A new Ferrari V12 manual gearbox with dummy clutch to be unveiled in less than a month

While Ferrari is preparing to gather its best customers for the Cavalcade 2026, a rumor is gaining momentum: the Prancing Horse brand is about to unveil a very limited series of the 12Cilindri equipped with a manual gearbox. This information, if confirmed, would mark a historic event, almost fifteen years after the disappearance of the last three-pedal Ferraris.

The return of a manual Ferrari, an idea that seemed impossible

Since the disappearance of the last Ferrari California and 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with a manual gearbox in 2012, the Maranello-based automaker seemed to have turned the page once and for all. Dual-clutch transmissions, faster, more efficient and better suited to modern demands, had relegated manual gearboxes to the status of nostalgic memory.

And yet, for several years now, rumors have been multiplying. Back in April, we reported on the possibility that Ferrari working on a transmission inspired by technology developed by Koenigsegg for its spectacular CC850. A solution that recaptures the feel of a traditional mechanical gearbox while retaining the advantages of modern electronic systems. Today, new information seems to lend further credibility to this project.

Presentation planned for Cavalcade 2026

According to a number of corroborating sources, Ferrari is preparing to reveal a brand-new model for its most loyal customers at the Ferrari Cavalcade 2026, which will take place from June 29 to July 6 between Venice and Athens. As is often the case at Ferrari, the most exclusive projects are first presented to a very restricted circle of collectors before any public communication. A context that fits perfectly with a car as special as a Ferrari V12 manual. The model concerned would be a special version of the Ferrari 12Cilindri, the brand's current naturally-aspirated V12-powered GT.

Has the name already been leaked?

Another element is intriguing observers. Ferrari recently registered the names «12Cilindri MM» and «12Cilindri GTO». While the latter seems naturally destined for a more radical circuit-oriented version in the future, the former could have a very special meaning. The initials MM could refer to the legendary Mille Miglia, one of the most famous road races in Italian history.

The wink would be logical. Back in the days of the Mille Miglia, competition cars were almost all equipped with manual gearboxes. Combining a modern Ferrari with this tradition would further enhance the neo-retro character of the project.

Atmospheric V12 and a real H-grille

Available information indicates that the engine will remain unchanged. The spectacular 6.5-liter naturally-aspirated V12, developing 830 hp and capable of climbing to 9,500 rpm, is to be found again. The real novelty would obviously be in the transmission.

For the moment, no one knows exactly what technical solution Ferrari would have chosen. Some suggest adapting a modern manual gearbox capable of handling over 1,000 hp, while others imagine a more sophisticated technology inspired by the Koenigsegg CC850 system.

The latter reproduces the experience of a traditional manual gearbox with an H-shaped gate and clutch pedal, while relying on extremely advanced electronic management. The driver has the impression of driving a vintage car, but the technology behind the scenes is resolutely modern.

The Ferrari patent that revives speculation

The hypothesis of a hybrid mechanical/electronic solution is all the more credible given that a recently-discovered Ferrari patent points in exactly this direction.

The document describes an electronic clutch pedal system capable of faithfully reproducing the feel of a real mechanical clutch. Unlike a traditional link between pedal and transmission, the driver operates a device equipped with springs, sensors and a mechanical profile specially designed to reproduce the effort and feel of a conventional clutch.

Ultra-limited production

If this manual 12Cilindri does indeed see the light of day, it should remain extremely rare. Ferrari's recent history shows that manual gearbox versions are among the most sought-after models by collectors today. For example, only 30 examples of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano were produced with a manual gearbox, which partly explains their exceptional value on today's market. A manual 12Cilindri produced in very small series would have all the characteristics of a future collector's item: an atmospheric V12, a three-pedal gearbox and extremely limited distribution.