Excellent points. I would just add, when you think about the relative merits of a stick shift, whether its an electronic simulation- they could simulate the clutch also- or the real thing- the target market is the wealthy enthusiast market. That is usually who comes in to buy pre-owned Ferraris. But it’s not who typically buys new Ferraris. However, the Ferrari market has really grown. While I think they could easily make it work for an Icona model, which would be great, I think if Ferrari wanted to do a stick shift in a series car, it should be optional in the 296 model. The 296 is supposed to be about fun and engagement- and that’s what the stick shift is all about. They have the SF90 as a performance setter. And they could change the calibration of the engine in such a way as to maybe reduce power in the lower gears to let you rev it out and enjoy the power. JMHO. Hope everyone has a nice week.
They could make the ultimate entry level car as a manual, 296 no hybrid powertrain and a manual. Simplest/lightest production car they make, cap the production at 1,000-2,000 a year and sell every one of them, sort of a 911T to the Ferrari range. Perhaps even call it a Dino.
I feel like a simulated manual would be like a fake watch. Yes it looks the part but we’d all know deep inside it was just a simulation of what we really want. A true manual 296 on the other hand? Yes please! Produce that and just take my money already
Are you referring to the Sportomatic? I've driven one a few times and much prefer standard clutch for several reasons.
Meanwhile the EU continues to be bound and determined to ruin future Ferraris: https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a64475660/carbon-fiber-car-ban-europe-2029/
Can't blame the manufacturers if they move out of the EU at this point. It's like a giant constantly swinging swords at their heads. Such a hostile environment to produce luxury cars in.