Ferrari Suggests That A Manual Transmission Could Make A Comeback

Ferrari has been on a strong streak recently, with a waiting list extending until 2026. Despite this, the Italian automaker is still working on its debut electric car, set to launch later this year.

But there’s more in the pipeline. Industry rumors have persisted for years, hinting that Ferrari may be planning to reintroduce the manual transmission after a 13-year absence.

Ferrari’s chief product development officer, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, has confirmed to Carsales  that the company is open to reintroducing the gated manual gearbox—though only for models they consider appropriate.

Ferrari Considers Manual Transmissions for Icona Models to Honor Heritage

Fulgenzi stated, “Mechanical gear changes could be part of the future, depending on the product.” When asked which Ferrari models might feature manual transmissions again, he identified an Icona car, saying it showcases the brand’s heritage and encourages a particular style of driving and appreciation

He also explained that Icona models would offer more limited performance than other Ferrari supercars and hypercars, since their high torque would demand a strong leg to operate the heavy clutch.

This becomes more intriguing when you consider that Ferrari built Icona models like the Daytona SP3 and Monza SP1/SP2 to emphasize emotional engagement rather than pure performance metrics. In the past, Ferrari consistently dismissed manual gearboxes due to their impact on overall performance. However, it seems the company may now be willing to make an exception.

The End of an Era: Ferrari’s Shift from Manual Gearboxes to Dual-Clutch Automatics

The California, discontinued in 2012, was the last Ferrari to feature a manual gearbox. Since then, Ferrari has relied on dual-clutch automatics, which offer enhanced efficiency and performance. However, for those who value a more connected driving experience over sheer acceleration, the tactile feel of a traditional gearbox remains preferred.

Fulgenzi discovered that manual Ferraris attract not only nostalgic collectors but also a broader range of enthusiasts. High-profile figures like seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton have also expressed support for the return of manual transmissions. Some reports indicate that Hamilton actively supports creating a modern tribute to the iconic Ferrari F40, which he envisions naming the F44—likely a reference to his racing number

Ferrari’s current lineup, including the  SF90 XX, can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 2.4 seconds, nearing Formula One performance levels. However, pushing performance further may be unnecessary and physically taxing for everyday drivers, according to Fulgenzi.

Nevertheless, he stressed that engineers must focus entirely on improving driving characteristics. In the era beyond peak performance, Ferrari is prioritizing driving enjoyment to ensure customers remain engaged with their vehicles.

Ferrari Focuses on Accessibility: Not Every Owner is a Professional Driver

It’s reasonable to assume that most of the over 13,000 Ferrari vehicles sold last year didn’t go to fighter pilots or Formula One drivers. As Fulgenzi pointed out, “I don’t think all of our customers want to train every morning just to drive our cars.”

Looking ahead, Ferrari’s focus over the next decade will likely shift toward driving experience and connection rather than just performance metrics. There’s no official timeline yet for the release of the new manual models.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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