NdYAG

Looks like Lexus is already showing prototypes in Japan:

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/...-be-on-the-way

mikemu30

But a hybrid - 😣😣😣👎

TechNut

Yay! It's a hybrid.
It actually makes some sense, as the rear wheels will be driven by an electric motor. They have a lot of experience building this type of hybrid, such as the RX, NX and UX and the Toyota Rav4. To my knowledge, this is the first sedan they have tried this type of drivetrain on. The article indicated it could be marketed in the FSport version, but as a hybrid it doesn't make sense to me that they would try to market it as their "sporty" version.

SW17LS

Don't get excited lol. This is an "eAWD" vehicle, no mechanical AWD system or driveshaft, etc. Look towards the eAWD Prius, etc.

Kijug

I grew up in Alaska with FWD Subarus and AWD. FWD is great for bad weather and snow. AWD is better, but you pay more for the drive train and more chance of problems. Hence, I prefer FWD. What few cars I've driven with RWD scare me getting my backend out from under me on corners and especially during bad weather.

FWD for me. =)

Remember, Lexus (no F-Sport) is a luxury vehicle, not intended to launch you off the pad (dang it!)

mikemu30

I'm with you - FWD only for me. If I need to drive in heavy snow, my wife has an RX with AWD.

bc6152

If there's heavy snow I just wait for the snow plows to come...

SW17LS

The issue with FWD in the snow is that your drive wheels and steering wheels are the same, so when you lose traction for acceleration, you also lose the ability to steer the vehicle which is a significant issue.

People equate "good in the snow" with getting you started from a stop well, in that area FWD is much better than RWD, but when it comes to controlling the car once its underway, RWD is actually safer.

mikemu30

Been driving in snow for many many years, most recently of course FWD. My memory of RWD was in no way a better controlled experience in snow. No way.

SW17LS

I said the exact same thing until I started taking professional driving courses and instructors set me straight. In a skid car its pretty obvious the issues with FWD and control over RWD.

The ONLY thing FWD helps you with is getting going from a stop, after that everything else is worse, weight balance is all in the front which makes the front end plow in corners, which negates all steering control. With RWD that plow is less of an issue which helps you maintain control. When you lose traction with your drive wheels with RWD you can still steer the car, with FWD you cant.

I would say, for typical drivers FWD is better, for higher skilled drivers RWD is better. RWD on snow tires is the way to go if AWD is not available. My current LS is RWD and with modern traction and skid control its actually quite good in the snow even on allseasons. Much better than our FWD minivan...

mikemu30

The best approach - I take the day off when it snows heavily😁