It is true that I have no experience with the new RL eletronic control steering, so I cannot make any conclusion about RL. My experience is based on the new BMW 5 series's active steering system. While I like BMW's system is great, sharp and precise, it doesn't offer feedback like the same model without the active steering system.

And for discussion about AWD, as far as I know, Skyline GT-R's AWD system is a RWD base syste. It very much operates like the system in G35X, which under normal situation, all power is sent to the rear wheel. Up to 50% of the torque can be send to the front during launch or wheel slip situation. Again, I have no experience with SH-AWD in RL, but based on my experience with cars, I see no real advantage of AWD in dry pavement.

As for head start with AWD, I agree on this point. AWD help on launch, as I refer to as the "get going" situation. But once in motion, the advnatage of AWD is not obvious anymore, unless the weather condition is extreme.

Anyway, I think Acura is trying use this SH-AWD system to over come the FWD platform disdvangtage. I hope it is really as good as it claim. And if so, I will be very happy to see this system implemented in future Honda/Acura models.

eel

 

The reason you don't see AWD in many race car circuits is because it is banned! Audi is actually quite proud of that fact.

 

Here is a very informative video on SH-AWD from Honda

http://www.world.honda.com/HDTV/news...01a/index.html

 

Sounds like a quote right out of an Audi commercial. Oh it is?! Huh. I guess marketing really works.

If you ever watch the Speed World Challenge, you'll see Audis. RS6s in fact. Arguably the best Audi has to offer. Yes, they do quite well - the advantage they have is on the start and they will typically lead the first few laps because of this. If they do well, they can hold this for the race.

However, the drivers actually state that the AWD system tends to be a penalty in other areas. Specifically, the handling cannot match that of the RWD cars due to the excess weight and relatively poor distribution (toward the front).

AWD has its place - in extreme conditions that tires alone cannot overcome. Rally racing is a good example of this. In dry paved track conditions, AWD is not typically superior. Nor is it in typical driving conditions on the road.

 

Maybe not the best example...the Audi's are the heaviest cars on the track and have won 4 of 8 this year. An Audi driver is #1 in points. I'm giving props to Audi...and that big open grill is starting to grow on me...aaarrrgggghhhh!

I do understand what you are saying and agree with much of it - especially the points about added weight and unfavorable weight distribution. There's also increased drivetrain losses. However, I still believe that the advantages of AWD can extend to dry cornering as well. I better get 'Audi' off my brain or I may be finding out first hand if I'm not careful.

 

You seem to be ignoring the added weight and cost of AWD systesms. Weight alone is considered the single biggest enemy of all aspects of performance, not to mention CAFE requirements.

 

Thanks for a very professional response. I haven't driven a new 5 series with active steering, but all I could say is that the I drive on the RL is very different than the BMW, maybe the electronic steering control of the RL might not be much similar to the BMW except for the addition of electronics to the steering rack.

My main point is that the AWD on the R34 and on the RL are design to aid handling. They enhance cornering by applying power to a determine wheel to control the car during cornering. The skyline system is not as advance as the RL, because the RL have 2 electromagnetic clutches instead of active LSD. The skyline uses HICAS system to compensate turning speeds between the front wheels and rear. The RL uses a accelerating device that allows the rear wheels to spin at the same speed as the front when you corner. There are other high performance AWD system like WRX, Lance, etc, but they fall under your discussion.

Trust me having an AWD like ATTESA ETS and SH-AWD that enhanced cornering a RWD will be no match.

A good example is the Honda NSX and Nissan Skyline. The NSX type zero will beat an R34 on the 1/4 track, thus the skyline having a better start. Both cars are similar and have 280hp, but one is AWD and the other is RWD. Now on a circuit track, the NSX will never have a chance against the skyline R34. This is all documented on videos and Japan magazines.

In doesn't matter if the some people think the RL is FWD bias or base. The fact of the matter is that SH-AWD puts the power in the right place when needed and it would be dumb not to send 70% of the power to the front when crusing. At not time does the RL ever becomes FWD or RWD.

Thanks again for a mature response.

 

BTW besides my 99 acura TL, I do have an audi A6 quattro and is very fun to drive, in my opinion better than just RWD. Don't get me wrong I love to drive RWD cars too.