Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale debuts with simulated experience

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After AMTs, we now have MATs (Manualized Automatics)

A manual sports car in 2026 may seem like a bizarre idea, but it’s not an impossibility. You might be surprised to know that there are still a bunch of ’em who offer a manual with proper three pedals, such as certain variants of the 911, the M2, the M4, the Toyota GR86 and its Subaru cousin, the Nissan Z, the Lotus Emira, and the Morgan Plus 4. Does that mean that the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will also join this elite list, considering that it is limited to 1,499 units? Well, not really. Let me explain.

Let’s address the elephant in the room first, then, shall we? You see, the manual you’re seeing here is not an actual manual, but a “manual”. What that means is the 6.5L N/A V12 is coupled with the same Magna 8-speed DCT as usual, but the 12Cilindri Manuale offers a simulated 6-speed gated shifting experience. The simulation also includes a “clutch pedal” and “stalling”.

The so-called Manuale By-Wire system uses sensors and hydraulic actuators to offer a simulated manual shifting experience. It is essentially a fancier version of paddle shifting. Sounds familiar, right? Well, Koenigsegg did it first with the CC850. Also, in manual mode, the shift knob is backlit-illuminated in amber.

The rest of the car is more or less the same except for a few subtle visual differences. Notice the ‘Manuale’ branding on the fender, and the Ferrari shield on the side is laser-etched. Also, notice the pinstripe finish on the nose, which apparently is a subtle tribute to the 365 GTB4. For the exterior colors, buyers can choose from 25 colors, including the Rosso Rubino launch color. Exclusive forged alloy wheels are available in four finish options. For seats, Comfort and Racing versions are available, with of course, various material options. Every 12Cilindri Manuale will come with a ‘Tailor Made’ plaque inside – on the firewall – between the seats.