Hartmonstr

I drove the new LS460 for the first time in a snowfall tonight that was heavy enough to require the wipers. Has anyone else noticed how that the wipers clear virtually the entire windshield except for a very small arc in the upper right corner on the passenger side? I didn't take my eyes of the road long enough to study exactly how it was done, but it's obvious some very clever engineering went into the design of the wiper arms, as they swivel a bit as they traverse to get almost the entire glass, even at the bottom. It's entertaining like the goofy single-wiperblade-on-a-cam on my W124 E-Class back in the '80s, but it works far more efficiently.

Another one of those relentless pursuits?

rominl

iTrader: (4)

very interesting observations there, let's see if there are others chiming in

how's the drive in the snow though, i think that's what most people want to know

dfiorito

I agree. How did the car handle?

Did you use that "Snow" button on the console? Did it make a difference?

More info please.

I am in New York and we haven't received any snow yet.

Hartmonstr

The car launches and brakes without incident in the snow. I did see the TRAC light flash on a few times, as did the ABS. I have had snow tires all around on every car I've owned since the '80s, so I'm used to the control that provides. I will see how things go a little while longer before deciding on them for the LS460. I know that however well it handles with the all-season tires, it will do much better with those Bridgestone Blizzaks.

Helmar

If the LS460 is similar to my '03 LS430, it handles terribly in the snow with the standard tires, but improves greatly (along with noise and roughness) with snow tires.

On my LS430, all the "Snow" button does is start the car off in 2nd gear instead of 1st.

The Traction control helps a great deal, but when going uphill with a slippery road, AWD is the best solution.

I expect this is true to varying degrees with all RWD cars.

HBH

hendjaz

No actual snow experience yet to report here, but I have installed the Blizzak LM-25 winter tires as a precaution. I have the Touring package so have 19" tires which are "summer" tires rather than A/S tires.

These Blizzaks are performance tires and I have been very pleased with their driving response and quietness on both wet and dry surfaces. Actually like them better than the Bridgestone touring tire that is OEM so may have to consider a summer performance tire in the Spring. You might want to look at these Blizzaks if you want to go with a winter tire but don't want to compromise handling and quiet ride.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

well my guess is the new vdim probably works better on the snow to bring more stability to the car over the old vsc/trac setup. but how good it is that's what i am curious about