As far as I know, the x and xS sedans have the same brakes (two-piston sliding caliper front, single-piston sliding caliper rear).

 

This comes up every now and then, and I'm pretty sure there is a design difference. It's not as dramatic as the Akebono BBK, but a difference nonetheless. Can't recall what it is offhand, however.

 

Nope the X fronts are single piston, and Xs are dual. I ran into this when I was sent XS pads instead of X long ago. Trust me, they're different.

 

My 2013 x came with 2 piston front and single rear. Was it a later model design change?
Fwiw, I installed the Hawk HPS pads and, despite the dust, they are a great medium temp pad. You guys are going to get me all fired up to get back into this after 15 yrs!

 

Make sure to wax your front wheels to make the dust easier to remove. Otherwise it can etch the wheel coating.

 

Always wax your wheels a few times a year. Always. Regardless of rail dust consideration.

Started doing that long ago with a product aptly named "Wheel Wax", then just started using Maguiar's Ultimate Paste. This year I'm trying out a synthetic called Seal & Squeal.

 

I ran a full season in my AWD X sedan. Very competent mid-fielder with average (indy firehawk tires). Not sure if better tires (RE-71's) would make it a legit competitor, but its definitely a great car to learn control and momentum with. I suggest anyone looking to autoX or track this car to lookup adding a traction control delete switch in the center console. Very easy and allows you to fully turn off nanny mode.

 

If anyone is autoXing or tracking this car on a budget, stop by your local junkyard and grab a rear sway bar from a 370z. Its not as good as an aftermarket one, but it was by far the best thing I did to my car and only cost me about $40. Especially if you have an AWD sedan which has a wet noodle for a rear sway bar from the factory.