That TLX was FWD only. Its handling was already quite good. I think I will try one with SH-AWD... which should be even better... (at least reduce that understeering on FWDs)
But, It will be slower and the MPG will also be lower due to more weight and more loss on power trans...Like my wife's AWD... )
You may ask why SH-AWD can improve handling on TLX but AWD can NOT improve handling on my wife's M35X...
1. TLX is FWD. Steering and driving force on the same tires(especially they are on the front). So understeering is MUCH more common on TLX. But, M is RWD. To get oversteering and let its AWD working I really must push it to the limit... (too dangerous on public roads) 2. SH-AWD is much smarter system than M's AWD. 3. Understeering is much safer and easy to control. Oversteering is much more dangerous. Like most drivers here my driving skill is not good enough to do oversteering on public roads yet... I may lost control and crash my wife's M...
If you think Nissan AWD system is inferior, then I think you're wrong. Actually AWD system in my wfie's M is similar to that in GT-R and is at least as good as those from other car makers 10 years ago. Just SH-AWD is very advanced and sophisticate than any other systems... (It could be among the best in the world...)
About 10 years ago I tried SH-AWD RL. I think the SH-AWD system was good but RL's suspension was a little soft. I didn't like it. Now TLX suspension is stiff. I believe TLX with SH-AWD should be much better than that RL...
TLX suspension is stiff but its ride is still very comfortable. I think now these Japanese cars become much better than before...
Now I'm doing some researches and may need to get another car for my daughter next summer...
1. Buy a cheap used Civic for my daughter. Modify GSF (but I am afraid that it may be too stiff for my family...) and save the money to let me buy a newer used GT-R or similar when I'm retired a few years later... 2. Buy a used RCF or similar and modify it for myself. Pass GSF to my wife and pass M35X to my daughter...
And guess what... the outdated IS still feels more sporty than that TLX... I think recent Toyotas are REALLY good on performance... (I never thought Toyota could be so much fun in the past... )