Automatic transmissions in Ferraris?!? Tell me it ain't so!

The 456 had a automatic, is that what you were looking at?

And the F1 transmission also has a 'AUTO' setting.

 

+1

A lot of the F1's are sometimes listed as automatic.. can't tell you why though.

 

I can only assume you were looking through the Boardwalk inventory. First off they are exceptional people and will be a pleasure to buy from. The "automatic" that is posted is not what you think (There aren't any 456s, 400s).

The automatic listed is actually a semi-auto. It's actually a manual gearbox (clutch, throw-out bearing, etc.) that is controlled by a computer. The gears are actuated electro-hydraulically. You shift by pulling on a paddle behind the steering wheel. This is the absolute basic explanation. Don't worry there isn't a torque converter and a sloppy "kick-downs." Traditional autos are found in the 456s, 400s...

I should add the California and 458 use dual clutch transmissions. This is essentially two gearboxes in one.

Hope this helps

Oh, and welcome

 

Some of the late 90's early 2000 cars (don't quote me here but I think limited to the 456?) had a true slush box in them.

The F1's are more along the lines of a sequentially shifted manual transmission (Wikipedia Sequential transmission).

The newer cars are Dual Clutch Transmissions, it's the new wave of technology and quite impressive.

If you don't live near a F car dealership with a newer one run down to the local VW store and test drive a GTI with the "DSG" Transmission it is a true dual clutch set up. (Wikipedia "Dual Clutch Transmission").

I like them but also like true manuals.

 

They are obviously F1's which are manual as someone already explained.
More research needed possibly
456 and the 400 had true autos

 

During 1969 and 1970, Ferrari made six Queen Mothers with an automatic transmission. The 400, which debuted in 1976, was available with an automatic transmission. The Mondial t Valeos and the one F40 Valeo had semi-automatic transmissions. The 412 and 456 were available with automatics. The 612 F1 has a fully automatic button.

 

Don't all the F1 transmission cars have the fully automatic button, or is it just the 612?

 

Maybe. But in the 612, there's actually a black button on the center console with a big, white 'A' on it.

 

The 360 has one, so I can assume that the 430 does also.
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Texas flyer, I hear ya,

I can remember the first time I looked in the window of a Ferrari and saw two pedals and no stick. I was devastated. After doing some reading I learned about the paddle shifters. I was later at a party and there was a 360 parked out front. I asked around and found the lawyer who owned it. I asked him how he liked the automatic and he was insulted. He went into a long explanation about how "Automatics" are slush boxes with torque converters. His car was a conventional manual transmission only a computer operates the clutch and the gear forks. He still decides when to change gears.

To me if it ain't got no stick/clutch it's automatic, just don't tell that to a Ferrari owner.

The good news is almost all Ferrari except some 4 seat tourers, and the latest 458 and California, were available with a stick.

Good luck in your search.

Dave

 

If it has the option of an "automatic mode", its an automatic.

 

I like the term manu-matic. That is what I use for my wifes VW. Interesting technology. We got a letter in the mail that they are extending the transmission warranty to 100K miles. Good extra warranty, bad that car needs it. Feels different than an auto, you can feel the clutch engaging.

 

"Flappy Paddles"

 

Better get used to it. The days of strictly manual transmissions seem to be over at Ferrari.
Alas.

 

A few facts.

It's not an automatic gearbox.

It's a manual gearbox with a computer operated clutch.

Some have the ability to be shifted automatically by an on board computer but they are still manual gearboxes.

Some computer systems also help on hills by locking the brakes so that you don't roll back when you set off. Frankly I wouldn't mind having this feature on my P 3/4 as it doesn't make much torque below 6000 rpms and hill starts are always interesting.

The dual clutch versions are fantastic as shift time is virtually instantaneous.

On a track these boxes are much faster and even our GT2 race car only has a clutch pedal because regulations require it along with a mechanically attached sequential shifter and you don't use the clutch pedal except to start off.

Modern cars are designed around these gearboxes and even Carbon wouldn't enjoy driving an Enzo with a conventional 3 pedal setup as it would be much slower and unlike the paddle version could be improperly downshifted causing mechanical over revving which in an Enzo takes a bite out of 150K. Hard acceleration from a roll in a 3 pedal Enzo would be very tricky and in a Veyron not possible. Keep in mind when you stand on an Enzo with ACR switched off you'd better be very good at countersteering or you'll lose it. Having to 3 pedal at the same time would be very dicey. (Remember in the MC 12 Race car you don't need to 3 pedal to shift)

I enjoy a straight cut, non syncro gear box in my Duesy but have no interest in having one in P 4/5 and that bring us to the point:

Ferrari customers don't want manual gearboxes in new Ferrari's. That why Ferrari no longer sells them.

 

I thought you said the F1 and Dual Clutches were manual gearboxes?

Dave

 

Technology marches on, the very few 599GTBs made with manuals didn't interface well with engine management (as Napolis suggests)....

The hydraulic operation is FASTER between gears than humanly possible with a gated shifter and clutch.

So in the end, performance rules Ferrari's perspective.

I disagree as well but have little experience in the newer cars....

The reason they show it as "automatic" is there and only two choices on FleaBay.....it really should say "F1" as that is where the technology originated!

Just get a 430 (V8), that will be the last car with a slotted gate, 3 pedal system.....there are also a few 599GTBs (V12) out there, Ferrari of Houston has one and they can't sell it.

 

It's all symantics. Many think if it isn't a slush box, it's a manual. Others, myself included, think that manual vs automatic refers to the manner of shifting, not the internal parts. By this definition, paddle cars are automatics. My Tundra p/u has a mode where I can put the shifter into a true sequential mode similar to some race cars. That requires more actual work than paddles. Would it be called a manual? Not by me. Paddles are great marketing. Owners can have an automatic without the stigma of having an automatic. But I know I'm just part of the old dinosaur minority on this.

Dave

 

Hey I'm a dinosaur too but I like em all from straight cut non syncro to dual clutch paddle's.