[Boxer]

On the 456 GT reverse is up and to the left, on the F355 it is down and to the left. Does anyone know why Ferrari went with different configuations in the different models ?

 

[Dr. Bob]

Maybe the layout of the gearbox itself? Because the engines have different caracteristics it is possible that the layout of the gearbox is completely different. That is the best answer I could think of :lol:

 

[senna21]

Dr. Bob is correct. The internal gearbox layout dictates this. Did Ferrari design the gearbox for the 456 GT or was it farmed out to another firm like X-Trac? This may the deciding factor. They (X-Trac or someone else) may have had a gearbox application that could be directly used for the car and thus saved Ferrari the development money.