In the ever-evolving landscape of sports cars, the manual transmission holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. With the recent news that Ferrari is considering reviving the manual transmission has many people buzzing with excitement. Gianmaria Fulgenzi, Ferrari’s chief product development officer, hinted at the possibility of a manual transmission making a comeback, stating, “It’s something that could be in the future, depending on the product.”
Ferrari’s Journey with Manual Transmissions
Ferrari has long been synonymous with performance, primarily relying on dual-clutch transmissions to deliver unparalleled speed and precision like it’s Formula 1 cars. The last model to feature a manual transmission was the 2012 California, and since then, the brand has embraced the efficiency and responsiveness of modern tech. Fulgenzi, however, acknowledges the nostalgic allure of manual gear shifting, particularly among dedicated fans.
Ferrari has a rich history of producing iconic cars, many of which featured manual transmissions. Among the most legendary are
- Ferrari 250 GTO (1962-1964), widely regarded as one of the greatest Ferraris ever made, with its 3.0-liter V12 engine and classic 4-speed manual transmission (7 Minutes Of Pure Ferrari 250 GTO Hillclimb Bliss).
- Ferrari F40 (1987-1992) stands out as a legendary supercar, known for its twin-turbo V8 and engaging 5-speed manual gearbox (Ferrari F40 vs Ferrari F50 THRASHED Like You’ve Never Seen Before).
- Ferrari 355 (1994-1999) is celebrated for its balance of power and handling, featuring a 3.5-liter V8 and a 6-speed manual transmission that enthusiasts adore (James Bond Aston Martin DB5 versus Ferrari F355).
- Ferrari 512 TR (1991-1994), a successor to the Testarossa, boasts a 4.9-liter flat-12 engine and a 5-speed manual.
- Ferrari 360 Modena (1999-2005) brought modern technology to the lineup with an available 6-speed manual option. These models not only showcase Ferrari’s engineering excellence but also highlight the joy of driving a manual transmission.
While Fulgenzi ruled out the idea of introducing a manual variant for mainstream models like the 296 GTB or the front-engine 12 Cilindri, he suggested that an Icona model—a limited-edition tribute to Ferrari’s heritage—could potentially feature a manual transmission. Icona cars, such as the Monza SP1, SP2, and Daytona SP3, have already captivated collectors with their high price tags and exclusive designs. His comments about bringing back the manual in such models spark hope that Ferrari will honor its storied past while innovating for the future.
Other Sports Cars Keeping the Manual Alive
While we await Ferrari’s next move, several other manufacturers continue to celebrate the manual transmission. Here’s a list of notable sports cars that still offer this engaging feature in 2025:
While we await Ferrari’s next move, several other manufacturers continue to celebrate the manual transmission. Notable sports cars that still offer this engaging feature in 2025 include the Acura Integra Type S, BMW M2, BMW M3, BMW M4, BMW Z4, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, Ford Bronco, Ford Mustang, Hennessey Venom F5, Honda Civic Si, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Jeep Wrangler, Lotus Emira, Mazda 3, Mazda MX-5 Miata, Nissan Versa, Nissan Z, Porsche 718 Boxster / Cayman, Porsche 911, Subaru BRZ, Subaru WRX, Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Corolla, Toyota GR Supra, Toyota Tacoma, and Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
Thankfully these vehicles offer a manual transmission to reflect a commitment to driving engagement that many enthusiasts crave, showing that the manual transmission is not yet a relic of the past.
Ferrari In Minnesota
On the chance you haven’t heard Minnesota now has an official Ferrari dealership and will soon have a Lamborghini dealership in Minnesota. We have long been a great place for prancing horse cars going back several years with Donnybrooke Motorsports and World Ferrari. The acknowledgement of this has come with the encourage you to visit Twin Cities Performance | Official Ferrari Dealer in Golden Valley. just outside Minneapolis. Here, you can explore the latest models, buy Ferrari Certified Pre-Owned and learn more about ownership.
If you want to learn more about why Ferrari is the name above names we suggest you read this brief history “How Enzo Ferrari Created the Greatest Racing Team in Motorsport History” in Robb Report or you can watch Ford vs Ferrari and learn why Lee Iacocca said “Enzo Ferrari will go down in history as the greatest car manufacturer of all time. Why? Is it because he built the most cars? No, it’s because of what his cars mean: victory.” That as true today as it was in 1963.
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