David M

Has anyone played with their 430 Ultra like a sports car and pulled numbers for 1/4 mile, g-pad, and etc? I'd especially be interested in a comparison with the engine and traction controls at normal driving versus all them in as sport a mode as they'll handle.

Reason I'm asking is that I've had some *great* fun pushing my little ultra around some mountain roads and experienced quite some g forces before the all-season "ultra handling" tires even began to squeal! I was amazed.

Thanks,
David

miniz

You must be confused and think that you have purchased a sports car? You have purchased an executive luxury sedan.

CarGuy89

I know what you mean, this car is pretty awesome in a straight line, power is smooth and constant and abundant all the way up to redline. Car never really feels like it's trying. The car handles pretty well, but I wouldnt call it sporty. It definitely will run with many sport sedans and indeed some sports cars (the slower ones of course ). I wouldn't call it a sports car though, more of a sleeper. The other guy never expects that I have a V8 underneath.

David M

Nevertheless, I have played with it in twisties. I'm selling my current sports car because it's just too small to carry us *and* the grandkids. <sigh> But I still like to play now and then and the Ultra has not disappointed.

Stu

I have yet to hear the tires squeel around a corner, and have not broken them loose in a corner. Thats what happens when you get a bit older.

But its been a very LONG time since I owned a rear wheel drive car. My last one was a 240Z. I'm am looking forward to doing some donuts in the parking lots when they get snow covered this winter !

caddyowner

I've found that throttle interruption is rather profound if you stomp on it when your wheels are turned. However, when you're headed in a straight line, the car can generate some respectable thrust. Turns, once rolling, are predictable without uncontrollable oversteer. Overall, I think the car's performance is very commendable.

AlexusAnja

I've thrown it around the twisty backroads that I take here to work.. and it's a nice car, but no "sports" car or even close. Keep in mind, I'm not using any fancy tires (atleast I don't think) just Continental ContiProContact, and they stick well... but I wouldn't push them. I've had my rear give a few times and the TRAC kick in, but even then it was too late to prevent the slide.

Want a sports car... get the Nissan GT-R.

CarGuy89

Only thing I like about the winter is powersliding every turn when snow first falls (and with no traffic of course). Can't wait to go round those roundabouts sideways again. Curious to see how the LS does in snow. My 328 was a tricky little thing with crappy stock runflats (but tricky in a very fun way).

EDIT: Just a side question, how effective is the air suspension switching b/t sport and comfort modes? Is there a notable difference in ride quality/handling characteristics? I have ML so I have steel springs with no adjustment.

BNR34

iTrader: (1)

Oh yes, the ride/handling firms up noticeably in sport mode.

94LSon20

The "sport" but noticeably firms up the suspension, nothing too crazy, but you do feel less body roll in the turns.

When it comes to sliding, that only happens in the rain when I purposely try. This car sticks in wet and dry conditions unless you really dog it, it's very predictable

JimsGX

I have the 18" rims with Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires and it handles pretty good for a two ton boat... Non-UL

Stu

The LS is not even close to a sports car. If you think it is, you've never driven a real sports car. The LS is too big and too heavy for a sporty ride. The horsepower to weight ratio is much too low. The suspension is set up for comfort, not performance.

David M

Stu, you are correct of course. But that doesn't mean we can't play with it.

re air; I agree that it does stiffen up and while the ride is not unbearable it's still not too bad. Even on full "comfort" the car doesn't slosh around like the old Caddies used to. (maybe the new ones, too?)

I'd love to get some g-readings.
Doesn't one of the radar detector manufacturers make one?

CarGuy89

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7iUaqUyKoQ

I'm sure some of you have seen this already, but this is a rare vid of an LS430 drag racing an Acura RSX.

While I am certainly not saying that the LS430 is something I would take to a track day, I am definitely impressed by the car's performance capabilities considering how luxurious the car really is.

AlexusAnja

Yes, the straight line 5.9s is impressive for such a big car (impressive for any car)... but once you add corners, it's a different story.

What I would like to see is the LS430 vs. a soccer mom minivan on the highway... ha ha.