If you – like most people – were disappointed with the Luce, there is at least some new hope for Ferrari: the Prancing Horse could be getting a manual transmission again. A new report suggests that a three-pedal version of the 12Cilindri could be unveiled as early as this summer – possibly the first production Ferrari with a manual transmission in almost two decades.
According to The Supercar Blog, the manual 12Cilindri could arrive as early as July. If true, it would be the first V12-GT with a manual transmission at the top of Ferrari's range since 2007. It would also be the brand's first new road car with a manual transmission since the California.
There's one catch, though: the 12Cilindri with manual transmission is unlikely to be available as a regular production model. Ferrari will likely only build a few hundred units, allocating them to select top customers. Trademark filings suggest the 12Cilindri could be called the "MM."
Anyone lucky enough to get their hands on a 12-cylinder with a manual transmission (in the truest sense of the word) will probably reach the peak of their excitement. In an era when turbocharged engines and dual-clutch transmissions set the tone for even the most extravagant sports cars, a 6,5-liter naturally aspirated V12 with three pedals and 830 hp sounds like a real ride for drivers.
However, a manual transmission might not be limited to the 12Cilindri model. A recent trademark filing, first spotted by CarBuzz, suggests that Ferrari is developing a “digital” manual transmission. “Digi” what? The system would reportedly use an electronic clutch pedal that simulates the feel of a classic manual transmission – including the pressure point and the return to the starting position. This technology could eventually make its way into a high-performance electric car like the Luce.
