Ferrari Automatic or Manual Transmission?
3 Answers
Ferrari's supercars are basically all automatic transmissions. Here is a related introduction about automatic and manual transmissions: 1. Automatic Transmission: It does not require the driver to manually shift gears; the vehicle will automatically select the appropriate gear based on driving speed and traffic conditions. Generally, automatic transmission cars have six gear positions, from top to bottom: P, R, N, D, S, L. 2. Manual Transmission: A manual transmission is a gear-shifting device used to change the speed and torque transmitted from the engine to the drive wheels. It allows the car to obtain different traction and speed under various conditions such as starting from a standstill, climbing hills, turning corners, and accelerating, while also enabling the engine to operate within a more favorable range.
I remember driving my friend's Ferrari 488 at a track day last year, which was equipped with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Nowadays, all Ferrari models come with automatic transmissions, from the entry-level Roma to the hybrid supercar SF90, all utilizing their in-house developed F1 transmission technology. In fact, manual transmissions completely disappeared after the 458, with the manufacturer citing that shift speeds couldn't keep up with engine performance. I've tried the manual shift mode, and the paddle response is frighteningly fast, with downshift rev-matching smoother than even seasoned drivers. But to be honest, some old-school fans really miss the manual transmission era of the F430—that mechanical connection feeling was indeed more raw and exciting.
At my repair shop, I often deal with Ferrari owners and find that 80% of them opt for automatic transmissions. The new 8-speed gearbox is incredibly smart—in daily traffic, the automatic mode is as smooth as a luxury sedan, but switch to track mode and it completely transforms. Last time during an 812 maintenance, the technician mentioned this generation's V12 engine delivers 800 Nm of torque at just 1,200 rpm, a level of brute force that manual transmissions simply can't handle. Once, a customer brought in a 2002 360 with a manual gearbox. While the gearshift was thrilling to operate, the clutch was so heavy it left your left leg aching—waiting at red lights felt like a workout.
