Originally Posted by Dan37TZ

Exotics use automated manuals, usually with a dual clutch setup. I think some early Ferrari's and BMW's SMG uses single clutch units.

NOTHING like the torque converter setup in the 370Z auto. Design and function wise they are COMPLETELY different. The Z's auto is the same concept as any other automatic in your typical accord or camry, with the exception of an extra gear or two and some extra tricks like rev match on downshift. Still uses a torque converter, still delay no matter how much you AT guys want to deny it when queuing an upshift or downshift. You're not in control, the Z's 7spd Auto sometimes has to hunt for gears and randomly downshifts multiple times ect. when you put the pedal down just to get to the right gear. When an AT owner approaches a corner he/she has to frantically pull the paddle and wait for the car to respond to the multiple downshifts ect. A manual owner puts it in whatever gear he want directly..instantly. Sure the 7AT is slightly faster in a straight line because you can launch better(loading the torque converter), I think the Z's auto slips all 1st and locks up in 2nd, there is no human error involved... since the car shifts for you.


My 335i has a ZF 6spd steptronic paddle shift AT, also with rev match, and one of the fastest shift, only second to the IS-F. I purchased my 335i in AT because in the 135/335i form it's also slightly faster than the manual counterpart. First couple months I told myself, hey this could work, I don't really miss manual since this is an EXCELLENT automatic. After a year of owning it I was ready to tear my hair out. I would absolutely say one of the most enjoyable and satisfying part of sports car or sports sedan ownership is driving it with a manual, it just feels so incredibly dull with an automatic. ESPECIALLY in a true sports car like the 370Z.