Hi, Does anyone have experience driving a 355 F1 in full auto mode? I may not use the paddles terribly often in my 10 minute drive to work on 35 mph roads, so I'm wondering how people like driving the 355 in full auto mode (not using paddles at all). I'm looking for my first Ferrari and would greatly appreciate some feedback. I can't find much about this online, as the vast majority of owners like using the paddles. Thank you in advance.
I've utilized full auto mode once on my F1. I really didn't find it an enjoyable experience. Primary issue for me was the shifting point rpms seemed much too low. Sent from my SM-S901U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
just my 2cents. that short drive 10mins, probably not good to beginning with. barely time for car warm up and then turn off. only to sit for 5-6hrs, and drive 10mins back home. short little drives like that not ideal from cold, i let my car idle 5mins+ before even pulling away. and drive only when doing some distance. meaning i don’t take it to the corner store and back.
Thank you for your replies. I discussed both these issues with a seasoned Ferrari mechanic today and he said the main problem with a short drive to work is the spark plugs will go sooner than normal, but I'm ok with that. I'll be able to drive it on the highway to 'stretch its legs' once a week at least for 30 mins, due to a trip I take almost weekly. SeattleM5, when you say it wasn't an enjoyable experience, do you mean it was uncomfortable? This car is more about realizing a childhood dream and a sign of what I've accomplished in my career, not so much just wanting a Ferrari. I'm thinking worst case scenario, I paddle shift if I don't like how full automode feels. Will be test driving it after a full inspection from an indy. Think there is any big reason I shouldn't buy it? I don't see one. If I lose some money by not loving the experience, it will be a good lesson learned.
Certainly not uncomfortable in any way, I just don't like where the shift points take place in the RPM range in Auto mode. Paddles were not my first preference when looking for a 355.many years ago but I couldn't pass up on the price. Now after 8 years of ownership I absolutely love the car and the F1 transmission. Thankfully, I have plenty of other sporty 3 pedal cars when I need to get that fix. [emoji3] Sent from my SM-S901U using FerrariChat.com mobile app
Also, most driving a stick shift needlessly shift at higher RPM than necessary. They get so accustomed to it they feel an automatic or F1 that was programmed for good efficiency shifts too low.
Congrats in advance!!! A properly sorted and calibrated F1 will shift better than most average drivers out there could with their third pedal....well, at least mine did that to me. Any competent mechanic can most likely service the stick shift cars at any time. But it would take someone who really knows their stuff to get the F1 system just right.
I've driven my car in auto mode once. It works, as many will confirm. But I agree it's less enjoyable than using the car in manual mode. What's unpleasant about it in auto mode isn't that the shifts come earlier or later than I would choose with the paddles. What bothered me about auto mode is that I can't see the shift coming, so I am still on-throttle when the shift occurs, making upshifts jerky. And downshifts are jerky also, but less so. What makes the F1 system fun to drive is that it's meant to be driven like a manual car, with slight lifts of the throttle when upshifting and slight blips when downshifting, in order to smooth out shifts. Done properly, shifts in an F1 car are smooth as butter, absolutely free of jerkiness. In auto mode, you lose that satisfaction altogether.
I was curious so went for a soft drive around town in auto for the first time in my 18months ownership. It was very pleasant. Wife is even keen to have a go now. Even though her MX5 is a manual, the 355 scares her.
