What Is This New Manual Mode?
Ferrari has unveiled an innovative system for its new 12Cilindri model, dubbed the Manuale. It isn't a traditional manual gearbox with a mechanical linkage. Instead, it's a highly sophisticated 'Manuale by Wire' system layered over the car's existing
eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). From the driver's seat, it looks and feels like the real deal: there's a classic metal gated shifter in an H-pattern and a third pedal for the clutch. However, these controls are not physically connected to the transmission. They are electronic inputs that tell the car's advanced software how to operate the DCT to perfectly mimic the manual experience.
How It Simulates the Classic Feel
The magic lies in the software and electromechanical engineering. When the driver presses the clutch pedal, a position sensor reads the input and tells a hydraulic actuator how much to engage the car's dual clutches. The system is so realistic that you can stall the engine or make the car bunny-hop if you get the clutch release wrong. The gear lever itself moves through a metal gate, providing the satisfying 'clink-clank' sound that was a hallmark of older Ferraris. Beneath the surface, spring-loaded rollers provide mechanical resistance to mimic the feel of selecting a gear. The system even prevents 'money shifts'—selecting a dangerously low gear at high speed—by electronically locking the path.
Why Not Just Build a Real Manual?
Building a true mechanical manual transmission capable of handling the 819 horsepower from the 12Cilindri's V12 engine presents immense modern challenges. It would require a completely new, incredibly robust (and heavy) gearbox that could compromise performance, emissions compliance, and fuel efficiency. By using a 'manual by wire' system, Ferrari preserves the blistering performance of its DCT—the 0-100 km/h time remains around 2.9 seconds—while reintroducing the emotional engagement that many clients miss. This approach offers the best of both worlds: the raw thrill of rowing through gears and the uncompromised speed of modern technology.
The Best of Both Worlds
The system cleverly balances driver control with automated convenience. While the manual mode gives the driver control over the first six gears, the transmission's seventh and eighth gears are reserved for automatic cruising to improve efficiency on long journeys. The car starts in automatic mode by default for emissions and economy reasons, but a simple press of the clutch engages the full manual simulation. This dual personality allows drivers to tackle city traffic in automatic mode and then switch to the engaging manual experience on an open road. This isn't an entirely new concept; Koenigsegg's CC850 uses a similar 'Engage Shift System' to provide a simulated manual experience.
