Lamborghini will not resurrect the manual transmission despite Ferrari's recent decision to offer one in the 12Cilindri supercar. Federico Foschini, Lamborghini's chief marketing and sales officer, made clear that the Sant'Agata marque sees no business case for reverting to mechanical gearboxes on its flagship models.
The statement signals a divergence in strategy between Italy's two supercar giants. Ferrari shocked the market by announcing a traditional manual option for its new 12-cylinder flagship, betting that collector appeal and driving purity would justify the reversal of a decade-long trend toward dual-clutch automatics. Lamborghini is taking the opposite stance, doubling down on modern transmission technology for performance and consistency reasons.
Foschini did signal openness to expanding the Sterrato lineup, the brand's off-road-capable supercar series. The original Huracan Sterrato proved that Lamborghini customers wanted high-ground-clearance alternatives to traditional low-slung supercars. Expanding this sub-brand aligns with broader luxury automaker trends toward lifestyle versatility without sacrificing performance credentials.
The manual debate reflects generational and practical divides in the hypercar market. Manual transmissions appeal to a subset of enthusiasts and collectors who prioritize engagement over lap times. Modern dual-clutch and automated units deliver faster shifts, better fuel economy, and integration with advanced driving aids. Lamborghini's position reflects confidence that its core customers prioritize raw performance and modern convenience over nostalgic mechanical complexity.
Ferrari's contrarian move represents a calculated gamble on exclusivity and emotional connection. Lamborghini's steadfast refusal suggests the brand believes its customers value seamless acceleration and daily usability more than manual gear selection. Both approaches tap different collector psychologies. Where Ferrari banks on scarcity and tradition,