The shift performance and responsiveness of automatic transmissions have
gotten pretty good in recent years. We still prefer manuals, of course,
but a good set of paddle shifters and a quick-shifting sport mode—and,
preferably, dual clutches instead of a torque converter—can occasionally
allow one to weave a thrilling tale. (We can’t believe we just wrote
that, either.)
The reality is that companies must now fit automatic transmissions to
their sports cars, even track-oriented versions, if they hope to achieve
more than modest sales. Such is the case with Nissan’s new 2015 370Z NISMO,
which we just drove for the first time with its newly available
seven-speed automatic transmission. Along with an optional navigation
system and other nods to cushification, the automatic was added to the
NISMO model for 2015 to broaden its appeal beyond the hard-core weekend
racers previously targeted by Nissan. The transmission itself is the
same one offered on non-NISMO 370Z
models, although the rear differential’s final-drive ratio was
shortened for quicker off-the-line punch. It has two operating modes,
Drive and Manual, with manual gear selection performed via a separate
shifter gate or long, arcing shift paddles fixed to the steering column.
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Before we go on, we should note that, back in 2009, we tested a 370Z automatic
and we didn’t hate it, calling its manual shifts “lightning-quick” and
recording an even quicker zero-to-60 time than we did with the manual.
But “lightning-quick” by 2009 standards is less so next to today’s
intuitive and instantly responsive dual-clutchers. While flogging the
NISMO-matic Z over some delightful two-lane back roads in Tennessee, we
found that, despite its ability to rev-match downshifts, the
transmission behaves rather like an old-school automatic, with each
pause between gears sapping a bit of joy from the driving experience,
which is otherwise pretty damn good, with talkative steering and copious
grip.
Here’s the good news: There’s a cure available in the form of the Z’s
good old six-speed manual transmission. With its smooth operation,
well-defined gates, short throws, and hero-making SyncroRev rev-matching technology
(which, of course, is defeatable for actual heroes), the manual is
easily the better match for the NISMO’s better-breathing 3.7-liter V-6,
which summons the same 350 horses and 276 lb-ft of torque it has offered
since the package first appeared in 2009.
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Aside from the powertrain, there’s much to like about the 2015 NISMO Z.
We heaped praise upon its refreshed styling when Nissan first showed the
car back in May, and we are happy to say that it looks even better in
person, with our favorite element being the toned-down rear spoiler that
could have been lifted from a vintage Porsche. The sense of occasion
continues inside, with grippy new red-and-black faux-suede/leather seats
and, if you’re the spendy type, a new Tech package with navigation, a
backup camera, Bose audio, Homelink, and other upgrades that will do
absolutely nothing to shave seconds off of your lap times but will
certainly make the car a more livable daily driver.
Although most of these changes, especially the addition of the
automatic, dilute the NISMO’s original track-star purpose, it’s good to
know that the 370Z can still be rewarding, so long as you stick with the
stick.
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