Ferrari 12Cilindri (812 Superfast Succesor)

  • Thread starter Thread starter ProjectWHaT
  • 63 comments
  • 14,483 views
It's essentially a dual-clutch transmission, but instead of relying on the paddles for manual shifts, it uses a shift-by-wire gear lever and a clutch-by-wire pedal to recreate the experience of driving a manual.

From the explanation, it sounds like they've gone to great lengths to make it feel authentic, right down to being able to stall the car. I'm really intrigued by the concept, especially with Euro 7 likely encouraging manufacturers to adopt taller overdrive ratios for emissions compliance. It seems like a smart way of preserving the three-pedal driving experience, while still keeping those economy-focused overdrive gears available when driving in automatic mode.

The tech sounds too complex to trickle into more everyday cars, but hopefully Porsche explores something similar in the future, particularly for its GT cars.
 
FT-1
It's essentially a dual-clutch transmission, but instead of relying on the paddles for manual shifts, it uses a shift-by-wire gear lever and a clutch-by-wire pedal to recreate the experience of driving a manual.

From the explanation, it sounds like they've gone to great lengths to make it feel authentic, right down to being able to stall the car. I'm really intrigued by the concept, especially with Euro 7 likely encouraging manufacturers to adopt taller overdrive ratios for emissions compliance. It seems like a smart way of preserving the three-pedal driving experience, while still keeping those economy-focused overdrive gears available when driving in automatic mode.

The tech sounds too complex to trickle into more everyday cars, but hopefully Porsche explores something similar in the future, particularly for its GT cars.
Click to expand...

I disagree. I think the tech is honestly pretty simple, it's just a different control regime for existing hardware - lines of code and a few switches. Where's its even simpler is that it eliminates engineering, compliance testing, and manufacturing/procuring two completely separate gearboxes.
 
Eunos_Cosmo
I disagree. I think the tech is honestly pretty simple, it's just a different control regime for existing hardware - lines of code and a few switches. Where's its even simpler is that it eliminates engineering, compliance testing, and manufacturing/procuring two completely separate gearboxes.
Click to expand...
I don't necessarily disagree that the control side is relatively simple if it's built around an existing transmission. My hesitation is whether manufacturers will think there's enough of a business case outside enthusiast cars.

For everyday models, like successors to the manual Civic Sport hatchback, Corolla XSE or non-turbo Mazda 3, I can see most brands opting for paddle shifters instead because they're familiar, cheaper to market, and appeal to a much broader audience. Making changes such as redesigning the footwell to accommodate a clutch pedal and reworking the centre console for a gear shifter adds cost that manufacturers are unlikely to absorb at lower price points, especially for a feature only a small percentage of buyers would choose.

I think the technology is much more likely to succeed in relatively attainable performance cars, around the £50k/$60k mark and above, where buyers are more willing to pay for a driving experience that recreates the feel of a manual.
 
Last edited:

Latest Posts

Back