At the LA Auto Show, the 370z debuted with it’s official specs. Here is their clip:

The all-new 2009 Nissan 370Z, the first full redesign of the iconic Nissan Z since its reintroduction as a 2003 model, solidifies the strengths of its predecessor with an unmatched balance of performance, style and value. Nearly every piece and component of the 370Z has been rethought or redesigned, including a shorter wheelbase, greater use of lightweight body materials, larger engine with 26 more horsepower, a new 7-speed automatic transmission and the world’s first synchronized downshift rev matching system for the 6-speed manual transmission. Performance has been enhanced with a more rigid body structure, better power-to-weight ratio and a new 332 horsepower 3.7-liter DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Event and Lift Control.

Hidden inside this paragraph is the “downshift rev matching system”. I’m not sure what this means, but I think that when you begin letting out the clutch when downshifting, the car will automatically adjust the engine speed making shifts smoother and more seamless.

The LA Auto Show is where the new 370z will debut. However, ahead of the launch, Nissan has released full pictures of the new car. While the only thing that can be confirmed is a displacement of 3.7 L, other technical details that are rumored are a new 7-speed automatic transmission, overall shorter length and lighter weight.

Dual clutch transmissions are one of the more exciting car technologies that have come in the past few years. Audi/VW was one of the first manufacturers to make this available on production cars available to normal consumers – the first car was actually the Bugatti Veyron. It’s been made on the VW Golf/Audi TT since their last generation – the cars share a similar platform.

Dual clutch transmissions offer all the fuel economy benefits of a manual tranmission while also allowing manual shifting via paddles or gearshift. Manual shifting does not use a clutch pedal. Moreover, these transmissions can be computer controlled for an “automatic” mode for customers that are used to automatic transmissions.

With automakers racing to reduce fleet-wide fuel economy numbers, all major automakers are rushing to put out these transmissions into their cars. Here’s a list of cars that are available right now with these gearboxes. Each company uses a different name for the gearbox.

BMW M-DCT (available in the M3) – Getrag 7DCI600
Bugatti Veyron – Made by BorgWarner
VW/Audi DSG (Jetta, Rabbit, TT) – BorgWarner
Audi DSG (S5) – BorgWarner
Mitsubishi SS-T (Evo X) – Getrag 6DCT470
Nissan (GTR) – BorgWarner
Porsche PDK (911) – ZF

Furthermore, the following car companies have announced efforts to put out dual clutch transmissions in the near future:
Chrysler – Getrag
Ford – Getrag (DirectShift)

My sister has begun shopping around for a new car. One of the priorities is to get power seats with a memory option so that its easier for her and her husband to share the car. Unfortunately after doing some research into the Japanese brands, none of them offer power seats with memory. Only two offer power seats and one with memory.

acura csx (same car as honda civic) $28,290-29,990
no power seats

honda civic $16,990-23,480 (not including Si model)
no power seats

mazda 3 $16,895-25,745
no power seats

mitsubishi lancer $16,598-22,998
no power seats

nissan sentra $16,798-24,298
no power seats

subaru impreza $20,695-23,195
no power seats

toyota corolla $14,565-23,210
power seats on the LE model

toyota matrix $15,705-26,775
no power seats

volkswagon jetta
power seats with memory on 2.0T model

Youtube is hosting a video of a drag race between the new Nissan GTR and a Lambourghini Galladro. It isn’t the new LP560-4 but it’s still a mid-engined, v10 exotic versus a coupe from Japan.