OK guys, I love Ferraris, specialy 3X8, I've been lurking here to learn and later buy one. But I got to finish the project I'm working on first. Question, after listening to this vodeo, is this why 3X8 dont have automatics??? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLDgQg6bq7o&feature=player_embedded
Ferrari actually looked into doing this with the GT4 but the italians couldn't correctly pronounce the word encapsulator and thus shelved the entire project.... the project was later reborn as the cadillac allante.....
A few Mondials came with a Valeo auto clutch manual. Don't know any details but know they exist, don't know if it made it to other models. The Mondial if you don't know is otherwise an identical drivetrain to the 3X8 series.
The Valeo automatic clutch was used on only one other Ferrari model and that was a one-off F40, built especially for Gianni Agnelli... As for the Mondial, the Valeo clutch was only available on the "t" version, which was the last version produced and which utilised the then latest 348 drivetrain... altogether different from the 3X8 series, as they used transversally-mounted drivetrains (with the transaxle located below and behind the engine) and the Mondial t/348 which were longitudinally-mounted (inline and behind the engine). What's wrong with an automatic Ferrari? They were available on the 400/412 series and out-sold the manual versions by a large amount.
Nothing wrong with an automatic in a "grocery grabber" style 4 seater Ferrari. Just not in a 3x8 series sportscar. Its like putting an elevator in an outhouse. It just don't belong there! JMHO
When I become emperor, I'm going to ban all automatic trannys. If you can't be bothered to do your own shifting, you ain't driving, you're just along for the ride. So take the bus.
Anyway it's looks too complicated to fix... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXW0bx_Ooq4 Might as well stick to manual tranny.
"Roadhouse" (Movie 1989) Emmett- "Calling me sir is like putting an elevator in an outhouse. It don't belong."
I've driven both- the difference between a 400i with an without a slush box are like night and day. I REALLY don't understand why anybody would ever want to own a car with an auto tranny. It just kills off the car.
I dont mind automatics if I am literally along for the ride - in the morning commute or on a long distance mind numbing drive. But there are lots of times when I want to DRIVE and be fully engaged with the car - THATS what my Ferrari is for. And for those who dont know the Automatic Tranny that Ferrari used on the 400/412 was actually built by GM. PDG
