When clients explore Ferrari rentals across Monaco, France, Italy, Spain, Germany or Switzerland, one of the most common questions we receive is surprisingly simple:

The short answer:
Every Ferrari in the AiLiL World Rent fleet is an automatic with a dual-clutch transmission and racing-inspired paddle shifters.

Modern Ferraris no longer come with a traditional manual gearbox, and for many excellent reasons.

But the long answer is far more fascinating. Ferrari’s modern transmission technology is one of the brand’s greatest achievements. It blends lightning-fast gear changes, Formula-1 engineering, and intuitive control, making the cars accessible to beginners yet thrilling for experienced drivers.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Ferrari gearboxes, paddle-shift systems, and what you can request when renting a Ferrari through AiLiL World Rent.

If you’re dreaming of the iconic gated-shifter Ferrari, the polished metal “H-pattern” made famous by 360 Modena and F430, you’re not alone. It’s a symbol of pure mechanical driving.

But Ferrari stopped producing manual-gearbox models after 2012.

Here’s why manual Ferraris disappeared:

Dual-clutch transmissions (DCT) are dramatically faster

Ferrari’s DCT gearboxes shift in milliseconds, faster than any human could with a manual clutch.
Faster shifts = better acceleration, smoother power delivery, and improved performance.

Modern Ferraris are built around electronics, traction control systems, and active aerodynamics

These systems communicate directly with the gearbox to optimize handling.
A manual transmission interrupts this integrated performance ecosystem.

Client demand shifted

Ferrari states that less than 1% of customers were still ordering manuals by 2009.
Most preferred the smoothness, speed, and convenience of automated gearboxes.

F1-inspired technology

Every new Ferrari is designed with Formula-1 technology in mind, including paddle-shift gear changes.

All Ferraris in our fleet are equipped with:

✔ Automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT)

Extremely fast, smooth, and reliable.

✔ Steering-wheel paddle shifters

Giving you complete manual control - without a clutch pedal.

✔ Multiple driving modes

Depending on model: Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race, ESC-Off.

✔ Launch Control

Available on high-performance models such as the F8 Tributo, 296 GTB, and SF90.

✔ Adaptive downshifting & rev-matching

AI-assisted algorithms predict your next move and shift accordingly.

This combination allows clients to experience the emotion of manual control with the performance of the world’s most advanced automatic system.

What Is a Paddle-Shift Ferrari, and How Does It Work?

Paddle shifters allow you to shift gears manually using the + and – paddles mounted behind the steering wheel, exactly like Formula-1 drivers.

How to use them:

• Right paddle (+): upshift
• Left paddle (–): downshift
• No clutch pedal: the car handles that automatically
• Trigger shift any time: even during acceleration, cornering, or braking

You get:

• More engagement
• More control
• More power at the perfect moment
• A genuine racer experience

Many clients who have never driven a Ferrari before feel comfortable within 5 minutes.

Are Ferrari Paddle Shifters Difficult to Use?

Not at all.

This question appears from clients who are first-time renters and worry about shifting at high speeds or making mistakes.

Modern Ferraris are designed to be easier to drive than most sports cars.

The car will assist you by:

• Preventing downshifts that would over-rev the engine

• Automatically shifting to 1st gear when you stop

• Automatically dropping gears during braking

• Providing visual gear indicators on the dashboard

Ferrari engineered these systems so any responsible driver can enjoy the experience.

This is exactly why dual-clutch Ferraris dominate the rental industry.

Can I Choose Fully Automatic Mode?

Absolutely.

Every Ferrari in the AiLiL World Rent fleet has two modes:

1. Fully Automatic Mode (“Auto”)

• No shifting required

• Smooth and effortless

• Ideal for city driving, cruising the French Riviera, or navigating traffic

2. Manual Paddle-Shift Mode

• You control every gear

• Maximum performance and engagement

• Ideal for mountain roads, country drives, and scenic highways

Most clients switch between both depending on the moment.

Since all new Ferraris are automatic with paddle shifters, gearbox type is not a selectable option.

However, here’s what you can request:

✔ Paddle-shift demonstration before departure

Our team can show you exactly how to use the paddles, modes, launch control, and safety systems.

✔ Driving mode recommendations

For example:

• “Sport” for Monaco tunnels
• “Comfort” for Italy’s coastal roads
• “Race” for controlled environments

✔ A specific Ferrari model

F8 Spider, Roma, Purosangue, 296 GTB/Spider, SF90 - each has its own personality.

✔ Delivery to villa, hotel, yacht, airport

We tailor the experience to your schedule.

AiLiL World Rent often works with clients renting a Ferrari for the very first time. The paddle-shift system makes Ferraris surprisingly easy to drive:

1. No clutch pedal stress

Smooth, controlled starts — even on hills.

2. Impossible to stall

The electronic system manages the clutch engagement.

3. Immediate power

Perfect for overtaking and merging safely.

4. Confidence on mountain curves

Paddle control lets you downshift precisely when needed.

5. Safer in traffic

You never have to worry about stalling, rolling backward, or shifting at the wrong time.

This is why Ferrari’s paddle-shift system is universally praised by both professionals and beginners.

What About “Manual Mode” in Ferraris?

Some clients confuse this term.

Important distinction:

Ferraris do NOT have manual gearboxes.
But they DO have manual shifting mode using paddles.

This gives you complete control without the complexity of a clutch.

You get:

• Manual feel
• Automatic intelligence
• Maximum speed and performance

Exactly what modern-day supercar driving is meant to be.

Can I Rent a True Manual Ferrari in Europe?

Realistically:

✔ It is nearly impossible.

Manual Ferrari models (360 Modena, F430, 550 Maranello) are collector cars valued between €200,000 and €600,000.

No professional rental company puts these cars in client fleets due to:

• Cost
• Rarity
• Maintenance demands
• Insurance restrictions

Therefore, all rental Ferraris across Europe are automatic with paddle shifters.
AiLiL World Rent is aligned with global standards.

Final Answer: Automatic Only, But With Full Manual Control

To summarize:

• AiLiL World Rent offers only modern automatic dual-clutch Ferraris
• All equipped with F1-style paddle shifters
• No manual clutch Ferraris exist in current production
• Paddle shift is the ideal mix of performance, safety & enjoyment
• Clients can switch between auto and manual anytime
• Second driver is always free

Whether you're cruising through Monaco or attacking Alpine curves in Switzerland, the Ferrari paddle-shift system delivers an unforgettable experience - smooth for beginners, exhilarating for experts, and perfectly engineered for European roads.