Should I order the twin clutch or the 6 speed?

I believe that despite the fact that Ferrari lists a 6 speed shifter as an option for the California, they will simply not supply any to the US. They are concerned about CAFE standards to a certain extent and the paddle shifters are more efficient in managing fuel consumption. In fact the 599, a super high performance car, is programmed to start in AUTO mode precisely to provide better fuel economy for the CAFE calculation.
They may possibly not produce a 6 speed shifter California for the first production year at all, if ever. Witness the 599. There are virtually no 599's with stick shifts available and the 612 is simply not available in stick shift. Ferrari is sinking an huge amount of RD money into developing ever more sophisticated paddle shifted trannys without clutch pedals, and there is no reason for them to offer ancient technology when the rest of the car is optimized for the double clutch setup.
If you are really fixated on a three pedal setup buy an old Ferrari and enjoy stirring the pot in a car that doesn't need two hands on the wheel at all times.

 

I think that's the problem. No one is going to know your "situation or motivation" and thus it is always a personal choice. If you're taking votes, I'll vote 6-speed. "Click Clack". You won't get that with paddle shifters.

 

I'll stand corrected when the first stick shift is delivered to N. America, but I wouldn't hold my breath. The first US cars won't reach here until early 2009 and I'm certain there won't be a stick shifted car in the initial deliveries through the end of the first US version model year, around when the factory closes for summer vacation.

 

Just seems crazy to me...buy the most modern Ferrari, with the most old school technology you can put in it. No doubt a clutch pedal and stick is fun, but that belongs in a 328, etc... For a California, 7spd dual is the way to go!

 

+1.......

 

7 speed all the way baby!

 

F@ck Yeah Pappy....you tell him!!

S-E-V-E-N S-P-E-E-D

Sorry, I got excited....it's the beer talking!!

 

Sweet!

I have been sucking back some Heinekens all afternoon too.

 

Why would the guy go as far as to ask for transmission option advice on a California specific sub-forum if he hated the California?

 

...We're not all teenagers?

 

LOL, perfect!

 

Nothing like a little driver involvement!!! LOL!!!!

 

Good to hear that "L" has kept his word for you... however, there seem to be several guys thinking they're number one (I personally know 3)... either way, I'm sure all the "number ones" will get early cars.

IMO, you should go for the DC Transmission. 410SA is correct in that the early cars are exclusively F1 (since the 360/F430/599 etc), with 6-speed deliveries afterwards. Why not order a DC, try it out and see what you think. If you don't like it or find you miss the "click-clack" shifting, put your name back in the hat for a 6-speed and tell the dealer they can have your DC car back when they deliver the 6-speed... I bet they'll go for that

 

You should definitely wait the 6 months so you have alllllllllllllll that time to talk about it!

 

Let alone I would wait and maybe even get a chance to drive both to see which you really like the most but with most people ordering paddles shifts I don't think you will have that chance. And since its a comfort car I would go for the paddles.

 

6 speed is lighter than DCT

 

I would go for the 7 speed dual clutch transmission because i think it would make for an overall better drive, and when in heavy traffic you can just put it in auto, then you don't have to keep putting it in Neutral, pressing the clutch down putting it in first... move about 15 yards, press the clutch down again put it back in Neutraland do the same time and time again until you actually get going again. It would also probably be worth more if you were to sell it because most people would expect it to have the dual clutch transmission on that car. And if you were to go on track days it would also be the better of the two.

There are many reason really why I would choose the 7 speed, but thats my opinion and theres really no point in me saying do this get that, because at the end of the day it is you that will be making the decsion and you will have to stick to it.

 

why suddenly the stabbing of the 400i ??? clean lines, wonderful engines,.. sic !

 

I say if it's that hard a decision, flip a coin!

 

get the 6spd manual (3 pedal) before they're not made anymore.