Damn it! I drove a paddle car, I'll never be the same!!

Yes sir, LOVELY machine!

Im leaning more towards a CS.

We will see what happens with the time comes.

 

thats the way to go i reckon too

 

I am sorry to ask a naive question, but what exactly is the car pictured? Model number, year, specs, etc. I have to say the styling is awesome. I have a 348 and nothing is as legendary as the Ferrari styling.

 

360

 

Take that F1 box to the crusher! Seriously people, these are great on racecars or for people who interested in quicker lap-times or challenge series etc, but boring as hell on the road! The novelty wears off in 2 days. *snore*

 

Yes I've kinda wondered the same thing.

 

PAPster good choice.........you will absolutely love a CS

 

I fully disagree..........

 

Well test driving one if not the same as owning one.

The first few days with an f1 suck honestly- You feel that you don't have the same level of control- slowing down for stop lights and low speed driving through the neighborhood is not as smooth- after a week or so of learning how to work with the thing it's flat awesome- You get the traffic light thing worked out quick enough- but the second to third shift at redline with your foot to the floor in sport mode is one of the GREAT driving experiences...IMHO...as is that perfect downshift into second on a tight curve with both hands on the wheel...

 

I've been driving the dual clutch (DSG) in my Audi for a few years. I would say it's a lot smoother than the system used in the Ferrari 360, but the net effect is that it does make the good old manual/three-pedal system feel kind of retro. It removes a lot of the choreography that was fun to practice, but the computers do a better, more consistent job than any of us. Period.

If you're thinking of doing the paddles in a Ferrari, you might want to wait for the improved version used in the newer cars.

 

I was able to drive a California and thought is was amazing and felt sorry for myself because I had to go back to my 348.

I then drove my 348 and I felt rejoiced. More interactive, a greater connection to the car, more fun to drive. I thought the F1 was a little to disengaging. Almost, too perfect, too smooth.
I'll always keep a gated gear box. I might someday get an F1 just for the ease of driving in traffic and the usability of it. It offers an opportunity for my wife to drive it when she feels the need. Just my .02 worth.

 

First time I ever drove a paddle car was the day my 355 got delivered. First few days are a learning experience. But I doubt I will ever own another 3-pedal car if there is a paddle option.

An to way it isn't as engaging is weird--you must be one with the car to properly shift a 355's F1. But the reward when you do is priceless.

 

Good man.

I also agree and I thought the same. But when you talk to owners of the F1, they wouldnt have it any other way. So I assume it doesnt get boring after a while.

My Wife's "family" car (Holden Statesman V6) has small little paddles to change the gears. You can leave in auto or paddle shift yourself. I paddle shifted once or twice and I soon got over it.

Fair to say its not a Ferrari, but its the same concept.

I would love to drive a Ferrari F1 for a month as I am sure I will singing a different tune.

Cheers mate!! No doubt about it! Its a hell of a machine!

If I lived there in the USA, I would have already bought one. They are double the price here in Australia, so a few more years away yet.

 

Brentttttttt!!!!!!!!
Wait till you see my new Challenge wheel!!! You might want to buy it back for $1500 [/QUOTE]


Promises Promiises..

 

I am obviously and greatfully in a small minority considering a majority of the new Ferrari/Maserati sales are F1 'box cars and the 458 will not even offer a manual box. No worries, I'm not bitter.

 

OK, now that I have your attention . . . damn I'm jealous. I despise that tranny in my 348, Redline's going in as we speak. Thanks for sharing the experience Chris. I've not, but am certainly looking forward to it.

 

Your tranny wont know what hit it Hadley!