Just got a '97 yearbook from Ferrari delivered today. Here is a brief article on the new gearbox back then that I have re-typed: Robb "Why I like it." By Michael Schumacher After being the first to introduce the technology of the sequential gearbox with steering wheel controls on its Formula 1 cars, Ferrari is now the first to transfer it to a road car. and I must say that the Maranello technicians have done a masterly job. Personally, I have preferred an automatic transmission even on my private cars for several years now, at least in combination with a powerful engine. But a normal automatic transmission still has two flaws: the torque converter absorbs too much power and shifts are slow or occur at the wrong time. With the ferrari 355 F1, on the other hand, there are numerous options. I can leave all the work to the electronics, adopting the "Auto" mode, if I just want to cruise along. Or I can use the "Normal" mode, and shift gear as I need, using the levers behind the steering wheel. And if I wish to push the 355 F1 to its limit, I can choose "Sport": this means very fast shifts, that only a professional driver like myself could achieve manually, and only when he is concentrating hard. Apart from this, in "Sport" mode the damper setting is automatically stiffened to achieve a racing set-up. The Formula 1 gearbox therefore combines the advantages of an automatic transmission with those of a well used manual shift , but also avoids the disadvantages of both systems. The clutch is controlled so well by the computer that not even a professional driver could do better. The already well-known qualities and captivating design of this car are further enhanced by the F1 gearbox. This "small" Ferrari is a car with a centre-mounted engine capable of superb performance, which is easily controlled at its limit. The V8 engine provides pure pleasure. With five valves per cylinder, a 180 degree crankshaft and amazing power output of 109 bhp/liter, it is a jewel of the italian art of building engines. Although the data relating to the power output are impressive, the power pack is not a temperamental prima donna. It can be used at a very ordinary cruising speed , or can reveal all its mettle when you put your foot down, producing a roar and assertiveness that recall a real racing car engine. Since 1990, one after another, all the Formula 1 teams have copied Ferrari's gearbox. I am sure the same thing will happen on road cars: sooner or later they will all have a gearbox like the one on the 355 F1. Image Unavailable, Please Login
And people say that a 3 pedal car *IS* the car for proper racers... Well that must mean 7 time F1 world champion Michael Schumacher isn't a true racer and enthusiast! Kind regards, Nuno.
His blue 355 was a six speed. His comments were probably heartfelt, but when it came down to selecting his car he went with the 6 speed. QED.
Jeeeeez did you think Phil Knight was going to say "Adidis" shoes are the superior product ???? Or Michael with a Lamborghini in his garage ??? If you like F1 buy it, if you like to shift buy a 3 pedal. If you sponsor me or pay me enough, I will explain how the Pacer and Gremlim are excellent investments today I love my 355 3 pedal it is the car "I" love, after all I am not all that, but I am all I think about. If an F1 car was right there in front of me at the right time ... BOOM would have bought it. My brain mis fires when I have the money in hand and the "car" is right there right now and for sale. Do I get rant status yet ?
I liked finding the story. He may have just wanted something different from his "work" car so opted for the gate. Robb
His story makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, I just went out in the garage and drooled on myself I was careful not to get it on the car, thanks to my drool bib. I seriously hate my 3 pedal stuck in traffic ....... Eeeeeeeeeeeee Well that is not true, but the back country roads is the pleasure I seek.
Michael took delivery of his custom Blue 355 on 30 April 1996 from Ferrari of Stuttgart more than a year before the world debut of the F1 355 at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1997. Michael may also owned a red Berlinetta (also a "6 speed") and never an F1. The blue 355 seems to have been traded in on an F50. With that said, if Michael wanted a 355 F1, it looks like he could have had one. He is rumored to have purchased a new Ferrari each year he was a driver with the Ferrari Forumla One team from 1996 to 2006.
Oh I see. If Schumacher had a 3 pedal car, the 3 pedal is best. Even when he clearly states "Personally, I have preferred an automatic transmission even on my private cars for several years now", he MAYBE once had a 3 pedal car (or ALSO had a 3 pedal car), the 3 pedal is best. No way to argue with you, guys! The F1 isn't any good, nobody likes it, if they do that's because they were paid to say so, you even reinterpretate and give a new meaning to something Schumacher himself bluntly states with no ambiguity. No logic involved, so I'll better stop posting, sit back and enjoy. I'm actually surprised nobody has come up with a study yet proving that the F1 gearbox gives you cancer, or that the F1 killed JFK. Kind regards, Nuno.
Bottom line: Thank you Robb for sharing a great and rare interview on Schumi's thoughts on the F1 system. Very interesting and a good piece of reading for all 355 owners. Wonder where the 355 he owned ended up. I'm sure it'll be very valuable! Kind regards, Nuno.
Happy to share the article. The blue 355 he owned is in France / Europe with an enthusiast Tifosi owner. Robb
Absolutely. There must have been a 355 parked behind the grassy knoll, the owner started his car, shifted into gear, the F1 pump/actuator/clutch exploded because, you know, that's what they do, and debris hit JFK on the head. So clearly there were two shooters: Lee Harvey Oswald and an exploding F1 transmission. The umbrella man opened his umbrella precisely to avoid the debris Kind regards, Nuno.
Hilarious!!! Now all we need to do is contact Kevin Costner to play the role of the driver, Ron Howard to direct, and we have the makings of a summer blockbuster. I could use my share of the profits to purchase the F355 over in Kelowna......sweet.
