No more manual Ferrari's? Is it ACTUALLY true?

[GordonF430]

Have to admit to missing the manual in my 430.

I miss being the bit that makes progress happen, as opposed the the (ableit awesome till it overheats) F1 gearbox. No i cant change at 60ms, but i do miss heel and toeing myself, and i hate the thump you get from the gear box when changing up at full whack in Race mode.

With 9 in 10 people requesting F1 shift though it doesnt look good for the manual.

Seems Balboni doesnt like them much, given his special edition Gallardo doesn have e-gear - although having driven the 560-4 i can understand why.

[anonymous-user]

Wanta996Gotta said:

bad company said:

lambo_xx said:

bad company said:

lambo_xx said:

Porshce 911 is technically a much better car than a 430 or Gallardo

Really. What are you basing that on please. The 911 was designed in the dark ages.

Ok to avoid a 911 vs Ferrari argument I shall change my point and say that a Nissan GTR is technically better than a 430 or Gallardo because it is, however just because it's technically better doesn't mean it's "better" if you know what I mean.

So what exactly do you mean by 'technically better' - does tne Nassan have more gizmos, is the engine better, does it handle better - what?

Similar to your quote of the 911 designed in the dark ages??. The F430/Gallardo and Murci are now old designs when compared to a GTR or the new F458 - there is no denying that, i have always viewed the 430 as a blinged up 1998/9 designed F360 anyway.

The GTR took it to the next level and its now Ferrari and Lamborghinis time to catch up. Did i ever think i would see Lambos with lifting systems,launch control,3 different suspension settings and reverse cameras? No...... but times have moved on.

I do however agree that manual cars have had there day and DSG like systems are the way ahead. This story about Ferrari stopping the use of them is old news and was announced when the California arrived as it was stated that no Ferrari after the California would have a manual gear change.

There is no benifit whatsover of having a manual over the Paddles in my opinion apart from some nostalgic reasons.

I thought the Cali was going to be offered as a manual too at some stage?

[Wanta996Gotta]

GordonF430 said:

Have to admit to missing the manual in my 430.

I miss being the bit that makes progress happen, as opposed the the (ableit awesome till it overheats) F1 gearbox. No i cant change at 60ms, but i do miss heel and toeing myself, and i hate the thump you get from the gear box when changing up at full whack in Race mode.

With 9 in 10 people requesting F1 shift though it doesnt look good for the manual.

Seems Balboni doesnt like them much, given his special edition Gallardo doesn have e-gear - although having driven the 560-4 i can understand why.

One of the cars mags had an e-gear Balboni - it is an option. I do remember that story when it was initialy released though.

Edit - From Lamborghini, last sentence:-

Classic sporting look for the interior, too

The characteristic colour combination is repeated in the interior. The basic colour of the full leather upholstery is black. Both seats, however, feature the colour strip in white. The centre console is completely upholstered in Polar white leather to create a powerful accent. A badge below the left side window bears the signature of Valentino Balboni and the production number of the car.

The exclusivity of the Valentino Balboni is augmented further by its extensive equipment. Alongside several new leather features in the interior, there is also the transparent engine cover, the rear view camera, the navigation system with Bluetooth and the lifting system for the front axle that makes it easier to drive over obstacles. In addition to the extensive standard equipment, a list of further options is available including e-gear transmission and carbon ceramic brakes.

Edited by Wanta996Gotta on Tuesday 27th October 16:07

[Harsh]

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

[andrew.]

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

you just like playing with your knob

[SpeedYellow]

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

Totally agree Having just bought a 360 Spider again, finding a good manual was tough, try on 430's even tougher... half of it at least is down to silly salesmen though, recently looked went to Lambo dealer, very nice new Balboni which was e-gear, said I'd want a manual, he said none were coming to the UK that way at the moment as it would be silly to order that way as it would kill me when I sold it.... you hear the same here on the forum...

I'd buy another make if I can't get a manual, to me it's still a big part of the driving experience and always will be!

[hy789]

SpeedYellow said:

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

Totally agree Having just bought a 360 Spider again, finding a good manual was tough, try on 430's even tougher... half of it at least is down to silly salesmen though, recently looked went to Lambo dealer, very nice new Balboni which was e-gear, said I'd want a manual, he said none were coming to the UK that way at the moment as it would be silly to order that way as it would kill me when I sold it.... you hear the same here on the forum...

I'd buy another make if I can't get a manual, to me it's still a big part of the driving experience and always will be!

Totally agree as well. I think you also have to consider what you're using the car for. On the track (particularly as a novice) the e-gear wins hands down, but i'm assuming most people enjoy these cars on the road as well as the track, and if thats the case it has to be manual every time.

my first gallardo was a manual, then i switched into an e-gear thinking i wanted flappy paddles and while its great and the downshift blip is one of the car's best features, i will eventually switch back to a manual - plus manual LP560s are generally 10k cheaper than e-gear cars because everyone thinks they want paddles...

oh and reverse parking an e-gear on a hill is one of the most tedious things i've ever done

[JayKaybi]

Harsh said:

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

bromers2 said:

It's a bit like saying ABS or traction control is less involving -
"doesn't give you the same feel". Debatable but you wouldn't spec a car today without it.

I have neither on my car, and nor would I ever want them on a performance car. A performance car need not have the nannying niceties of the school-run-mum-mobile because the driver should be more aware of the cars' behaviour. The danger is part of the appeal in some way, that YOU have to be up to the task.

Edited by JayKaybi on Thursday 29th October 08:17

[Jules360]

hy789 said:

SpeedYellow said:

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

Totally agree Having just bought a 360 Spider again, finding a good manual was tough, try on 430's even tougher... half of it at least is down to silly salesmen though, recently looked went to Lambo dealer, very nice new Balboni which was e-gear, said I'd want a manual, he said none were coming to the UK that way at the moment as it would be silly to order that way as it would kill me when I sold it.... you hear the same here on the forum...

I'd buy another make if I can't get a manual, to me it's still a big part of the driving experience and always will be!

Totally agree as well. I think you also have to consider what you're using the car for. On the track (particularly as a novice) the e-gear wins hands down, but i'm assuming most people enjoy these cars on the road as well as the track, and if thats the case it has to be manual every time.

my first gallardo was a manual, then i switched into an e-gear thinking i wanted flappy paddles and while its great and the downshift blip is one of the car's best features, i will eventually switch back to a manual - plus manual LP560s are generally 10k cheaper than e-gear cars because everyone thinks they want paddles...

oh and reverse parking an e-gear on a hill is one of the most tedious things i've ever done

Should "tedious" in the last sentence not read "expensive"?

[hy789]

Jules360 said:

hy789 said:

SpeedYellow said:

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

Totally agree Having just bought a 360 Spider again, finding a good manual was tough, try on 430's even tougher... half of it at least is down to silly salesmen though, recently looked went to Lambo dealer, very nice new Balboni which was e-gear, said I'd want a manual, he said none were coming to the UK that way at the moment as it would be silly to order that way as it would kill me when I sold it.... you hear the same here on the forum...

I'd buy another make if I can't get a manual, to me it's still a big part of the driving experience and always will be!

Totally agree as well. I think you also have to consider what you're using the car for. On the track (particularly as a novice) the e-gear wins hands down, but i'm assuming most people enjoy these cars on the road as well as the track, and if thats the case it has to be manual every time.

my first gallardo was a manual, then i switched into an e-gear thinking i wanted flappy paddles and while its great and the downshift blip is one of the car's best features, i will eventually switch back to a manual - plus manual LP560s are generally 10k cheaper than e-gear cars because everyone thinks they want paddles...

oh and reverse parking an e-gear on a hill is one of the most tedious things i've ever done

Should "tedious" in the last sentence not read "expensive"?

Quite right...

[Cactussed]

Harsh said:

ok, my take on it, is nothing to do with whats better/faster/more technologically advanced.

for me, you buy a car based on gut feeling.
i drove a 360 f1 and a manual back to back.
there was (for me) no competition.

the F1 was much easier to drive, it changed faster than i ever could and was technically the better car.

i bought the manual for all the reasons above.

i wanted to drive it. my choice how to change gear, slowly (to enjoy the gate) or quickly...just to see if i could. and of course getting it wrong sometimes.
if i want something efficient i'll buy a nissan GTR. if i want something to drive i'll buy an Atom as well as my 360.

oh wait....

bottom line is that for me buying a car like this is not necessarily about changing gear quickly, it's about the enjoyment derived from the whole driving experience.
having a manual gearbox is part of that.

given the choice it would be manual, if i'm not given the choice, it'll probably be another car.

Nail. Head.

I'm no flash driver (which plenty on here will attest to ), however be it on road or track, there is a tactile delight to be had in crashing a metal gear lever around a metal grate. It is without doubt one of the singular pleasures of owning such a car. Also (for me at least), there remains a large element of satisfaction in getting your braking and gear change under heel and toe just spot on.

F1 will be MILES faster and more accurate than I ever will, but you lose something...

And I also enjoy driving like a ponce and blipping the throttle left right and centre

[monthefish]

This months Evo magazine said:

[of another car]...comes solely with VW's six-speed DSG twin-clutch 'box, so you only get two pedals and are denied an important layer of Sports car interaction

also in this months Evo Ferrari CEO Amedeo Felisa said:

The 458 will not be available as a manual, nor will future Ferrari's as customers no longer request one.