I haven't got a chance to test drive a TL in the rain. I'm moving from an AWD car (Volvo) where I can gradually accelerate around a corner to test the cornering limits in the rain to see when the stability control kicks in. The car briefly skids then slows down. Once into the corner I can also just punch it.

I used to drive FWD cars and now may be going back to one (TL Type-S). I loved the transaction but hated losing steering when the front wheels broke loose. Does the stability control work well enough on the TL so you can essentially not worry about driving into the guard rail going around a corner? I'm not talking about going into a corner really hot, there's not stability control that can prevent you from skidding into the guard rail doing that, I'm talking about accelerating when you are already in the corner.

I've test drove a Type-S twice now but both in dry conditions. Thing handles like it is on rails. No wonder it got 91g on the skidpad test.


Thanks

 

This question can't be answered in an "objective" manner. There are many factors that go into handling in the rain. Tires are the number one factor. Also, the amount of rain, rate of travel, driving style, all factor into giving an answer.

What I can say, though, is that you'll be hard-pressed to find a better handling FWD sedan on the market.

 

I agree, and would say it is THE best handling FWD car you can get in that class (I say that class as someone is bound to say Mini Cooper or something).

.... Well then answer the question, subjectively. I'm just wondering how well the stability control works in general on wet roads around corners. That's all. Assume stock tires, going around a 45-degree corner that has suggested speed posted of 35 MPH, you enter the corner at 35MPH and then moderately accelerate trying to break the front tires loose, on wet pavement. Does the card skid quite a bit offline from the corner at risk of hitting the rail, or does the stability control quickly slow the car down so you can pull it back in line with no incident?

 

Well, I'm in SoCal, and in the limited experience I've had in driving in the rain, I've never tested the performance of my tires, which are Summer performance tires, BTW.

Maybe someone who lives where there is a lot of inclement weather can chime in and help you out!

 

I had an '05 TL with rain-friendly tires on it, I had no complaints.

 

Hm...from what I can remember, the VSA kicks in to pause acceleration. I don't wanna say that I punched it around the corner, but I had my foot down to a constant level. Front tires slid out a bit, VSA kicked in, RPMS dropped, power was redirected, and on I went.