2010 Ferrari California Gets Manual Transmission, DCT Still Superior: Report

THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA is set to get a six-speed manual transmission, according to leaked documents allegedly obtained by Italian website AutoPareri.

Joining the California's existing seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the manual option will be aimed at what Ferrari says is less than a 10 percent demand among its customers.

The dual-clutch transmission is likely to remain the most popular choice however, with the manual transmission resulting in a 0-100km/h time 0.3 seconds short of the DCT's 4.0 second run. Top speed at least remains unaffected, both models topping out at 311km/h.

Fuel consumption is also higher with the manual, using 11 percent more fuel than the DCT model's 13.1 l/100km on the combined cycle.

Rear-mounted to maintain a 47/53 weight ratio, the manual transmission is expected to become available in Europe in the coming months. Until Ferrari confirms its coming, Australian availability remains unknown.

The California is powered by an all-new direct-injected 343kW 4.3 litre V8 engine, sending power to the rear wheels. In Australia, it sells for $472,000 before on-road costs.