Just a few weeks after turning a new page in its history with the Ferrari Luce When it comes to electric vehicles, the Maranello-based brand is catching everyone off guard. After months of rumors, filed patents, and speculation surrounding the return of a Ferrari For manual transmission models, the answer has finally arrived: the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manual. And with it, Ferrari is bringing back something that many thought had disappeared for good: three pedals.
The exact opposite of Luce
When we were discussing this project a few days ago, there were several signs suggesting that Ferrari was developing a car intended primarily for purists. Today’s official unveiling confirms this direction. The 12Cilindri Manual does not seek to break power records or revolutionize electrification. Its goal is much simpler: to restore the driver to a central role. Ferrari speaks of a return to «physical intensity» at the heart of the V12 experience. This philosophy stands in stark contrast to the pursuit of absolute efficiency in modern powertrains.
An H-shaped grille, a metal lever, and three pedals
The feature that immediately catches the eye is located in the center of the cabin. The center console houses a genuine six-speed H-pattern gearshift, accompanied by a round aluminum shift knob directly inspired by classic Ferraris. The three pedals are clearly present, as is the driving experience that several generations of enthusiasts thought they would never again find in a new Ferrari.
The manufacturer refers to a «Manuale By-Wire» system, combining a mechanical shift lever, an electronic clutch pedal, and an electronically controlled dual-clutch transmission. In practice, the driver experiences the feel of a traditional manual transmission while the electronics manage the entire drivetrain. Ferrari explains that it has developed a specific module capable of precisely replicating the forces felt during gear changes, synchronizations, and shifts. The pressure applied to the clutch pedal is thus converted digitally with millimeter-level precision.
The naturally aspirated V12: The Ideal Partner
Under the long hood, nothing revolutionary. The 12Cilindri Manual retains the naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12 engine producing 830 ch. The engine continues to rev up to 9,500 rpm, making it undoubtedly the ideal candidate for this return to mechanical thrills. Ferrari believes that this combination of a high-revving naturally aspirated engine and a manual transmission creates a much more direct connection between the car and its driver. An automatic mode is still available, however, for everyday driving.
The first Ferrari with three pedals since 2012
This launch marks a historic turning point for Maranello. The last Ferrari with a manual transmission dates back to 2012, with the final models of the 599 GTB Fiorano. Since then, automated manual transmissions and then dual-clutch transmissions have permanently replaced the three pedals. The few modern Ferraris equipped with a manual transmission—such as the 599, F430, and California—have seen their value skyrocket among collectors.
With the 12Cilindri Manual, Ferrari isn’t just adding a new model to its lineup. A few weeks after unveiling its first electric car, the Italian automaker is reminding everyone that it hasn’t forgotten what made its legend: a naturally aspirated V12, a metal gearshift lever, an H-shaped grille… and three pedals.
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