The Ferrari California now gets a manual gearbox option
When Ferrari launched the ‘Entry-Level’ Ferrari California it said that it would be offered with a manual gearbox. But that hasn’t happened – until now.
Ferrari are to finally give buyers the option of a manual gearbox on the Ferrari California from this month in Europe and next month in the US. Which seems the right thing to do. It doesn’t seem like a real car unless it has a real manual gearbox. Or so the mantra goes. But is that really true anymore?
Look at the figures. The existing dual clutch auto ‘box does a very good job of shifting gears – much better than any driver can. Why do you think they use similar ‘boxes in F1? It gets the California to 60mph in under 4 seconds, but the best you can achieve with the new manual ‘box is 5% slower. Same thing applies to to fuel consumption. Contrary to all we instinctively expect, the manual ‘box option is 10% worse on fuel.
Which begs the question, do we need manual ‘boxes any more? Quite honestly I really don’t think we do. As long as there’s a good auto ‘box on offer – not an old-fashioned 4-speed slushmatic – what is the point in changing gears yourself when it’s slower and less fuel-efficient? Because it makes you feel part of the car? Modern dual clutch boxes give much the same feedback.
All the excuses for wanting a manual ‘box are gone. And this from a man who has always said an auto ‘box isn’t driving, it’s just steering. Mind you, I also said for years that diesel engines are only fit for HGVs.
Times change. I may have been right once, but the old rules no longer apply.
Have your say - leave a comment