Thoughts on why no DCT for the Z....

Doug&Michelle

Just was curious. If the DCT is so much better and with many other cars (Nissan GTR, some VW's, Hyundai, Audi, and BMW just to name a few) having them, then why not the Z? Don't get me wrong, I think the auto we have is nice, just was wondering why Nissan didn't use a DCT in the Z. Any thoughts or opinions?

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LakeShow

Why they didn't I can't answer that, I'm not Nissan. Although I can say the current 7AT feel like a DCT. Ive been in many DCT cars along with SMG cars and they feel pretty similar to the Z. The Z's up shifts and down shifts give you the feel of the shifts where as the G37 with the apparent same 7AT feels very weak and you feel nothing down shift or up shifting compared to the Z. The 7AT is very quick and responsive when it's in Manual mode. Honestly even if there were a DCT I really don't see the car being a better performer in significance. I've seen sluggish AT and the Z is not one of them.

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DarkJak

Cost, I'm guessing.

This site lists an OEM GT-R transmission for over $10,000 Nissan OEM GT-R Complete Transmission G6 - Nissan performance parts

I don't know the exact price of a transmission for either the 7at or 6mt on our Z's, but I'm willing to bet that it isn't over $4000.

I've always heard that dual clutch gearboxes are crap at low speeds too, although I never encountered anything odd while driving a dsg equipped gti.

I'd love to see a dct on the next generation Z though, if they can keep it under a $3k option.

To add to what LakeShow said, the 7AT shifting in the Z is a lot faster than any other traditional automatic I've driven. Vs the G, it seems to rev match more, jumping higher on downshifts.

ImportConvert

So many other areas to work on before Nissan upgrades from the current AT.

cc370z

Not sure if it's 100% a money issue. I had my trany replaced under warranty and the dealer billed Nissan close to $8k for the job. I'm sure it's somewhat inflated pricing to make the dealer more money. But not that far off the price of GTR trany. I would guess its more of an exclusive thing for the GTR.

alcheng

did that $8k price tag include the labor or just the transmission itself?

LakeShow

A 24,000$ GTI can have a DCT transmission called a DSG. So I doubt it cost 10k for just the DCT transmission and 14k for the rest of the GTI. Anyways my point I don't think it's a cost issue with Nissan. Nissan is just goes about things in an unorthodox way. Look at the GTR, I mean change is good but since 2009 when released, Nissan has changed something on the car whether it be mechanical or cosmetic every single year since 09 which is pretty ridiculous if you ask me.
I mean let the car run its course for at least an extra year or so. If you buy a GTR I am sure you will be upset when Nissan adds something within months of your purchase.

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ImportConvert

Could it handle the power than the 7A in the 370Z handles?

UNKNOWN_370

Well, there would be some advantages to DCT you're not thinking about. On the minimal... we wouldn't have a torque converter which would make our shifts smoother and more seamless than right now... no harsh 1-2-3. Exhaust note would sound better. And finally, when we modify to turbo, our transmissions would have a higher threshold before needing to be modified. Considering we had the GTR transmission or one similar to the EVO. We'd be good for 600hp on our stock tranny. The Z would be hella worth having a DCT in my book.

UNKNOWN_370

Are you seriously comparing the GTI DSG to the GT-R transmission??? The guys were right about tacking 10k to the price because of the type of DCT the Z would need. This would drive the price to levels most people wouldn't want to pay for this type of car. I honestly think the Z is already there. In my book the Z is overpriced. Its a great car but overpriced. Adding DCT will just completely kill sales.

DLSTR

To replace a DSG in GTI not under warranty is not cheap. Im happy the Z doesnt have it. Its fine the way it is. DSG/DCT's are not cheap at all. They do fail. Surf the GTI forums for the fun people have with them on failures/software upgrades etc. Cost is the discerning factor and the performance increase is marginal given the cost.

ZSIZZLE

i dont know where you guys are getting the gtr dct prices from, i replaced 2 in my service dept and both jobs were over 30k, if i remember correctly the parts were around 24

Spikuh

Before the '09 GTR, I don't think Nissan had a car with DCT. '09 is also when the Z released also so putting it in after the fact would be massively costly. The best chance there was for a DCT would have been in the mid model refresh, but we already know that was purely cosmetic with some suspension work.

red6spd

Just get the standard SCT (single clutch transmission) lol.

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kenchan

Cost, risk. I guess.