2027 Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Revives the Stick-Shift Tradition in Maranello—Sort Of

      Ferrari

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      Maranello recently unveiled one of its most distinctive creations in recent years, the 2027 Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale. As indicated by its name, this leading V12 model now features a six-speed gated shifter and a clutch pedal—and after experiencing the hardware during its launch, I can attest to the physical and emotional satisfaction of an authentic manual.

      However, this is neither a brand-new transmission nor a conventional manual that Ferrari simply adapted. At its heart, the 12Cilindri Manuale utilizes the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission from the SF90 Stradale, but it has been re-engineered with a different control architecture to enhance driver interaction. Additionally, Ferrari has removed the top two gears, resulting in a genuine six-speed, as one of their engineers explained that six gears were sufficient to achieve the desired driving character. The outcome is a custom transmission designed specifically for this distinct application.

      Now for the specifics: Ferrari refers to this system as Manuale by Wire, and while the first term is Italian, I believe the meaning is clear. Similar to brake- and steer-by-wire technologies, this innovative transmission utilizes electronics to translate driver inputs from both the shifter and clutch into signals for the transmission and ultimately the engine. There is no mechanical connection among the components, yet there is a very tangible link between the vehicle and the driver. Essentially, manuale by wire aims to recreate the experience of driving a manual in a V12 Ferrari while still providing the advantages of both systems. How so? You can also operate the car in fully automatic mode.

      How It Works

      The system consists of three main elements: the transmission, the shifter, and the clutch. Moreover, there are no paddles behind the steering wheel, as that would not align with the concept and would be excessive. The gear lever, gated base, and all associated parts that convey electronic signals are crafted just as they would be for a traditional manual model. In other words, everything appears and feels authentic.

      Ferrari has designed the manuale-by-wire system to be as realistic as possible, starting with the clutch feel. Achieving the right pedal pressure, the subtleties of pedal travel, and clutch engagement were top priorities. An engineer noted that achieving the right feel and balance for the shifter was essential to provide the intended experience, so they studied one of their legendary models, the 599 GTB, and replicated a similar clutch feel, shifter throw, and the tactile sensation of the metal shifter rod against the gates.

      According to Ferrari, driving the 12Cilindri Manuale is akin to operating any other manual vehicle, and engineers have infused the new transmission with various features to ensure the driver feels they are maneuvering a manual, not a, well, automatic pretending to be a manual. For instance, it is entirely possible to stall the car. Just like with a traditional manual, if you let out the clutch too quickly or misjudge the pedal's pickup point, the car will shudder, and the engine will stall. The system also permits high revs, meaning that if you insist on forcing a shift at inopportune moments, you can. However, while drivers can push the V12 to 9,500 rpm, the computer will prevent any shifts that could lead to catastrophic damage, such as shifting from sixth to first gear or engaging in other reckless maneuvers.

      Can you drop the clutch and perform a burnout? Yes. In the appropriate driving mode, where the traction control system permits wheelspin, manual burnouts are feasible, just like heel-and-toe shifting. Ferrari maintains that no manual would ever leave Maranello—by wire or otherwise—without providing drivers the capability to heel-and-toe. However, mastering this skill is ultimately up to the driver's ability.

      Drivers can switch between manual and automatic modes on the fly, but the manuale-by-wire system ultimately regulates how this transitions occur. For instance, if you are cruising at 90 mph in automatic mode and wish to shift into manual mode by pressing the clutch and engaging second gear, the system will prevent the shift lever from entering that gate due to mismatched revs. This is analogous to how existing cars with paddle shifters restrict certain shifts—the computer will intervene at some point. When in manual mode, the shift pattern etched on the shifter lights up orange, along with the gauge lights, to remind the driver to shift manually.

      While I might typically dismiss such phrasing as mere marketing jargon, I genuinely believe this transmission provides the best of both worlds. I realized this during an actual drive in a Ferrari. While driving a 296 Speciale Aperta through the hills near Maranello for several hours in 100-degree heat, I chose fully automatic