How to Operate Ferrari Gear Shift?
3 Answers
Ferrari uses paddle shifters for gear changes, with the left paddle for downshifting and the right paddle for upshifting. After pressing the AUTO button, the car will not move forward automatically. At this point, you need to pull the right upshift paddle, and then the Ferrari will move forward.
I just got myself a Ferrari, and honestly, the gear operation is quite different from regular cars. Before starting, you must press the brake pedal and then hit the ignition button next to the steering wheel to hear the engine roar. For shifting gears, most Ferrari models have two paddle shifters behind the steering wheel—the left one for downshifting and the right one for upshifting, with no manual clutch needed, super convenient. Upshifting with the right paddle gives a thrilling acceleration, while downshifting with the left one helps slow down or take corners, with lightning-fast response. Reverse is a separate button, usually labeled 'R' on the gear console or center stack; when parking, remember to press the 'P' button to lock the position. Safety-wise, don’t release the brake before starting, and shifting too quickly can lead to mistakes, so I practiced a few laps on an empty road before daring to drive in the city. It takes some time for a beginner to get the hang of it, but once you adapt, the driving thrill is absolutely worth it.
Driving a Ferrari is pure enjoyment, especially with its incredibly user-friendly gearshift design. Every time I press the brake and hit the start button, the engine roar instantly gets me excited. Shifting is entirely handled by the paddle system on the steering wheel – left paddle for downshifting, right paddle for upshifting, delivering racecar-like smoothness, while reversing simply requires pressing the R button. In congested traffic, you can switch to AUTO mode, relegating the paddles to secondary status; for sportier driving, manually downshift with the paddles to let the RPM soar. Different Ferrari models like the 488 or F8 have slight variations, but the principle remains similar: ensure the brake is firmly pressed before operating to avoid accidental touches. After driving it often, I've found the operation feels like playing a game – manual shifting allows precise control over engine output, and upshifting during overtaking is exhilarating.
