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GM’s lack of limited slip differentials (LSD)
It looks like a LSD option is a thing of the past with any GM vehicles besides the full sized trucks/SUV line, Corvette, Cadillac or Camaro.
The Crossovers, as well as the Traverse sized SUVs can be purchased in what GM calls AWD with open type differentials front and rear.
So in other words an AWD GM vehicle with open differentials is really a two wheel drive vehicle having one front tire and one rear tire that will get grip on slippery roads.
The new Buick Regal GS, Turbo and Malibu turbo needs LSD in a big way. GM has tried all kind of driveshaft, suspension and traction control tricks to make up for the lack of LSD but they only half work. GM does not offer an AWD car in the USA like every other manufacturer. If you want a true snow country type GM vehicle your only choice is a full sized truck or SUV. -
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Good point, @C6Raptor. Ironically, a big reason for GM’s lack of AWD in its cars is due to platform limitations. For instance, the Cruze’s Delta architecture can’t even accommodate a driveshaft to the rear wheels without some major re-engineering. This will likely change with the next-gen architectures, which will be evolutions of current ones with refinements and improvements across the board.
My biggest pet peeve is GM’s choice to not offer AWD on the new Impala:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/04/all-wheel-drive-not-in-the-plans-for-new-2014-2013-chevy-impala/Not to stray from your points about the LSDs though… I wonder if consumers would appreciate them outside the current applications you mentioned.
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@C6raptor I was only referring to the non-luxury cars (i.e. Chevys). If we start considering GM’s luxury offerings, then these vehicles offer AWD:
ATS
CTS
XTS
LaCrosse
InsigniaFord’s offering AWD in the full-size Taurus and mid-size Fusion puts Chevy’s competitors in the Impala and Malibu at a disadvantage by not offering it.
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This is what I could find, basically a computer decides when its needed. The driver is not in control of anything anymore. LOL
Electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD)
All-Wheel Drive XTS models are equipped with an electronically controlled limited slip differential (eLSD)in the rear axle, ensuring optimum traction and handling performance in a variety of road conditions, including snow, mud, sand or gravel. When available traction is low, this feature allows the wheel with the most traction to move the vehicle. It also enhances driver control of the vehicle when cornering hard or completing a maneuver, such as a lane change.and this description
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/elsd2.htm -
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I just want to vent about the new impala. I’m completely disgusted with the choice they made to not offer all wheel drive. Also, no V8 or rear wheel option. It’s so disappointing as a GM fan. I’m feeling as if they underestimate their customers knowledge of a cool cars ingredients. I’d rather have a caprice police car or an old G8.
I think alot of people have been waiting for a new Impala to be cooler then the 300 and the taurus. All GM had to do is make the same design car they made, but with a V8 option, a rear wheel option, and an all wheel option. -
Trouble is V8 Impala would not sell in high enough numbers to justify all the engineering and tooling. Fuel economy is what sells the cars. If you want a V8, you have the Camaro, Corvette, truck or SUV to chose from. V8 Impalas would hurt GM’s CAFE, they need more economy vehicles to offset the V8’s in the big sellers, trucks and SUV’s.
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I totally agree with bobby . I have been a Chevy owner for many years. My first car was a 55 Chevy, V8 stick shift with LSD. I own a Corvette now that I set up for track events at The Glen and other road courses. Chevy is backing away from performance oriented full sized vehicles. I had to purchase a Buick Regal GS to get any feeling of performance and it is not really what I wanted. It also does not have a LSD and it needs one for sure.
Ford has it all over Chevy with the choices you have with the Torus . I have never owned a FORD but I am starting to look that way. OBAMA motors has some problems that may come to an end today, I hope. -
@Bobby I agree that not offering AWD on the Impala is a competitive disadvantage. The competitors in the segment that matter, including the Taurus and 300, offer AWD… so whether it really helps in snow/inclement weather driving performance, it’s ultimately up to the customer — and Chevy will lose out those sales to Ford and Chrysler.
However, it seems that you’re looking to AWD in the new Impala in order to increase performance. As @Z15 said, the market for such cars is limited. But even so, Chevy has a much better solution than a hotted-up FWD-based mainstream sedan that’s meant to be the luxurious flagship of the lineup. Chevy’s solution to those looking for a performance-oriented large (largish?) sedan is called the Chevy SS — and it’s pure RWD goodness. I’m sure you’ve seen us cover it already:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/category/chevrolet/ss/
@C6Raptor Obama Motors? Completely uncalled for:
http://gmauthority.com/blog/2012/04/no-the-government-does-not-call-the-shots-at-gm-de-fud/
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