As I approach four decades of life, I’ve discovered that if you wait long enough, all things—both positive and negative—will resurface. I recall in 1997, when Ferrari transferred its semi-automatic, paddle-shifter transmission from its Formula 1 vehicles to a consumer model. That model was the F355 F1, easily one of the most aesthetically pleasing cavallinos of the modern age, but also one that marked a significant performance advancement.
Ferrari is now reintroducing the manual to Maranello, specifically, its flagship V12 model, with the new 12Cilinidri Manuale. As you might have seen, it’s not a conventional manual, but a manuale-by-wire, as Ferrari describes it. In essence, there’s a physical, and traditionally sprung clutch pedal, along with a six-speed gate featuring a distinctly Ferrari shift lever. Nevertheless, these two components aren’t mechanically attached to the transmission, only electronically. It’s essentially the same system we’ve had for many years, but instead of paddle shifters, it features a shift lever and a clutch.
Interestingly, when the 355 was launched with the semi-automatic transmission, there wasn’t a lot of backlash from fans, likely due to the fact that Ferrari still provided it with a traditional manual transmission as well. This isn’t to imply that the paddle shifters didn’t receive criticism when they debuted in F1, as racing icon Allan McNish noted to me earlier this year: “Now cars have paddle shifters, but when I had my initial F1 test, it was an H-pattern, eight-speed gearbox with a foot clutch. When paddle shifters were introduced, people complained about it not being true racing, and the driver not being in control with the new gearbox.”
Much like the Luce EV, the internet has shown disapproval towards Ferrari’s “pseudo manual,” and honestly, I don’t quite comprehend it. I get that some may dislike the EV and feel it doesn’t align with Ferrari’s philosophy. But providing what’s essentially a manual experience in a front-engine Ferrari with a naturally aspirated V12 that resonates up to nearly 10,000 RPM—what’s not to appreciate? I’ve spent considerable time driving the 12Cilindri Spider, and if given the option to handle it with a stick shift (by-wire or otherwise), you can bet your mother’s famous chicken pot pie recipe that I would say, “absolutely.”
Could Ferrari have developed an entirely new transmission with a conventional manual linkage for the 12Cilindri Manuale? Sure, I suppose. It definitely possesses the expertise and manufacturing capabilities. Would it have made practical sense to do so? Quite the opposite. Only 1,499 units will be produced, all through Maranello’s Tailor Made program, and that’s simply too small a number to rationalize the creation of a completely new transmission. And while many may argue that’s what should’ve happened, the economic rationale for it isn’t present. So, it boils down to manuale-by-wire or nothing? And if most individuals are already acclimatized to, and enjoy, utilizing paddle shifters in contemporary supercars, then why is it so difficult to embrace the stick shift instead?
Three decades ago, Ferrari was the pioneer in automating the manual transmission, bestowing its cars with a performance edge. It pursued this to stay at the cutting edge of technology, and to align its street cars with its racing vehicles, recognizing that many of its customers desired to “play” F1 driver in their rosso corsa machines. It succeeded. Today, this is the sole transmission found in high-caliber performance vehicles and in nearly all race cars.
Currently, when “playing F1 driver” is the norm in any new supercar due to standard paddle shifters, Ferrari is symbolically sacrificing performance for the joy of driving. It understands that a lap around the racetrack might take a bit longer in the manual, but it doesn’t mind. It knows that some clients are seeking that nostalgic ties regardless of whether they forfeit a fraction or two in performance metrics. When I inquired if Ferrari would consider this for future models, it indicated that this would be the only car to feature such a system for the time being.
Call it a pseudo manual all you wish, it’s partially accurate. However, if the choices are this or nothing, I believe we should commend the effort, even if many of us will not be among the 1,499 lucky owners of a 12Cilindri Manuale.
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**Ferrari’s Journey from Automated Manual Transmissions to Manualized Automatic Systems: A 30-Year Transformation**
Ferrari, the renowned Italian sports car manufacturer, has been synonymous with high-performance vehicles and cutting-edge technology. Over the last thirty years, the firm has made a notable transition in its transmission technology, evolving from traditional automated manual transmissions (AMTs) to advanced manualized automatic systems. This progression reflects broader trends within the automotive sector, as well as Ferrari’s dedication to improving driving performance and user interaction.
**The Inception: Automated Manual Transmissions**
In the early 1990s, Ferrari began to investigate the possibilities of automated manual transmissions. The launch of the Ferrari F355 in 1994 represented a crucial turning point, as it was among the first models to incorporate the F1 transmission system. This system enabled drivers to change gears without needing a clutch pedal, utilizing paddle shifters positioned on the steering wheel. The F1 transmission harmonized the engagement of a manual gearbox with the convenience of an automatic, appealing to both traditionalists and those seeking simplicity.
The F1 system employed a hydraulic actuator to manage the clutch and gear changes, facilitating quicker shifts compared to conventional manual transmissions. This innovation helped Ferrari retain its competitive advantage in motorsport and the high-performance automobile market, offering a blend of speed and driver engagement.
**Technological Advancements: The 2000s and Beyond**
As technology evolved, Ferrari continued to enhance its transmission systems. The rollout of the 360 Modena in 1999 introduced an upgraded version of the F1 transmission, complete with faster shift times and greater reliability. The 430 Scuderia, launched in 2007, further expanded the horizons with an even more agile F1 Superfast transmission, capable of executing gear changes in just 60 milliseconds.
During this era, Ferrari also began to acknowledge the drawbacks of AMTs, especially regarding smoothness and drivability. While the F1 system was groundbreaking, it still demonstrated traits that some drivers found less desirable during routine use. This understanding led Ferrari to explore alternative transmission technologies that could deliver the performance advantages of AMTs while enhancing overall driving comfort.
**The Move to Manualized Automatic Systems**
By the 2010s, Ferrari made a clear shift towards manualized automatic systems, particularly with the unveiling of the dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The Ferrari 458 Italia, released in 2009, was a watershed model featuring a 7-speed DCT, known as the Getrag transmission. This system enabled seamless gear transitions without disrupting power flow, leading to a smoother and more refined driving experience.
The DCT technology offered several benefits compared to traditional AMTs, such as improved efficiency, quicker shift times, and better driver control. Ferrari’s commitment to performance remained strong, as the DCT allowed for rapid gear changes while preserving the engaging driving experience that fans expect from the brand.
Subsequent models, like the LaFerrari and the 488 GTB, further reinforced Ferrari’s shift towards manualized automatic systems. These vehicles exemplified the brand’s capability to meld advanced technology with its racing heritage, providing drivers with an unmatched blend of performance and usability.
**Conclusion: A Legacy of Innovation**
Ferrari’s evolution from automated manual transmissions to manualized automatic systems over the past thirty years underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and performance. By adopting advancements in transmission technology, Ferrari has not only improved the driving experience but also sustained its position as a leader in the high-performance automotive landscape. As the industry continues to progress, Ferrari’s determination to push the limits of engineering and design ensures that it will remain at the pinnacle of automotive excellence for the foreseeable future.