Kuroth, I have to disagree...

the snow button, at low speeds (even with vdc OFF), actually will get you up a hill or out of a ditch better than with it off because it locks in the 4 wheel drive and that will help you not swing the rear around.

The 4 wheel drive system in cars/trucks absolutely has alot to do with the manuverability of the vehicle in crappy weather, not to say tires make no difference, but the drive train technology has a hell of alot to do with it.

For example, the X oversteers because it is rear wheel drive based, thus it kicks out more than front wheel based awd. Also the technology of monitoring what is slipping and correcting it (speed, accuracy..etc) varies with all car company's awd systems..

 

> it off because it locks in the 4 wheel drive and that will help you not swing
> the rear around.

Not according to any reference I've ever seen.

From my owner's manual (p2-27):

From the FSM (EC-686):

The ATTESA ETS all wheel drive system is a pressure-actuated continuously variable system. In other words, it doesn't "lock" in any conventional sense of the term. As the system detects slipping at the rear wheels, it uses oil under pressure to engage a wet clutch controlling the drive to the front wheels.

TLDR version: No.

 

You manual is leaving out the part about the different AWD strategy. In Normal mode, torque split is about 75% rear/25% front up until 11MPH and then transitions to RWD unless slip is detected.

In Snow mode, in addition to the reduced throuttle response mentioned above, the torque split is locked at 50/50 until 12MPH and then transitions to RWD unless slip is detected.

This part is not mentioned really in the manual, but there are a few sources for it floating around


EDIT: Quick google search found an article describing this

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...12/170493.html

 

I agree. I'd rather have AWD with crappy all-seaons over RWD with snow tires anyday. Having the ability to use 4 wheels to manuver through snow has come in VERY handy for me many times.

I've driven 10+ seasons with RWD and snows, and 4 wheels turning wins hands down any day over 2.

HOWEVER, that doesn't say that snow tires are superior overall in the snow. Braking and turning are dramatically improved with them, but those two dynamics have no bearing on the drivetrain to accelerate the car forward.

 

It's not my manual. It's Infiniti's. If it's incorrect, you should take that up with them.

I've looked really hard for an authoritative source on this (read: the manufacturer), and I can't find one. If you have a pointer to something besides whatever Google dredges up, I'd really like to take a look at it.

 

I disagree on this. After riding in a RWD 03 G with Michilin X-Ice Snow tires, and our 08 G on crap performance All-seasons, i can firmly say the RWD handled the stuff better.

When we hit the gas in deep powdery type stuff in the 08, the car littlerally moves sideways, not like stepping out, like the whole car goes to the right.

Tires make a DRAMATIC difference. Especially on this car with this type of traction control system.

 

I have read documentation from the manufacturer on this. I even remember viewing a sort of animated movie from Infiniti/Nissan on how the system works. Snow mode does more than just make the gas less sensitive.

When i get out of work tonight i'll see if i can dig those up. Can't really browse too much here

 

Not arguing that at all.

Snow tires > *


I'd almost say that every X owner should have a dedicated set of rims with snow tires to really enjoy this car in the white stuff

 

I remember the video too..but could not find it quickly just now.. It definitely locks in the 50/50.. Try accelerating hard with snow mode on vs with off with VDC off and it definitely limits the rear from swinging around, and the only reason for that would be that it locks in the torque, instead of thinking about what to do...


Here is an article from:
http://forums.freshalloy.com/archive.../t-164636.html
===============

From this (http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2.../awdtech.shtml) release on NissanNews.com. Unfortunately, the 'attachment' mentioned at the end seems to be nowhere to be found on the site.


How It Works
The ATTESA system is designed for smooth starts, better fuel economy and better traction and maneuverability on snowy roads than conventional all-wheel drive systems and minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance characteristics on dry roads.

The system's advanced torque split control strategy automatically transfers optimum torque to the wheels according to road and driving conditions. It provides outstanding cornering capability similar to a sports car due to optimum torque distribution to the front and rear wheels (from approximately 0:100 up to 50:50).
System sensors continuously monitor vehicle speed, throttle position and wheel spin (at all four wheels). When road conditions don't require AWD, the G35 acts and feels like the award-winning rear-wheel drive G35 sedan, with the system capable of sending up to 100 percent of the power to the rear wheels. By comparison, leading competitive AWD systems with center differential transfer systems limit the amount of available power at the rear wheels to 50 percent (Audi A4 Quattro), 60 percent (Mercedes C-class 4-matic) or 62 percent (BMW 330xi). The G35 thus offers minimal compromise of rear-wheel drive performance and handling feel.

From a standing start, the ATTESA system adjusts the front-to-rear torque distribution, adding 25 percent to the front wheels for a more powerful start. The system then quickly adjusts torque distribution as needed, sending up to 100 percent to the rear wheels if conditions warrant, or adjusting the front drive percentage up to 50 percent as needed.

In cornering situations, the ATTESA system can detect traction needs throughout the course of a turn and react accordingly. With its millisecond response time, the system can shift toque back and forth between the front and rear wheels to help enhance stability and traction. For example, in entering a corner (under normal driving conditions), the system functions nearly the same as any rear-wheel drive car. Torque distribution is almost 100 percent rear. Once in the corner, the system is able to transfer to the front wheels that portion of the drive torque that the rear wheels can't handle. This results in outstanding, sports car-like cornering ability. When exiting the corner, torque can be quickly transferred according to the wheel spin of the rear wheels from 50:50 up to 0:100 for smooth acceleration out of the turn.

Another unique feature of the G35 AWD system design is the addition of a Snow-Mode function, which reduces throttle sensitivity and fixes initial torque distribution at 50:50, helping avoid wheel spin for smooth starts on snowy roads. At speeds above 12 miles per hour, the Snow-Mode function allows the central computer processing system to take over again, continually monitoring traction conditions and changing the torque distribution as needed.

"Only the all-wheel drive G35 feels like a rear-wheel drive performance sedan, giving the drivers in Northern climates all-season driving enjoyment," said Igo.

See the attached page for a full technical illustration of the ATTESA system layout.


I hope this answers your question.

- Riff