You can start in 2nd from a dead stop....but I don't recommend that.

Based on the reviews I have read, the car will not shift unless you tell it too. My TL-S will shift only if I keep bouncing off the rev limiter for a few seconds. I gotta say the paddle shifters have an awesome feel to them.

That'd be a fantastic way to screw up a good torque converter. And you're not going to gain from it.

Again, the 7AT will not be faster than a properly driven manual in any condition, any track. Problem is, finding a 6MT driver than can actually drive the car to its potential isn't that common.

Anyhow, if you want some real fun, 6MT is the clear choice. Th 7AT is great for those who dont really have much of an option though.

^^^ I'd like to see track results before saying that with so much assurance. As much as I'd LIKE to say the MT is going to be faster, the chances (and numbers) don't really agree with it. Most drag cars are autos with manual valve bodies. And although less gears are better for high hp/tq cars, lower power cars need more gears. The AT didn't get to use all 7 speeds to it's full capability when it comes to ratios which is a shame. It would have been cool to see 6th gear as 1:1, but either way, the AT is going to be a tough race for even a good manual driver.

I consider myself good, especially for drag racing, so we'll see. My dad decided to buy an auto 370z, so we'll race and see which one is fastest. He'll probably be buying his shortly after I buy mine.

like mentioned before the auto will own 98% of the 6spd drivers out there from the stop, but w/ a proper driver once 2nd if locked in the reeling in will begin and it will be an easy 2-3 shift/pass of an auto Z

Guys - I am NOT suggesting that you drive the car in 2nd. Some auto, just start off in 2nd gear - case in point, 335. unless you put it in manual mode, the car just starts out in 2nd gear. I am not even sure what you mean by screwing up a torque converter by starting in 2nd...this is what snow mode is in some cars.

See my original post - I know the car "can" start from 2nd. The question is does the car automatically start in 2nd gear for fuel economy reasons etc. The reason I am asking is bc the car felt sluggist starting off.

sbkim is right. Most if not all AT BMWs start off from 2nd gear on regular drive mode.
sbkim: To answer your question, i doubt the Z starts off from 2nd gear because nissan has never done that. As far as i know BMW is the only car that mode in their auto tranny for some odd and stupid reason.

thanks klubbheads! Good to see another 335 owner here. Have you driven the Z? Love to hear your thoughts between the 2 cars.

I test drove another auto. This time I kept the car in mostly sport/manual mode. The car def felt more responsive keeping the RPM hight. Gear changes were pretty quick but not discernibly faster than newer autos (again, comparing to auto in my 335 coupe).

I have test driven the 370Z (6MT) and one thing i noticed is that it has a very linear acceleration compared to older motors. It was a very short test drive and only managed to redline 2nd gear once. Overall the car felt very solid and well built compared to my old G and all the 350Zs i have driven. I am sure the 370Z will outperform the 335 in every way. For me to give credible review i need a day with a car and at least an hour canyon run. :)

Yeah its definitely very linear. When I test drove the 370Z at Universal City, I went WOT for 1st, 2nd, 3rd to redline on the 101 :D

In all honestly, my G35 6MT felt faster. I'm not going to say it is faster, but im guessing the fact that my car has a much fatter powerband gave me that perception. My car is making great power all around. I'm sure im making alot more power low & mid-range. The only area the VQ37VHR has the advantage is after 6500 RPM. The VHR just keeps on climbing where the DE falls flat at high rpms.

I wonder how my full bolt on G 6MT would do against the 370Z :dunno:

^we will find out soon. :D

You ready to pull the trigger already? :)

Possibly March, we will see.