For those with snow experience...

[vforrest]

In about a month I wouldn't be surprised that I'll find out how good the AWD system with these AS Michelins works but looking for some perspective.

This is my fourth AWD, wouldn't ever go back to just FWD (2 Subaru Outback Eddie Bauer, Tribeca & EX35 Infiniti) and was super happy with both systems but like the thought behind the Infiniti system more. The Subaru's systems are very highly thought of but the Outback was front wheel drive until the rears were needed and it would kick in. The Tribeca was really AWD all the time and notice it on highway mileage for sure. The Infiniti is RWD first and then 50-50 AWD when slippage which I really liked....makes more sense from a performance standpoint being pushed than pulled and more even tire wear with rotations.

I can't get anyone to repeat the same answer. My sales guy says it is AWD all the time maybe not equal but power going to all the wheels all the time. I have read that it is really a front wheel drive vehicle that sends power to the rear when needed. But when I see it on a dyno I see all the wheels are turning and if it was really FWD first wouldn't it just spin the front tires just need to be on the drums?

What should I expect for snow performance...NPP so no summer tires on it. I loved some of the SHO youtube vids spinning around in a snow covered parking lot!

Thanks

 

[AVAH0LIC]

Sorry, no info to contribute, but I'm also very curious about it :O Roads get pretty nasty here in Colorado

 

[gbriank]

I'd be interested to know. My salesman stated that the Haldex system on the SHO engages the rear wheels when traction is lost on the front wheels.

 

[mval]

have driven mine in snow a couple years until retired her somewhat for show & she did fine. but your salesman was right. mainly a front wheel drive car with only about 180hp can be pushed to rear wheels. in this case her heft helps her get around. & i also looked at the infinitity G35X at the time & if she would have been usa i'd may have got one. really liked the car although nowhere near the power of the sho. so when sho hit the market was hooked.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

In about a month I wouldn't be surprised that I'll find out how good the AWD system with these AS Michelins works but looking for some perspective.

This is my fourth AWD, wouldn't ever go back to just FWD (2 Subaru Outback Eddie Bauer, Tribeca & EX35 Infiniti) and was super happy with both systems but like the thought behind the Infiniti system more. The Subaru's systems are very highly thought of but the Outback was front wheel drive until the rears were needed and it would kick in. The Tribeca was really AWD all the time and notice it on highway mileage for sure. The Infiniti is RWD first and then 50-50 AWD when slippage which I really liked....makes more sense from a performance standpoint being pushed than pulled and more even tire wear with rotations.

I can't get anyone to repeat the same answer. My sales guy says it is AWD all the time maybe not equal but power going to all the wheels all the time. I have read that it is really a front wheel drive vehicle that sends power to the rear when needed. But when I see it on a dyno I see all the wheels are turning and if it was really FWD first wouldn't it just spin the front tires just need to be on the drums?

What should I expect for snow performance...NPP so no summer tires on it. I loved some of the SHO youtube vids spinning around in a snow covered parking lot!

Thanks

Awesome question! To set your mind at rest, the SHO is a 70/30 AWD system. So, it is actually completely different than both systems. With a good set of snow tires you'll be just fine in the snow!

 

[jmr061]

Get the AWD gauge and watch the power transfer between front and rear

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=128686

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

Get the AWD gauge and watch the power transfer between front and rear

http://www.shoforum.com/showthread.php?t=128686

From our experience, the AWD system is a slightly varible quotient. 70/30 FWD/RWD

 

[BamSHO]

If funds are possible, buy a beater for the winter. Keep the SHO safe and off the winter roads, like I said if possible.

 

[vforrest]

If funds are possible, buy a beater for the winter. Keep the SHO safe and off the winter roads, like I said if possible.

I hear what you are saying but I don't own this car my company does. It has so much weight I'm anticipating it will do just great in the snow.

Our winters are too long and I hate them and I do store a Corvette over the winter months...I get to drive it like maybe 7 months. Sucks!

 

[jmr061]

Tires make all the difference in the world. I run dedicated snow tires in Wisconsin's winter and I feel invincible, lol. The car goes and goes and goes. Not sure how well the Michelin's will do but the car is awesome when paired with the right tires....when not paired with the right tires good luck.

 

[BamSHO]

Since you have to use the car in the winter, I would get a set of Blizzacks.

 

[RichInMich]

+1 on the tires make all the difference in snow driving - I'm in Michigan, and we had the worst winter ever (which was my first with my '13 SHO). Since my SHO came with the PP I had to replace its summer tires for winter, and chose the Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires. These tires are absolutely AMAZING - this is not my first AWD car, but it performed amazingly well, can't even describe how well it did with deep snow, wet snow, icy roads, everything.

 

[vforrest]

+1 on the tires make all the difference in snow driving - I'm in Michigan, and we had the worst winter ever (which was my first with my '13 SHO). Since my SHO came with the PP I had to replace its summer tires for winter, and chose the Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires. These tires are absolutely AMAZING - this is not my first AWD car, but it performed amazingly well, can't even describe how well it did with deep snow, wet snow, icy roads, everything.

I couldn't agree more! I had 2 sets of the same Conti's on my Infiniti and they rock. The combination tread pattern is a great idea. However I should have been more specific about how my (non-PP) OEM AS Michelins are going to perform this winter? My OEM Bridgestone's on my Infiniti were beyond junk! I couldn't get them off fast enough only 22K. My wife was the last straw when she commented that my new Infiniti sounded like a semi coming down the road...Infiniti must have some slippery deal with Bridgestone to give them an "affordable" POS tire on them as they left the factory and Bridgestone gave them what the asked for. You should see the Infiniti blog site comments on the OEM tires...but the Conti's changed my whole car experience.

With that story fresh in my mind I can't help but wonder...while the Michelin name means quality to me (Bridgestone isn't exactly chop liver) I can't help but wonder if this is some Ford/Michelin pact for an inexpensive factory out the door tire with a nice name the performs like....a POS?

Yes...after my last experience I am now kind of cynical about what the mfg. decides is a good tire for their sled. Please tell me that my OEM Michelin's are going to rock in the snow and I'm going to get 80k on them.....

 

[wuzzzer]

Bought my '11 this past winter with brand new Michelins on it. The AWD was awesome in the tons of snow we got. This is my 1st AWD vehicle.

 

[gbriank]

I would think living in the northern snow belt of the USA or anywhere in Canada, would warrant a good set of snows on cheap rims.

 

[jmr061]

I would think living in the northern snow belt of the USA or anywhere in Canada, would warrant a good set of snows on cheap rims.

My snow tire are on a second set of PP rims to match the summer tires. lol

 

[WojoMojo]

I'm about 30 miles from canada (Northern MN) and we get some crazy snowfalls and cold temps. At least half of the year has snow on the ground. When I bought my SHO the dealer had installed brand new cooper zeon rs3-s tires (high performance summer) and I drove home in a blizzard.. Wasn't the smartest thing, but I made it. Next day tried to back out of a parking spot and all 4 tires just spun. I quickly ordered up a set of Nitto Motivo (all season high performance) tires and was extremely happy with them. For a tire with a speed rating of 186 they are quite amazing in snow and ice. They're nothing compared to snow tires, but if you're a good driver they're more than sufficient. I remember in February we got 18 inches of snow overnight and the next morning me and my buddy in his silverado went out tearing through drifts (I went in the SHO). I literally blew through stuff like it was nothing. Passed so many pickups/SUV's that were stuck. Had snow coming over my hood from some deep drifts, never did get stuck, even when I was trying! (my buddy brought his pickup to pull me out if I did). Have 15k miles on them now and winter is just around the corner (31 degrees today!) and excited to see how they hold up with some miles on them.

 

[vforrest]

I'm about 30 miles from canada (Northern MN) and we get some crazy snowfalls and cold temps. At least half of the year has snow on the ground. When I bought my SHO the dealer had installed brand new cooper zeon rs3-s tires (high performance summer) and I drove home in a blizzard.. Wasn't the smartest thing, but I made it. Next day tried to back out of a parking spot and all 4 tires just spun. I quickly ordered up a set of Nitto Motivo (all season high performance) tires and was extremely happy with them. For a tire with a speed rating of 186 they are quite amazing in snow and ice. They're nothing compared to snow tires, but if you're a good driver they're more than sufficient. I remember in February we got 18 inches of snow overnight and the next morning me and my buddy in his silverado went out tearing through drifts (I went in the SHO). I literally blew through stuff like it was nothing. Passed so many pickups/SUV's that were stuck. Had snow coming over my hood from some deep drifts, never did get stuck, even when I was trying! (my buddy brought his pickup to pull me out if I did). Have 15k miles on them now and winter is just around the corner (31 degrees today!) and excited to see how they hold up with some miles on them.

Great story and info Wojo...now that's what I'm talking about.....

 

[wingnut#24]

AWD is awesome, mines a 2010 sho LMS stage 3, CAI.. bought a set of aluminum rims, and Michelin latitudes ( not the best choice, but got a good deal). made all the difference over PP (summer) tires. then bought a used AWD Ford Escape for the winter so as not to jack up the SHO with all the Michigan salt. no one knows how to drive in S/E Michigan. Now I'm selling the SHO SAD SAD yes I am, however the offset is a new Raptor. too many years of dirt bikes, and hockey, so my lower back is shot. switch your tires and it will take a good 12" and ruts to stop the SHO ...

 

[SHOdded]

Indeed a sad day for SHO-dom, but congrats on the new Raptor! Pics or else