This is the first time I have ever owned anything with AWD. I was just wondering if leaving the snow button on year round would have a negative or positive effect on the car. I'm sure it would lead to a little more wear on the front tires and have an effect on the ATTESA E-TS. I just wasn't sure if it would be better or worse for the car or if there were any advantages. Thanks ahead for any help.

 

Snow mode is only used for low speed launches in snowy or icy conditions. It will split traction 50% to the front wheels and 50% to the rear wheels up to 12 mph. For speeds greater than 12 mph, it uses the regular ATESSA AWD, which is RWD biased. I would just leave the snow button off unless you need to start off in deep snow or icy conditions.

 

The initial launch always utilizes the front tires on the X. Having snowmode on forces it to be held longer (to the 12 MPH)

 

If i'm not wrong, off the start its 25/75, unlike 50/50 for snow mode.

 

Yep, that's correct. It will split the torque distribution 25/75 starting out but will then revert to 100% RWD in dry conditions.

 

http://www.nissannews.com/infiniti/2.../awdtech.shtml

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.

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.

 

^ So pretty much what I've already stated.

 

Probably more gas consumption on the very long run.

 

Obviously.
Just thought readers would appreciate the official statement.

 

Hmmm... doing 50/50 instead of 25/75 sounds like it may be useful for the dragstrip?

 

Maybe, but reduced throttle sensitivity isn't going to help your quarter mile time.