Ferrari’s journey with manual transmissions began in the 1950s when the company first introduced its manual gearboxes in models like the Ferrari 166 Inter. By the time the Ferrari 275 GTB came along in the 1960s, manuals had become a defining feature of Ferrari sports cars, contributing to the raw, immersive driving experience that many enthusiasts still cherish today.
In 2008, Ferrari stopped offering a manual transmission option altogether, starting with models like the Ferrari California, which exclusively featured the F1 dual-clutch gearbox. The decision was largely driven by performance factors, the dual-clutch transmissions allowed for quicker gear shifts, better fuel efficiency, and enhanced overall driving dynamics.
Ferrari might however be reconsidering its stance on manual transmissions. The possibility of reviving the manual gearbox has been a topic of discussion among Ferrari enthusiasts and automotive journalists alike.
Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna stated during an interview with Car and Driver “There is a very vocal group of people who would like to see it return, and we are listening. But it’s also important to ensure we balance heritage with the technology needed to keep Ferrari at the cutting edge.” This statement came after a growing number of customers, especially collectors, expressed a desire to have the choice of a manual transmission in Ferrari’s latest offerings.
While it’s still unclear whether Ferrari will definitively reintroduce a manual transmission into its modern lineup, recent developments suggest that the company is at least open to the idea. The success of Ferrari’s limited-edition models, such as the Ferrari 488 Pista and Ferrari Monza SP2, which focus heavily on the driving experience, points to a market that may appreciate a return to the basics. As Autoblog puts it, “Ferrari has always balanced innovation with heritage. The return of a manual transmission could be another step in that tradition.”
