Ferrari's long absence from manual transmissions may soon come to an end. The company has not built a road car with a manual transmission since 2012, when the 599 GTB and California were offered with traditional six-speed stick shifts. However, recent years have seen a resurgence in demand for supercars with manual gearboxes, including the Pagani Utopia, GMA T.50, and Koenigsegg's CC850.
The values of old Ferraris with manual gearboxes and cars from rival brand Lamborghini have skyrocketed in recent years, indicating strong demand for manuals among enthusiasts. Ferrari has taken note of this trend and is now working to add a manual transmission to its flagship V12-powered GT car, the 12Cilindri.
The Supercar Blog understands that Ferrari will present this new version to owners at the Ferrari Cavalcade road rally next month, before unveiling it to the world in July. For now, there's no word on where Ferrari will source the gearbox, or whether it'll be developed in-house.
It's likely that Ferrari will opt for a gated manual transmission, which would give 12Cilindri owners the kind of mechanical theater the rest of the lineup quietly stopped offering years ago.
Recent trademark filings from Ferrari revealed it's working on several exciting new models, including a 12Cilindri MM, 12Cilindri MM Aperta, and 12Cilindri GTO. The production of these models is expected to be extremely limited, meaning only the most prolific Ferrari collectors will have a chance of owning one.
The resurgence of manual transmissions in supercars could indicate a shift towards more driver-centric vehicles. As enthusiasts continue to crave the connection with the road that manuals provide, manufacturers may respond by incorporating them into their lineups.
Ferrari's decision to bring back manual transmissions could also be seen as a nod to its rich heritage and tradition of building high-performance cars. The company has always been associated with driving excitement and engagement, and this move could help to re-establish that reputation.
While the exact details of Ferrari's new model are still unclear, one thing is certain: the return of manual transmissions in supercars will be a welcome sight for many enthusiasts. With limited production runs expected, these cars will likely become highly sought-after collector's items.
As Ferrari prepares to unveil its latest creation, fans and collectors can look forward to experiencing the thrill of driving a high-performance car with a manual transmission once again.
The resurgence of demand for manual transmissions in supercars could indicate a shift towards more driver-centric vehicles.
