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News

Tesla Model Y Leads European Car Sales in September 2026

Tesla has delivered an extraordinary performance in Europe, with the Model Y and Model 3 claiming the first two positions in the continent’s best-selling car rankings for September 2026. The Model Y recorded 40,971 registrations, while the Model 3 followed with 25,057 units, putting the American electric vehicle manufacturer ahead of established European favourites powered by petrol, diesel and hybrid drivetrains.

According to preliminary figures from Dataforce, European new-car registrations increased by 10 percent year-on-year in September, reaching approximately 1.34 million vehicles. However, the most significant development was the growing presence of battery-electric vehicles, with Tesla emerging as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the accelerating transition towards electric mobility.

More importantly, the Tesla Model Y has now overtaken the Dacia Sandero to become Europe’s best-selling car during the first nine months of 2026. With the year-end approaching, Tesla has a realistic opportunity to repeat its historic achievement from 2023 and finish the year at the top of the European automotive market.

Tesla Model Y Leads Europe’s September Car Sales

The Tesla Model Y dominated the European sales charts in September, recording 40,971 registrations across the market. That represents a remarkable 55.3 percent increase compared with September 2025, highlighting the electric SUV’s continuing appeal among European buyers.

The scale of its lead becomes clearer when compared with some of the continent’s most popular conventional cars. Volkswagen registered 18,088 Golf models during the month, while Dacia recorded 17,547 registrations of the Sandero.

In other words, the Model Y attracted more than twice as many registrations as the Volkswagen Golf and comfortably outperformed the Dacia Sandero, a model that had previously led the European market.

The result is particularly significant because the rankings include vehicles regardless of powertrain. Tesla is not simply leading the electric-car category; its Model Y is outperforming some of Europe’s most established petrol, diesel and hybrid competitors in the overall market.

The Model Y’s combination of SUV practicality, electric performance, range and access to Tesla’s charging ecosystem continues to make it a strong proposition for buyers considering a switch away from conventional combustion-engine vehicles.

Tesla Model Y Overtakes Dacia Sandero in the 2026 Rankings

Tesla’s success extends well beyond a single strong month. During the first nine months of 2026, the Model Y accumulated 167,369 registrations in Europe, an increase of 51.8 percent compared with the corresponding period last year.

That performance puts it ahead of two of the continent’s most popular models.

The Dacia Sandero recorded 162,969 registrations, while the Volkswagen Golf reached 151,334 units. The Model Y therefore leads the Sandero by 4,400 vehicles and the Golf by more than 16,000.

The figures demonstrate how quickly the European sales hierarchy can change as consumer preferences evolve. For years, affordable hatchbacks and small cars have occupied prominent positions in the market. The Model Y’s success shows that an electric SUV can compete directly with these established best-sellers, even when purchase price and running costs remain important considerations.

Tesla’s year-to-date growth is particularly notable given the intense competition in Europe’s electric-car segment, where established manufacturers and newer Chinese brands are expanding their model ranges.

With three months of registrations still to be counted in the annual ranking, the Model Y has built a strong position from which to challenge for the title of Europe’s best-selling car in 2026.

Tesla Model 3 Surges to Second Place With 105.7% Growth

While the Model Y is leading the rankings, the Tesla Model 3 has delivered an equally noteworthy result.

The electric sedan recorded 25,057 registrations in September, securing second place in the overall European market. Compared with September 2025, that represents year-on-year growth of 105.7 percent.

The result means Tesla occupied both leading positions in Europe’s September car rankings, an unusual achievement for a manufacturer whose entire passenger-car line-up is based on battery-electric propulsion.

The Model 3’s performance also suggests that demand for electric vehicles is not confined to SUVs. Although crossovers have become increasingly popular across Europe, Tesla’s sedan continues to attract buyers looking for an electric alternative with a lower-profile body, strong acceleration and a technology-focused interior.

By placing the Model 3 ahead of established models from Europe’s major manufacturers, Tesla has demonstrated that electric vehicles can compete across multiple body styles rather than relying on a single successful product.

The combined September registrations of the Model Y and Model 3 reached 66,028 units, underlining Tesla’s unusually strong position in the European market during the month.

Electric Cars Gain Ground Across Europe

Tesla’s September performance coincided with broader growth in the European automotive market.

Preliminary Dataforce figures indicate that total new-car registrations rose by 10 percent year-on-year to approximately 1.34 million vehicles. At the same time, battery-electric cars continued to increase their share of new registrations.

The supplied market data indicates that electric vehicles accounted for almost one in four new registrations in June 2026, compared with approximately one in three in September.

That shift highlights the growing importance of electric powertrains in Europe, although the exact market share depends on the countries and vehicle categories included in the statistics.

Several factors may be contributing to the trend, including the expansion of charging infrastructure, a broader selection of electric models and growing consumer familiarity with battery-powered vehicles. Running costs and fuel prices can also influence purchasing decisions, particularly for motorists who cover substantial annual distances.

However, the market remains competitive. Volkswagen, Renault, BMW, Hyundai, Kia and a growing number of Chinese manufacturers are all fighting for a larger share of European electric-car sales.

Tesla’s latest figures nevertheless suggest that its best-known models remain highly competitive when buyers evaluate electric vehicles alongside conventional alternatives.

Can Tesla Win Europe’s Best-Selling Car Title in 2026?

Tesla has a genuine opportunity to finish 2026 with the Model Y at the top of the European best-selling car rankings.

The electric SUV already leads the year-to-date standings with 167,369 registrations, ahead of the Dacia Sandero’s 162,969 and the Volkswagen Golf’s 151,334.

Its 4,400-unit advantage over the Sandero is meaningful, but it does not guarantee victory. Three months of sales data remain, and seasonal demand, delivery schedules, incentives and changes in consumer purchasing behaviour can all influence the final result.

Tesla has previously demonstrated that the Model Y can reach the top of the global automotive market. In 2023, it became the world’s best-selling car across powertrains, marking a major milestone for electric mobility.

Repeating that achievement in Europe in 2026 would reinforce the Model Y’s position as one of the most influential vehicles of the electric-car era.

The Model 3’s strong September performance provides an additional indication of Tesla’s current momentum, although its second-place finish for the month does not establish that it will occupy the same position in the full-year rankings.

Rising Fuel Prices Could Strengthen the Case for Electric Cars

Higher petrol and diesel prices can make electric vehicles more attractive, particularly for drivers who have access to home charging and cover long distances regularly.

The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 offer an alternative to conventional cars by replacing petrol or diesel consumption with electricity. Their operating costs can be competitive, depending on local electricity tariffs, charging habits, insurance, depreciation and maintenance expenses.

Tesla also benefits from a recognisable brand, over-the-air software updates and an established charging network in many European markets. These factors can help reduce some of the uncertainty buyers associate with switching to an electric vehicle.

Nevertheless, fuel prices alone cannot explain Tesla’s performance. Purchase prices, financing conditions, model availability, product updates and competition from other manufacturers all play a role in determining registration figures.

For some customers, home charging and predictable daily driving make an electric vehicle an obvious choice. Others may still face obstacles related to charging access, long-distance travel or the initial purchase price.

The continued growth of electric-car registrations suggests that an increasing number of European buyers are willing to make the transition, but the market remains sensitive to economic conditions and government policies.

Tesla’s European Success Sends a Message to Traditional Automakers

The September rankings offer a clear signal to established carmakers: electric vehicles are no longer competing exclusively within a niche market.

The Model Y’s first-place finish and the Model 3’s second-place result show that battery-electric cars can challenge mainstream best-sellers across the entire market, rather than simply dominate specialist EV rankings.

For European manufacturers, the challenge is becoming more complex. They must compete not only on driving range and charging speed but also on pricing, software, efficiency, manufacturing costs and the ownership experience.

The Volkswagen Golf and Dacia Sandero remain major players, but Tesla’s latest figures demonstrate how quickly a different type of vehicle can move ahead when product appeal and market conditions align.

The next stage of competition will be equally important. Maintaining sales momentum throughout the year will require Tesla to defend its position against new launches, changing incentives and increasingly capable electric alternatives.

Source: Dataforce

Restomod

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is an extraordinary Porsche 911 restomod that pays tribute to the racing career of former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle. Based on the air-cooled Porsche 911 from the 993 generation, this exclusive creation combines classic Stuttgart sports-car design with modern performance engineering, a bespoke two-tone exterior and more than 870 horsepower.

Developed by California-based Porsche specialist Gunther Werks, the Brundle Edition Turbo features a design conceived by automotive designer Charlie Brundle, Martin Brundle’s daughter. The project celebrates a racing career that spans Formula 1 and some of the world’s most prestigious endurance events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona.

Production will be limited to just five examples worldwide, making this one of the most exclusive interpretations of the classic Porsche 911. Each customer will also receive a Bell racing helmet signed by Martin Brundle, adding another personal connection to the car’s motorsport heritage.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: A Porsche 911 Built Around Racing Heritage

For Porsche enthusiasts, the 993-generation 911 represents the end of an era. Produced from 1993 to 1998, the Porsche 911 (993) was the final generation to feature an air-cooled flat-six engine before the 996 introduced water cooling.

Gunther Werks has built its reputation around reimagining this generation of the 911, retaining its unmistakable silhouette while extensively reworking its engineering, bodywork and performance.

The Brundle Edition Turbo takes that philosophy to another level. Rather than creating a conventional tribute car with a few racing-inspired details, Gunther Werks has developed a highly personalised machine that connects the visual identity of the car with Martin Brundle’s career.

The result is a classic Porsche 911 with the presence of a modern supercar and the character of a bespoke motorsport-inspired creation.

Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo: 870+ HP Porsche 911 Restomod Limited to Just Five Cars

Gunther Werks’ approach has drawn comparisons with the work of Singer, the California-based company renowned for its restorations and reimaginings of the Porsche 911 (964). While Singer focuses on a different generation of the iconic sports car, Gunther Werks has made the 993 its signature platform.

Charlie Brundle Designs a Tribute to Her Father

The most personal element of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo is its exterior design.

Charlie Brundle, an automotive designer and the daughter of Martin Brundle, chose a distinctive two-tone colour scheme inspired by her father’s former racing helmet. The combination gives the Porsche a strong visual identity while establishing a direct connection to the colours associated with his motorsport career.

Martin Brundle competed in Formula 1 and achieved major success in endurance racing, including victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the 24 Hours of Daytona. His career made him one of Britain’s most recognisable racing drivers, later becoming equally familiar to motorsport fans through his television commentary.

The special edition translates that legacy into a road-going performance car, using carefully selected details rather than relying exclusively on traditional racing graphics.

The design also demonstrates how a restomod can become more than a technical exercise. In this case, the car tells a personal story through its colour palette, inscriptions and bespoke components.

More Than 870 HP From a Four-Litre Flat-Six Engine

Under the bodywork, the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo features a four-litre, six-cylinder boxer engine producing more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of maximum torque.

Those figures put the bespoke Porsche firmly in supercar territory, particularly considering its roots in the compact, rear-engined 993-generation 911.

The horizontally opposed six-cylinder layout remains central to the Porsche 911’s identity. In this application, however, the engine’s output far exceeds that of the original naturally aspirated 993 Carrera models, reflecting the extensive engineering work behind Gunther Werks’ creations.

Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, preserving a direct mechanical connection between the driver and the drivetrain.

In an era increasingly dominated by hybrid powertrains, automatic transmissions and sophisticated electronic driving systems, the combination of an exceptionally powerful flat-six and a manual gearbox gives the Brundle Edition Turbo a distinctly analogue appeal.

The supplied specifications do not establish the car’s acceleration time, maximum speed or detailed engine configuration beyond its displacement, cylinder layout and stated output. Those figures should not be assumed without further confirmation from Gunther Werks.

Carbon Fibre, Magnesium Wheels and Brembo Carbon-Ceramic Brakes

The Brundle Edition Turbo’s performance credentials are matched by an extensive collection of bespoke exterior details.

Carbon-fibre components feature prominently, including the bonnet, which carries the Brundle name. The inscription also appears on the side sills, making the family connection visible from several angles.

The car rides on reinforced magnesium wheels with polished outer edges and a central locking nut. Behind them sit Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes, a high-performance braking solution suited to a car producing more than 870 horsepower.

These details reinforce the project’s combination of lightweight materials, motorsport-inspired engineering and individual craftsmanship.

Carbon fibre and magnesium are particularly relevant in a performance car because reducing mass can improve acceleration, braking and handling response. Their effectiveness ultimately depends on the complete vehicle’s construction and weight distribution, but they are consistent with the engineering priorities of an extreme 911 restomod.

The result is a Porsche that retains the recognisable proportions of the 993 while adopting a more aggressive and contemporary visual character.

A Personal Message Hidden in the Details

The most meaningful touches are found inside the cabin and around the passenger compartment.

The initials M.B. appear on the seatbacks, while the Brundle name is repeated across selected exterior components. These details make the car’s purpose immediately clear: it is a celebration of Martin Brundle’s racing career, designed with the involvement of his daughter.

Another inscription delivers a more humorous message above the passenger compartment:

“The most important part of the car is the nut that holds the steering wheel.”

It is a fitting statement for a project rooted in motorsport. Even with more than 870 horsepower, sophisticated materials and high-performance brakes, the driver remains central to the experience.

That philosophy also distinguishes the Brundle Edition Turbo from many modern performance cars, in which electronic systems increasingly manage the relationship between driver, engine and road.

Here, the six-speed manual gearbox provides a tangible reminder that driving involvement remains an essential part of the Porsche 911’s appeal.

Only Five Examples Will Be Built

Exclusivity is a major part of the Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo’s appeal. Production is limited to five cars worldwide, placing it among the rarest bespoke Porsche 911 restomods.

The extremely limited production run also reflects the personalised nature of the project. With its unique colour scheme, racing-inspired details and connection to the Brundle family, the car is intended to appeal to collectors who value provenance and individuality as much as outright performance.

Every buyer will receive a Bell helmet signed by Martin Brundle. The gift adds a personal motorsport connection to an already distinctive collector’s car, linking the finished vehicle to the driver whose career inspired its creation.

Gunther Werks has not provided a price in the supplied announcement, so the final cost should be confirmed directly with the company rather than estimated from the car’s specifications alone.

Gunther Werks and the Art of the Porsche 911 Restomod

The Brundle Edition Turbo highlights the continuing appeal of the restomod movement, which combines classic automotive design with modern engineering, materials and performance.

Gunther Werks has concentrated on the Porsche 911 (993), a generation prized for its air-cooled engine and evolutionary interpretation of the original 911 silhouette. By reworking the platform with modern components and bespoke construction, the company aims to deliver a driving experience that goes beyond a standard restoration.

The comparison with Singer is understandable, although the two companies have established different identities through their respective Porsche platforms and design philosophies.

For collectors, these cars occupy an unusual space between vintage sports cars and contemporary supercars. They preserve the visual character and mechanical layout of an earlier era while offering performance figures that can rival much newer machinery.

The Brundle Edition Turbo adds another dimension to that formula: a clearly defined personal story that connects the car to a specific figure in motorsport history.

A Classic Porsche 911 With Modern Supercar Performance

The Gunther Werks Brundle Edition Turbo brings together three ingredients that make a modern restomod especially compelling: a historically significant Porsche platform, extreme performance and a deeply personal design story.

Its four-litre flat-six produces more than 870 horsepower and 827 Nm of torque, while the six-speed manual gearbox maintains a direct connection to the driver. Carbon-fibre body components, magnesium wheels and Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes underline the car’s performance focus.

Yet its strongest distinguishing feature may be its identity. Designed by Charlie Brundle in tribute to her father, the car uses the colours of Martin Brundle’s former helmet and a series of bespoke details to celebrate a career spent at the highest levels of motorsport.

With only five examples planned and a signed Bell helmet included with each car, the Brundle Edition Turbo is aimed at collectors seeking something far more personal than a conventional high-performance Porsche.

It is a reminder that even in an age of electrification and increasingly digital driving experiences, the classic Porsche 911 remains a compelling canvas for engineering ambition, individual expression and motorsport heritage.

Source: Gunther Werks

NEW CARS

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: The 819 HP V12 Supercar That Brings Back the Manual Gearshift

Ferrari has found an unexpected way to celebrate the traditional manual gearbox in the modern supercar era. The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale combines the Italian marque’s naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine with a classic H-pattern gear lever, a clutch pedal and the unmistakable metallic sensation of changing gears by hand. There is, however, a technological twist: beneath the traditional controls, the car retains the standard eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Limited to just 1,499 examples and reportedly priced at £508,000, the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is more than an exclusive variation of the already remarkable 12Cilindri. It represents a rare statement from a manufacturer renowned for chasing performance: sometimes, the most desirable driving experience is not the fastest one.

With 819 bhp, a naturally aspirated V12 and a manual-style driving experience engineered for the modern era, the 12Cilindri Manuale offers something increasingly difficult to find in contemporary supercars — the pleasure of being involved in every gear change.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: A Modern V12 With a Classic Soul

The Ferrari 12Cilindri was conceived as a celebration of the brand’s legendary front-engined V12 grand touring tradition. The Manuale takes that philosophy a step further by introducing a three-pedal configuration and a traditional H-pattern gear lever, recalling some of Ferrari’s most memorable analogue-era sports cars.

For experienced Ferrari development drivers, the return of the manual shift pattern reportedly brought back memories of earlier models such as the Ferrari 599 GTB. The metallic interaction between the gear lever and its mechanism evokes a period when changing gear was an essential part of the driving experience rather than a task delegated to software.

Yet the Manuale is not a conventional manual-transmission Ferrari. The existing eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, developed with Magna, remains in place. Instead of mechanically connecting the gear lever to a traditional manual gearbox, Ferrari has developed a sophisticated electronic system that recreates the movements and sensations of a classic manual shift.

That distinction is central to understanding the car. The 12Cilindri Manuale does not abandon modern transmission technology. It uses that technology to bring back an experience that many enthusiasts feared was disappearing from high-performance cars.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale Is About Driving Feel, Not Lap Times

Modern dual-clutch transmissions can change gear with extraordinary speed and precision. They are particularly effective in high-performance applications, where uninterrupted acceleration and carefully managed torque delivery can make a measurable difference.

Ferrari, however, appears to recognise that outright speed is not the only measure of a great sports car.

The 12Cilindri Manuale deliberately reintroduces the physical involvement of selecting gears, coordinating a clutch pedal and managing the engine’s response. Its purpose is not to outperform the standard 12Cilindri in acceleration or lap times, but to give the driver a more engaging relationship with the car.

The project is also significant because Ferrari has managed to develop this experience around its naturally aspirated V12 while retaining the sophisticated electronic systems that underpin the standard model’s handling characteristics.

The result is an intriguing combination of traditional driving rituals and contemporary engineering — a supercar that looks backwards for inspiration while relying on modern technology to move forwards.

How Ferrari Created a Manual Gearbox Without Replacing the DCT

The most fascinating element of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale lies beneath its traditional-looking gear lever.

In a conventional manual car, the gear lever operates a mechanical linkage that selects the required gear inside the transmission. The driver controls clutch engagement through a pedal, connecting and disconnecting the engine from the drivetrain.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale follows a different approach. Its gear lever and clutch pedal communicate electronically with the existing dual-clutch transmission, allowing the driver to perform familiar manual-shifting movements without requiring a completely new gearbox.

Position sensors in the clutch pedal monitor its movement, while sensors in the gear lever detect the driver’s intended shift. The system then coordinates the appropriate transmission and clutch operations.

Ferrari’s decision to retain the dual-clutch transmission is also important for the car’s wider dynamic capabilities. The standard 12Cilindri integrates its transmission with the electronic limited-slip differential, torque-vectoring functions, ABS and Ferrari’s vehicle-dynamics control systems.

Replacing that entire arrangement with a conventional single-clutch manual gearbox would require much more extensive engineering and could compromise the carefully integrated driving characteristics that define the 12Cilindri.

The electronic manual system therefore offers an alternative: preserve the existing mechanical and electronic architecture while allowing the driver to interact with the car in a more traditional way.

A Special Gear Lever Engineered to Feel Authentic

Ferrari has paid considerable attention to the tactile qualities of the Manuale’s gear lever.

The mechanism is machined from a billet of high-strength steel, with tight manufacturing tolerances intended to deliver precision and durability. Its internal arrangement uses a spring-loaded piston and eccentric rollers to control the weight of the shift and the way the lever settles into position.

The interaction between the moving components also contributes to the mechanical sensation experienced by the driver.

The gear knob measures 48 millimetres in diameter, following a dimension associated with older Ferrari gear knobs. Its traditional H-pattern provides the visual and physical reference expected from a classic manual transmission.

A solenoid can lock the mechanism to prevent a potentially damaging downshift that would force the engine beyond its safe operating speed. Sensors also begin transmitting predictive signals as the lever moves, helping the transmission prepare for the driver’s intended gear selection.

This level of detail illustrates the difference between simply fitting a decorative manual-style shifter and creating a system intended to reproduce the rhythm and precision of an actual manual gearbox.

Driving the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: Does It Feel Like a Real Manual?

The first impressions of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale reportedly reveal both the strengths and limitations of the concept.

At low speeds, the electronic nature of the system can be difficult to ignore. Selecting first gear is unusually smooth, and clutch engagement lacks some of the subtle mechanical feedback associated with a conventional manual V12 Ferrari.

Drivers accustomed to older models such as the Ferrari 550 Maranello may notice the absence of the small variations in clutch resistance and drivetrain response that make a traditional three-pedal car feel mechanically alive.

The system remains precise and predictable, and stalling is possible, but the initial experience can feel almost too polished.

Once the car is moving, however, the character changes.

The gear lever’s action, the clutch pedal’s response and the metallic sound accompanying each shift begin to work together. The driver develops a natural rhythm, and the electronic system becomes less noticeable.

The naturally aspirated V12 remains the star of the experience, responding sharply to throttle inputs while the chassis delivers the precise turn-in and adjustable handling behaviour expected from Ferrari.

The Manuale’s appeal ultimately depends on how successfully it combines these elements. It may not reproduce every mechanical nuance of a traditional manual transmission, but it aims to capture the sensations that make manual driving so rewarding.

How to Activate Manual Mode

Ferrari has designed the transition into the manual driving experience to be straightforward.

To activate the Manuale’s H-pattern shifting mode, the driver presses the clutch pedal while travelling below approximately 45 mph. The H-pattern symbol on the gear knob then illuminates orange, indicating that the manual-style controls are active.

Drivers can return to automatic operation by pressing the D button on the centre console.

This arrangement allows the car to switch between traditional-style gear selection and the convenience of automatic shifting without requiring a different transmission.

It also means the driver can enjoy the manual experience when the road is inviting and return to automatic operation when traffic or other conditions make it more convenient.

The Ferrari V12 Remains the Main Attraction

At the heart of the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale is the naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12, producing a reported 819 bhp.

The engine’s character is central to the car’s identity. Unlike a turbocharged powertrain that relies on forced induction, the naturally aspirated V12 builds its performance through engine speed, throttle response and a distinctive sound that has become synonymous with Ferrari’s front-engined twelve-cylinder models.

The manual-style controls add another dimension to that experience. Instead of allowing the transmission to make every decision, the driver participates directly in selecting the next ratio and coordinating the clutch.

The combination is particularly appealing because naturally aspirated V12 engines have become increasingly rare as manufacturers face tightening emissions requirements and the broader transition towards electrification.

Ferrari’s approach suggests that the future of the combustion-engine supercar does not necessarily have to be defined solely by increasing power outputs or reducing shift times. Emotional engagement can be just as important.

Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale: What Are the Limitations?

Despite its traditional controls, the Manuale cannot replicate every aspect of a conventional manual sports car.

The electronic clutch and gear-selection system removes some of the mechanical communication between the driver and drivetrain. The unusually smooth gear engagement may feel less involving at low speeds, particularly to enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of coordinating a traditional clutch and gearbox.

There are also practical limitations. Incorrect downshifts can still be restricted electronically, and the system does not allow clutchless power shifting in the manner of certain specialised motorsport transmissions.

As with any manual car, poor clutch technique can also cause unnecessary wear, particularly in slow-moving traffic.

Nevertheless, these limitations need to be considered in the context of the project’s purpose. Ferrari is not attempting to recreate an obsolete transmission simply for the sake of nostalgia. It is using contemporary engineering to restore a particular style of driver involvement.

For enthusiasts who value the act of changing gears, that distinction may be less important than the experience behind the wheel.

A Limited-Production Ferrari With a Bigger Message

The reported production limit of 1,499 examples and £508,000 price position the Ferrari 12Cilindri Manuale firmly in the exclusive end of the supercar market.

Its appeal will inevitably extend beyond its performance figures. Collectors are likely to be interested in its rarity, its naturally aspirated V12 and its unusual position within Ferrari’s modern history.

However, the car’s broader significance could be even more interesting.

For decades, the development of high-performance transmissions has focused on improving acceleration, reducing shift times and maximising efficiency. Dual-clutch gearboxes and increasingly sophisticated automatic systems have made conventional manuals difficult to justify in the fastest production cars.

The Manuale challenges that logic by treating the gearshift as part of the entertainment rather than merely a means of transferring power.

It also raises an intriguing question about future Ferrari models. If this electronically controlled manual-style system can be integrated into the existing transmission architecture, could similar technology eventually find its way into other powertrains, including hybrid models?

That possibility remains a matter of future development rather than a confirmed production plan. Nevertheless, the concept demonstrates that the traditional manual driving experience can still inspire new engineering solutions.

Source: Autocar