How does the '11 AWD system REALLY work?
07-05-2012 | 06:01 PM
#17
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Why? The system we have is the best of all worlds compared to every other AWD system out there (and I have owned and driven plenty of them).
You always want to have RWD as a base (if you care about sporty driving that is) -- check.
You want to be able to have instantaneous and smooth transition to AWD when needed, with no torque steer -- check.
You want to be able to lock it into 50/50 for deep snow/mud/gravel/etc. -- check.
You want two-wheel drive for better fuel economy for the 95% of the time you don't need the extra traction -- check.
You want AWD for launch (which our system has, based on speed and throttle position, it always launches from a rest in AWD mode and then quickly reverts to RWD when it figures out you are not slipping) -- check.
What's left that the Nissan system is not superior for?
Having a permanent 60/40 or 50/50 split has only one advantage--predictability. This is rendered irrelevant in the world of electronic traction control and other nannies. It is also a double-edged sword: it is predictable that you will understeer under heavy throtlle while turning. I prefer the balance of RWD (that all sports cars use), but the "nanny" of AWD ready to jump in in a split second if I screw-up or some unexpected loose surface or road problem suddenly appears.
I would love for somone to list a scenario where the ATTESA system is inferior to mechanical AWD (Audi larger models and Subaru manual transmission), the traction controlled open diff systems like BMW and M-B or Haldex (or Haldex-like) systems on FWD cars (pretty much everything else out there).
You always want to have RWD as a base (if you care about sporty driving that is) -- check.
You want to be able to have instantaneous and smooth transition to AWD when needed, with no torque steer -- check.
You want to be able to lock it into 50/50 for deep snow/mud/gravel/etc. -- check.
You want two-wheel drive for better fuel economy for the 95% of the time you don't need the extra traction -- check.
You want AWD for launch (which our system has, based on speed and throttle position, it always launches from a rest in AWD mode and then quickly reverts to RWD when it figures out you are not slipping) -- check.
What's left that the Nissan system is not superior for?
Having a permanent 60/40 or 50/50 split has only one advantage--predictability. This is rendered irrelevant in the world of electronic traction control and other nannies. It is also a double-edged sword: it is predictable that you will understeer under heavy throtlle while turning. I prefer the balance of RWD (that all sports cars use), but the "nanny" of AWD ready to jump in in a split second if I screw-up or some unexpected loose surface or road problem suddenly appears.
I would love for somone to list a scenario where the ATTESA system is inferior to mechanical AWD (Audi larger models and Subaru manual transmission), the traction controlled open diff systems like BMW and M-B or Haldex (or Haldex-like) systems on FWD cars (pretty much everything else out there).
Ok maybe #2 isn't so bad, just would be nice if the sales, service and others had their stories straight, eh?
I do know no matter what I can't really get wheelspin, even on wet pavement. Dry pavement it just launches. To do anything fun off public roads the traction button has to be off - tried to fishtail once and that was the only way I could get it to do anything, otherwise it would just stay 'stuck'.
thanks
07-05-2012 | 11:25 PM
#21
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From: Northern Colorado, USA
Most of the articles I find on the ATTESA E-TS system say that the "S" or "SNOW" button bypasses the ATTESA computer and locks the system in 50/50 torque split below 25 mph.
How do we determine if this is true in our case?
How do we determine if this is true in our case?
07-06-2012 | 12:37 AM
#22
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From: Toronto, Ontario
The G manual is useless. But ATTESA documentation explains it.
07-06-2012 | 12:43 AM
#23
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From: Where the Sopranos and Saguaros are
It is true. As someone above said, if it were true, you should be able to feel it in the steering and some driveline binding when making a sharp turn. Well, you can feel it--I alrerady confirmed that above. Maybe it is easier for me because I have 255 width tires, but I also know what driveline binding is--I used to drive a 1987 Audi Turbo Quattro 5-speed manual with a manual centre locking differential. If you ever forgot to unlock it on dry pavement, you wouldn't mistake driveline binding!!!
The G manual is useless. But ATTESA documentation explains it.
The G manual is useless. But ATTESA documentation explains it.
07-06-2012 | 03:59 AM
#24
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From: Doha, Qatar
This is from Infiniti's Virtual Academy (the one we use to train & certify dealer's & sales people).
On the Intelligent AWD:
As for Snow Mode
The AWD is what engages all four wheels in the snow as soon as it detects a variance in speed, not the snow button.
On the Intelligent AWD:
ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split) is an advanced AWD system that automatically distributes engine power among the four wheels depending on driving conditions.
It is derived from the same system used on the legendary Skyline GT-R in Japan.
The sophisticated rear-wheel-drive-based system uses microprocessors to deliver optimum power to each axle. It’s so advanced it automatically engages the front axle for no-slip start-ups and can differentiate between entering a corner and exiting one.
With millisecond response time, it balances the power among all four wheels, so the rear wheels provide power entering a turn and all four wheels can generate an exhilarating boost at exit. Under normal road conditions, the system operates in rear-wheel drive for improved efficiency.
It is derived from the same system used on the legendary Skyline GT-R in Japan.
The sophisticated rear-wheel-drive-based system uses microprocessors to deliver optimum power to each axle. It’s so advanced it automatically engages the front axle for no-slip start-ups and can differentiate between entering a corner and exiting one.
With millisecond response time, it balances the power among all four wheels, so the rear wheels provide power entering a turn and all four wheels can generate an exhilarating boost at exit. Under normal road conditions, the system operates in rear-wheel drive for improved efficiency.
Snow mode helps provide greater control when accelerating in snow or other slippery conditions by helping reduce drive-wheel slippage. Snow mode makes the throttle less sensitive by slowing the rate of throttle opening.
07-06-2012 | 10:58 AM
#26
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I’ve extensively researched the function of the snow mode switch and discussed it in other threads. The best information I’ve been able to find indicates that in the '04, '05, '06 x model's snow button locks in 50/50 AWD up to 12 mph (and reduces the throttle response), and in the '07 to '12 x models the 50/50 AWD lock function was deleted and the snow button only reduces the throttle response.
From the Infiniti 2010 G37 Sedan Service Manual, page EC-513:
“SNOW MODE SWITCH:
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.”
This is one reason there is so much confusion about the function of the snow button. It depends on what model year x you have.
From the Infiniti 2010 G37 Sedan Service Manual, page EC-513:
“SNOW MODE SWITCH:
The snow mode switch signal is sent to the “unified meter and A/C amp.” from the snow mode switch. The “unified meter and A/C amp.” then sends the signal to the ECM via the CAN communication line. The snow mode is used for driving or starting the vehicle on snowy roads or slippery areas. If the snow mode is activated, the vehicle speed will not accelerate as quickly as normal to avoid vehicle slip. In other words, ECM controls rapid engine torque change by controlling the electric throttle control actuator operating speed.”
This is one reason there is so much confusion about the function of the snow button. It depends on what model year x you have.
07-06-2012 | 12:41 PM
#27
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ATTESA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wikipedia explains it fairly well. The G37s use the ATTESA ET-S system, the step below the ETS Pro which is used in the GTR.
Wikipedia explains it fairly well. The G37s use the ATTESA ET-S system, the step below the ETS Pro which is used in the GTR.
07-06-2012 | 04:40 PM
#28
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ATTESA - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wikipedia explains it fairly well. The G37s use the ATTESA ET-S system, the step below the ETS Pro which is used in the GTR.
Wikipedia explains it fairly well. The G37s use the ATTESA ET-S system, the step below the ETS Pro which is used in the GTR.
07-07-2012 | 12:57 AM
#30
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From: Toronto, Ontario