Shift speed

I forget..what is the shift speed of the new gearboxes in the 458 and California? Is it 50ms? I remember reading that figure somewhere but not sure if it's accurate.

And whilst we're on the subject, are all the other DSG (the VW, BMW, Porsche etc.) similar?

 

Its down in the range where it really doesn't mater.

The DCT boxes are disengauging one clutch from the gear you are in and engauging the other clutch to the gear you are going to simultaneously.

 

I was just wondering how they were in relation to the latest iteration of the F1 gearboxes (60ms).

 

35 to 40 m?

 

You know, this weekend I did something for the first time in the F430. I took it to the redline in first and shifted into 2nd in race mode.

That darn gearbox just SLAMS the gears in place. I thought someone hit me from behind.

If the 458 is anything like that or even faster, it's going to be amazing.

 

Why have you never done that before? Is there any other way to shift from first to second?

 

I freely admit it... I'm a WIMP. But, I do like driving this car!

 

The 458 is faster and has no "slam" so you don't suffer for the mechanical components! The system is also known as "zerlift" as there is no interruption in torque delivery.

 

I loved that about the F430, it's like being kicked by a horse. The 458 should be amazing fun.

 

I'm actually looking forward to the smoother shifting 458
I found the 430 slam action a bit annoying

 

Jazzie,
Unfortunately I did not get to drive the 458 in anger while in Maranello for a test drive. But when I did get to put some foot into it the shifting was incredibly quick and very smooth. Between engine controls and the dual clutch system the gear transition was all but unnoticable w/ the exception of a minor kick between 1st and 2nd. And it was minor.

I think there are two opposing schools of thought on the slam action of the 430 and Scud. I know of at least two Scud owners that are hesitant of acquiring a 458 and losing that slam. On the other side the speed of the shift in the 458 all but eliminates any unbalancing of a car going created by the on-off-on the power. I would venture to guess this helps lap times for the skilled driver.

 

Thanks for the insight I'm really looking forward to the quick and smooth shift action of the 458.
I've always found the slam action a bit unsettling it seems to momentarily take your focus away from the car.

 

Its interesting that you say that... there are many who like it.. esp on the Scuderia.

 

Everyone has there own peculiar preferences mine is smooth shifting others like the big bang.
For the last 30 years of driving manual shift cars I always preferred to shift in a manner which does not upset the balance of the car and is not jarring to any passengers.So I have gotten accustomed to a smooth shift pattern

 

Exactly! a friend just picked up its new 458 today,and i could test the car... amazing! But i really miss that bang of my Scud, i'd never change that!! and the speed is very similar.. very different from 430 standard.

 

IIRC it is around 20ms, some 40ms faster than the fastest F1 boxes in the production cars. I also recall that with the dual clutch, they could dial it to basically 0ms, but then it feels like a CVT, so they added a small amount of delay so you could feel the shift. It is fast enough though, that you don't get the kick in the back like the F1 in the F430. In my California, I hear a loud pop and feel a constant rush of torque accelerating the car. In my F430, the transmission feels comparatively slow...something that seemed impossible until I owned both and could drive them back to back.

 

I'm suprised to hear you say you were able to 'test the car' because, if new, the owner should be allowing for at least a 1000 km to break in the engine, not exceeding around 5500 rpms.

 

Big Bang is fine for drag racing, smooth and quick is better for road racing. A big Bang shift in the middle of a long sweeper is a recipie for the rear end stepping out big time.

 

Thanks Mitch, Finally someone on the same page as me

 

Don't pick on Bob or else!

 

Or else... they'll die laughing!

 

No, it's not. The shift is too fast to cause any problems. Just the opposite, in fact. I started shifting while coming into Big Bend at lime rock. In the regular 430, this would be a recipe for a rear lock-up and a spin, but in the scud, the shifts are so fast that the net effect is actually beneficial: the car gets slightly unsettled helping it turn in.

 

DCT boxes basically are seamless, with no real shifttime.

Lexus LFA: 200 ms
Enzo: 120ms
599 GTB: 100
BMW M5: 65ms
430 Scud: 60

458 Italia: ~0ms
BMW M3: ~0ms
Veyron: ~8ms
The time it takes for your brain to register someones facial expression: 200ms

 

quotes by the brand PR folks mean squat each has their own 'interpretation' of how to measure the shifts...ie, when the shift actually starts and when it is entirely completed..