IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013) Discussion about the 2006+ model IS models

How does the AWD work???

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-13-07, 11:33 AM
  #1  
ReLexin
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
ReLexin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cape Cod, Mass
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default How does the AWD work???

Ok, so i bought the IS250 AWD, and have no idea how it works. Are all the wheels always going or does it click into AWD when it slips. I have no idea, please someone explain!!!!!!! If this has already been talked about yell at me.
Old 06-13-07, 12:37 PM
  #2  
MoLexus
Lexus Test Driver
 
MoLexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

It works all the time but 60% of the power is going to the rear and 40% is going to the front. All-Wheel-Drive.
Old 06-14-07, 07:55 AM
  #3  
r1lee
Intermediate
 
r1lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ON
Posts: 470
Received 59 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MoLexus
It works all the time but 60% of the power is going to the rear and 40% is going to the front. All-Wheel-Drive.
Actually its' 70% rear and 30% front.
Old 06-14-07, 08:58 AM
  #4  
GSE25
Lead Lap
 
GSE25's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Ontario
Posts: 567
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

^^That's what I've believed in all along. Just out of curiosity, I went to the lexus site and it states the "Advanced system constantly distributes torque evenly (50:50) between front and rear axles for optimum traction."

Am I missing something here?

Link
Old 06-14-07, 09:47 AM
  #5  
r1lee
Intermediate
 
r1lee's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: ON
Posts: 470
Received 59 Likes on 32 Posts
Default

hmmm...
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....&page_number=5
says 30/70 with up to 50/50 if there's slippage.

http://www.canadianautoreview.com/lexus_is_250.htm
says the same.


http://www.canadiandriver.com/roadtest/06is.htm
same...

So unless all these sites and magazines are wrong? Who knows, the car feels like a RWD. My Audi Quattro did not.
Old 06-14-07, 10:04 AM
  #6  
ReLexin
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
ReLexin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cape Cod, Mass
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

interesting. I wish it was 50-50 all the time. I like symetrical things.
Old 06-14-07, 11:11 AM
  #7  
ba-b4
Lexus Test Driver
 
ba-b4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

I think it being more RWD biased would make it a better drive than if it was stuck at 50:50.. much more understeer probably.
Old 06-14-07, 01:09 PM
  #8  
Orzel
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
Orzel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Washington
Posts: 722
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

The IS AWD is rear wheel biased and can go to 50/50 in slick conditions. We've driven ours over several mountain passes in the dead of winter, blizzard conditions, and the AWD works very well. There is a distinct difference in handling between our IS and our RX (front wheel biased). The IS feels all that much more stable, but, that front air dam is a lousy snow plow, only works for a few yards…
Old 06-14-07, 01:20 PM
  #9  
MoLexus
Lexus Test Driver
 
MoLexus's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: TX
Posts: 1,386
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

but 70R/30F isn't a really advanced AWD system as they market it. Ok so it moves to a 50/50 distrubution when it senses slippage but how often will your wheels slip at anything over 4mph. I think the best AWD systems are Audi, Subaru, and Porshce.
Old 06-14-07, 02:28 PM
  #10  
MJB_LEX
Rookie
 
MJB_LEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MoLexus
but 70R/30F isn't a really advanced AWD system as they market it. Ok so it moves to a 50/50 distrubution when it senses slippage but how often will your wheels slip at anything over 4mph. I think the best AWD systems are Audi, Subaru, and Porshce.
Audi Quattro is still the benchmark AWD system. Quattro can apportion torque front to back and side to side on both the front and the rear axles. It is capable of routing 66% of the engines power to just one wheel. To my knowledge, there is no other AWD system capable of doing this. The "new" generation Quattro is going to have a standard torque split of 35%F/65%R, the RS4 already uses this system. On the other hand, the Lexus system, while not as advanced, is more fun. The 30/70 torque split means that I can kick the rear end out like a rear drive car, but I still have traction on snow covered streets when needed. Add another 60 or so horses to the 250AWD and it would be that much more fun...
Old 06-14-07, 02:34 PM
  #11  
gsCrazy
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
gsCrazy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: NY
Posts: 473
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by MJB_LEX
Audi Quattro is still the benchmark AWD system. Quattro can apportion torque front to back and side to side on both the front and the rear axles. It is capable of routing 66% of the engines power to just one wheel. To my knowledge, there is no other AWD system capable of doing this. The "new" generation Quattro is going to have a standard torque split of 35%F/65%R, the RS4 already uses this system. On the other hand, the Lexus system, while not as advanced, is more fun. The 30/70 torque split means that I can kick the rear end out like a rear drive car, but I still have traction on snow covered streets when needed. Add another 60 or so horses to the 250AWD and it would be that much more fun...
you forget acura's SH-AWD... i think that is the most advanced awd system out there isn't it? anyone else know?
Old 06-14-07, 03:41 PM
  #12  
ba-b4
Lexus Test Driver
 
ba-b4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 1,595
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes on 5 Posts
Default

I think Acura's SH-AWD and Nissan's GTR awd setup is pretty good as well. Maybe better than Audi's. Not sure though.
Old 06-14-07, 06:56 PM
  #13  
slowandlow
Lead Lap

 
slowandlow's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: mi
Posts: 406
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

can you make it stay in 70/30 if you want to drift?
Old 06-14-07, 08:18 PM
  #14  
ReLexin
Lexus Champion
Thread Starter
 
ReLexin's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Cape Cod, Mass
Posts: 1,787
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by slowandlow
can you make it stay in 70/30 if you want to drift?
how can you drift in a Is250AWD? I can't even get my tires to spin... its slower than slow. i have to take out the street bike to have any kind of fun
Old 06-15-07, 07:05 AM
  #15  
MJB_LEX
Rookie
 
MJB_LEX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: IL
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Originally Posted by gsCrazy
you forget acura's SH-AWD... i think that is the most advanced awd system out there isn't it? anyone else know?
Acura's SH-AWD does some cool stuff like automatically transferring power to the wheels that need it during cornering, but I do not think it is capable of side to side transfer of torque on the front axle like Quattro.


Quick Reply: How does the AWD work???



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 02:20 AM.