Nissan 370Z's SynchroRev Match

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Saw the 370 reviewed on Fifth gear and wanted to know more about this new SynchroRev Match.......

SynchroRev Match is a feature that automatically "blips" the throttle when the driver initiates a downshift in manual transmission-equipped 370s. If you depress the clutch, lift off the throttle and move the gearchange lever to a lower gear, SynchroRev Match zips the engine up to precisely the right speed for that gear.
The result? Perfectly smooth rev-matched downshifts every single time, and drivers that look like heroes.
Rev-matching is common among automatic- and automated-manual transmissions, but the 2009 Z-car marks the debut of such a feature in conjunction with a real-life, stick-in-the-palm manual gearbox.
Now, come with us to the other side of the jump to learn how it works.
SynchroRev Match is all zeros and ones--there is no black box or additional hardware. The 370Z's engine controller simply compares the engine speed to the data being fed by the rear wheel speed sensors. Since it "sees" the gear lever position and "knows" all of the gear ratios in the transmission, simple math dictates what the engine speed needs to be when you go for, say third gear at 60 mph.
Once the clutch is depressed and the lever slotted into the 3rd gear gate, the engine controller jumps into action. It snaps the throttle open exactly the right amount to achieve that target engine speed. By the time the clutch is re-engaged, the shafts at both ends of the transmission are already spinning at the same speed.
On the track, this allows you to better focus on your braking points while still impressing that hottie in the paddock with your snappy downshifts. Engine braking in slow-and-go street driving is much easier, too, thanks to the way that the system allows seamless engagement of first gear.


No adjustment by the driver is necessary, either. You can continue to go through the motions of manually blipping the throttle during downshifts if it makes you feel better. SynchroRev Match operates transparently so that you just drive the way you normally would.
Of course, there will always be the traditionalists that lambast electronic features such as this one for interfering with the driving experience. That's why Nissan fitted an "off" switch that remains in the setting you choose, even if you turn the car off. Take that, Luddites.
According to Nissan insiders, the company created SynchroRev Match "because they could," and is an idea they've been refining for a few years. That the system undoubtedly reduces wear and tear on the transmission's synchros must create a nice warranty upside, too.
The brilliance of the system is its simplicity and that it can benefit drivers of all stripes. Basically, any car with an electronic throttle, anti-lock brakes and gear position sensors in the transmission could conceivably offer this feature. That list doesn't preclude many cars these days.
It's one of those ideas that is so obvious that nobody else thought to introduce it.

Senna

Does it just mean when you down change (probably at higher revs) there isn't as much of a "hold" in the lower gear, i.e revs match lower gear better, transition to new gear is smoother.

af_thefragile

Senna wrote: »

Does it just mean when you down change (probably at higher revs) there isn't as much of a "hold" in the lower gear, i.e revs match lower gear better, transition to new gear is smoother.

Yup, when you change down you don't need to blip the throttle to match the revs, the car automatically does it for you.

Would make little difference driving normally. Would make quite a difference on the track.

Henry Ford III

It's no doubt cool, but what difference would it make, even on a track?

af_thefragile

Henry Ford III wrote: »

It's no doubt cool, but what difference would it make, even on a track?

You don't have to blip the throttle every time you downshift to match the revs so that the gear shift is smooth and the powers stays on. Saves you little time and effort on the track which could add up for you to win the race or something!

alo1587

Henry Ford III wrote: »

It's no doubt cool, but what difference would it make, even on a track?

Keeps the engine revs higher so its nearer to its optimum rpm powerband for the most power.Example can be seen here where the driver presses the accelerator with the side of his foot when he's braking/downshifting..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdWSyrqEnE4&feature=PlayList&p=1DB5889B0C9B3DDB&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=73