- Ferrari presented the 12Cilindri Manuale with the “Manuale by Wire” system, which uses electronic engine control to eliminate the need for mechanical gear linkage.
- The 12Cilindri Manuale will be equipped with a pedal that allows changing gears through electronic actuation; the system also features a physical block for handling mechanical actions.
- The automaker has positioned the V12 engine’s 9,500 rpm redline as being associated with 1,499 units produced.
Ferrari presented the 12Cilindri Manuale — a 12Cilindri with three pedals, in which the automaker replaced the mechanical gear linkage with electronic control. According to the brand, the “Manuale by Wire” system works as a “manual” that uses electronic control.
In an article, Forbes claims that Ferrari developed the technology in Maranello, replacing mechanical linkages with electronic commands, but without losing the feel of the mechanical gearbox. Jalopnik also notes that the 12Cilindri Manuale does not have “traditional” mechanical linkage before the gear lever, with the automaker’s engineers instead using a drive-by-wire transmission system.
Forbes adds that, in the 12Cilindri Manuale, the gear linkage can remain the same despite the fact that the 12Cilindri is mechanical. The publication explains that the electronic shift-by-wire system is used to connect the clutch, while the physical feel of the shift comes from the “shift gate.”
Forbes also notes that the system prevents unwanted gear shifts: when shifting without scanning, it can be avoided, and it prevents the physical block from being moved by the traditional mechanical gearbox.
According to Forbes, with the 12Cilindri Manuale, the gear linkage can be used in the same way as on a conventional car: when the driver moves the gear lever, the traditional mechanical gearbox is engaged. The automaker also says that the shift can be performed with the same hand movement, which helps reduce confusion.
Transmission is handled by the V12’s shift-by-wire system, which, according to Forbes, develops up to 9,500 rpm. The automaker also notes that Ferrari’s configuration with the shift-by-wire system is intended to preserve the feel of the mechanical gearbox.
In the cabin, Forbes describes the central console as having a “shift gate” metal insert with a traditional mechanical gearbox feel. Aluminum shift levers are used, which, according to the publication, make the shift feel the same as on a mechanical gearbox.
Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be produced for a run of 1,499 automobiles. Forbes claims that the model’s mechanical gearbox is based on the work of Ferrari’s V12 engine, developed back in 1947.