Ferrari 12-Cylinder Manual: the test drive. Behind the wheel of the ‘Super Red’ with (also) a manual gearbox

Ferrari reinterprets its heritage with the new 12 Cilindri Manuale, a special series limited to 1,499 units that puts the relationship between driver and machinery back at the heart of the experience. The project stems from listening to customers and four years of development dedicated to an innovative technological solution, designed to recapture the engagement of manual gear changes without sacrificing the versatility of modern systems. The first deliveries are scheduled for early 2027, with prices starting at 590,000 euros. We tested it on the Fiorano circuit, where the character of the V12 and the ability to directly control gear selection offer a different take on performance: not just speed, but active involvement in every stage of the driving experience.

At the heart of the 12 Cilindri Manuale lies the 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, capable of delivering 830 Cv and revving up to 9,500 rpm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 340 km/h confirm the car’s potential, but it is above all the way the engine delivers its power that defines the driving experience. As revs rise, the engine’s sound grows louder, inviting you to press the accelerator further, whilst the smooth progression of the twelve-cylinder engine makes every gear change an integral part of the acceleration. At Fiorano, amidst braking and changes of direction, the choice of gear helps to set the pace of the drive: downshifting prepares the car for entry into a bend, whilst on exit the engine revs up again as the throttle is opened. This sense of involvement stems precisely from this sequence of actions, in which the driver does not merely demand power, but actively participates in managing it.

Developed over four years, the Manual by Wire system combines a six-speed gear lever with the traditional Ferrari gate and an electronically controlled clutch. Sensors, actuators and control units translate the driver’s movements into commands for the transmission, with the aim of preserving the precision of the movement and a tactile response consistent with that of a conventional manual gearbox. The technology does not eliminate driver engagement, but seeks to enhance it, placing the emphasis on hand-foot coordination and the choice of when to change gear. The transmission also allows the driver to switch, via a dedicated control, to the eight-speed Ferrari DCT, prioritising smoother and more immediate gear changes when conditions require it. Two different driving experiences thus coexist in the same car: on the one hand, the engagement of manual gear changes; on the other, the speed and convenience of the dual-clutch transmission. The cabin also reflects this philosophy, with the centre console completely redesigned to accommodate the famous gear gate, reinterpreted in a contemporary style. This feature is not merely a nod to Maranello’s history, but a symbol of a design choice that restores the driver to centre stage.

The 12-Cylinder Manual retains the elegant proportions of the original model, enhanced by specific details developed by the Style Centre headed by Flavio Manzoni. The front fascia echoes the pinstripe motif of the historic Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, a motif also featured on the rear flaps, whilst the four exhaust tailpipes emphasise the V12’s identity. The look is completed by five-spoke forged alloy wheels and a range of personalisation options featuring 25 body colours. Active aerodynamics remain integrated into the bodywork, without compromising the clean lines of the design.