Nissan 370Z's SynchroRev Match Heals Ham-Hands, Two Left Feet - Edmunds.com

AK370Z · 02-03-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Hey, hotshoe. Think you're good at matching revs when you're downshifting? The 2009 Nissan 370Z's SynchroRev Match can do it better.

And if you're one of those drivers that has wondered why all this "heel-toe" business requires your two feet to do three things simultaneously, then you, too, can benefit from SynchroRev Match.

SynchroRev Match is a feature that automatically "blips" the throttle when the driver initiates a downshift in manual transmission-equipped 370s. If you depress the clutch, lift off the throttle and move the gearchange lever to a lower gear, SynchroRev Match zips the engine up to precisely the right speed for that gear.

The result? Perfectly smooth rev-matched downshifts every single time, and drivers that look like heroes.

Rev-matching is common among automatic- and automated-manual transmissions, but the 2009 Z-car marks the debut of such a feature in conjunction with a real-life, stick-in-the-palm manual gearbox.

Now, come with us to the other side of the jump to learn how it works.

SynchroRev Match is all zeros and ones--there is no black box or additional hardware. The 370Z's engine controller simply compares the engine speed to the data being fed by the rear wheel speed sensors. Since it "sees" the gear lever position and "knows" all of the gear ratios in the transmission, simple math dictates what the engine speed needs to be when you go for, say third gear at 60 mph.

Once the clutch is depressed and the lever slotted into the 3rd gear gate, the engine controller jumps into action. It snaps the throttle open exactly the right amount to achieve that target engine speed. By the time the clutch is re-engaged, the shafts at both ends of the transmission are already spinning at the same speed.

On the track, this allows you to better focus on your braking points while still impressing that hottie in the paddock with your snappy downshifts. Engine braking in slow-and-go street driving is much easier, too, thanks to the way that the system allows seamless engagement of first gear.

No adjustment by the driver is necessary, either. You can continue to go through the motions of manually blipping the throttle during downshifts if it makes you feel better. SynchroRev Match operates transparently so that you just drive the way you normally would.

Of course, there will always be the traditionalists that lambast electronic features such as this one for interfering with the driving experience. That's why Nissan fitted an "off" switch that remains in the setting you choose, even if you turn the car off. Take that, Luddites.

According to Nissan insiders, the company created SynchroRev Match "because they could," and is an idea they've been refining for a few years. That the system undoubtedly reduces wear and tear on the transmission's synchros must create a nice warranty upside, too.

The brilliance of the system is its simplicity and that it can benefit drivers of all stripes. Basically, any car with an electronic throttle, anti-lock brakes and gear position sensors in the transmission could conceivably offer this feature. That list doesn't preclude many cars these days.

It's one of those ideas that is so obvious that nobody else thought to introduce it.

Jason Kavanagh, Engineering Editor

Source: http://blogs.edmunds.com/straightlin...left-feet.html

veightkiller · 02-03-2009, 07:47 PM

this is a nice feature for auto-x and track

TerribleONE · 02-04-2009, 08:17 AM

saw this video once before.. i have to agree.. i was surprised with how well it works.

Chupacabra · 02-04-2009, 10:15 AM

yeah its great, but gets annoying if you are not on the track. i leave mine off all the time.

semtex · 02-04-2009, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AK370Z

Once the clutch is depressed and the lever slotted into the 3rd gear gate, the engine controller jumps into action. It snaps the throttle open exactly the right amount to achieve that target engine speed.

I'm still a little nervous as to what would happen with a lightweight flywheel. "It snaps the throttle open exactly the right amount . . ." assuming a stock flywheel weight in its calculations for how much throttle is needed?

ctzn · 02-04-2009, 12:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chupacabra

yeah its great, but gets annoying if you are not on the track. i leave mine off all the time.

+1

I love the system, it works incredibly, but can be a little invasive on drives through town or sitting in traffic.

NorCalZman · 02-04-2009, 02:09 PM

This is the first time Ive seen wear and tear benefits mentioned in a article about this system, but its one of the first things that came to mind when I read about it awhile back. Having owned used cars all my life, I am familier with worn synchros from "hotshoes" or people who do not know how to drive a manual. Having a manual that has a worn synchro in one gear really takes away from the driving experience.

I would assume that this system, if used regularly, would probably make the tranny synchros last much much longer.

inTgr8r · 02-04-2009, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctzn

+1

I love the system, it works incredibly, but can be a little invasive on drives through town or sitting in traffic.

Don't get me wrong, I love the pedal dance as much as the next guy,
& would no doubt drive in the off mode a lot of the time.

But I find that surprising, unless I'm just not understanding.
.... if the system is doing it for you, how is that invasive?
Don't you just drive & enjoy creamy smooth downshifts without the added effort?
I thought that would be a benefit in daily driving.

Skaterbasist · 02-04-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

Don't get me wrong, I love the pedal dance as much as the next guy,
& would no doubt drive in the off mode a lot of the time.

But I find that surprising, unless I'm just not understanding.
.... if the system is doing it for you, how is that invasive?
Don't you just drive & enjoy creamy smooth downshifts without the added effort?
I thought that would be a benefit in daily driving.

I think a lot of people might find it "invasive" during daily driving because they love the skill of downshifting themselves. When I test drove the 370Z, I was amazed at how great of a feature it was. I loved it. But I can't see myself driving regularly with it on. I really enjoy downshifting, and find it to be one of the joys of a manual transmission.

Just my 02 cents... everyone's opinion will vary of course.

Major kudos to Nissan for making it an on-off feature (and stays that way even when you restart the car).

Lug · 02-04-2009, 03:47 PM

I'm confused. How does it keep you from "downshifting"?

par4bmw · 02-04-2009, 04:07 PM

Very interesting. Please expand on why the turning off because of being intrusive. If you love to heal toe yourself, sure makes sense.

I only test drove so far since mine has not be delivered, but I loved it for that drive. The blipping seemed dead on.

Skaterbasist · 02-06-2009, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

Very interesting. Please expand on why the turning off because of being intrusive. If you love to heal toe yourself, sure makes sense.

I only test drove so far since mine has not be delivered, but I loved it for that drive. The blipping seemed dead on.

Intrusive isn't the word I was really trying to use. I was just quoting the other guy.

I just find downshifting / heal & toe too fun. I really, really like the synchro rev match feature. But I could see myself getting tired of it if I were leaving it on on a daily basis. Just personal preferences...

RwIron · 02-18-2009, 03:07 AM

Talk about sexynessssssssssssssssssssss!!!!

semtex · 02-18-2009, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RwIron

Talk about sexynessssssssssssssssssssss!!!!

Gee, I hope you're not referring to TerribleONE's avatar.

(I'm just kidding with you)

02-04-2009, 10:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Chupacabra Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Weston, Florida Posts: 477 Drives: 09 Nissan 370z s M6 Rep Power: 201	yeah its great, but gets annoying if you are not on the track. i leave mine off all the time. __________________ Where are my aluminum pedals?

02-04-2009, 02:09 PM	#7 (permalink)
NorCalZman Base Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Age: 43 Posts: 65 Drives: 1988 Nissan 300ZX SS Rep Power: 17	This is the first time Ive seen wear and tear benefits mentioned in a article about this system, but its one of the first things that came to mind when I read about it awhile back. Having owned used cars all my life, I am familier with worn synchros from "hotshoes" or people who do not know how to drive a manual. Having a manual that has a worn synchro in one gear really takes away from the driving experience. I would assume that this system, if used regularly, would probably make the tranny synchros last much much longer. __________________ 1988 Nissan 300ZX Turbo SS : My Shiro Special site. Limited edition Z31 model. Dyno 5-14-05: 175.17 HP @ 5200rpm & 200.36 Torque @ 3800rpm

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02-03-2009, 07:47 PM	#2 (permalink)
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02-04-2009, 04:07 PM	#11 (permalink)
par4bmw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 267 Drives: 09 370 M6 Touring/Sp Rep Power: 446	Very interesting. Please expand on why the turning off because of being intrusive. If you love to heal toe yourself, sure makes sense. I only test drove so far since mine has not be delivered, but I loved it for that drive. The blipping seemed dead on.

02-18-2009, 03:07 AM	#13 (permalink)
RwIron Base Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: United States Posts: 23 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 17	Talk about sexynessssssssssssssssssssss!!!!