by Ferrari Prepares a Surprise for July 4: Manual Gearbox for the 12Cilindri
The last Ferrari with a manual gearbox, the 599 GTB, rolled off the assembly line back in 2012. Now, after a 14-year hiatus, the Italian manufacturer seems ready to revive the tradition. Rumors suggest Ferrari is preparing a limited edition version of the 12Cilindri with a manual transmission, and the company has already confirmed it will unveil something special on July 4.
During a recent dealer conference in Las Vegas, Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna stated:
“In a few weeks, if you are patient, you will see something new where we have combined something from the past with a look to the future. Let’s just say, wait until the fourth of July. It’s very soon.”
If he is talking about a manual gearbox for the 12Cilindri, Ferrari fans are in for a real event.
New Technology: On-Demand Manual
Ferrari is not simply bringing back the good old “manual.” A recent patent application by the brand describes a new type of transmission with shift-by-wire technology, similar to that used in the Koenigsegg CC850. This means the driver will be able to choose: to drive the car like a traditional six-speed sequential manual, or like an automatic.
Images in the patent show R, N, D, and M buttons on the selector, allowing quick and easy changes to its functionality. As CarBuzz notes, the gear lever moves along two axes and uses a pin at its base that connects to a tiny control unit. Spring-loaded contact rollers are also used to provide an authentic manual shifting feel.
Potential for Other Models
A separate Ferrari patent application shows that this system could be connected to the existing dual-clutch automated transmission used, for example, in the 12Cilindri. This means it could be a relatively simple “plug-and-play” system that can be paired with a clutch pedal.
Given the effort Ferrari has put into developing this new transmission, it should come as no surprise if it appears on other models. Current rumors suggest the limited-edition six-speed model will be called the 12Cilindri MM and may be offered in both Coupe and Aperta body styles.
This news marks a significant step for Ferrari, which appears to be listening to the wishes of its most devoted fans. The return of the manual gearbox, even in this hybrid format, could become a real hit among collectors and enthusiasts who value direct interaction with the car. At the same time, the shift-by-wire technology means not having to sacrifice convenience in daily use, making the idea even more appealing. All that remains is to wait until July 4 to learn all the details and see if Ferrari truly manages to blend nostalgia with innovation.
