In an industry defined by relentless technological advancement, the notion of revival often speaks not of regression but of refinement. Such is the case with Ferrari’s potential return to the gated manual transmission—an element long considered emblematic of the brand’s most evocative era. More than a decade after phasing out manual gearboxes in favour of dual-clutch automatics, Ferrari seems ready to reintroduce the third pedal, albeit with the utmost discretion. According to recent commentary from Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s Chief Product Development Officer, the Italian marque is actively exploring the possibility of integrating a manual transmission into future special-edition models—most likely within the esteemed Icona series.
A Shift Toward Experience
As Fulgenzi explained in an interview with Carsales, Ferrari is approaching the upper performance threshold in its road car lineup. While the technical potential remains robust, the physical and psychological demands placed on the average driver are reaching impractical extremes. “I don’t think all our customers want to have to train every morning just to drive our cars,” Fulgenzi noted, signalling a measured return to driving engagement over absolute velocity.
In this context, the manual transmission is not a compromise—it is a reassertion of driving as an art form. Far from being implemented across Ferrari’s mainstream offerings, the gearbox would be reserved for select models that emphasize heritage, craftsmanship, and emotional resonance.
The Icona Series: A Natural Canvas
The Icona series, characterized by its reverence for Ferrari’s storied past, is the most fitting platform for such a reintroduction. Models like the Daytona SP3 pay homage to motorsport legends while serving as rolling works of automotive sculpture. A gated manual would further elevate their exclusivity, transforming the act of driving into a deeply personal ritual.
Fulgenzi emphasized that the addition of a manual gearbox would inherently require the limitation of certain performance metrics. The trade-off, however, is the delivery of a purer, more analogy connection between driver and machine—a rarity in today’s landscape of digitized driving aids and instantaneous gear changes.
Responding to Enthusiast Demand
This prospective change in direction is not purely internally driven. “Customers are already asking,” Fulgenzi confirmed. The enthusiasm surrounding manual transmissions has not waned; rather, it has matured into a connoisseur’s preference—a desire for nuance, tactility, and control that transcends data points and time trials.
Among those expressing interest is none other than Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s newly minted Formula 1 driver. Earlier this season, Hamilton conveyed his aspiration to assist in the development of a modern tribute to the iconic F40—complete with a manual gearbox. His endorsement underscores a broader sentiment among those who appreciate not only performance but provenance.
A New Paradigm of Luxury
If Ferrari proceeds with this reintroduction, it will not simply be reviving a transmission. It will be reclaiming a philosophy. In a marketplace dominated by automation and algorithmic efficiency, the re-emergence of the manual gearbox stands as a testament to timeless values: mastery, intentionality, and the joy of mechanical interaction.
Such a move would undoubtedly be rarefied. A manually equipped Ferrari in the modern era would be priced accordingly—likely exceeding seven figures and produced in limited numbers. But for the discerning collector or devoted enthusiast, the allure lies not in exclusivity alone, but in the opportunity to participate in a legacy reborn.
Written By: Lydia Kelly
Published: 10th April 2025