The driver interacts with the 12Cilindri Manuale through a traditional looking gear lever and a third clutch pedal. However, neither component has a direct mechanical or hydraulic connection to the transmission. Every movement from the driver is converted into a fast electronic signal that controls the same 8 speed dual clutch transmission used by the standard 12Cilindri.

Ferrari keeps the heart of the car unchanged. The naturally aspirated 6.5 liter V12 continues to produce 819 horsepower and rev to 9,500 rpm. The manual system changes how the driver interacts with that performance rather than replacing the transmission itself.

The gear lever assembly weighs less than 7.7 pounds and uses a carefully engineered mechanism to recreate the resistance and movement of a traditional manual gearbox. Ferrari machines its internal structure from solid high strength steel to maintain precision and prevent unwanted movement after years of use.

A specially designed rotating cylinder and a preloaded mechanism create increasing resistance as the driver moves the lever toward the selected gear. The movement finishes with a familiar mechanical click that provides physical and audible feedback. Magnetic Hall effect sensors track the position of the lever, while an electronic safety lock prevents a shift when engine speed makes the requested gear unsuitable.

Ferrari designed the clutch pedal to make the digital system feel surprisingly authentic. An angular position sensor measures pedal movement and translates it into hydraulic commands for the transmission. At the same time, a mechanical system using a preloaded spring, cam, and roller recreates the changing resistance of a traditional clutch pedal.

The resistance increases as the driver presses the pedal and then drops noticeably around the engagement point. This gives the driver physical feedback while managing launches and gear changes.

Ferrari also allows mistakes to have real consequences. A properly timed movement of the clutch pedal and gear lever can deliver a smooth and rapid shift. Poor timing can cause a strong vibration through the car, while incorrect clutch use during a launch can even stall the V12 engine.

The system gives the driver manual control over the first six forward gears and reverse. Ferrari has also removed the steering wheel shift paddles, encouraging the driver to use the gear lever and clutch pedal for the complete manual experience.

When automatic mode is selected, the car manages shifting electronically. The driver can also use the gear lever to preview a gear selection, while the digital display shows how the requested shift would affect engine speed before it happens. Ferrari even allows traditional heel and toe driving techniques, combining braking and throttle input to match engine speed and giving the digital system a distinctly mechanical character.