is 430 the last model that offers 3 Pedals?

Long discussion already here about whether the new California will get manual - consensus is it will not

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=218206

Several others too - one about a month ago I think

 

If there is enough demand Ferrari will continue to make manuals but at the moment it looks like there is not. With Ferraris abilty to look for profits anywhere, I would not be surprised to see something Similar to the Aston Martin Works Service Vanquish Manual conversion available on paddle only models in the future (for an extortionate fee obviously).

 

Well, if the US remains Ferrari's biggest market, .... most drivers in the 'states have enough trouble figuring out the steering wheel.
(Yes, it does work with the car moving.)

If they get enough sales in place where people know how to shift, it might be another matter.

 

Febuary 2009 of CAR mag is does say that the 6 speed is done but I hope to God it is not.

 

If I couldn't get a new Ferrari with a gated shifter I would pass entirely.

In fact, if they stop making manuals all together I might have to jump off a cliff. That's denying the very essence of what their cars are about. The paddle shifter is great but there is a disconnect there that is palpable. I know it's faster and the greatest thing since sliced bread but it's just not as visceral an experience as working the shifter, gas and clutch.

I'm afraid they are becoming more and more like Lexus than Ferrari. Next thing we'll see an automatic suv!!!!

 

Apparently the California will be available in a stick, but not until later. Whatever that means.

 

I think that Rifledriver was correct on this. To seriously offer this car with a stick shift would have required them to already put into place the procurement and engineering processes needed to secure the required number of components. It would also require re-certifications for emissions and mileage statistics, at least here in the U.S.

Probably the PR stuff on "maybe stick later" is probably a trial balloon to test the waters and see if very many serious buyers for this car would even care.

I somehow suspect that most California buyers in fact could care less.

 

My dealer has said there will be a six speed stick in the California but I'll believe it when I see it. I think seven speed paddle cars spells the end of three pedal Ferraris (and perhaps other marques as well). If it is offered, I wouldn't be surprised if the price is the same as paddles or even more. In any event, 599's do have sticks so the 430 could not be rightly called the last Ferrari with one anyway. I think I'll go fondle the stick in my 430 now.

Dave

 

One more reason (aside from the obvious Cali looks & wimp image issues) - to seriously consider the far less expensive Aston Martin V8 Vantage for a GT car in this class.

Thank you, Aston Martin and Corvette (and thus far Lamborghini) for keeping the fire lit.

 

If they're serious about completely destroying the marque, then I would very much assume so.

 

i dont think you can really guage if they are going to do away with 3 pedals based soley on, if the california has a stick or not. i dont think many california buyers are interested in a stick. i think the 430s replacement will be a different story. thats a car where a stick will be justified.

 

Why not buy a vintage Ferrari? They ooze the "visceral" driving experience everyone here is talking about. You can have the new Ferrari with the latest technology that goes fast and the old Ferrari for when you want that quirky character.

 

what ive been wondering my self

 

wonna play riverdance forever?
just to make the 4 wheels rolling?

 

I thought there was mention earlier that the 599 was no longer available with the stick? I could be wrong, I'll see if I can dig out the thread.

3 pedal cars are dead, automatics are the way of the future. People will play it up that they are still "manual" transmissions, but if there's 2 pedals on the floor it's a slushbox.

 

I don't know about 599 sticks being discontinued. It wouldn't surprise me. They make more on paddles.

Soon you will only find sticks in compact cars and pickups. I don't think you can technically call paddles cars slushboxes, but if they shift automatically, they are automatics.

dave

 

This would make me sad. One of the first things I found that was special about Ferraris was the metal shifter gate with the long shifter and black shifter knob. The little lever and the paddles behind the steering wheel just doesn't get the pulse racing like seeing that metal plate. If I can't buy a new Ferrari with 3 pedals I think I will buy an older one.

 

I would pick an Aston, Porsche or Lambo with a stick over a Ferrari with paddles.

 

Is it possible that in Europe Semi-Auto shifting is considered by government a safer car to drive than manual and extra pedal? Since that means your hands stay on the steering wheel and less distraction of extra pedal and having to shift. I wouldnt' be surprised look at how less sharp the bodies have become with the pedestrian safety issue.

 

Well, jump off the cliff.

The 6-speed manual is done for as of this year's production. Losing one customer who jumps off a cliff won't even affect Ferrari. There are buyers lining up in the emerging markets as the US and Europe are going bankrupt anyway.

 

I certainly don't expect Ferrari to fret over the fact that I wouldn't consider an automatic car! I'm not even a blip on their radar.

If they want to sell more cars by pandering to poseurs who want a status symbol and not a sports car that's their prerogative. I know it's inevitable given the fact that their new target seems to be focused more on carrying golf clubs and navigation. Maybe they should add some extra large cupholders so we don't have to fret about spilling our mocha frapa choco cuci lattes while we drive and text on our crackberry.

I think the paddle shift should of course continue to be offered because it is incredible and certainly has its' merits but I don't think that a company such as Ferrari should due away with something that is so integral with their heritage. I mean let's be blunt. Anyone who buys an automatic Ferrari (or ANY sports car) is an absolute bachagalupe and should have to forfeit their car to someone who cares enough to appreciate what a pure sports car is. If you don't want to be bothered with shifting or learning how to heel/toe maybe you should look elsewhere?

It's sad because I've seen first hand from the inside how focus groups and appealing to the new "market" segment can totally destroy a car company. If Ferrari isn't careful they'll head down this road. Without the terrible bother of shifting of course!