Looking for Feedback on the AT in the New Z

[Punch]

Hey all,
I'm seriously considering getting a new Z. I'm disabled and have limited use of my left arm, so a manual transmission would likely be difficult for me long-term—even though the idea of gutting a 6-speed is really tempting.


I used to own an automatic G35 and absolutely loved it. That car still sticks with me. I'm wondering how the 9-speed automatic in the Z compares, especially with the paddle shifters. Is it annoying having that many gears? Do the shifts feel overly busy or disconnected when driving spiritedly?


Appreciate any insight from folks who’ve spent real time with the AT Z.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

Hey all,
I'm seriously considering getting a new Z. I'm disabled and have limited use of my left arm, so a manual transmission would likely be difficult for me long-term—even though the idea of gutting a 6-speed is really tempting.


I used to own an automatic G35 and absolutely loved it. That car still sticks with me. I'm wondering how the 9-speed automatic in the Z compares, especially with the paddle shifters. Is it annoying having that many gears? Do the shifts feel overly busy or disconnected when driving spiritedly?


Appreciate any insight from folks who’ve spent real time with the AT Z.

Personally if it were me I'd get a six speed, but I'm of the mindset that if I can drive a car its going to be a manual trans and I've done so when on crutches, etc. Most people wouldn't put themselves through that.

People don't seem to mind the 9AT that own one, but I'm also very biased in that my logic is I'd never pay 50,000+ for a car I can't change my own gears in.

That aside, its a typical slushbox auto. Sure, it's not the trash you'd find in a 70's GM slushbox but I wouldn't expect PDK or DSG levels of precision either. For me the frequent shifting would be a detractor, it ruins the engine note. But again, I'm biased.

 

[FSUZ33]

It’s possible my last car, ’05 350Z, had the same AT as your G35 (Jatco RE5?). Drove it from 2015 until a few months ago, trading it for the Z. That 350Z was the only AT I’ve owned, so I don’t have much to compare. But I can tell you the Jatco JR913 in the Z is a different animal. Quick/confident shifts whether in auto or manual/paddles, and even better and more aggressive in Sport. My heart still goes out to the manual, but I have no regrets.

 

[RobotAZ]

No, the 9AT is awesome. Best transmission I’ve owned. It can take quite a bit more power. Seems like ~515 ft lbs.

 

[speedjuno]

I had the 370 6spd. Great!
Older now, got the Auto & want the wife to daily driver, and this thing Hit’s It
#NoRegrets

 

[ZillaZ]

The AT is very fun. I do not use the paddles as much as I thought I would because of what you said - too many gears. But when I feel like it I use them. It's a good transmission.

 

[bpeckham]

The AT is very fun. I do not use the paddles as much as I thought I would because of what you said - too many gears. But when I feel like it I use them. It's a good transmission.

This.

With the auto you have choice.

I say go for it.

 

[heritageownerKurosawaz400]

Hey all,
I'm seriously considering getting a new Z. I'm disabled and have limited use of my left arm, so a manual transmission would likely be difficult for me long-term—even though the idea of gutting a 6-speed is really tempting.


I used to own an automatic G35 and absolutely loved it. That car still sticks with me. I'm wondering how the 9-speed automatic in the Z compares, especially with the paddle shifters. Is it annoying having that many gears? Do the shifts feel overly busy or disconnected when driving spiritedly?


Appreciate any insight from folks who’ve spent real time with the AT Z.

If you loved the G35's the Z's will sure be pleasant, it's really not about manual vs auto as much as it is just a purists view vs someone who needs something more ideal. The 9 speed isn't tiring and in manual mode the gearing doesn't feel like a 9 speeds. Go ahead and enjoy that car!

sidenote: The 9 speed is a very very strong transmission, even at near 805 WHP there isn't any slippage from the trans and it doesn't have a tune either. Plus you get a transmission cooler for extra reliability.

 

[AlfredoGonzalez]

Hey all,
I'm seriously considering getting a new Z. I'm disabled and have limited use of my left arm, so a manual transmission would likely be difficult for me long-term—even though the idea of gutting a 6-speed is really tempting.


I used to own an automatic G35 and absolutely loved it. That car still sticks with me. I'm wondering how the 9-speed automatic in the Z compares, especially with the paddle shifters. Is it annoying having that many gears? Do the shifts feel overly busy or disconnected when driving spiritedly?


Appreciate any insight from folks who’ve spent real time with the AT Z.

Its a good transmission and shifts pretty good when driving fast. I would say my only concern is that it is tuned for fuel economy, but that's an issue with the TCU tune from factory not the actual transmission. I got my car tuned and now it shifts even snappier due to the top end torque with paddle shifters. Its pretty good, I say go for it.

 

[Punch]

Thanks,how did you get that tune, dealer?

 

[AlfredoGonzalez]

Thanks,how did you get that tune, dealer?

It is not a transmission tune and neither was it from the dealer unfortunately, so no warranty. But tuning the engine indirectly changes the way the transmission feels when shifting by getting more torque out of the car. I like it much better, it makes it more exciting.

 

[raceheart]

Thanks,how did you get that tune, dealer?

Transmission Tuning (TCM) is on the way !
https://www.nissanzclub.com/forum/threads/ecuteks-new-tuning-update.6182/

 

[ShearMe]

I get over 30mpg on roadtrips with my 9-speed. Sport mode makes shifts harsher but otherwise seems like it does nothing. Manual mode is a must for keeping the revs up during spirited driving.

Just got my first fluid change at 25k. I could be halucinating, but it feels like it pulls better and shifts a bit smoother.

Wish the paddles were on the steering column instead of the wheel.

 

[NismoNed]

My last vehicle had a dual clutch. I have yet come close to pushing my car since I’m still in the break in but I’ve honestly been really impressed with the 9AT thus far. I know the Nismo has a bit more aggressive programming but overall this transmission doesn’t deserve anywhere near the criticism it’s gotten from some journalists. In sport plus when I’ve dipped into the throttle a tad, the shifts are on par with my previous cars that have had DCT’s.

 

[VR30Z6spd]

the AT is faster especially tuned Z