The 2027 Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale has stirred discussion among car enthusiasts due to its unconventional manual transmission. This vehicle marks the first manual-transmission Ferrari in over a decade, yet it raises concerns regarding authenticity among some fans.
The 12Cilindri Manuale features an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sourced from the SF90 Stradale, modified to enhance driver interaction. Ferrari refers to it as a “Manuale by Wire,” meaning it lacks traditional mechanical connections. Instead, it relies on electronic systems to convert driver inputs from the shifter and clutch into signals for the transmission and engine. This innovation has gained criticism from those who feel it dilutes the essence of manual driving.
Despite criticism, Ferrari asserts that the 12Cilindri Manuale can mimic the behaviour of a traditional manual. It can shudder, stall, and even allow for dynamic driving techniques like clutch-dump burnouts and heel-and-toe shifting. However, it does prevent drivers from making significant shifting errors that could damage the car’s powerful V12 engine.
As automotive technology evolves, manufacturers are increasingly unlikely to develop completely new manual transmissions to cope with the demands of high-performance vehicles. The last true manual Ferraris appeared in the early 2010s, making the 12Cilindri’s system a pragmatic choice.
Critics of the vehicle are encouraged to reconsider their views, noting that earlier automated manual transmissions from Ferrari, like those in the F355 and 360, were also far from traditional manuals. The future of driving seems to point towards hybrid systems that blend automation with manual experiences.
