Kid Racer: Look Ma, I am only using two feet instead of two-and-a-half. No more heel-toeing!
Mom: What’s heel-toeing?
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
The days of calling any type of transmission found in cars “Manual” are almost over. Only 15% of the driving population even knows how to drive a manual transmission equipped vehicle let alone know how to heel-toe or “double clutch” in an attempt to match a rev during a down-shift.
Sport mode, launch mode, S5, S6, SMG, DSG, Single Clutch, Dual Clutch, CVT, Sequential Manual, Triptronic, paddle shift, throttle blip, and now I am getting a serious headache. The list goes on as to the technological advancements when it comes to shifting gears. Who would have thought so much thought would be put into gear changing.
Now we have something that I have honestly never seen or heard of in a full manual transmission which is found in the new 2009 Nissan 370Z, a SynchroRev Match system. Basically, from what I have understood from my research, this system automatically blips the throttle when you attempt to up-shift to a higher gear using the shifter. Of course you find a throttle blip system built into many of the new, what Jeremy Clarkson calls them, floppy paddle gearboxes, in new cars today. This is the first full manual setup that incorporates an automated throttle blip and remains to be a full manual tranny.
If you ask me, once you say the word “automatic” or “automated” to describe a manual transmission it no longer is considered a “manual” transmission. But not the case with the 370Z, it is still a full manual transmission with an actual clutch foot-pedal. You have the option of disabling the SynchroRev Match computerized system so you can heel-toe to your heart’s content… provided that you even know how to do it.
In the old days transmissions did not have synchronizers and they required that you double-clutch when down shifting to match the rev or you were left with a nasty gear grind. Now all manual trannys have synchros virtually eliminating the need for Vin Diesel (Dominic Toretto in The Fast And The Furious) yelling at you for “not double clutching”.
I have provided a video below demonstrating what exactly this SynchroRev Match system does in the new Nissan 370Z. Enjoy and feel free to post your comments. I know some of you won’t like this system despite that fact that in 10 years or so only about 5% of cars will even be available with a manual transmission. Gosh, I dread the day when that happens… give me my Manual Transmission!
From Nissan 370Z Owners Manual
The SynchroRev™ Match Mode (S-MODE) automatically adjusts the engine speed by controlling the engine throttle. This helps provide accurate engine speed control that will help achieve smooth gear shifting and reduces shift shock on clutch engagement.
WHEN DOWNSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically increased to the target engine speed before the clutch is engaged.WHEN UPSHIFTING
-The engine speed is automatically kept during and after the engine speed lowers to the target engine speed.DEACTIVATING THE S-MODE SYSTEM
-To deactivate, push and hold the S-MODE switch for
more than 1 second. The S-MODE indicator will
turn off.-To reactivate, Push the S-MODE switch .The S-MODE indicator on the instrument cluster will show S.
2009 Nissan 370Z Specs:
Price: MSRP $29,930
Type: Compact Coupe
Where Built: Japan
EPA Class: Two Seaters
Dimensions
Exterior
Length: 167.2 in. Width: 72.8 in.
Height: 51.8 in. Wheel Base: 100.4 in.
Curb Weight: 3232 lbs. Gross Weight: 3968 lbs.
Interior
Front Head Room: 38.2 in. Front Hip Room: 54.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room: 54.4 in. Front Leg Room: 42.9 in.
Luggage Capacity: 6.9 cu. ft. Maximum Cargo Capacity: 7 cu. ft.
Maximum Seating: 2
Performance Data
Number of Cylinders: 6
Engine Size: 3.7 liters
Engine Type: V6
Horsepower: 332 hp
Max Horsepower: 7000 rpm
Torque: 270 ft-lbs.
Max Torque: 5200 rpm
Drive Type: RWD
Turning Circle: 32.8 ft.
0-60mph: 4.7 – 4.9 seconds
1/4 mile: 13.7 @ 103.6mph
Fuel Data
Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gal.
EPA Mileage Estimates: (City/Highway/Combined)
Manual: 18 mpg / 26 mpg / mpg
Range in Miles:
Manual: 342 mi. / 494 mi. / mi.
