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Clutch paddles

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by AtomReel, Oct 11, 2019.

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  1. AtomReel

    AtomReel Rookie

    Sep 14, 2019
    7
    Carthage Missouri
    Full Name:
    Adam Lee Helton
    #1 AtomReel, Oct 11, 2019
    Hello Tifosi, I've had an idea swimming around my head for a number of years, and I'd like to hear what the community thinks. So there is no question that paddle shifters are superior with respect to shifting efficiency. Unfortunately that has come at the price of losing gated shifters and ultimately driver to car connection. What if modern paddle systems were to more closely emulate formula one? It is my understanding that the clutch paddles utilized on f1 cars, are just for launching. Releasing one paddle to engage 50% and the second gradually to engage fully. Once the car is rolling, the clutch paddles aren't used again until launching again or to keep the engine running in the event of a spin. For operating simplicity this concept could just be a single clutch paddle. Much like the rider connection experienced with clutch levers on a motorcycle, this could serve to reconnect drivers to their car, whilst maintaining the shifting efficiency of paddle shifters. Thoughts anyone?
     
  2. Nuvolari

    Nuvolari F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2002
    6,638
    Toronto / SoCal
    Full Name:
    Rob C.
    #2 Nuvolari, Oct 12, 2019
    The ‘loss’ of the driver to vehicle connection due to the use of paddle shifters is nostalgic nonsense by people who don’t want to acccept that the world has moved on and that manual gearboxes are ancient. Don’t get me wrong I love the feel of a gated shifter but process itself is slow and inefficient compared to a modern dual clutch box. I’m continually annoyed when people tell me that modern cars are not as quick as manual cars where you can ‘control’ the gears.

    F1 cars use a hand clutch to narrow the foot area and therefore the nose for increased aerodynamic efficiency over the whole of the car. Again they don’t use dual clutch gearboxes because they are heavier and larger interfering with the aero at the rear of the car. There is no real advantage to releasing a clutch with your hand.
     
    technom3 likes this.
  3. afwrench

    afwrench Formula Junior

    Nov 24, 2004
    593
    NY
    Full Name:
    Mike
    #3 afwrench, Oct 12, 2019
    I am an old guy now and still love to row through the gears. But. I had no real interest in newer F cars .I have a 71 365gtc4 and still love it after many years. I did fall for the 599 when it came out but still resisted the new tech .I also like to do all my own work.After a ride and up close looks I did buy a 599. I would love to have gotten a sitck but they are so rare that the price is out of my range.As it turns out I love the paddles.It is not the same but still a hoot to drive.The other factor rarely mentioned is that at my age I am not the same as far as reflexes go as I was 15 or 20 years ago.The performance level and speed with witch everything can happen with 600+ on tap means it is best that I keep both hand on the wheel.I don't shift anywhere as fast as the new stuff does.I don't find it to be a lesser experience just a different one. Mike
     
  4. AtomReel

    AtomReel Rookie

    Sep 14, 2019
    7
    Carthage Missouri
    Full Name:
    Adam Lee Helton
    #4 AtomReel, Oct 12, 2019
    I'm not suggesting that a hand or foot operated clutch would be advantageous. As I've stated, paddles are far superior to any gated shifter. Never the less if I had my choice between an f430 w/f1 or another with a 6 speed, all things being equal, I'd much rather the 6 speed. Having driven both, back to back numerous times, it is still my subjective opinion that the 6 speed is far more enjoyable to drive. I've done the same with 575's, f355s, and 360s. Again to me, the 6 speed is far more enjoyable. Your opinion of no loss in driver connection is just that, your opinion. However you cannot deny that the only place you can properly exploit the performance advantages of paddles, is on a track. I will never be a professional or even a semi pro race driver. I'm the kind of driver that doesn't mind getting caught in traffic with a manual. With my idea I see it as something of an either or, type of setup. If you don't want to use a clutch paddle or pedal, then dont. It would just be nice to have the option.
     

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