Ferrari's Open-Gate Manual Is Back – But Not As You Know It

The catch is that the transmission remains the familiar eight-speed dual-clutch, but Ferrari's new 'Manuale-by-wire' system does away with the paddles in favour of an H-pattern shifter and clutch pedal.

In manual mode, the driver can shift through the first six ratios and reverse using the lever, while the clutch pedal controls engagement of the DCT clutch pack. Ferrari says the system recreates the load and travel of a traditional clutch pedal, while the gearlever uses machined elements, sensors and a locking mechanism to reproduce the resistance, evocative click-clack and physical feedback expected of a Ferrari gate.

Crucially, timing matters. Heel-and-toe downshifts can be performed, while getting the shift wrong can make the car jolt or even stall. Ferrari has made durability a priority too; the rotating block is solid-machined high-strength steel, and the clutch drum is case-hardened alloy steel specifically so the feel doesn't degrade over time.

Automatic mode is retained, allowing the 12Cilindri Manuale to behave like a conventional DCT-equipped Ferrari when required, while opening up the remaining two ratios. The gearknob is also backlit, changing from white to amber to show whether the car is in automatic or manual mode.

Performance remains unchanged, with 0–62mph in 2.9sec, 0–124mph in under 7.9sec and a top speed beyond 211mph. Even when locked in manual mode, the six driver-selectable ratios are still good for more than 186mph.

Ferrari has cited the 6.5-litre V12's 819bhp at 9250rpm as the reason a conventional manual is not viable, but logic dictates there is more at stake. Sticking with the DCT avoids homologating a second transmission, as well as the need to recalibrate the stability control systems to accommodate the pitch, dive and driveline interruption a physical manual would introduce under clutch engagement. As BMW's M3 CS Handschalter recently showed, adding a manual to a modern performance car can quickly become a whole-car recalibration job rather than a simple transmission swap.

Beyond the reasoning, there is more to the 12Cilindri Manuale than the transmission tunnel, with Flavio Manzoni's design team applying a series of subtle cosmetic tweaks. Pinstriping has been applied to the front blade, splitter and active rear wings in reference to the 365 GTB/4 Daytona, and the Manuale also gets laser-etched side badges, a special scudetto and five-spoke forged wheels. The optional racing stripe gets a model-specific pinstripe treatment.

Inside, the gated shifter is the main event, framed by an anodised aluminium element incorporating the control panel and key housing. Comfort and Racing seats are available, both embossed with six vertical grooves to echo the six manually selectable ratios. Engraved aluminium door sills bearing the Manuale logo complete the enhancements.

Production is limited to 1499 cars, a number chosen to reference the displacement of Ferrari's first twelve-cylinder engine, with the coupé being the sole derivative. Every car will go through the Tailor Made programme, with the launch specification finished in Rosso Rubino, although buyers will also have the choice of '25 iconic colours'.

Ferrari has not confirmed UK pricing, but the 12Cilindri Manuale starts from €590,000 in Italy, a substantial €190,000 premium over the regular coupé. First deliveries are scheduled for Q1 2027.