I am thinking about moving back to MA and want to know how the CL-S runs in the snow??? When I lived in MA I used to drive a Vette (6 speed) in the snow which was always a challenge. How is the CL-S?

Thanks,
David-

 

Pretty good. Not as good as a SnowCat, but with it's relative heavy weight and FWD, it does fine. The LSD helps too.

You'll need all-season or dedicated snow tires (depending on your needs).

 

What the SO3's are not going to work? I ran Goodyear GS-C's on the Vette and it made snow days real interesting. I am still thinking about it, but would hate to have to buy a beater for the winter.

 

I drove from NJ to NH in a blizzard this past President's Day, on stock Michelins. Took me 9 hours. Couldn't see shit, but the car was pretty damn good. Lotsa RWD and SUV folk who couldn't get through.

Where in MA?

 

The first winter i had my car I had the stock tires... and it was pretty good in the snow. Last year I got 18" rims/tires for the summer, and bought dedicated snow tires, and let me tell you.... this car freakin' rocks in the snow with dedicated snow tires. I would even try to make it slide and it wouldn't budge.

If you have the cash for dedicated snows I'd highly recommend it. Also remember that buying snows prolongs the life of your summer tires, plus, you should get a good 3 years plus out of a snow set... so it's well worth it. FYI, I have the Bridgestone Blizzak WS-50 snows.

BTW, if you check Tire Rack the S0-3 tires aren't rated for snow... so if those are your tires... you'll need dedicated snows....

 

I wasn't all that impressed. I believe that it is a combination of the tires being wide, and the horsepower being high. The wider the tires, the lower the pressure (per square inch) gripping the road, and the worse the traction (I learned this in a college physics course).

Also, a powerful car will lead to more tire spinning, which reduces the drivability in snow.

I used to have an 88 Olds Toronado Trofeo that could get through snow like a champ. Same basic type of car - FWD, etc., but narrower tires and lower horsepower. In fact, it was the best "bad weather" car I've ever driven.

Just my insight - others may agree or disagree.

Govleach

 

Works fine for me w/ the stock michelins. Then again, I've never had any problems w/ RWD cars in the snow with decent tires (not bald)

 

I have driven a lot in the snow growing up in MA - Newton. But, I have never had a front wheel drive. I know it should be better, but wanted some opinions. If I move I will be buying snows to put on the stock wheels. Prolong the SO3s and keep my Helos looking nice.

Not sure if I really want to move back, but that is a thread for the ramblings section.

 

Newton? I work in Waltham. Why on earth would you wanna come back here?

 

Us six speeders have a helical limited slip differential too -- less tire spin/more grip.

 

I am really not sure why I would want to come back... I went to college in Waltham. My girl is up there. But, Florida is kind of getting on my nerves. Also, I may have a real nice job opportunity if I come back which could involve continued work in FL as well. All depends on the job. Plus my dog would hate the friggin snow.

Oh and I just bought a new snowboard...

 

How's the rims and tires Dave?...

Everything AOKAY ?... I am still waiting to hear back from FEDeral Xholes.

 

The rims look sweeeeet. The tires handle great. Everything has been fine. The only thing which I notice is that the front end seems to wander a bit. I do not know if this is a function of more/better rubber or simply some crappy roads which is causing it. Also may have something to do with fwd. Thoughts?

 

You god damned traitor!!!! Go be a slack jawed yokel, you son of a bitch!!! :P

 

4 seasons is the best....that's why Real Estate is so high in the Northeast...best of all worlds.

 

<<<<4 seasons is the best....that's why Real Estate is so high in the Northeast...best of all worlds. >>>>>>


ah yeah - something like that...

 

Lower pressure and wide tires have always been an asset for me.

Just like snow shoes...wider is better. In Delaware, that's the first thing we do when there is snow...lower the pressure a tad(snow only). Last year we had a ton of snow on/off for a few months & the ol ClS did fine. It's a powerful car, but since it's not a torque-monster, it didn't break traction. My old Maxima was definitely harder to handle...it would slide super easy(VQ has a ton of torque down low).

But, the problem here is high-po tires in wet/snowy weather...not good.

 

Well first of all your on a wider rim and tire then your used to.. you will have a rougher ride... if there are ruts in the road expect to get dragged and pushed around...

Did you push them into the turns yet?.... I could never get them to squeel around a turn.. they just gripped and held the road.

 

I think it performs well in the snow. Of course, when there is ice, nothing really stops well. I used to have a truck (4wd Tacoma) and never put it in 4wd and ended up in the ditch a lot because I was screwing around. The CL is heavy and FWD helps too. I had no problems in my car with Michigan's crappy winters.

 

The CL is “OK” in the snow with the stock setup, but don’t expect it to be great.
If you’re going slowly in 3-4 inches of snow with minimal hills you can get around.
Just go REEEEEEEEEEEAL slow around corners because that heavy front end has a mind of its own.

When equipped with FOUR dedicated snow tires this car drives like a HUMMER. Well maybe not THAT good, but it’s damn impressive.
I’ve pushed mine through 8+ inches of unplowed roads with lots of curves and hills and I haven’t gotten stuck once.
I’ve also passed many a RWD cars and even a few SUV’s that were stuck spinning.

My winter setup is (4) 16” TL Rims with BLIZZAK snow tires.

Shawn S

 

In my opinion its "ok" in the snow. The stock tires were total crap, and provided very poor snowy/slushy/icy performance. The Pilot A/S are much much better - great in the summer and decent in the winter.

 

I think you should upgrade from that 16inch TL rim set-up so you can get a BIG brake KIT...

 

Smitty: I have pushed it around a bit. The car STICKS! The grip is amazing. Waiting to try it out in the wet. Major improvement.

Sounds like that car is decent in the snow and could be great with some snows. Well, right now I am still in sunny FL so who knows what will happen. I really cannot imagine moving North, but we'll see.

 

make sure you hit me up with all your new info so we can stay in touch if you move.

 

Yea I know, but getting home safely in the middle of a BLIZZARD is more important to me then Rally Racing in the summertime.
I see more deer then snowplows out my way in the winter.

Shawn S

 

P.S. you can get a 12.2 rotor with the Big brake kit that would work on your 16 inch TL rims....