here is what i used to do: i had a RWD 1990 240sx: this works pretty well for the car, so adjust it for your needs:
i would pull up to the light, keep it in drive.
put your left foot on the brake
i would take my right foot, and slowly hit the gas.
at about 3000 rpm my tires would starting spinnin, but the car would not move, just let off a LITTLE bit until the tires stop squeeling
when the light turns green, let off the brake, and you launch just as if you were using a stick: this is the way to save tires
now if you dont car about treadwear e.i. your getting a new set soon
instead of letting off the gas at 3000, keep it there: once you releasing the brake, you will grip and shoot off, but dont do this too often: one launch loses about 2.5% of your tread life....