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One more go with a winter and AWD themed presentation for @AJACanada #ajacwinterrally, this time with the folks from @lexuscanada
Lexus says they've made their vehicles for the Canadian Market with a few important features and thoughts in mind like camera deicers and heavy duty batteries. They tend to start right up in cold weather.
Lexus has three AWD systems to offer on its vehicles:
We'll start with the On demand AWD on the ES, RX and NX gas vehicles.
This is described as a proactive AWD system rather than a reactive system. Power goes to the front, but will shift to the rear under certain conditions.
We'll start with the On demand AWD on the ES, RX and NX gas vehicles.
This is described as a proactive AWD system rather than a reactive system. Power goes to the front, but will shift to the rear under certain conditions.
Now this system doesn't send power to the rear when there is slip, it will actually do it when the driver starts to steer, for example. There is a 50-50 lock mode for the RX and NX, but it seems to operate below specific speeds.
In addition, the hybrid UX, RX and NX models feature AWD, and they operate mostly in FWD mode to save fuel economy. Power is sent to the rear wheels with an electric motor situated on the rear axle. There is no driveshaft to send power rearward.
There's also the Full Time AWD, found on the LS, RC and IS AWD models. These are RWD biased, in normal conditions sending 70 percent of the power to the rear, and 30 to the front. It can split up to 50-50 when needed.
Final system is the Full Time 4WD system found on the GX and LX models. Power is split 40/60 F/R in normal conditions. It has low and high-range as well, as well as crawl control, and a terrain select function.
The Multi terrain select system allows the driver to dial in how much traction and stability control intervene.
Our @lexuscanada spokes person explains that some AWD systems tend to understeer. To address this, their vehicles feature active cornering assist, which uses brakes to dial out that understeer
He adds some notes about the Snow Mode that is found in some cars. It softens the throttle, and reduces the intervention of the traction control. Some vehicles don't have a Snow mode, but instead you can use the Eco mode which does something similar.
Another feature - the Enform Remote Control, which allows you to remote start the vehicle, and pre-set the cabin temperature. If its cold enough, it will activate the rear defrost.
Question time - What is Enhanced Corrosion Protection that is found on Lexus' Canadian vehicles.
A - you'll find undercoating and a waxy film that helps to reduce the chances of rust.
A - you'll find undercoating and a waxy film that helps to reduce the chances of rust.
Next Q - What is the differences betwen a eLSD and a mechanical LSD, and what vehicles can they be found on.
A - Active Cornering Assist, for example, is a eLSD, using the brakes to act like a LSD. We use that on the passenger vehicles.
A - Active Cornering Assist, for example, is a eLSD, using the brakes to act like a LSD. We use that on the passenger vehicles.
The SUVs feature a centre diff lock rather than a LSD, but they'll double check.
Q - How knowledgeable are Lexus buyers when it comes to the LX models. Do they know its a Land Cruiser? Do they treat it like that iconic nameplate?
A - That depends on the individuals. It might be that deciding factor when they learn that lineage.
A - That depends on the individuals. It might be that deciding factor when they learn that lineage.
A next question comes up about electric AWD setups. In the Lexus vehicles, it's one motor for an axle. The question goes into why there aren't more electric motors for more control and capability
Next Question - is AWD becoming a bigger marketing factor? There are more AWD vehicles now than before, Why?
A - it comes from listening to customers. People have been asking for it, and now it's coming in more significantly.
A - it comes from listening to customers. People have been asking for it, and now it's coming in more significantly.
Adding some more flair to it - "Once you experience a Canadian winter with AWD, you don't really want to go back... "
Personally, I'm not so sure about that - tires make a huge difference.
Personally, I'm not so sure about that - tires make a huge difference.
I ask about the availability of LSDs on their vehicles. Some competitors have torque vectoring to 100 percent.
A - our RWD performance cars have the mechanical LSD. We haven't needed a mechanical LSD for our AWD models. That may be coming in the future though, so stay tuned.
A - our RWD performance cars have the mechanical LSD. We haven't needed a mechanical LSD for our AWD models. That may be coming in the future though, so stay tuned.
Another journalist asks about a Lexus winter driving academy - do they have one?
A - yes, they have a winter driving course (and a summer one too) which customers bring their own vehicle, and are shown how ABS works and other features of theri vehicle.
A - yes, they have a winter driving course (and a summer one too) which customers bring their own vehicle, and are shown how ABS works and other features of theri vehicle.
So far the course is only offered in Ontario... it might extend to QC or other markets in the future.
The Winter driving course is an extra cost, and you can bring a guest.
Okay, a few more questions got away from us there but now we're at the end of the presentation. A great showing by @lexuscanada and the @AJACanada #ajacwinterrally
