Hi people this is not another which is faster, flame to the max thread. My question is how the new auto technology compares to the relatively unchanged manual.

I know that for the 350z, the manual is technically faster than the auto. this is due to less power loss compared to the auto's torque converter and shorter gearing with the 6 speed. Also the pretty insignificant weight difference.

Now the 370z auto comes with 7 speeds and paddle shifters (which i believe means the car has no torque converter and has a computer controlled clutch?). The only thing new for manual is synchro rev-match (which doesn't matter in straight line acceleration). Does this mean that the auto with more gears and not as much power loss through transmission is now quicker technically and in everyday driving?

Forgive me if some of my information is wrong and correct me please. Thank you.

 

The latest automatic is technically innovative. I believe that the line between automatic and manual is moving closer and closer.

You mentioned drive train loss. Very important. The more complicated a transmission, the heavier, the greater the drive train loss.

Despite automatic innovation, there are driving techniques that a automatic can not duplicate. For example “partially” engaging or disengaging the clutch. Or “feathering” the clutch.

What is happening with vehicles including the 370Z is that engineers are giving us more gizmos and “golly gee” stuff that is moving the driver farther and farther from the driving experience.

 

1) 7AT still has a torque converter.
2) Difference in parasitic loss between a 5AT/7AT and 6MT is about 1% today.
3) Faster shift times of an automatic, especially one like the JATCO 5AT/7AT means they'll be every bit as quick as a 6MT, and in some cases quicker. In the case of the 5AT, after about 120MPH the 6MT car will gain and win - simply due to gearing. As far as the 7AT, assuming absolutely perfect shifting with the 6MT, it should be a dead heat.

 

I wish someone (preferably a reputable mag) will test a 370z auto. I guess the closest thing we have is G37x auto which posted 5.1 0-60 or something like that.

 

Nissan may not be up there with Ferrari or Lamborgini as for being quicker than the stick shift is yet, but getting close. Me being a F1 fan I am going to choose the paddle when I order my 370Z.

 

I don't know about the new 7AT but I thought the parasitic loss difference between the 5AT and the Manual for the 350z was at like ~10%? Also, I've found magazine test times to be unreliable. Even among reputable mags there can be differences due to different testing locations and drivers. Also, you can almost always be sure that someone out there will get a better stock time. Like the 13.1 sec HR driver on the forums.

 

The new 7AT is still an AT, it's not a Sequential manual Trany (SMT) like what's in the GTR. I'm sure the technology on it is far better than the older 5AT but it's still not a SMT.

 

The GTR is a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) that is slightly different from a Sequential Manual Tranny. They both use automated manual clutches but the DCT is simultaneously disengaging one gear while engaging the next for a seamless power delivery.

The 370Z utilizes a conventional torque converter-equipped 7-speed auto tranny with upgraded electronic controls that allow quicker shifts than a conventional automatic. The point is that the gap between the new 7AT and the existing 6MT is narrower than ever. For many, it is not worth shifting for yourself when the 7AT will most likely provide better performance.

The only issues I would have would be durability questions of the 7AT if you will be modding...

 

It's essentially the same transmission with just an extra 2 gears.

 

Is the article wrong?

wrong article...oops

 

The new rev-match system for the manual makes it very "changed" in my book.

I so wish I had this feature on the track.

 

How much power are you looking for?? The same tranny takes close to 400 pound feet of torque on the FX50...

 

the 7 speed auto is pretty neat, but the rev matching 6 speed is even cooler!!! I reaaaally want to give that a try.

 

Drove a 370 Touring last week. It didn't "rev match" felt just like i was driving a 350 6MT. I tried shifting slow, and fast, downshifted at various different RPMS. Didn't notice anything different. no "blip" or any of the other things theis "rev matching" new 6MT is supposed to do.

I, for one, take pride in my rev matching abilities. I have no need, nor want the car to do it for me. It's all part of the driving experience!! Are we getting lazy??

 

Did it have the sport package?

 

That's a good question. How would i know if it did?

 

Only the sports package only has the rev match feature, that's why I asked.

The sports pack has the 19" RAYS wheels that are 5-spoke with the split spoke design.



non-sport has the regular looking 18" 5-spokes

 

Yeah i guess i drove a non sport then. That explains it.

 

I agree 100% ... while i have a lot of respect for the engineers behind all these new auto trans designs, i hope to never find one in my garage. Manual trans is all about the fun factor for me. I don't race professionally anywhere, so i would rather have the fun and full control of a true manual trans. I'm glad Nissan hasn't gone the way that some of the other Japanese auto companies have and completely eliminated the choice.

 

also, isnt there a rev-match button on the center console? or near the shifter?