Ferrari and Nissan have unveiled new vehicle models featuring a return to manual shifting for the Italian marque and a new premium SUV for the Japanese automaker [1].
These launches signal divergent strategies in the luxury automotive sector. While Ferrari is targeting collectors with a limited-edition mechanical experience, Nissan is expanding its footprint in the competitive premium crossover market.
Ferrari introduced the 12Cilindri Manuale, a model that brings back the manual gearbox to the brand's lineup [1]. The vehicle is powered by a 12-cylinder engine [1]. To bridge the gap between traditional shifting and modern performance, the car features a Manuale-by-Wire system [1]. This technology allows Ferrari to maintain the tactile feel of a manual transmission while optimizing the efficiency and speed of gear changes.
The company said the 12Cilindri Manuale is intended to become an instant-classic limited-edition model [1]. By combining a high-cylinder count with a manual interface, the manufacturer is appealing to a niche of enthusiasts who prioritize driver engagement over the seamlessness of automatic dual-clutch systems.
Simultaneously, Nissan presented the world premiere of the TEKTON [1]. The TEKTON is a premium C-SUV designed to compete in the luxury compact crossover segment [1]. The debut serves as a showcase of the company's newest design language and its efforts to generate market interest in the premium utility space [1].
The two reveals highlight the current state of the global auto industry. Ferrari is leaning into nostalgia and exclusivity to drive brand value, whereas Nissan is focusing on the versatility and prestige of the SUV format to capture a broader luxury demographic [1].
“Ferrari revives a manual gearbox with the 12‑cylinder "12Cilindri Manuale"”
The simultaneous release of these vehicles demonstrates the bifurcation of the high-end automotive market. Ferrari is treating the manual transmission as a luxury amenity for collectors, effectively turning a legacy technology into a premium feature. Meanwhile, Nissan's push into the premium C-SUV segment with the TEKTON shows a continued industry reliance on the SUV body style to drive volume and prestige in the global market.
