Ferrari could bring back the gated manual gearbox

The last time Ferrari offered a manual option was in the California in 2012.

In what could be the best news ever for hardcore car enthusiasts and purists, Ferrari is planning to reintroduce the gated manual transmission after a 13-year gap.

Ferrari’s chief product development boss, Gianmaria Fulgenzi, said that the return of the gated manual is coming at a time when the carmaker has reached the very limit of performance, both in terms of technology and what the human body can withstand.

“We are reaching the limit of performance in our cars,” Fulgenzi told media at a recent Ferrari round table event.

“In Formula 1, it’s 2.3 seconds for zero to 100km/h. With the SF90 XX, we are at more or less 2.5 seconds or 2.4 seconds – and that’s with four-wheel drive.”

He went on to say that when it came to rear-wheel-drive supercars like the 296 GTB, anything beyond 900 BHP is overkill for modern tyres and chassis, and even for the latest driver aids. He added that while Ferrari hasn’t ended the horsepower war with rivals like Mclaren and Lamborghini, the gradient of power gains will be less pronounced over the next 10 years.

He also pointed out the physical toll it took on drivers themselves.

“For a normal driver, you have to physically support yourself for this kind of acceleration and in terms of muscles and bones in your neck, it’s not easy for long [periods of] time,” he said, adding that drivers would require F1- levels of training to endure the g-forces involved.

“I don’t think all our customers want to have to train every morning just to drive our cars.”

With peak performance attained, Fulgenzi said Ferrari is now prepared to consider the reintroduction of the manual transmission – but only on cars deemed appropriate.

“In terms of mechanical gear changes, it’s something that could be in the future, depending on the product,” he said.

Ferrari had earlier ruled out manual transmissions, the reason being they detract outright performance, but Fulgenzi said there could be exceptions.

When asked for which cars the manual transmission could be revived, Fulgenzi replied: “Probably an Icona car, because it’s a car that represents our heritage, a car to be admired and to be driven in a certain way.” He went on to say that performance in the Icona model would be limited compared to other supercars and hypercars in the Prancing Horse portfolio because the highest levels of torque would require a ‘very big leg’ to manage the heavy clutch required.

Fulgenzi admitted that customers are already asking for manuals. Ferrari F1 driver Lewis Hamilton has already said he wants to build a gated manual supercar based on the F40.

Fulgenzi didn’t provide any timeline for the new Icona model. However, he did say that in the post-peak-performance age, “all engineering of the car must be enhanced in driving traits”, with Ferrari maximizing fun and enjoyment behind the wheel to ensure owners want to use their car as much as possible.

Some previous Icona Ferrari models include the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2 and the Daytona SP3.

The last time Ferrari offered a manual option was in the California in 2012. Out of a production that exceeded 17,300 units, only 3 buyers reportedly chose to buy a manual.

Source: Carsales Australia