My New 2015 Chevy SS **Boo-Hissss**

[Vortech347]

You guys have to remember the blanket term of AWD vs RWD isn't comparable.  There are so many types of AWD systems out there!!!   The SHO's AWD system isn't really anything to brag about nor was it designed for handling or lap times.  It has horrible under steer and TQ steer just like a FWD car.  The system is really more of a "oh crap wheels are spinning, I'll have the back help a little bit"  I look forward to auto crossing the SHO this year but its characteristics will be that of a FWD with a little more forward traction.  There's no transfer case, and the front wheels have full power all the time, only the rear wheels are controlled as "helpers"

This what I've experienced so far as someone that actually races open track/auto-x.

[AJP turbo]

You catch the price of that GTR?

[FoMoCoSHO]

You catch the price of that GTR?

Yup, here's the full comparo....with a 911 turbo added in.

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons/2015-chevrolet-corvette-z06-vs-2015-nissan-gt-r-nismo-2014-porsche-911-turbo-s-final-scoring-performance-data-and-complete-specs-page-5

[FoMoCoSHO]

You guys have to remember the blanket term of AWD vs RWD isn't comparable.  There are so many types of AWD systems out there!!!   The SHO's AWD system isn't really anything to brag about nor was it designed for handling or lap times.  It has horrible under steer and TQ steer just like a FWD car.  The system is really more of a "oh crap wheels are spinning, I'll have the back help a little bit"  I look forward to auto crossing the SHO this year but its characteristics will be that of a FWD with a little more forward traction.  There's no transfer case, and the front wheels have full power all the time, only the rear wheels are controlled as "helpers"

This what I've experienced so far as someone that actually races open track/auto-x.

Maybe it will be better than you anticipate....

"In our lapping session I found the car surprisingly civilized, supple and quiet, despite its ability to turn in nicely and then drift in controlled, balanced fashion. The engine is blazingly fast down the straights and comes off the corners with hard-hitting torque (and makes a lovely sound while doing it), and the easily modulated brakes have no trouble catching the line drive to shortstop. For a big car, it bleeds off speed easily and impressively."

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a18234/2013-ford-taurus-sho-with-performance-package/

[14 TUX BL]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F5F18o8xayA

And there you go.

Professional race car driver Randi Pobst on driving the Z06:
"You've got to be on full high alert"
"it takes full focus all the time"
"the Nissan GTR is a lot more stable than the Corvette Z06 is"

As far as I'm concerned, this formally ends the debate on RWD vs 4WD/AWD performance cars.

And rather clearly at that. Time to move on to a new topic ...

[AJP turbo]

How can that RWD vette do better in the skidpad and slalom than those expensive awd cars?...rwd for handling and enjoyment and awd for bad weather and drag racing! Yes! Ajp wins again!

[AJP turbo]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F5F18o8xayA

And there you go.

Professional race car driver Randi Pobst on driving the Z06:
"You've got to be on full high alert"
"it takes full focus all the time"
"the Nissan GTR is a lot more stable than the Corvette Z06 is"

As far as I'm concerned, this formally ends the debate on RWD vs 4WD/AWD performance cars.

And rather clearly at that. Time to move on to a new topic ...

Another topic, really lol....wonder how it would end if you threw 40 grand of resources at the vette?...wait i know the answer....gtr loses lol

[SHO-Time]

Just to add to the AWD vs RWD debate....

Debate? I didn't realize it was a debatable issue?

Pound for pound, AWD takes it away. It's physics. That's why virtually every manufacturer of high hp cars uses it, it's not just for show.

Sure, Camaros/Stangs/SS's are great fun cars. That will never change. But with AWD they'd obviously be better (though cost prohibitive).

And if you didn't get your AWD Winter car, you'd still have the SHO.

The "debate" was in regards to winter driving not performance. I did try throwing the SHO into some corners a few times...the result was laughable at best.

In regards to drag race performance, yes AWD on the street should and will win the majority of the time. On a drag strip, the result will be much different as the AWD advantage is decreased significantly.

[Blackhawk]

I've always liked drag racing but unfortunately the SHO is kinda limited for this purpose with the fuel system and all.  I'm kinda surprised that even the fastest SHOs are still only cutting 1.7 60 fts.  I'm not sure what the secret is there, it's definitely not an HP issue.

Next sedan for me might be rwd.

Just to add to the AWD vs RWD debate....

Debate? I didn't realize it was a debatable issue?

Pound for pound, AWD takes it away. It's physics. That's why virtually every manufacturer of high hp cars uses it, it's not just for show.

Sure, Camaros/Stangs/SS's are great fun cars. That will never change. But with AWD they'd obviously be better (though cost prohibitive).

And if you didn't get your AWD Winter car, you'd still have the SHO.

The "debate" was in regards to winter driving not performance. I did try throwing the SHO into some corners a few times...the result was laughable at best.

In regards to drag race performance, yes AWD on the street should and will win the majority of the time. On a drag strip, the result will be much different as the AWD advantage is decreased significantly.

[Vortech347]

I've always liked drag racing but unfortunately the SHO is kinda limited for this purpose with the fuel system and all.  I'm kinda surprised that even the fastest SHOs are still only cutting 1.7 60 fts.  I'm not sure what the secret is there, it's definitely not an HP issue.

Next sedan for me might be rwd.

Its because power is wasted with front wheel spin and not very much gets sent to the back wheels.  They are helpers. 

[Vortech347]

Maybe it will be better than you anticipate....

"In our lapping session I found the car surprisingly civilized, supple and quiet, despite its ability to turn in nicely and then drift in controlled, balanced fashion. The engine is blazingly fast down the straights and comes off the corners with hard-hitting torque (and makes a lovely sound while doing it), and the easily modulated brakes have no trouble catching the line drive to shortstop. For a big car, it bleeds off speed easily and impressively."

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a18234/2013-ford-taurus-sho-with-performance-package/

Based off some aggressive driving I've already done If I try to get on the throttle earlier to take advantage of the AWD I get snow plow THEN the rear wheels get power and start to help out.  Its a very unsettling feeling.  The system reacts pretty slow.  I think the reason they didn't put the "nanny off" switch in until later models is because its better to leave it on so you don't get that short moment of plowing under-steer if the front wheels break loose.  I'm willing to bet ALL of the magazine test people either put advanced trac sport mode or have non-PP cars and the nanny's are on.  I'll be fun to experiment between the different modes in a timed environment.

[FoMoCoSHO]

Maybe it will be better than you anticipate....

"In our lapping session I found the car surprisingly civilized, supple and quiet, despite its ability to turn in nicely and then drift in controlled, balanced fashion. The engine is blazingly fast down the straights and comes off the corners with hard-hitting torque (and makes a lovely sound while doing it), and the easily modulated brakes have no trouble catching the line drive to shortstop. For a big car, it bleeds off speed easily and impressively."

http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a18234/2013-ford-taurus-sho-with-performance-package/

Based off some aggressive driving I've already done If I try to get on the throttle earlier to take advantage of the AWD I get snow plow THEN the rear wheels get power and start to help out.  Its a very unsettling feeling.  The system reacts pretty slow.  I think the reason they didn't put the "nanny off" switch in until later models is because its better to leave it on so you don't get that short moment of plowing under-steer if the front wheels break loose.  I'm willing to bet ALL of the magazine test people either put advanced trac sport mode or have non-PP cars and the nanny's are on.  I'll be fun to experiment between the different modes in a timed environment.

Neither car has behaved like that at all. Power always goes to the rear first under any kind of aggressive acceleration.

Installing my active all wheel drive gauge only confirmed what I felt in both cars. Power to the rear first then moving towards 50-50 with speed. Cruising is really the only time I see heavy front bias. Foot off the gas you will see the rear axle is ready to receive power upon acceleration.

With Blizzaks and wet roads combined with WOT downshifts I've seen it dump all the power to the rear initially which is exactly what I'd expect as the weight transfers to the rear.

The AWD is both proactive and reactive and capable of making 100 changes per second based on something like 27 different sensors. I've not experienced the understeer you speak of even with all of the extra supplied Torrie power.

Only the PP cars that are designed for track usage get the nanny off mode.

[14 TUX BL]

I stopped reading posts because I don't want to get into needless arguments, just want to go down with this final thought if that's ok:

SHO-Time originally posted on his SS, a car he was clearly proud of. I wish him the best!

My response was/remains it's a great looking car with equally great performance. But for me, I needed a one-solution AWD performance sedan, and the SHO fit the bill (plus, I'm a Ford guy to a fault).

I wish our SHO's pulled 13.0's stock (C&D says the auto SS is even a tenth faster at 12.9) but I'll have to be content with my 13.79 non-PP bone stock ET, which doesn't carry a $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax equipped with an automatic.

Bottom line is the SS is a commendable car that has earned respect in the performance sedan market, as well it should.

PEACE

[SHO-Time]

I stopped reading posts because I don't want to get into needless arguments, just want to go down with this final thought if that's ok:

SHO-Time originally posted on his SS, a car he was clearly proud of. I wish him the best!

My response was/remains it's a great looking car with equally great performance. But for me, I needed a one-solution AWD performance sedan, and the SHO fit the bill (plus, I'm a Ford guy to a fault).

I wish our SHO's pulled 13.0's stock (C&D says the auto SS is even a tenth faster at 12.9) but I'll have to be content with my 13.79 non-PP bone stock ET, which doesn't carry a $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax equipped with an automatic.

Bottom line is the SS is a commendable car that has earned respect in the performance sedan market, as well it should.

PEACE

Thanks 14 TUX BL!

When originally posting my thread, it was never intended to start a "what car is better" or "AWD vs RWD" argument, but such is the internet. As everything in life, people will choose what ever product best suits their preferences, personality and/or overall tastes. I enjoyed my SHO very much, I simply decided to go in a different direction.

With that said, I did get the SS tuned a couple of weeks ago...

Basline with Rotofab Intake = 366 RWHP / 373 RWTQ

RotoFab CAI & Dyno-Tune = 390 RWHP / 388 RWTQ

And I had these custom painted engine covers made

[SHOdded]

Thank heavens at least the paint is the right color!