Formula 1-inspired rocker shift
We believe that making the driver feel connected to the car is essential for control and for a rewarding driving experience. The steering wheel and gear-shift are the most important sensory components for this: how they feel in the driver’s hands, the feedback they give and how they respond to the driver. For this reason, the rocker shift that controls the MP4-12C’s Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) is one of its most innovative features.
Unlike the paddles found on conventional sports cars, the 12C’s unique, Formula 1-inspired rocker shift pivots in the centre of the steering wheel. When the driver pulls on the left to change down, the right side responds with a pulse. It is these minute responses that subconsciously deliver information to the driver, making them feel connected with the car, and are in part responsible for the 12C’s rewarding driving experience.
Ultimate control
When a Formula 1 car pulls out of the pits, the driver has to turn the steering wheel to an extreme lock to avoid his pit crew, at the same time as changing up quickly through the gears as he accelerates away. Pulling a paddle with your arms at full lock is not an easy or natural action. So a rocker shift is used to allow the driver to push as well as pull, to select a gear. The 12C’s rocker shift is designed in exactly the same way. It gives the driver total control, allowing them to change gear quickly, easily and accurately even when tackling a hairpin at high speed.
Perfect positioning
Another influence from Formula 1 is the positioning of the rocker shift. Rather than being mounted to the steering column, it’s part of the steering wheel. This avoids the problem of traditional paddles being out of reach if you’re at full lock, and keeps the 12C’s driver connected to the gears at all times, whichever way they’re turning. They’re also positioned exactly 25.1mm from the steering wheel – the same distance as in our Formula 1 cars, for optimum control and ergonomics.