Ferrari’s latest F1-Superfast semi-automatic gearbox that debuted in the 599 GTB Fiorano is one of the fastest transmissions offered in a production car. Based on a similar design to the F1 box used in Ferrari’s Formula One racer, the F1-SuperFast system can shift gears in just 100ms.
No conventional gearbox could ever achieve shift-times that quick, so why would a customer opt for a traditional gated box. Then there’s the issue of having to deal with the delicate balance between the clutch and all 620hp and 608Nm of torque from the 6.0L V12. As seen in these images, some purists will never let go of the conventional transmission-tunnel gear-stick and clutch pedal even if it means going slower.
The owner of the 599 pictured in this thumb is not alone. To this day, many purists still regard Ferrari’s awesome F40 from the 1980’s as the greatest of all the prancing horse supercars. Unlike the cars of today, the F40 offered maximum driver involvement. There was no electronic stability control or paddle-shifted transmissions, just a twin-turbo V8 and a gated six-speed.
Pictured in the main pic up above is an F430 fitted with a conventional manual box. It seems the fever is catching on.
Via: Autoblog.it
