Paddle Shift, 6 speed F1 vs 7 speed dual clutch

So your question is which is better? F1 vs dual clutch design? From what I've read here on this site, there is no comparison. The dual clutch is superior.

 

F1 and MT are actually quite closely related. Some have converted from one to the other.

DCT is a totally different animal all together and much more advanced.

Still, F1 does work and offers plenty of drama that some might find preferable to DCT.

Regardless, DCT is the better performer by far; especially if you are in AUTO mode. (You don't want to use F1 in AUTO - just awful).

 

I only have experience with Auto and DCT/PDK, plus whatever Mercedes uses in the SLK (it has Ferrari-style paddles; my 911 has those confounded buttons).

I too have a 2011 911 (S), and the only advice I can offer is to hit the Sport+ button, if you have not done so already! It will transform your 911 from a docile horse into a snorting bronco. With PDK, in Sport+, the shift points are later in Auto, so the 911 is not doing its best to get into 7th gear as soon as possible. It also changes some of the PASM settings.

T

 

For your buttons on the wheel, swap them to paddles! I think it is ~$1200?

I have been "forced" to drive Porsche loaners with those buttons on the wheel and I think the only "benefit" in reality is that it lets you up or down shift with one hand vs. the up right, down left on the paddles.

 

Thanks. That's a mod I have thought to do, but I've seen estimates in the range of $2,000+ if done at the dealer. So, I'm thinking to do it aftermarket once the warranty expires, add Techart paddles, or (most likely) just live with the buttons & buy a Ferrari with proper F 1 paddles!
Apologies for the mild hijack.
T

 

I do not perceive running the F1 in Auto mode as awful. The only negative (?) is that the gear changes are done at much lower RPM's than when I change manually.

 

Well, it depends on which version you have: F1, F1-A, or F1-S (superfast).

I can speak for F1-A. In AUTO mode, the car bucks when accelerating hard. My 612 was delivered to me in that mode and I actually thought the car was malfunctioning. Then I switched AUTO off and everything was much better.

Regardless, unless your warming up the engine, shifting at low RPM is unacceptable in a Ferrari.

 

100% wrong.

DCT seems more like a slushbox. Too many software gimmicks to try to give it "emotion".

A good robotized box has a lot more driving excitement. The DCT to me feels artificial.

 

Tom, I bought the wheel for $1000 at Suncoast, and installed it myself on my Targa 4S. Took about 30 minutes to do. You have to make sure you disconnect the battery first and wait about 20 minutes. You also need a torx bit (cost about $10 from Home Depot).

There are several how to videos on YouTube. It's a very easy mod to do yourself.

Makes a huge difference and so much better than the stupid buttons.

 

Dual clutch is the bomb. It's crazy how well they work. They almost feel like an electric golf cart, seemless acceleration.

 

Well, I have a -04 575, but do not know which version of the F1.

I agree, shifting at low RPMs is no fun! But that is how the computer wants it!

 

Thanks, Dom. I thought there was an extra stalk to add, but I may be thinking of replacing the multifunction wheel. I'll look into it...T

 

This. And the clutch engagement on launch is perfect every time.

I was underwhelmed by the jerkiness of the F1 box in the 360.

 

Is that a good thing?

DCT is truly amazing. I just marvel at what it's doing. But it is somewhat less engaging than F1 to me.

 

Agree but the F430 and Scud boxes are much better.

 

Gearboxes with paddles are a type of quagmire in terms of what a sportscar has become, with each passing year of goodies added to the box, all of which remove skill from the driving experience. When you've added computers to do things for you, it's a rush of sorts but leads to problems..

First, these items bring more and more modules, wire looms throughout.. None of what they offer is any better than fifties dog teeth or even straight cut gears.

What we are "trying to do" with a sports car...is first and foremost - be engaged with the equipment, staying as far away as possible from autopilot devices i.e, that jets use in taking off and landing today. Pilots themselves are concerned about the issues, since when a plane goes into a stall, it's skill (not electronics) that get you out of a stall. So, today we have novices, instructors, enthusiasts blasting their way around tracks who aren't as skilled as they appear.. Dangerous as well.

That said, technology does offer benefits, but first and foremost, the more basic things are the better, like an early 60's Lotus or Porsche box, w the palm of your hand vibrating from the various machined components coming together.

Companies are driven to "sell" on into the future - fearing that if using previous technology that they will not sell as well ! So they rely on whatever new geegaw is boasted about, to hopefully generate as much hype as possible. The truth is we don't need higher and higher tech to insulate the experience. Basic stuff and engineering are what you need...with a decent work ethic that enables your skills to increase.

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Hewland Engineering Ltd | Advice

 

I own a 2005 575 Ferrari Superamerica with the F1 six-speed single clutch paddle shift transmission, and have driven 2013 and 2015 Ferrari FFs with the seven-speed DCT box and a 2015 Volkswagon Golf R with a six-speed DCT transmission. Speaking strictly to the experience related to the shifting (raptures about 1950s crash boxes are nutsola, IMO, but each to their own), there is no comparison.

The DCT transmissions are waaayyy better than the single clutch F1. In "normal" or "comfort" mode, there is a very discernible lag between shifts with the F1 both when working the paddles and letting the car shift itself in automatic. This lag is improved somewhat when in "sport" mode, but it is still there. More aggressive applications of the throttle get the black boxes to shifting quicker, but the lag is never reduced to the point of not being objectionable, at least to me. It is always there and a major negative factor that definitely detracts from the enjoyment of the SA.

The DCT boxes are simply amazing, even in "normal" or "comfort." Shifting with the paddles is virtually instantaneous, up and down. I have not driven an FF in automatic, but have the Golf R, and that shifting is little different from working the paddles.

To try to capsulize the issue, I always notice the shifts of the F1 Superamerica in a negative way. If I notice the shifts of a DCT FF or Golf R at all--and at least in the Golf R I don't usually notice them--it is in a positive manner, like "Wow, that box is amazing!" For geezers like me who grew up with a "three on the tree" manual tranny, the DCTs are a different universe.

As an aside, I have heard that the automatic transmission in the new Corvette is wildly advanced from previous automatics and may put the DCT box into the dustbin of history. I have no personal experience with the new Corvette, however, so this may be marketing hype. Technology does always march on, though, so I wouldn't be surprised if this happens.

 

I think the quote I got was after trading in the steering wheel in place (so probably is $2k+ but then they give some $$ to take your wheel back).

Likely depends on condition etc. I am just not a fan of the buttons...