall the car. The 819-HP V12 engine remains unchanged, and production is limited to 1,499 units. The 12Cilindri Manuale debuts a transmission unlike anything seen from a modern Ferrari, blending the speed of a dual-clutch transmission with the involvement of a traditional stick shift. The ‘Manuale By-Wire’ system lets drivers shift through the first six gears—and reverse—just like a traditional manual transmission, with an actual clutch pedal and a classic gated shifter. The car features a three-pedal layout with an electronic clutch pedal, and a sensor measures the pedal’s travel and converts those inputs into hydraulic control of the dual-clutch transmission. The 12Cilindri Manuale still reaches 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and tops out at 211 mph, with the same naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 producing 819 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. Pricing has not been announced, but it is expected to be high, with the standard 12Cilindri starting at around $423,000.