Ten Reasons Why Your Next Lexus Should Have All-Wheel Drive
#76
Lexus Champion
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Says who? This is completely wrong. Full-time is one of the ways an AWD system can be implemented. On-demand AWD system is not full-time but it's sill AWD. Where did you get your info from?
Again, there is a good link I've posted which ranks different AWD/4WD system for on-road and off-road traction: https://sites.google.com/site/awdand4wd/
Again, there is a good link I've posted which ranks different AWD/4WD system for on-road and off-road traction: https://sites.google.com/site/awdand4wd/
#77
Lexus Fanatic
Although there are a number of different AWD systems on the market, the simplest and easiest ones to understand are probably the basic, Subaru non-turbo systems (WRX/STi models have more complex center differentials).....with the Audi Quattros being in close second. They illustrate true AWD in probably the most classic sense.
Last edited by mmarshall; 12-12-13 at 09:15 AM.
#78
I wish Lexus was really paying attention and included AWD to the hybrid versions of the GS and IS
The AWD system in my Q50S hybrid has been a big help already in the early Winter weather seen this year in Chicago
The AWD system in my Q50S hybrid has been a big help already in the early Winter weather seen this year in Chicago
#80
The GS hybrid is RWD
Here is an excerpt from a Lexus press room communication
Driving a GS 450h, the driver will be struck by the uncanny smoothness of the powertrain. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system teams the output of an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine with a water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Independently or in parallel as needed, the gas engine and electric motor drive the rear wheels. The high performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack uses a stacked design to improve trunk space, which is greater than even the gas-only models of the previous generation GS.
Here is an excerpt from a Lexus press room communication
Driving a GS 450h, the driver will be struck by the uncanny smoothness of the powertrain. The Lexus Hybrid Drive system teams the output of an Atkinson cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine with a water-cooled permanent magnet electric motor through a planetary-type continuously variable transmission. Independently or in parallel as needed, the gas engine and electric motor drive the rear wheels. The high performance nickel-metal hydride battery pack uses a stacked design to improve trunk space, which is greater than even the gas-only models of the previous generation GS.
#82
Lexus Fanatic
I'm not interested in discussing your feeling or opinions because I see no point. Maybe other people in this thread do and will continue the conversation with you. I'm interested in discussing objective topic of traction when it comes to RWD/FWD/AWD system. Unless you're interested in discussing objective traction then I suggest we stop this conversation
Besides who are you to tell me what I can and can not discuss?
I'm interested in discussing objective topic of traction when it comes to RWD/FWD/AWD system. Unless you're interested in discussing objective traction then I suggest we stop this conversation
I don't want an AWD sedan...whether it has better traction or not. I have an SUV for that. Lexus' packaging decisions made my choice for me, but had I done an 535 it would have been RWD.
#83
Lexus Fanatic
iTrader: (20)
Guys maybe take a breath... Original post has pic of (3?)GS in snow but doesn't mention snow.
AWD or 4WD are obviously both advantages over 2 wheel drive in foul weather. But they also add weight, complexity, eat into fuel economy, add cost, etc. whether it's worth it kind of depends on where you drive, and how much you drive. There's no one size fits all.
AWD or 4WD are obviously both advantages over 2 wheel drive in foul weather. But they also add weight, complexity, eat into fuel economy, add cost, etc. whether it's worth it kind of depends on where you drive, and how much you drive. There's no one size fits all.
#84
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
It's a good thing I haven't really had any problem with traction so I can stick to RWD or even FWD cars. I've never owned an AWD car, and while I wouldn't rule it out I just don't need it. I've never lost traction or spun a RWD car even in Mid Engine configuration so I don't see the need where I drive.
#85
I just finished a Lexus Advisory Board survey focused on AWD and based on the number of questions about AWD hybrids I believe they have finally gotten the message that they f'd up by not offering this combo in the GS and IS
#87
Lexus Fanatic
I have to disagree. AWD was developed for good reasons. Though D.C. area winters are usually not as bad as those farther north and west, we have gotten many bad winter storms and even blizzards here...often accompanied by not only snow but sleet/ice/freezing rain. My Subaru Outback, with all-season Bridgestone tires, was almost unstoppable in those conditions. No RWD I have ever driven or owned, (snow tires or not), even with traction control and snow-mode for the transmission, could come close. That Outback would eat them up. There is a reason why Subarus are the official vehicles of the U.S. Ski team.
Last edited by mmarshall; 12-15-13 at 05:56 PM.
#88
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I have to disagree. AWD was developed for good reasons. Though D.C. area winters are usually not as bad as those father north and west, we have gotten many bad winter storms and even blizzards here...often accompanied by not only snow but sleet/ice/freezing rain. My Subaru Outback, with all-season Bridgestone tires, was almost unstoppable in those conditions. No RWD I have ever driven or owned, (snow tires or not), even with traction control and snow-mode for the transmission, could come close. That Outback would eat them up. There is a reason why Subarus are the official vehicles of the U.S. Ski team.
#89
Lexus Fanatic
Did you have a RWD car with winter tires to compare to your Outback in that specific situation?
One thing to bear in mind about your Outback vs a RWD sedan for instance is ground clearance. The 2013 model has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (no idea what year yours is/was). For comparison, a RWD GS has 5.7 inches of ground clearance. My Jeep has 8.6" of ground clearance, and a Lexus GX has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. So, the Outback has slightly more ground clearance than the Jeep, 1/2 inch more than the GX, and 3 inches more than a GS.
That 3 inches makes a HUGE difference when driving in deep snow, so thats like me saying that my 4WD Jeep on all seasons out performed a RWD car on winter tires. Well...of course.
Put two identical or similar sedans, one with RWD and winter tires, and one with AWD and all season tires in the same situation and see what comes out on top. My money is on the RWD car with winter tires.
One thing to bear in mind about your Outback vs a RWD sedan for instance is ground clearance. The 2013 model has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (no idea what year yours is/was). For comparison, a RWD GS has 5.7 inches of ground clearance. My Jeep has 8.6" of ground clearance, and a Lexus GX has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. So, the Outback has slightly more ground clearance than the Jeep, 1/2 inch more than the GX, and 3 inches more than a GS.
That 3 inches makes a HUGE difference when driving in deep snow, so thats like me saying that my 4WD Jeep on all seasons out performed a RWD car on winter tires. Well...of course.
Put two identical or similar sedans, one with RWD and winter tires, and one with AWD and all season tires in the same situation and see what comes out on top. My money is on the RWD car with winter tires.
#90
Lexus Fanatic
One thing to bear in mind about your Outback vs a RWD sedan for instance is ground clearance. The 2013 model has 8.7 inches of ground clearance (no idea what year yours is/was). For comparison, a RWD GS has 5.7 inches of ground clearance. My Jeep has 8.6" of ground clearance, and a Lexus GX has 8.1 inches of ground clearance. So, the Outback has slightly more ground clearance than the Jeep, 1/2 inch more than the GX, and 3 inches more than a GS.
That 3 inches makes a HUGE difference when driving in deep snow, so thats like me saying that my 4WD Jeep on all seasons out performed a RWD car on winter tires. Well...of course.
That 3 inches makes a HUGE difference when driving in deep snow, so thats like me saying that my 4WD Jeep on all seasons out performed a RWD car on winter tires. Well...of course.
Put two identical or similar sedans, one with RWD and winter tires, and one with AWD and all season tires in the same situation and see what comes out on top. My money is on the RWD car with winter tires.
On a relatively low-clearance AWD car (Lexus IS, BMW 3-series, Toyota Matrix, etc.....) with low profile, summer-only, dry-pavement performance tires, I might (?) agree with you....there are better AWD combinations for winter traction. But, with most other AWD set-ups, you'd probably lose the bet.
Last edited by mmarshall; 12-15-13 at 06:36 PM.