Are Ferraris Manual or Automatic?

The Prancing Horse symbolizes an unparalleled connection between vehicle and driver, and since a vehicle’s transmission is responsible for delivering the engine’s power to the axles, it always plays a key role in forging this connection. But what kind of connection can drivers expect from a new Ferrari? Are Ferraris manual or automatic? Today, every model in the Ferrari lineup uses some version of a Dual-Clutch Transmission—a technology that combines the best features of manual and automatic gearboxes.

What is a Dual-Clutch Transmission?

A dual-clutch transmission combines two separate gearboxes—one for the even gears and another for the odd. Each gearbox is controlled by its own clutch, but since a DCT can essentially queue up the next gear without any loss of torque to the wheels, there is no need for a traditional clutch pedal. Although the mechanism that changes gears in a DCT looks a lot like the technology in a manual gearbox, shifting takes place entirely behind the scenes. As a result, the driver enjoys a seamless, 100%-automatic experience behind the wheel.

But what if you want to take control? All Ferrari automatic cars give you the option to do so. Simply shift your vehicle into manual mode and use the paddle shifters to move between gears.

When Did Ferrari Automatic Cars Become Available?

So, are Ferraris automatic? A dual-clutch transmission functions just like an automatic transmission in many respects—unless you shift into manual mode—and the Ferrari lineup has been 100% automatic for more than a decade at the time of this writing. 

However, there was a time when one could answer affirmatively to the question, “Are all Ferraris manual?” 4- and 5-speed manual transmissions were used in a wide range of Ferrari cars before the move to automatic transmissions, and the first Ferrari to offer an automatic gearbox was the 400 GT of 1976. Prior to this, all Ferrari vehicles used manual gearboxes because of the efficiency and performance benefits that these systems offered at the time.

After proving that automatic transmissions could offer distinct performance advantages—the 1989 Ferrari Tipo 640 F1 won the Brazilian Grand Prix with the first-ever set of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters and an automatic gearbox—it was only a matter of time before automatic transmissions proliferated.

The 2002 Enzo was the first Ferrari car to be offered exclusively with the F1 automatic transmission and paddle shifters. Today, similar technology is ubiquitous across the Ferrari lineup.

Transmission Models in Today’s Ferrari Lineup

Ferrari automatic cars deliver the very best in performance and control, and each of the automatic transmissions listed below empowers you to take control with paddle shifters whenever the mood strikes you.

Although there are subtle differences between the following DCTs, all deliver a thrilling performance on Chicagoland highways:

• Ferrari 812 GTS: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari 296 GTB: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari SF90 Stradale: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari SF90 Spider: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari F8 Tributo: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari F8 Spider: 7-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari Roma: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission
• Ferrari Portofino M: 8-speed dual-clutch transmission

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If you’re searching for a new or pre-owned Ferrari with a particular transmission, take advantage of our vehicle finder service and let us locate the perfect model today. From Saint Louis to Indianapolis, performance enthusiasts rely on Continental AutoSports Ferrari when searching for incredible vehicles. You can even contact us today to order a new model directly from Ferrari.