Ferrari has not offered a manual transmission in a road car since the 599 GTB in 2012.
A recent patent application suggests the Italian marque is preparing to change that with an innovative shift-by-wire system.
Gated Shifter with Dual Personality
The patent, uncovered by CarBuzz, depicts a six-speed gated shifter that can operate as a traditional manual or an automatic.
Buttons for R, N, D, and M on the shifter allow drivers to switch modes instantly.
When in manual mode, the lever moves along two axes with spring-loaded contact rollers that provide authentic resistance.
An ECU at the base of the lever electronically controls the feel, mimicking a conventional manual gearbox.
According to the filing, this setup can be integrated with Ferrari's existing dual-clutch transmission, including the one used in the 12Cilindri.
A clutch pedal would be added for manual operation.
July 4 Teaser
Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna hinted at a special unveiling on July 4 during a dealer conference in Las Vegas.
He said the company would combine something from the past with eyes on the future.
Reports suggest the surprise could be a limited-edition 12Cilindri MM, offered in Coupe and Aperta body styles.
The patent filing lends weight to those rumors, though Ferrari has not confirmed details.
If the manual 12Cilindri becomes reality, it would mark Ferrari's first road car with a stick shift in 14 years.
The innovative gated shifter could also find its way into other models in the future.
