Who needs an SUV? AWD in the snow.
01-22-16, 03:58 PM
#1
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Who needs an SUV? AWD in the snow.
Just got home, got to drive my LS in the snow for the first time. I had previously been very impressed with my AWD GS in the snow.
We have 4-5 inches of snow, roads are untreated. Car did awesome. New Pirelli P7 tires, several roads hasn't been driven on at all in the neighborhood, main roads were tamped down but untreated. The AWD in concert with the VSC and snow mode really did great, even when turning and trying to break the rear end loose with the throttle the VSC takes over and keeps it in line. Even a full throttle start happens with very little wheelspin or drama.
Now if it were only 11 inches off the ground.
We have 4-5 inches of snow, roads are untreated. Car did awesome. New Pirelli P7 tires, several roads hasn't been driven on at all in the neighborhood, main roads were tamped down but untreated. The AWD in concert with the VSC and snow mode really did great, even when turning and trying to break the rear end loose with the throttle the VSC takes over and keeps it in line. Even a full throttle start happens with very little wheelspin or drama.
Now if it were only 11 inches off the ground.
01-22-16, 05:07 PM
#3
Pole Position
Not being a fan of SUVs I just purchased a 2013 LS 460 F Sport to handle the snow in Big Bear Lake, CA, replacing my RWD LS 430. I'm looking to buy a separate set of wheels to run snow tires. I ran chains with my AWD two weeks ago because I was afraid not to. Maybe I'll give it a try around town without them when I get a chance.
01-22-16, 05:12 PM
#4
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
A little scary news won't stop me!
01-23-16, 08:14 PM
#5
I've been equally impressed with awd paired with AS tires in my car, but the added ground clearance of my GX makes it my preferred snow rig. With my car, I'm wary of whacking my front end into frozen chunks of whatever's left behind by the plow, car tracks, etc - think late at night / early morning when it's extra cold.
01-23-16, 08:45 PM
#6
Lexus Test Driver
I drove from southern ma to Boston tonight in the middle of the storm with my RWD LS and only had a couple scares. Both were the front end getting away from me on the highway. The traction control system is amazing.
Even in downtown Boston where they hadn't plowed the roads, I could floor it and it would just take off slowly. I used snow mode of course too. I took the traction control off once and my wife was amazed at how much the car did behind the scenes.
Even in downtown Boston where they hadn't plowed the roads, I could floor it and it would just take off slowly. I used snow mode of course too. I took the traction control off once and my wife was amazed at how much the car did behind the scenes.
01-23-16, 09:22 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by Johnny Rad
I've been equally impressed with awd paired with AS tires in my car, but the added ground clearance of my GX makes it my preferred snow rig. With my car, I'm wary of whacking my front end into frozen chunks of whatever's left behind by the plow, car tracks, etc - think late at night / early morning when it's extra cold.
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01-24-16, 07:33 AM
#8
Point being AWD and traction control is pretty darn effective even with "compromised" AS tries. Woot! Woot!
I can only imagine what it'd be like with true snow tires, but I'm plenty satisfied with my AS tires.
Be safe out there.
I can only imagine what it'd be like with true snow tires, but I'm plenty satisfied with my AS tires.
Be safe out there.
01-24-16, 07:36 AM
#9
Lexus Fanatic
Thread Starter
Oh yeah it'd be great with snow tires. If only it had 11 inches of ground clearance and a low range LOL
01-24-16, 09:44 AM
#11
Pole Position
I drove from southern ma to Boston tonight in the middle of the storm with my RWD LS and only had a couple scares. Both were the front end getting away from me on the highway. The traction control system is amazing.
Even in downtown Boston where they hadn't plowed the roads, I could floor it and it would just take off slowly. I used snow mode of course too. I took the traction control off once and my wife was amazed at how much the car did behind the scenes.
Even in downtown Boston where they hadn't plowed the roads, I could floor it and it would just take off slowly. I used snow mode of course too. I took the traction control off once and my wife was amazed at how much the car did behind the scenes.
The only problem I have is when driving on ice, but that's a problem with any car.
01-24-16, 01:43 PM
#12
Pole Position
i was pleasantly surprised and kept up with a Audi A8, the car handled much better than i thought it would, had the snow mode on and just took it easy on the throttle.
Just got home, got to drive my LS in the snow for the first time. I had previously been very impressed with my AWD GS in the snow.
We have 4-5 inches of snow, roads are untreated. Car did awesome. New Pirelli P7 tires, several roads hasn't been driven on at all in the neighborhood, main roads were tamped down but untreated. The AWD in concert with the VSC and snow mode really did great, even when turning and trying to break the rear end loose with the throttle the VSC takes over and keeps it in line. Even a full throttle start happens with very little wheelspin or drama.
Now if it were only 11 inches off the ground.
We have 4-5 inches of snow, roads are untreated. Car did awesome. New Pirelli P7 tires, several roads hasn't been driven on at all in the neighborhood, main roads were tamped down but untreated. The AWD in concert with the VSC and snow mode really did great, even when turning and trying to break the rear end loose with the throttle the VSC takes over and keeps it in line. Even a full throttle start happens with very little wheelspin or drama.
Now if it were only 11 inches off the ground.
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