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We drive the latest entry level V8 Ferrari... Watch Video

Well, I’ve driven the old F430 with F1 speedshift or how it is called and have to say, that the speed among the gears, the changing speed, that was something which disappointed me a lot. Now, when I hear the speed in this video, immediate response and that very brilliant sound and stunning design, I must, I must say that this is gonna be a bargain for the gadgets it offers! Czech Republic

Finally, a 21st Century Ferrari!,it looks different inside and out and doesn't resemble any of the 1980's/90's cars,well done Ferrari!

 Was this car introduced too late to be considered for COTY ?

Another excellent video by Autocar. I like the simple approach, packed with information. No one needs to see a car racing a hang-glider across Iran or any of that sort of plop produced by Top Gear.

Clearly the car is a technical triumph, so the fact that it isn't a truly beautiful thing is almost irrelevant. It's a shame, but if the compromise of the looks is in the favour of the engineering, it’s always better that way around.

Johny.Rico:

Well, I’ve driven the old F430 with F1 speedshift or how it is called and have to say, that the speed among the gears, the changing speed, that was something which disappointed me a lot.

Until the twin-clutch system was introduced, all semi-automatic gearboxes have been a bit disappointing. I doubt many manufacturers will stick with older systems beyond this generation of models.

I am going to sound like a broken record and say that I am worried about the gearbox. While one could argue it suits the California I remain to be convinced in an out and out sportscar.

The rest of the car looks great though and the interior is lovely.

tommallett:

I am going to sound like a broken record and say that I am worried about the gearbox. While one could argue it suits the California I remain to be convinced in an out and out sportscar.

The gearbox of the 430 Scuderia had a shift time of 60 ms, the 458 has reduced that to 50 ms. Given the progress due to the evolution, a 50 ms shift time would be possible even with the single clutch box. I too remain sceptical about the twin clutch box, as the single clutch was a work of art and it's raw character epitomomised the Ferrari experience. Hopefully, the wizzards in Maranello have produced another stunning gearbox.

The rest of the car, expecially the engine, is just unreal!

REALZEUS:

The gearbox of the 430 Scuderia had a shift time of 60 ms, the 458 has reduced that to 50 ms. Given the progress due to the evolution, a 50 ms shift time would be possible even with the single clutch box. I too remain sceptical about the twin clutch box, as the single clutch was a work of art and it's raw character epitomomised the Ferrari experience. Hopefully, the wizzards in Maranello have produced another stunning gearbox.

 

well put, it is the character part that is the key and in the california the 'box has none. However, in a car this quick I will be interested to see how i feel, it may well be the case that this car is so fast that a seemless gearbox is the way to go. I suspect that I will prefer the challenge of the old system though.

 nice car ferrari  well done!!  i'll have a gallardo

 yah , really nice car .....

 

i have a wish to have a ferrari ....

 

 

i will do this very soon .........