[MNL_Straight6]

Cars are becoming increasingly powerful, not just performance cars. Will we all need awd in the future to handle all the power and torque? Even the m550dx has awd for grip. Or maybe future 550s, 650s and 750/760s will just have LSDs in addition to performance tires...

[John_01]

I don't think its needed unless there is snow and ice on the road.

AWD systems add weight and complexity. IMO, manufacturers should be aiming to reduce weight for the sake of efficiency.

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by MNL_Straight6

Cars are becoming increasingly powerful, not just performance cars. Will we all need awd in the future to handle all the power and torque? Even the m550dx has awd for grip. Or maybe future 550s, 650s and 750/760s will just have LSDs in addition to performance tires...

High-end cars are getting more powerful, to the point of grip problems, but what this really highlights is how pointless such cars are in day-to-day life, especially away from the Autobahn and Nurburgring. Rather than something with 700lb-ft of torque and a slew of electronics to keep you alive, get something sensible.

[benzy89]

Recently released cars that are power monsters & only come in RWD:
BMW (F10) M5, BMW (F12) M6, Pagani Huayra, Camaro ZL1, Dodge SRT Viper, Mercedes C & E Class AMGs, Koenigsegg Agera R, Lexus LFA, etc etc etc

You get the idea, there are a ton of cars taht have 500 HP/TQ+ that are doing just fine (if not beating their competition) with just RWD. Does AWD have its benefits, sure: shitty weather & on the track (when used appropriately, see Nissan GTR).

Chances are we'll see electric cars become the "norm" before RWD gets phased out.

[az34]

Originally Posted by benzy89

Recently released cars that are power monsters & only come in RWD:
BMW (F10) M5, BMW (F12) M6, Pagani Huayra, Camaro ZL1, Dodge SRT Viper, Mercedes C & E Class AMGs, Koenigsegg Agera R, Lexus LFA, etc etc etc

You get the idea, there are a ton of cars taht have 500 HP/TQ+ that are doing just fine (if not beating their competition) with just RWD. Does AWD have its benefits, sure: shitty weather & on the track (when used appropriately, see Nissan GTR).

Chances are we'll see electric cars become the "norm" before RWD gets phased out.

not to mention the mighty ZR1

[742]

I would say that the opposite will occur. As efficiency becomes more and more important the raw power case weakens and common sense, at least in terms of real world driving, will take over. Anyone who cannot safely drive a FWD or RWD with proper tires in snow should simply stay home.

24/7/52.

I live in an area of slow, sleet and freezing rain. And I have to get to work. Nothing is more dangerous to me than an AWD idiot on all seasons.

[wengmei]

AWD systems add weight and complexity. IMO, manufacturers should be aiming to reduce weight for the sake of efficiency.

[eezzee]

Most car manufacturers are producing smaller engine models and fewer cylinders to improve emissions. Thorough offsetting this trend with lighter bodies to maintain performance.

[06330iBeamer]

Coming from AWD cars like the Eclipse and Evos to the BMW, i have noticed the difference, and driving the Xi models there's even a great deal of difference there, there can be weight reduction made in other areas of the car that manufacturers add extra weight for mo reason at all. I highly suggest the AWD option for full time drive ability it safe and secure and responds so much better than front or real wheel driving, although rear wheel driving has it advantages, there's nothing that compares to AWD. This is strictly opinion and is back by several others as well, but to each there own, with great power comes the need for greater control, and that's where the need for AWD comes in.

[nonagon]

AWD isn't always worse for dry weather performance; it can be faster off the line...plus xDrive cars are rear-drive biased. I had an N54 135i and it was a hoot, but it was challenging to put power down in bad weather and I felt like I had to drive overly carefully. My X3 35i is fun, practical in all weather and it's almost as quick. It also doesn't have that touch of understeer like the 135i sometimes used to exhibit. In the summer, though, I'll take the purity of rear drive with a manual transmission on a light, well balanced vehicle with good power. That's what driving is all about.

[ATX78703]

both arguments are good here, and there should be less of an emphasis on raw torque/hp and more on usable power and efficient build quality (i.e. less weight). But I think, clearly when you get over 350 lb-ft and into the 400-500+ range, AWD does some pretty damn impressive things with utlizing that torque.

I personally would take a GT-R or a 911 Turbo over a ZR1 any day of the week, and it is mainly b/c of AWD. The ZR1 can be a death sentence in the hands of an amateur driver. Not to mention it is just excessive to have that much power.

[GeeRam]

I don't think anyone really needs awd for any on-road driving.

It just gives stupid drivers a false sense of security.


Off-road needs of course are a different matter.

[Thinkkkker]

AWD for rigs like the X5M enables the manufacturer to make use of a variety of control units on the individual wheels which being linked with the vehicle's computer and stability control algorithm make the vehicle much more stable if not predictable without driver input at very high speed ON THE ROAD under a variety of conditions.

Long live AWD and from the expanded model X drive line up from Munich you can bet BMW is putting its money in AWD, weight or not.

[kensington]

The HP wars are getting ridiculous IMO. I really dont see the point in more than 500hp unless your running at the drag strip. I would rather see more money put into making cars lighter, more reliable, and better gas mileage (and still keep 500hp or so).

[06330iBeamer]

Well when i was in the mitsu game, it was all about the drag strip, i had gsx's at 650 hp+
i was over seas when the evo x's where unveiled and arrived back in the states and bought mine directly coming off the truck, being there was a huge evo scene in North Carolina, i had the first and only X for a long time, built and bad ass, when i got here in Tallahassee, i had the ONLY X and it was weird and i kinda felt out caste, not even the subi guys seemed to show interest in me or my car, but i love my beamer if she would just slowly start breaking down part by part! lol AWD and Turbo is sport luxury and for racing and people who know what they are doing, i for one was tired of getting a letter in the mail every few months stating that insurance rates were going up again because to many jack asses were having their parents buy them these powerful machines and then they were modding them and destroying them beyond belief. Its personal preference, I def. miss my power sport, but i love my luxury sport, but lacks the power of my evo, i might trade up or look for a wrecked 335xi and swap motor and drive train and build from there, idk, things to think about