Manual Gearbox - RIP?

[siscar]

I've been driving a Ferrari California which is, of course, fitted with their new gearbox - a 7 speed, dual clutch, paddle shift creation. It is incredible. In auto mode if it wasn't for the engine noise you wouldn't be able to detect a gear change, it is that smooth, and it is much the same in manual mode you can be under full acceleration, keep your foot planted where it is, blip the paddle and it's changed. I've driven dual clutch cars before, but nothing is in this league.

Now I know all the arguments about manual boxes, being in control etc. etc. and when the state of the art was the F1 box in the 430 and the 599 I'd agree, but this takes it to another level, you really can see why Ferrari aren't going to build cars with manual boxes any more, there is no way a clutch and a gear level can compete with this, whoever is driving.

Of course it will be many years before anything this good makes it down the food chain to everyday cars, but the end is in sight.

[Daston]

I think its a shame, there is nothing quite like a good hoon with a well timed smooth gear change.

[juansolo]

It's not about the speed/smoothness of the change. It's about that chrome knob and slotting it through that open gate.

Edited by juansolo on Sunday 11th April 09:14

[Westy Pre-Lit]

Chink chink

Click click

[kambites]

I suspect the end is neigh, unfortunately, at least at the top end of the market. I think it's still some way from the point where semi-autos are cheaper than manuals.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 11th April 09:39

[Maxym]

kambites said:

I suspect the end is neigh, unfortunately, at least at the top end of the market. I think it's still some way from the point where semi-autos are cheaper than manuals.

Edited by kambites on Sunday 11th April 09:39

You mean nigh.

They say that Porsche's PDK is excellent too. If you want to go really quickly, auto or twin clutch make a load of sense, and with twin-clutch loses the auto slush effect.

But on our roads how often can you go really fast? Auto gear changing is just boring 99% of the time. Changing gear makes the drive more interesting, sounds better and well-timed, smooth heel-and-toe downchanges are dead satisfying.

Mind you, 'clutchless manuals' are the way it's all heading - in the interests of lower official CO2 emissions.