Figured I'd add my .02 to this.

<Long version of why I like 4WAS steering to follow. Scroll down for Short version.>

While waiting for the dealer to find my car, I had the opportunity to test drive a few G37's with the options I wanted but no 4WAS. So I had a half-way decent idea what the car felt like and how it handled from a limited perspective.

Then, mine arrived and basically the only difference between the ones I tested and this one was the addition of 4WAS. For what it's worth, I really like it. The thing is, though...I don't think I'm almost *ever* having the rear wheels move any...that seems to mainly, as others have said, come into play when you do a very high-speed lane change. Like in slalom maneuvers. I tried that out the 3rd day I had the car with a friend, going about 80 mph in the slow lane...then a very sharp and abrupt move over to the fast lane. Very impressive the way the car remained stable and the rear didn't try to get away. Almost kind of like being on rails, if that makes sense.

But situations like that are few and far between, so based on that and the info I've seen on the 4WAS package, most drivers will seldom have the rear wheels actually "moving" much. I was more interested in the fact that it's four-wheel active steering...not just "rear wheel active steering." Meaning...even if the rears don't move, the system is still tweaking with the front steering and ratios based on what's going on. And I have to say that just basic cornering...windy road driving...it feels different than the non-4WAS models I drove. More precise, accurate. On the flip side of things..it also seems like U-turns are much easier. Guess that has to do with the ratio changes or I'm just imagining it.

But...bottom line? $1,300 better? Probably not. I imagine 95% of the time it's not doing a thing differently than the non-4WAS cars are doing. For me, I just like knowing it's there for that other 5% of the time and...I can't put my finger on it...but I hate buying a car without getting every option. lol

<Short version of why I like 4WAS.>

Chicks think it's really cool when you say "Yeah...the rear wheels on the car can turn, too.

 

You flat out do not want this if you plan on doing track days. I have been tracking all my cars for years and having 4was would not benifit you. It is designed for the person who is not a good driver and to make up for your little mess ups in what i would call light hard driving which is the average blow joe pushing the car when he really does not know what he is doing or what he is feeling inthe cars movements. On the track it would not make a car faster by any means. Its not AWD just AWS. Your not getting more power to the ground on all tires. In fact with the rear wheels turning while trying to put power down to the ground without the same power being put down through the front wheels also you will be loosing speed through the turn as the rear wheels will not have full contact since they are turned. The car may feel faster or like its turning better but the fact is it would not be. Not to mention more weight is more weight.

 

would the 4was come in handy in intown driving such as parallel parking or trying to manuver U turns ??

 

Nope, it is only active above speeds of somewhere around 25 mph

 

I like it. Its fun and the car is not a track car, so for me i think its a benefit. Im not a pro nor claim to be when it comes to driving. As I age and get more money and go to driving classes i will get a fixed rear end, until then I enjoy it. whether it helps or hurts, not a pro can not say but i do like it.

 

well you dont everwant a fixed or solid rear on for any car you would track. You want an independent rear like all G37's have. A fixed or solid rear is what you would put on say a cobra if you plan on dragging it with high hp. That keeps you from having to worry about snapping drive shafts....

 

Hi Guys,

I asked this question in the general forum, but thought I'd ask again.

I bought my 2008 37S less than a month ago and I'm not sure if I have the feature.

Is there a way to tell?

Thanks.

J

 

i think the kit just changes the degree of the back wheels be 1 when your turning. At high speed (like 100km+) youll feel it, otherwise you wont. When i purchased my car the dealer didnt even have it listed as an option, and didnt even ask me. In my opinion it is just something else that will break after warranty.

Edit: I have the awd coupe, thats probably why it wasent an option >.<