hello, good to be here..

Hello Ferrari enthusiasts. I am lucydad (Greg) from Downingtown, PA. As a retired wonk and Italian motorcycle rider, I have decided at this certain age to fulfill my dream of buying a Ferrari. Looking at both a Roma and California T: both at our Ferrari dealership in Chester, County, PA, USA. I am looking for advice, technical information and insights from the experts.

Grazie..

 

Welcome aboard - you certainly came to the right place. Make sure to check out the Cali and Roma forums in the Model-Specific discussion area. You’ll find a wealth of info for your search there.

 

JWeiss,

Thank you! I have learned that tech forums can be immense resources: motorcycles, cars, archery, etc.
Looking at Cali and Roma forums.

One of my issues: I am old style guy that loves a manual transmission. Coming off a 2015 C7 Corvette with the M7. Not sure if I can be happy with DCT and paddles? I have paddles on my Mazda CX 30 SUV: boring. But, at age 70, I have always wanted a Ferrari. We have a superb dealer just east of me in Chester County, PA.

 

One thing I can say, paddles on an auto trans car are very different from paddles on a true manual trans. A manual shifts like a manual; an autobox shifts like an auto - regardless of how those shifts are activated.

I have an F1 430, so the transmission and clutch are even more “raw” than a DCT, but the shifting experience is totally different than, say, shifting my new BMW with the paddles.

This is not to say that it’s the same as manually operating the clutch pedal and stick. But nowadays, you need to commit to an older car to get that in a Ferrari.

Take any opportunity you can to drive a DCT, and maybe even a single-clutch F1. See what you think!

 

Single clutch paddle is much more engaging than DCT IMO. If you really want a manual, there are manual Ferraris in similar price brackets.

Sent from my toilet using FerrariChat.com mobile app

 

The Roma has a new 8 speed DCT, quite an update from the California. Tomorrow I hope to test it out. We will see. I am a bit of a luddite.

 

Let us know how it goes. Plenty of Luddites in these here parts.

 

Luddites that ride Moto Guzzi's and Aprilia's? Lol..my main goal is to evaluate the dealership. If they pass inspection, then we get serious. Not sure if they do test drives for older gentlemen?

 

so....went from a 2004 gated spider to a 488 spider. Only had the new car for a week...It's different in a good way. I missed the 3 pedal but the newer cars shine elsewhere. I'm liking it so far. 400 miles added since I bought it but mostly hiway miles. Taking it into the curves this weekend....cheers!

 

Welcome. Italian motorcycle rider?
Did you race? I had to get rid of my yamaha r6 to get my F430. Worth it! But still follow Moto GP religiously

 

Yes, a Moto Guzzi and Aprilia Tuono 660. My racing days are long ago, on 2-stroke, 3 cylinder, free air, carbureted, expansion chambered Ski-Doos. Raced against Bobby Unser once, and beat him. Big Moto GP fan, seen a few races in Austin, TX.

 

Welcome aboard