To Paddle Shift or Not To Paddle Shift, that is the question….

I was told (by lots of people) that you should NOT use the automatic transmission in your modern (dual clutch) Ferrari, but rather you must use your paddle shifters. Someone insisted it was not only more fun to paddle shift, it was bad for your transmission to allow your car to shift for you. That makes no sense whatsoever.

Here’s my thinking: Given how complicated these cars are and how sophisticated their computers are how they control pretty much everything better and faster than any driver could do so, why wouldn’t it make more sense to allow your Ferrari to shift for you? I have been experimenting with the auto transmission for awhile now, and here are some of my thoughts.

• When decelerating under heavy braking, I find using auto mode much better, especially on a track as the computer will downshift much more aggressively than I would do so using paddle shifters, often shifting down 2 or even 3 gears quickly, when i would have only downshifted 1 or 2 gears.
• Learning how to control the gears via the accelerator and brakes is a skill and takes time to learn how the car will respond based upon the pressure and speed you apply to the brake and accelerator. It is not intuitive at first, but after time, you discover how to operate it, and it is very fun once you figure it out.
• I have driven a Porsche with a PDK auto and it seems much quicker and seems to almost read your mind changing gears as quickly as you think of it. This leads me to believe that Ferrari is not nearly as sophisticated as Porsche’s auto transmission, but this doesn’t make sense to me. Why would Ferrari invest so much money in engineering its cars and computers related thereto, but ignores the automatic.
• If you don’t leave it in auto mode, you are not allowing your car to perform as Ferrari intended, which is especially true under hard braking. Maybe I am wrong about this?
• I do find that under hard acceleration, I am sometimes disappointed that it will not kick down to the lowest gear possible for maximum acceleration always, but wonder if I am simply not depressing the accelerator properly.
• I have asked friends with several Ferrari’s and other super cars, and they all NEVER use the auto transmission, even on the track. When I tracked my car, I found auto was best, knowing that I can always override the auto using the paddle shifters.

I intend to create a video on this topic to show this further. Your thoughts are appreciated.

Thanks from Sun Valley, Idaho, daily driving my 2017 GTC4Lusso even in the snow.

Scott

 

Here’s what ChatGBT says:
Your observations about using the automatic transmission in a modern Ferrari like the 2017 GTC4Lusso are insightful and raise interesting points about the balance between driver control and advanced automotive technology. Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. **Transmission Design and Purpose**: High-performance cars like Ferraris are often designed with both enthusiast and technological excellence in mind. The automatic transmission in these vehicles, especially with dual-clutch systems, is engineered to provide optimal performance and efficiency. This technology is often more capable of making split-second decisions for gear shifts than the average driver, especially under varying driving conditions.

2. **Paddle Shifters vs. Automatic Mode**: The choice between using paddle shifters and automatic mode often comes down to personal preference and driving context. Paddle shifters offer a more engaging and controlled driving experience, which many enthusiasts prefer. However, in certain situations like heavy braking or complex track maneuvers, the automatic mode's precise and rapid gear changes can be advantageous, as you've observed.

3. **Comparison with Other Brands**: The feeling that a Porsche PDK transmission is more intuitive or responsive than a Ferrari's may be subjective and based on individual driving styles or specific car models. Each brand has its unique approach to transmission technology, and comparisons might not always be straightforward.

4. **Performance Under Different Conditions**: It's important to remember that these high-performance cars are tuned for a wide range of driving conditions. The automatic transmission's response under hard acceleration may be programmed to balance between optimal performance and engine protection.

5. **Expert and User Opinions**: While many enthusiasts and professionals might prefer manual control over transmissions, this doesn't necessarily mean that automatic modes are inferior. It reflects a preference for a more 'hands-on' driving experience.

6. **Your Experiences on the Track**: Your experiences with using automatic mode on the track provide valuable insight. The fact that you found it effective, especially with the option to override with paddle shifters, suggests that the automatic mode can perform exceptionally well under demanding conditions.

7. **Ferrari's Intended Performance**: Manufacturers design their vehicles to perform excellently in both automatic and manual modes. The idea that not using automatic mode might be going against Ferrari's intended performance could be a matter of perspective. These cars are designed to cater to a range of drivers, from those who prefer complete control to those who rely on the car's advanced systems.

In summary, whether to use paddle shifters or the automatic transmission in a Ferrari largely depends on the driver's preference, the driving context, and the specific characteristics of the car model. Both modes have their advantages, and the choice often reflects a driver's desire for engagement versus reliance on the car's advanced technological capabilities. Your video on this topic would be a valuable contribution, showcasing real-world experiences and insights.

 

Here’s what Bard says:


Modern automatics are incredibly sophisticated. As you mentioned, the computers controlling them can react much faster than any human driver. They can also take into account a wider range of factors, such as engine temperature, road conditions, and even the driver's intentions. In most cases, the automatic transmission will be quicker and smoother than paddle shifting, especially under hard braking or acceleration.

Ferrari's automatics are no slouch. While Porsche's PDK is often lauded as the best in the business, Ferrari's automatics are no slouches either. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission in your GTC4Lusso is incredibly fast and responsive. It's designed to work seamlessly with the engine and other systems to provide optimal performance.

Using the automatic doesn't mean you're not driving the car as Ferrari intended. The engineers who designed your car spent countless hours developing and tuning the automatic transmission. They intended for it to be a viable option for driving, not just a fallback for those who can't handle paddle shifters.

Paddle shifters can be fun, but they're not always necessary. There's no denying that paddle shifting can be a lot of fun. It gives you a sense of control and engagement that you don't get with an automatic. However, it's also more work and requires practice to do well. In many situations, the automatic will do a just as good or even better job.

Ultimately, the choice is yours. There's no right or wrong answer to the paddle shift vs. automatic debate. It comes down to personal preference. If you enjoy using the paddle shifters, then by all means go for it. But don't feel like you're somehow "not driving the car properly" if you use the automatic.

Here are some additional things to consider:

• Your driving experience. If you're a seasoned track driver, you may be able to wring out a bit more performance from the car by using paddle shifters. However, if you're a casual driver, the automatic will likely be just as fast and more enjoyable.
• The driving conditions. In stop-and-go traffic, the automatic will be much more convenient than paddle shifting. On the other hand, if you're on a twisty back road, you might enjoy the added control of paddle shifters.
• Your own preferences. Do you enjoy the feeling of being in control of the car's gears? Or do you prefer to focus on the road and let the car do the work?

Ultimately, the best way to decide is to experiment and see what you like best. There's no shame in using the automatic, and it might just surprise you with how good it is.

 

I thought that was the case too but if you learn how to operate the accelerator, I find that you can get the revs up higher and longer than you think even in. It takes a skill and learning now