In the UAE, operating the paddle shifters in a Ferrari like the 296 GTB or SF90 is straightforward, but mastering it for local conditions is key. The core principle is universal: right paddle (+) for upshifts, left paddle (-) for downshifts. However, the GCC-spec vehicles are calibrated for extreme heat, which can affect transmission response. A critical step many new owners miss: even in 'Auto' mode, you must pull the right paddle once to select first gear before the car will move—a failsafe common in modern supercars. For daily driving on Sheikh Zayed Road, 'Auto' is perfectly sufficient. The real advantage of manual mode comes during overtaking on highways like the Dubai-Abu Dhabi E11 or when navigating the corners of Jebel Jais, where a quick downshift provides immediate power. According to technical notes aligned with RTA Dubai's guidelines for high-performance vehicle operation and MOI UAE's focus on road safety, aggressive and frequent manual shifting in stop-start urban traffic (like Dubai-Sharjah during rush hour) can lead to increased wear on the semi-automatic transmission over time compared to smoother automated operation. Considering total cost of ownership (TCO) in the UAE, an enthusiast who uses manual mode 70% of the time in city driving might see marginally higher long-term maintenance costs versus using Auto 90% of the time. Annual depreciation for such vehicles is significantly influenced by a verifiable, gentle service history more than sheer mileage.
