‘Manual’ Ferrari 12Cilindri is the perfect Luce antidote
After the unbelievably passionate backlash from motoring purists to its electric Luce, Ferrari has gone some way to repairing the damage with the reveal of its 12Cilindri Manuale — a limited edition manual version of its 12Cilindri that delivers ‘a physical and conscious driving experience’.
But is it really a pure manual car? There’s already debate about that. One thing’s for sure, however, and that is that the automotive industry appears to be acknowledging the noise and discontent from petrolheads and reacting accordingly. In a world where cars do 95% of the legwork for you, this could be the antidote.
Ferrari says the limited edition 12Cilindri Manuale places ‘the relationship between driver input, mechanics, and control at the heart of the driving experience’. This is a modern take on how it felt to drive those Ferrari Gran Turismo models from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
Understanding the manual 12Cilindri
To deliver this authentic manual driving experience, Ferrari has developed in-house a new Manuale by-wire system that combines the technology of its 8-speed DCT gearbox with a system redesigned from scratch.
This is a complete reinterpretation of analogue gear-shifting, using the first six gears of the DCT and features a gear lever and new clutch pedal. The architecture is paired with the 12Cilindri’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, allowing for up to 9,500rpm at high revs, and with the push of a button, drivers will also have the option to drive in automatic mode. Producing 820bhp, a 0-62 mph sprint takes 2.9 seconds, while its top speed is in excess of 211mph.
The Prancing Horse says it has drawn on ‘a range of cross-functional expertise within the company’ when creating this technology, including from the team responsible for its Hypersail sailing project.
Ferrari says the blend of mechanical-electronic technology delivers ‘pinpoint precision and load control without compromising on the driving feel’. The driver is given clear feedback, with sensors and advanced kinematic mechanisms replicating typical Ferrari manual gearboxes from days gone by. Ferrari has tried to be as authentic as it can be, and if the clutch is not depressed or the wrong gear is selected, the system is able to prevent the gear change from being completed. Completing the process correctly will get you a smooth, precise gear change, while doing it incorrectly will result in a jerk or stall. Ferrari has thought this all through.
Interior
Inside, you’ll find the gear lever, aluminium knob and gate on a redesigned centre tunnel console, all backlit by a screen which indicates which gears are currently active while driving in manual or automatic. The centre console also incorporates the control panel and key housing.
The driver-focused layout sees the pedal assembly arranged in a triangular configuration between the steering wheel and seat, while the leather-upholstered console brings an air of discreetness amidst all the noise.
How many will be made?
Only 1,499 12Cilindri Manuale will be made, a number which references the first Ferrari twelve-cylinder engine produced in 1947. Ferrari says each model will be made even more exclusive by going through the Tailor Made programme, and customers will get the choice of 25 iconic colours including the Rosso Rubino launch colour seen in the header image.
There are already features which catch the eye, like the laser-etched Prancing Horse logo or pinstripe finish that pays homage to the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 on the front splitter and rear wings. Not forgetting the aluminium door sills and five-spoke forged wheels, a model exclusive which look the business.
Prices begin at £508k, which is double the cost of a regular 12Cilindri.
After all the backlash from the Luce, will the 12Cilindri Manuale be enough to get Ferrari fans back onside?
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Ferrari