Automatic w/Paddle Shifters
 

How much do you think it'll be? :tup:

I am very curious of this as well. I'm sick of driving a 6speed. I love the control, but as paddle shifters, and sequential transmissions become more of a reality and not just the illusions of shifting control, I am much more apt to go for the auto.

7SPD FTW!

Yeah, I'll probably be getting the 7AT w/ paddle shifters as well. I test drove a bmw 335i a few months back, and their paddle shifters are similar to the new Z. they work great. I anticipate the 370z 7AT Touring price being around $33k

Ok, so during the release, they were saying that this is the first auto that is going to act just like a manual- you'll be able to feel that directness of the car and the road. Also, I believe there will be a special sport mode where only paddle shifters work. Below is info. I quoted from a post on my350, I have not modified it in any way. This should clear a lot of things up for prospective buyers. If anyone has a problem with me doing so, just pm me or have a mod remove the below part of the post. Enjoy!

" This was posted on gdriver by riversideinfiniti. I find it interesting nissan claims a half second gear change. Most likely the 370z gets the same 7 speed as the infiniti.

Originally Posted by Nissan North America
Explaining the benefits of Infiniti’s new transmission

The target: create an automatic transmission with all the best features of a manual transmission. Here’s how Infiniti engineering gives drivers the best of both worlds.


The automatic transmission traditionally represented a compromise. It gave drivers the convenience of smooth, clutchless shifting, but it sacrificed the direct connection, driver control, and enhanced fuel economy of a stick shift.

Infiniti’s new 7-speed automatic transmission, available on 2009 FX35, FX45, G37 Sedan, G37 Coupe, and the upcoming 2009 M35 (rear-wheel-drive), takes the automatic closer than ever before to the feel and operation of a manual transmission.

No More “Slush-Box”

Slippage between the engine and transmission earned early automatics the nickname “slush-boxes.” The hydraulic clutch system for making gear changes could not operate as quickly or directly as a manual transmission’s mechanical clutch.

All modern automatics have a lockup torque converter, which limits slippage by creating a solid mechanical connection between the engine and transmission. For smoother operation over a wider range of operating conditions, newer designs vary the amount of converter lockup (from a 100% solid connection to a partial lockup condition).

Infiniti’s 5- and 7-speed transmissions use a multiple disc torque converter lockup design that allows the unit to “ease” into lockup, minimizing the shudder that can occur in single-disc designs.

While Infiniti is not the first manufacturer to vary the level of torque converter lockup, it has created an extremely wide available lock-up range with the new 7-speed transmission:

With the transmission in Drive, partial lockup is available in 2nd through 7th gears while full lockup occurs in 7th.
With the transmission in manual shift mode, both partial and full lockup are available in 2nd through 7th gears.
Some amount of lockup occurs at all throttle positions and at speeds greater than about 15 mph. The result? Infiniti's 7-speed transmission provides a more direct, solid-feeling connection than drivers typically expect from an automatic transmission.

In manual shift mode, a flick of the 7-speed’s shift lever makes the half-second gear change a reality.

Driver Control

For driving enthusiasts, one of the lures of a manual transmission is the control it gives them to select and maintain the gear they want. Several features of Infiniti’s new automatic transmission directly address this concern.

One of the foremost is manual shift mode. Consider this: for anyone other than a seasoned race driver, it generally takes more than half a second to make a smooth shift with a manual transmission — depress clutch, move shift lever, release clutch, apply throttle.

But in manual shift mode, a flick of the 7-speed’s shift lever (or available steering-column-mounted paddle shifters) makes that half-second gear change a reality.

For smoother downshifting, Downshift Rev Matching (DRM) mimics the heel-and-toe maneuver used by skilled drivers during manual transmission downshifts.

The 7-speed design targets both performance and fuel efficiency.


The 7-speed includes other features first seen on Infiniti 5-speeds, including:

Adaptive Shift Control, which enhances gear selection by using a lateral acceleration sensor to detect changes in the road (such as hills and turns).
Drive Sport Mode (DSM), which allows the driver to select a more aggressive shift pattern (automatic up- and downshifting at higher rpm).
Combined, these features allow any driver to enjoy quick, smooth shifts and gear choices that are appropriate to both the road and their desired driving style — some of the enthusiast’s main reasons for choosing a manual.

Enhancing Economy

Automatic transmission vehicles typically suffer a small penalty in fuel economy estimates when compared to their manual transmission counterparts. Infiniti’s 7-speed design targets not only performance, but also enhanced fuel economy:

The wide range of torque converter lockup operation maximizes engine efficiency (less power is wasted as slippage).
In previous 5-speeds, only 5th gear provided an overdrive ratio. Now both 6th and 7th gears are overdrive ratios, allowing the engine to operate at lower rpm during a broader range of highway speeds.
Owners may not understand the penalties they have paid in the past for the convenience of an automatic transmission. But whether drivers want “hands on” or “hands off” control, Infiniti’s new transmission will provide a satisfying driving experience. "

Hey thanks Nissan370z. Good info. :tup:

No problem!
=)

I won't lie, I will test drive the Z with the auto box... but that's only cause I haven't driven a manual in a few months. I'll only buy the manual, I need to improve my heel-toe skills, but I get the feeling I'm going to love the 7 speed.

I never understand the purist mentality of having to drive a manual.

I've driven both and as they have developed new sequential and paddle shifting transmissions, many reviewers are rating them as just as good or better than their equivalent manual gearboxes.

Change is inevitable and I don't want to be on the wagon with dying technology.

Manual transmissions are not a dying technology. Sure, they aren't common in America, but that's cause our society values ignorance and laziness. Traditional manuals are usually the most efficient, reliable and cheapest solutions. Not to mention the added control over the vehicle, as well as the increased connection with the car.

Says most purists.
Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston marten and many other manufacturers disagree, and only leave manual boxes as an option. Manuals remain because of, as you did state; they are cheaper to produce.

They are not more reliable, but they are easier to replace.
Regarding control and efficiency, that was true ten years ago. This is not the case anymore, as sequentials are becoming faster with more control, and are producing better mpg.

Don't believe me? Ask an F1 driver. :driving:

^^^ while i agree with you onn the AT being a good gear box the AT in the Z is nothing like the AT in a lambo. It is all in the torque converter. But with that said my 7AT G will out shift a 6MT driver unless you are a pro.

Oh don't get me wrong, I wasn't saying that those companies are using the same technology, I was just saying that dual clutch transmissions are not the jokes that they use to be, and that they are becoming the industry standard.

Calling everyone who likes a manual a purist is like me calling everyone who likes an automatic lazy. A bit over-generalizing.

Petty bickering aside (sorry,) there are real advantages and disadvantages to both. The issue for me is with control. I want the car to do exactly what I tell it to do. I have never driven an automatic/automated manual car that gave me that much control, nor do I know of any. These transmissions provide the illusion of control, which is fine for soccer moms and posers. My sister, for example, would love one because it's a toy. For someone who wants to be in control, who wants to enjoy the car, who knows how to driver properly, the damn things always end up working against you.

If you really want to discuss the future of transmissions, then we are both wrong. Most likely electric engines will provide propulsion in future cars. Whether it's a generator like the Volt or a fuel cell like the FCX, electric engines make so much more sense for daily driven cars. Higher efficiency, next to no maintenance, full torque from 0 rpm, and operation ranges from 0rpm to upwards of 25k rpm, it all comes together to make a better solution than the gasoline engines we use today.

VFD controled electric motors in the wheels on all 4 corners will be the way of the future. and the torque you will be able to get will be nuts.

i hope this 7sp will be extremely awesome!
otherwise shiiit just takes fun out of driving

after reading this thread, I dont know what I want.

I have always preferred MT over AT, but technology is definitely increasing and the 7AT is really tempting.
No matter what anyone says, MT is gradually becoming obsolete. If I were to get the 6MT, I'd be a hypocrite because I get on my mom about replacing her CD player in her car for a casette player.

Decisions:excited:Decisions

I've driven a MT all of my life, and frankly I'm tired of it, especially with city traffic. If I go with a 370z this spring it will definitely be the AT.

the reason im getting the z is because of stick driving fun but now im second guessing .
:driving:

I'll be hopping on the 7AT bandwagon unless it's slower than a 6MT and adds a considerable amount of weight. I've gotten over manuals. My TL-S paddle shifters still provide a lot of fun and they probably aren't as fast as the ones that will come on the Z. Plus life is so much better with an AT in the end...

Sorry, I'm not a purist and I know that AT is better for racing (especially with a manual valve body) but lets face it... AUTO'S ARE BORING!

I've driven beater crap cars with a stick shift that were more fun than my automatic Trans Am. Stick shift is just FUN! I look for reasons to shift! I sometimes slow down just to shift, speed up, and SHIFT AGAIN!!! :D

Most of the manuals I've driven were 5 speeds, and I'm always saying to myself "Damn, I wish I had another gear to shift into!" LOL

My friends all race, I used to race, and if I was going to be racing this car like I used to race, I'd be getting the Auto... But I like manuals..

NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL STUFF

Lambos, Ferraris, etc... They don't have AUTOMATICS. They have manual transmissions with cylinoids that engage and disengage the clutches. They're completely computer controlled and those transmissions cost upwards of $30K. The Porsche Carrera GT transmission is $50K!!! And that's not for the name... I've worked with this tranny and I totally understand why it's that much money. (By the way, these transmissions break a lot)

Now as for Manuals and Autos (in every day cars) being more reliable and/or cheaper. Some of you are VERY wrong. Manuals are more reliable when used by someone who knows how to drive a manual well. Up until recently, Autos had a huge draw back... PUMPS!!! Also, you lose a LOT of energy through autos - not just because of the torque converter - but because planetary gear trains are a LOT of spinning mass that certainly eats power. In addition, Autos are HEAVIER than manuals as they contain fluids and a LOT more parts in today's transmissions. In addition, Manuals are cheaper and MUCH easier to fix. The big down side to manuals are the clutch and syncros. Syncros are easy to break (if you slam the gears like I do ;)) and clutches go out if you don't know what you're doing.

As for which is better... Purist or not, it's 100% about the driver, and nothing more. If you're REALLY good at driving stick, the manual is going to be better. If you're not so good at driving stick, or you do a lot with your hands when you drive, or you just want to make driving as simple as it gets, get an auto.

Personally, I drive manual like it's a second nature. I eat, txt on the phone, put my left hand out the window and shift and steer with one hand, and even wack-off sometimes all while driving a manual.

But we all have our opinions, right?

LOL, too much information man.

Meh... It's a sure fire way to ensure nobody asks to drive my car. LOL

$1,300 'ish per some site i ran into and can't find again.

For 350's and G35:


Works Bell -- USA | Column Shifter

Yeah... So double that price (at least) and you'll get the OEM cost.

Maybe today's automatics will outperform a manual but I prefer the manual just because I like moving my arms and feet around like I'm part of the car. I've driven both and I still prefer manual on most days just because to ME, it's more fun to drive. I can actually "feel" like i'm in control.

I think that was the car and driver review.

I'd rather have my free hand in a woman's lap than on the stickshift, so 7AT for me. I'm not that great with stick and the winters out here are horrible, not to mention the traffic we get. I don't plan on getting a winter beater so I'm eager to find out how this car will perform on ice and snow.

Not only that but the sport-mode automated manual trannies nowadays will outperform any manual transmission, given that the automatics in most sports cars nowadays will shift faster than any human being could possibly shift. The only argument manual tranny purists have now is weight and feel; performance is not an argument in the 21st century.

Out performing is only fun if you got $ on the line. But anyone can point the car and slam the gas...

It takes real skill to make a manual out-perform an auto. I'm not starting a pissing contest here, but the fact is that I feel lazy and bored driving a car (even at high speed) if it's not manual.

I fully agree that it takes skill but I've never owned a stickshift and I don't think I ever will. Not my cup of tea.

Perfectly acceptable reasoning. Even before I drove manuals, long before I owned one, I wanted to drive manuals. I never liked not having FULL control over the car.

If I lived in Los Angeles, where there's no winter, I'd probably have grown on manuals but in all honesty the winters we get here make stickshifts all-the-more complicated. I have to admit I'm not great on a stick. I've never liked manuals, I never saw the point in shifting your own gears. I'm the kind of person that wants the 370z as a daily driver, and get a few ***** and giggles every now and then when I smoke ricer tuners in their Civics with the 7-speed manual mode.

LOL! Also good reasoning.

I drive manuals without even thinking about it. But when I want to drive like I'm part of the car... I can! :D

so um how much u guys think it'll be?

I think it was not much more... Like a few hundred extra.

My z was manual and I had an accident and is very difficult for me to drive manual again. I have a 335i with paddles and I love it. I think the new auto trans with paddles allow people like me who love manual trans, but cn't drive them to continue enjoying fast cars with the best of both world

Rant
 

I test drove a Z with paddles last night. I was reluctant and hesitant to try it out because, well my 350Z was stick and I loved it...and even tho the synchro rev match is a newbie feat, it's so cool when you try it out! But back to paddles...it was different. Very different actually. I don't know whether or not I like it more than stick, but I couldn't sleep last night just recalling on the experience. It definitely did feel like I was playing Gran Turismo on my Logitech steering wheel with paddles. I felt a higher tendency to speed. I wondered if I might accidentally downshift on a high speed corner, which would get me to slide, because the paddle is so near the wheel. Even if you are a pro racer, it's going to be rough consistently shifting faster than paddles (~0.2s shift time). There's a reason why Lamborghini and Ferrari have gone with paddles. On the freeway it wasn't too much different than a stick, since most people chill at 6th gear anyway...but I missed down shifting on a stick when I wanted to switch lanes and go past a car...I don't know what I like more. It's a really hard decision. I don't want to sound old fashion...and performance wise, stick is not the best choice, but when i'm at a red light, i want to be able to rock back and forth, i want to feel like i am the car and not just someone driving it...i like the fact that not too many people can drive stick and therefore can't drive my car...i like the rumble on the clutch...i like popping the clutch...but I can't but seeing as paddles as more...elegant? Classier? How cool would it be to go on a date with paddles and make her be like, woah...high class guy. And then when i'm holding my gfs hand i can just set it to auto without having to let go all the time...i dunno, it's these things I think about too.

I will never buy an auto if I have a choice not to. Auto is simply too boring for me to drive especially in hour commutes. And Yes I do get stuck in hour long traffic jams at times and manual is what keeps me from dozing off after getting off work.

I miss my 6 sp. ;( Your rocking back and forth at a light comment saddened me. I was on a date a few months back and the girl asked...why didn't you get the manual? To which I could only reply... I'm stupid? There is no better feeling than a manual trans IMO. The next vehicle will once again have a manual.

Yeah, the stick keeps me awake during traffic too. At first I found it annoying--stalling was embarrassing. It wouldn't happen often, but it would happen. I fear we might be left behind...like imagine when we have kids...oh, my dad was born before the millenium...he likes to drive stick. By the same token though, if paddles were so much better than stick, why weren't they standard for the NISMO? Paddles though, might still keep you awake during traffic. It wasn't bad. It was fun. Different fun from stick though. All it really is, is a signal to ...well, shift...instead of having to push down on the clutch and select the gear. I would downshift 2 gears at a time too, just to see what would happen, and it worked wonderfully. It's just different. You can also like an Initial D arcade, except up is up and down is down...and unlike the 350Z, it's instant.