silent9o8

im intrested in this LX570 and i was wondering if anyone knew if the car is all time 4wheel drive or can it be switched to 2wheel like the Infiniti QX56. I test drove the infiniti and liked how you can switch from 4wheel Low or High to 2wheel and also Automatic which is the feature im very intrested in. So does anyone know if the Lexus LX570 is going to have a 2wheel and automatic option or its just straight up 4wheel all time driving thanks.

pagemaster

Looks like it will be AWD all the time. I too prefer switching from 2wd to 4wd. I still don't know why Toyota does not offer Auto4wd is some of their trucks and SUVs. It would help a bit of MPG.

spwolf

thats because it is very inferior option. When you lock to the drive into 4WD, you lose a lot of driveability on roads, so you basically use it only when needed.

full time awd is much superior option and this is, afterall, luxury suv with off road heritage...

V8_Fan

I've yet to drive a part-time 4wd vehicle that drives as well as a full-time 4wd vehicle with the latter being specifically designed to drive well in that state. They just don't compare in terms of steering/handling. Besides, before you realize it, it might be too late to switch from 2wd to 4wd, plus those switches (often electronic motors) need to be periodically exercised and can fail when you need it most. Also, if there's any binding in the drive train (like if you turn sharply while the center diff is locked, forgot to unlock the CDL, or some part-time 4x4's have the center diff locked 100% of the time), you won't be able to shift from 4wd back to 2wd w/o either reversing the turn or driving straight for a while. I currently own both a part-time 4wd and full-time 4wd, and the full-time wins hands down.

tigmd99

Then you guys have not driven the 4runner V6! The 4runner V6 has these modes:

2wd
4wd HI +/- center diff lock
4wd LO +/- center diff lock

The V8 4runner is fulltime 4wd, just like the Land Cruiser and LX.

The 4runner V6 & V8 models have the same Torsen center differential. When you put the V6 model into 4wd (center diff UNlock), you can drive it on dry pavement and up to any speed, just like the fulltime V8 model. When in 4wd, the V6 model drives and acts just like the V8 model. In fact, you can leave it in 4wd forever. The V6 also has 2wd mode so that you can save a few pennies here & there.

So, to answer Jim Chow and spwolf, it is possible to have a system that works in 2wd and 4wd modes and when in 4wd mode, it is just as good as any full-time system. Toyota has done it with the 4runner V6 model.

tigmd99

Now, to the original poster, the Infiniti's 4wd system is not perfect. I am not sure about the QX, but the Infiniti system in the past had some issues in AWD mode at high speed. The system is from the Nissan Skyline overseas i think. If i remember correctly, then i read some stories that Nissan does not recommend you to use AWD at high speed or something like that because of axle binding issues.

So, before jumping to buy the QX, i would READ the OWNER'S MANUAL real carefully in the 4wd section. I would NOT listen to the sales pitch from the usually-uninformed-salesman.

spwolf

yes, it is on cheaper 4Runner models, because it is inferior system.

And because the way it works, you can never drive as well in it on normal roads (when it is locked to 4WD), nor it is reccomended.

It doesnt act as full time awd, because techonology is different.

:-)

tigmd99

Dude, spwolf, was that post a joke?? I see a smilie...i am hoping that you're joking because what you wrote clearly shows your lack of understanding the 4wd systems. Please tell me that you were just kidding!

If not, let me RE-emphasize what i wrote:

If the V6 4runner is in 4wd mode (center diff UNlock), then it can be driven JUST AS WELL on dry pavement as a Land Cruiser. When in 4wd mode, it is a FULLTIME SYSTEM just like the Land Cruiser/LX. You can leave it in 4wd mode all day long if you want...and it acts the SAME as the TLC/LX.

In FACT, the 4runner's center differential is indeed SUPERIOR to the TLC/LX's center differential on-road. The 4runner's center diff is the latest from Torsen (http://www.torsen.com/products/T-3.htm). On-road, it works better because it delivers more torque to the rear axle for better on-road handling and performance. Off-road, it works just as good as the TLC/LX's center diff when locked.