Ever since the Ferrari 355 F1 introduced paddelshift controls to the steering column in 1997, enthusiasts have debated which is superior – the lightning fast shifts of an F1-derived semi-auto transmission or the pure driver engagement of a manual gearbox. Now the limited-edition Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale innovatively combines the best of both – an open-gate six-speed manual with a clutch pedal in the footwell, but the option to use the eight-speed DCT gearbox in full automatic mode.

It sounds like a contradiction, but it’s all thanks to the innovative new Manuale by-wire system, engineered entirely in-house to dovetail with the 12Cilindri’s acclaimed naturally aspirated V12 engine and dual-clutch transmission.

Inside, the new leather-trimmed center tunnel console is the most obvious visual difference. Ergonomically redesigned, it features a steel gear shift gate embellished with anodized aluminum, and a round aluminum gearknob back-lit with LEDs to show the position of each gear – a contemporary take on the classic Ferrari manual.

Looking more closely, keener eyes will spot the removal of paddleshifters from the steering column, the addition of the clutch pedal in the footwell, perhaps even the six vertical grooves in the seat trim – a subtle nod to the number of forward manual gears.

Both the new gear lever and clutch are activated by sensors that detect their movement – hence ‘by-wire’ – but feature precision mechanical feedback. The clutch pedal has authentic resistance thanks to a pre-loaded spring, cam and roller that communicate everything from the biting point to full disengagement as the driver explores the pedal’s travel. The lever, meanwhile, is linked to an advanced kinematic mechanism consisting of a rotating block of solid-machined high-strength steel, giving the driver meaningfully weighted feedback during gear shifts. The lever naturally self-centers back to the neutral position on eccentric rollers, and has even been acoustically engineered to provide the classic ‘snick’ of an open-gate manual.

The result is pinpoint accuracy with what the engineers in Maranello promise is an entirely intuitive mechanical feel. One thing that fortunately isn’t shared with a manual transmission is the ability to over-rev the engine with an accidental mis-shift – say from fifth to second – but drivers are otherwise free to perform the perfect heel-and-toe downshift, blip the throttle mid-shift to savor the 9500rpm V12… or make their excuses after an ungainly stall or jerky shift.

There is, after all, nowhere to hide with a manual gearbox. Except in the case of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale, drivers can simply select automatic mode to unlock the DCT gearbox’s seventh and eighth gears for relaxed high-speed cruising, or simply let it take the strain whatever the speed or gear.

A unique Tailor Made specification helps set the 12Cilindri Manuale further apart, including a laser-edged logo for the side badge, a pinstripe finish on the front splitter and rear wings that recall the 365 GTB4, and five-spoke forged alloy wheels. A range of 25 iconic colours and dedicated leather and Alcantara finishes is also offered.

A special series available purely as a coupe, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale will be limited to just 1499 units and marks the return of the manual gearbox to Maranello for the first time in almost 15 years.