Ferrari has launched an innovative solution for enthusiasts who value the clutch pedal in their supercars. The new Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale incorporates the system called “Manuale By-Wire,” which includes a gear lever and a clutch pedal but does not use a traditional manual gearbox.
In reality, this new system operates as a command translator: neither the lever nor the clutch pedal has any direct mechanical connection to the transmission. Every driver action is immediately converted into electronic signals, which instruct the eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), already known from the model.
The main mechanical component remains unchanged, maintaining the 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine with its 830 hp power and a maximum rotation capacity of up to 9,500 rpm.
The great challenge for the engineering team in Maranello was replicating an authentic tactile feel of a manual gearbox. To achieve this, the lever assembly, which weighs approximately 3.5 kg and is made of a solid block of high-strength steel, uses Hall effect sensors and mechanical resistance mechanisms, such as profiled drums and springs, to imitate the weight and characteristic sound of a conventional lever. Furthermore, there is an electromagnetic solenoid that physically locks the lever when the transmission does not allow a shift.
The manufacturer itself adjusted the mechanism's noise to intensify the perception of authenticity. Reverse gear is engaged following the pattern of classic Ferraris: by pushing the lever down and moving it to the upper left position of the visible grille.
Similarly, the electronic clutch pedal is equipped with a system of rollers, cams, and springs that recreates the effort curve and the biting point. This allows the driver to perform maneuvers such as the famous “punta-tacco”—the simultaneous application of accelerator and brake during downshifts—or to cause the engine to stall in case of modulation error.
Manual mode is available for the first six gears and reverse, requiring the use of the clutch pedal and eliminating the paddles located behind the steering wheel, a feature absent in older Ferrari models. The system also allows operation in standard automatic mode or pre-selection of shifts via the lever, at which point the digital display anticipates the impact of the change on engine RPM. The effectiveness of this complex engineering in providing the same emotional connection as traditional manual gearboxes still depends on practical testing.
Following the launch of the Luce model, Ferrari demonstrated that it maintains its sporting essence by presenting the 12Cilindri Manuale. This new version of the GT V12, originating from Maranello, incorporates a transmission with manual actuation, although without real mechanical connections.
The system, named Manuale By-Wire, which combines English and Italian terms and can be translated as 'manual by wire,' operates using an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, known for its extremely fast shifts. However, it requires the driver to perform the gear changes, similar to a conventional vehicle.
This system includes a clutch pedal and a shifter, but omits mechanical components such as forks, boots, and rods. The actuation mimics a traditional manual car: the driver must press the clutch (simulated) while the lever selects the gear positions, which were previously managed by butterfly valves.
Ferrari specifies that the mechanical unit remains the same, featuring the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine. This engine generates 830 horsepower and 69 kgfm of torque, coupled to the eight-speed F1 gearbox and rear-wheel drive system. The brand claims that the vehicle reaches 100 km/h in just 2.9 seconds.
However, the precision and speed of the shifts depend on the driver's skill, comparing to the excellence of the F1 gearbox. For those who do not wish to shift manually, the car offers an automatic driving mode, eliminating risks of incorrect operation.
Although the system is not an authentic manual transmission, the use of electronic actuation is not new. Automatic gearboxes have abandoned mechanical connections some time ago. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) use manual position programming to replicate gear ratios, a method seen in models like the Fiat Strada, Pulse, and Fastback.
Conventional automatic gearboxes with torque converters are also common and are migrating to electronic actuation. Recent examples include the Jeep line, with the Commander, which uses electronically actuated transmission. Other manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, and Ram have also implemented this solution for quite some time.
