Shift time for the new AT is 500 millieconds. Sure, he won't beat a real Dual Clutch tranny, but he can certainly beat 500 milliseconds. Now the gearing really becomes important as to where you want to be fast.

No experience with 370 but drove the new FX50 with 7AT. It definitely shifted "fast" and crisp, and downshifts were predictable. Nonetheless, I was simply amazed by how well dual clutch tranny in Mistu Evo MR shifted. So, as expected, 7AT is great auto but no where near dual clutch in terms of shifting speed.

Oh! I don't power shift. No-lift-shifts are for turbos in most cases... Even though my Solstice is turbo, the computer doesn't allow a no-lift-shift so I still lift.

Power shifting is for anyone and any car that has a standard transmission that has the balls to undertake it. It takes a very well coordinated and quick person to preform both tasks (hand and Foot) at the same time. Not everyone can do it effectively and not destroy something.

+1
I've seen pretty nasty crashes due to idiots :driving: nice cars...

This is based on personal experience with the 5AT in my G35xS but I imagine it applies to the 370z as well.

I haven't seen this mentioned, but if you are in DS auto mode and get on the brakes, the 5AT will downshift with you and you can usually feel a little engine braking. The engine braking is not very aggressive, but it does downshift a bit ahead of your speed decrease so you do feel it. The really nice part is that if you get back on the gas fast, you are already in an appropriate gear for immediate acceleration. Most ATs would stay in the higher gear and coast so they would then have to drop a big downshift in this situation but the 5AT has already dropped to 2nd or 3rd so you get immediate punch from the throttle. It is actually pretty awesome.

OK... I know what you mean. I used to no-lift my Z. But the clutch and syncros weren't liking it. I'm pretty fast as it is, and VERY well coordinated. :) That's why I absolutely LOVE driving a standard.

That is pretty cool....

An interesting comment in MotorTrend from Didier Theys - a former IndyCar racer and winner at 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring - comparing the ZR-1 with other supercars: "this car would easily be 2 seconds a lap quicker if it had paddle shifters". Obviously he has a stouter transmission in mind than what the 370Z 7at has to offer. Regardless, an interesting comment from a seasoned professional racer.

If the shifts from a sequential shifting manumatic (like my word-ology there?) transmission was as fast as Ferrari's F1 transmissions, paddle shifting would be the 100% best way to go. Ferrari's transmissions shift gears in just a hair over 10ms. These, however, are not clutch-pack style autos with a manual valve body. They're basically standards with a triple-disc actuator-controlled clutch. The shifting is performed by servos and the clutch is controlled by a computer. Paddle shifting is the only human interaction. Although those transmissions are the most efficient and strongest transmissions, they're unfortunately $20,000+!

So in that aspect, I agree. However, some stuff can be done to an automatic to make it work similar to these transmissions, although shifting will NEVER be as fast as these monster racing transmissions.

Upgrading the springs, planets (and planet carrier) and upgrading the clutch packs would be a good start to strengthening your transmission. Once you've done that, you can increase the line pressure on the valve body. (This would actually be quite healthy for the transmission's clutch packs) and that would increase the speed and firmness of the shift. There are kits you can buy for around $30-40 that are basically solenoids that will increase and decrease line pressure on a switch (allowing you to go from stock shifting speed/firmness to faster/firmer shifts). Although I don't recommend doing that until you strengthen the transmission.

If you REALLY want to go crazy, you can rebuild the transmission with a bigger sun gear, more planes, and TIGHT springs. Doing so would allow you to handle LOTS more power. Although, it won't be necessary to do that until you break the 500BHP mark.

^ Good post Crash..

Yep!
The older 350Z AT would start to skip gears at about 400 to 420 RWHP while the manual was good up to almost 500. The new 7 speed is also in the FX50 that has 390hp stock so obviously it can handle much more than the 350's could.

Hello folks.

My '04 350Z Touring Coupe was a AT.

My '07 350Z Grand Touring Coupe was a MT

My '08 350Z Grand Touring Roadster was an AT.

and I just (this past Wednesday) took delivery of my '09 370Z Touring Coupe 7AT with the sport package.

I would agree with those who believe a manual transmission is a few ticks faster overall than an automatic and is probably the choice for the most performance minded.

However, I'm very pleased, so far with this 7AT and the paddle shifters...I suspect the paddle shifters will take some getting used to (I've already found out that it's easy to grab something else than that shifters if you aren't careful :) ) but I'm pleased with my choice.

I autocrossed my '04 and "07 and frankly, I like the AT better for autocrossing...I'm eager to see how this 7AT and the paddle shifters do on the course....I'll let everyone know!

Wow...you must really love the Fair Lady Z

Just as the 7AT G37 is quicker than the MT G37, I think the 7AT Z will be quicker than the MT.

Just curious, why do you like the AT for AutoX??