[SilverXR]

I have heard that Outlook will get an updated AWD system for 08 models... It is suppose to be something like the MDX supposedly. Was anything wrong with the 07 version?

I was always told never to buy the first year of the model, now i am paying for not listening...

New AWD system, Backup camera... :banghead:

 

[mkaresh]

I have heard nothing about this. It certainly won't be anything like the MDX. They are talking about a more advanced AWD system for the Cadillac/Saab compact crossover due in a few years, but I have no idea if that will also show up on the Lambdas.

 

[SilverXR]

Here is the info from USATODAY car reviews...

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2007-05-04-test-drive-outlook_N.htm

Under Steering and brakes....

 

[mkaresh]

Just searched, and can find nowhere else this change is mentioned. This makes me wonder if it'll be a mid-year change. The 2008 Enclave is already for sale, and no mention has been made of such a system.

I highly doubt it'll be truly similar to the Acura system, which would require a much different hardware design. For one thing, the Acura system actually turns the outside rear wheel 7% faster than a normal system would.

Most likely some software tweaks to the AWD system that make it behave somewhat more like the Acura system. If so, it might be possible to update a 2007, though I wouldn't count on this.

 

[admin]

I agree. I'm guessing this is a software upgrade that can be applied to the AWD system to alter its behavior a bit. I'll try to get in touch with Peter Nico and ask him directly. Stay tuned...

 

[tradewind]

Hi to everyone. Just got my 08 XE AWD a couple days ago. I am wondering the same thing about AWD. First off, is the AWD full time? Some said yes, others no.

Here is what the AOL Auto (among a few others) said about it (under "Driving Impression"):

"...the AWD system drives 60 percent of the power to the front wheels and 40 percent to the rear on dry pavement, and adjusts that ratio when the sensors detect slipping. That 60-40 split is more balanced than most; some systems are heavily balanced to the front, as much as 95-5."

So they say it is a full time system with 60/40 power split.

http://autos.aol.com/cars-Saturn-OUTLOOK-2008/expert-review




And this from autoweeks.com

"...The optional full-time awd system splits torque 60 percent to the front and 40 percent to the rear on dry pavement and adjusts when it detects slipping. "

http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061211/FREE/61204011&Profile=1024



However, this is what the USNews said (under "All-wheel drive"):

"...drivers should be warned that the Outlook is not a genuine AWD vehicle.As the Chicago Tribune explains, it "operates in front-wheel-drive until wheel slippage is detected and then the anti-lock brakes are applied to supply needed traction or the engine reduces power to keep the vehicle from slip, sliding away."

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Saturn-Outlook/Performance/

I went onto Saturn's website and live-chatted with a rep, she said that the USNew's was correct. The AWD Outlook is a FWD until slippage occurs. Well, if that's true, how could the AWD help cornering like Peter Nico suggested? It has to be a full time on dry pavement in order to help a hard cornering, no?

To say the least, I am confused.

 

[VMMVMMM]

When you corner hard, your wheels slip, especially in a car that is so heavy and front loaded. Understeer is massive in this vehicle, so I would guess that AWD would indeed help, as slipping front wheels during hard cornering is very common. I don't know how much pushing power to the rear wheels would help, though. Power shifting AWD vehicles that actually aid in turning are those that can shift power side to side, essentially functioning like an active limited slip diff, so unless that is available, the real benefit comes in the traction control, not the AWD.

 

[tradewind]

Well, according to Peter Nico, this AWD is able to shift power to the outter wheels, am I understanding him right?

You are right in that this vehicle shows under steering. Before I bought this AWD version, I rented an FWD XR in San Antonio during a business trip. There was a couple of tight turns on the freeway between the airport and downtown. When corner hard, I constantly felt that I need to add more turn to the wheel to prevent the car from running away...

Haven't got a chance to try my AWD on a tight corner yet at high speed.

 

[compnurd]

The AWD system works great in this truck. Came home late one night when living in NH this winter in a ice storm. between the traction control, Stabllitrak and AWD i made the 40 miles trek home from the apt. I was all over the place in turns and such but the truck kept correctly itself.

 

[tradewind]

After a few days with my XE AWD, I feel that the AWD does make a difference at dry pavement. The strong under steering that I felt on the rented XR FWD is almost completely undetectable. I found a few sharp bends on the local freeway and zipped through it a few times. I didn't at all feel like the car was trying to escape from the curve.