Ferrari’s V12 ‘manual’ is faking it
For the first time in almost two decades, Ferrari has fitted a clutch pedal and gated shifter to a V12 production car – but it’s not a true manual.
The first ‘manual’ Ferrari in nearly 15 years has been revealed, with the V12-powered 12Cilindri Manuale uncovered, though all is not what it seems.
Reports of the 12Cilindri grand tourer getting a manual transmission started circulating about a month ago, with Ferrari looking to make its first manual since the V8-powered California’s mid-life update deleted the three-pedal option.
Ferrari’s 12Cilindri Manuale follows the familiar formula of placing a gated shifter next to the driver and three pedals in front of them, but unlike traditional manuals where the clutch pedal is connected to the transmission and the shifter has a direct link to the gear sets, this V12 coupe has a new ‘Manuale By-Wire system’.
The six-speed shifter allows drivers to manually choose the first six of the forward-moving gears in the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, which can be selected by pressing the clutch pedal which has no physical connection to the clutch packs.
Instead, pressing the pedal activates an angle position sensor which tells the system how much pressure to apply, with the car’s electronic brain simulating the effect of a true clutch system.
Despite being a manualised version of an automatic system, drivers can still stall the V12 engine if they let up the clutch pedal too quickly.
Picking gears can also be done automatically, with the push of the regular ‘Drive’ button overriding the manual selection.
“The result is a blend of mechanical and electronic technology that delivers pinpoint precision and load control without compromising driving feel, creating a unique offering in the world of high-performance motoring,” Ferrari claims.
According to Ferrari, the gated shifter’s kinematic mechanism is not only designed to feel like a true manual in how it interacts with the driver’s hand, but it also locks the driver out from gear selection if they don’t press the clutch, or it can also deny gears being selected if need be.
All of these factors result in a ‘manual’ transmission which is said to enhance the driving experience, while allowing drivers to heel-and-toe rather than rely on the rev-matching system of the automatic.
Cosmetically, changes from the standard 12Cilindri to the Manuale version are minimal, with the Ferrari Design Studio adding small tweaks from its Tailor Made program.
These include a laser-etched prancing horse logo on the side badges, plus pinstriping on the front splitter and rear wings.
The powertrain is also otherwise unchanged, with a 6.5-litre V12 engine producing up to 610kW and 678Nm sending power to the rear wheels.
Only 1499 examples of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be made, though a price for the exclusive three-pedal grand tourer has not yet been announced.
