Can a Ferrari with a fake manual transmission actually deliver the same excitement as the real thing? That’s a question we never thought we’d be asking about a naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari, but here we are, and the answer might surprise even the most dedicated driving purists. Automotive journalist Jason Cammisa tackles that very question in the latest episode of Hagerty’s ICONS, taking the fascinating Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale to the legendary Fiorano test track in Italy. As we previously reported here at Automotive Addicts in our article, Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Brings Back the Gated Shifter Experience With a Modern Twist, Ferrari has created something rather unusual: a supercar with a beautiful gated shifter and clutch pedal that aren’t mechanically connected to a traditional manual transmission. Instead, the entire experience is electronically simulated through the car’s existing eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It sounds like something that should offend every manual transmission enthusiast on the planet, but Cammisa discovers there’s considerably more to this engineering experiment than meets the eye.
Before getting behind the wheel of Ferrari’s latest creation, Cammisa takes viewers on an entertaining journey through the history of automotive transmissions, complete with the kind of humor, technical explanations, and impressive production quality that have made the ICONS series so enjoyable. The episode features everything from a classic 1947 Ford V8 Sportsman with a three-speed column-shifted manual to a gorgeous 1948 Oldsmobile Woody Wagon equipped with GM’s pioneering Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. There’s also a Ferrari F355 demonstrating the early days of paddle-shifted automated manuals, a modern Mazda MX-5 Miata reminding everyone why traditional stick shifts remain so satisfying, and even a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N showing how electric vehicles can convincingly simulate gear changes. Cammisa also explores the workings of continuously variable transmissions using a Subaru Outback XT, delivering some genuinely amusing moments along the way. It’s a wonderful reminder of just how much transmission technology has evolved and why enthusiasts remain so emotionally attached to the simple act of changing gears themselves.
Of course, the real attraction is the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, which retains the spectacular 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 producing 819 horsepower. Rather than replacing the standard car’s eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with a conventional manual gearbox, Ferrari developed its clever Manuale By-Wire system to recreate the interaction between driver, clutch, and gear lever. The polished metal gated shifter allows drivers to manually select the first six gears, while an electronically controlled clutch pedal adds another layer of involvement. Ferrari has even engineered the system to allow the engine to stall if the driver makes a mistake, something that seems almost comical considering the technology hidden underneath. During his Fiorano test, Cammisa examines whether the system can genuinely fool an experienced driver into believing he’s operating a traditional manual transmission. He discovers a few imperfections and electronic quirks that reveal what’s actually happening behind the scenes, but the overall experience proves far more convincing than skeptics might expect.
What makes Cammisa’s review especially interesting is that he doesn’t simply dismiss Ferrari’s approach as an elaborate gimmick. Instead, he looks at the bigger picture and considers what enthusiasts actually enjoy about manual transmissions in the first place. Is it the mechanical connection itself, or is it the satisfying involvement of coordinating the clutch, throttle, and gear lever while driving a powerful sports car? The Ferrari may not offer the same direct mechanical relationship found in older gated-shifter models, but it does manage to bring back much of the driver participation that has disappeared from modern supercars. Better yet, the system retains the convenience and speed of a modern dual-clutch transmission when the driver doesn’t feel like shifting manually. Despite finding some flaws, Cammisa ultimately concludes that Ferrari’s unusual solution successfully combines the advantages of both worlds, even if its authenticity will remain a topic of debate among enthusiasts.
We think this latest ICONS episode is well worth watching, not just for the spectacular Ferrari footage and the glorious soundtrack of that high-revving V12, but because it asks some important questions about the future of driving enjoyment. As manual transmissions become increasingly rare and automakers continue introducing electronic solutions to recreate familiar driving sensations, Ferrari’s Manuale By-Wire system could represent an intriguing new direction for enthusiast vehicles. Purists will undoubtedly argue that nothing can replace the feel of an actual mechanical connection, and we certainly understand that perspective. Still, if Ferrari has found a way to preserve the ritual and enjoyment of shifting gears in an era dominated by automated transmissions, we’re willing to give the idea a chance. Jason Cammisa’s latest Hagerty ICONS film makes a compelling case for doing exactly that, while delivering one of the more entertaining automotive history lessons we’ve seen in quite some time. Whether you’re a Ferrari fanatic, a manual transmission loyalist, or simply someone who enjoys great automotive filmmaking, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.
