What a ride!

[KuroNekko]

Fuel mile was checked in the past. There is a thread on it somewhere. From memory their was no noticeable difference.

If this is true, then it makes it clear that the Kizashi's AWD system is a Full-Time system that works "on demand" which basically means the car is on FWD most of the time in normal conditions. Therefore, other than in wet or snowy roads or when slip is detected, the AWD does not really add a performance benefit. As murcod wrote, the Kizashi simply does not have enough power for the AWD to really make a performance benefit say compared to cars like the Nissan GT-R to which Suzuki claims their i-AWD is similar to.
Despite that, I wish the manual trans. models had AWD. I really wanted AWD, but wanted a manual more so settled with the FWD.

[murcod]

Yes, we only get the Sport with AWD, you can't get the lowered suspension with the FWD models here. I guess that might answer a question I've thought about before - the AWD Sport suspension should bolt straight into a FWD model?

The AWD system would add extra weight, which should affect fuel usage..

[BM-Power]

You can legally fit the 235 on the 17" rim (you're in Australia as well aren't you?) They're 7" width from memory.

Talking of compromising handling, 19" rims probably aren't the best option in that area.

Yes you can run with 235's on 7" rim but there would be too much tyre side-wall flex hence it would compromise the handling.

The 19" would be excellent considering the side profile would still be in the 40's? 235/40R19 right? Hence the handling would be improved..

[suzboy]

Yes, we only get the Sport with AWD, you can't get the lowered suspension with the FWD models here. I guess that might answer a question I've thought about before - the AWD Sport suspension should bolt straight into a FWD model?

The AWD system would add extra weight, which should affect fuel usage..

Would I void my car's warranty if I do any of the modifications (e.g. lowering a FWD Kizashi, or replace my stock 18' rims with aftermarket 19' rims)?

I have test drove an AWD before (with i-awd switched off) and the drive is very similar to my FWD Kizashi.

[murcod]

The 19" would be excellent considering the side profile would still be in the 40's? 235/40R19 right? Hence the handling would be improved..

Ever watch the Aussie Top Gear episode where they tested back to back the same HSV Clubsport (?) with the stock rims and then some larger rims with low profile tyres? Guess which one handled better and was quicker around their test track.

On normal public roads with lumps and surface imperfections the difference would be even greater. On my last vehicle I downsized the rims by 1" and the handling was better and more settled over mid corner bumps- the rear end didn't skip sideways like it did on the lower profile tyres.

[BM-Power]

The 19" would be excellent considering the side profile would still be in the 40's? 235/40R19 right? Hence the handling would be improved..

Ever watch the Aussie Top Gear episode where they tested back to back the same HSV Clubsport (?) with the stock rims and then some larger rims with low profile tyres? Guess which one handled better and was quicker around their test track.

On normal public roads with lumps and surface imperfections the difference would be even greater. On my last vehicle I downsized the rims by 1" and the handling was better and more settled over mid corner bumps- the rear end didn't skip sideways like it did on the lower profile tyres.

Dude, the HSV side-wall profile with 20's was something like 30. Anything under 40 is considered too much and will compromise the handling. I've done fair bit of track racing so I know what I'm talking about.

[murcod]

Dude, the HSV side-wall profile with 20's was something like 30. Anything under 40 is considered too much and will compromise the handling. I've done fair bit of track racing so I know what I'm talking about.

Here's the actual show for everyone to watch and make up their own minds.

http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gea ... 702835.htm

Half way through segment 1 is the initial vehicle test and the start of segment 2 where they change the wheels to standard size. The smaller wheel size is better by 3 seconds per lap.

(Ironically, in my last vehicle I went from 45 series to 50 series - 50 series is what they say is the best option.)

[BM-Power]

Dude, the HSV side-wall profile with 20's was something like 30. Anything under 40 is considered too much and will compromise the handling. I've done fair bit of track racing so I know what I'm talking about.

Here's the actual show for everyone to watch and make up their own minds.

http://www.streetfire.net/video/top-gea ... 702835.htm

Half way through segment 1 is the initial vehicle test and the start of segment 2 where they change the wheels to standard size. The smaller wheel size is better by 3 seconds per lap.

(Ironically, in my last vehicle I went from 45 series to 50 series - 50 series is what they say is the best option.)

I'm only going to reply to this cos you're starting to piss me off with your 'know-it-all' attitude.

The stock HSV tyres are 245/35R20 front; 275/30R30 rear. The reason it handles bad is because it runs on such low profile (30's) tyres and huge pimpin' rims. As I said above, for the best handling the tyres with around 40-45% aspect ratio are usually selected (and this is what they proved on aussie top gear).

With regarding to you switching from 45 to 50 series, your ride ONLY got more comfortable because there's more cushion with the road, BUT your corner handling would not improve (unless you were running on el-cheap-o 45 series tyres, which you shouldn't do in the first place!).

/discussion

[murcod]

I'm only going to reply to this cos you're starting to piss me off with your 'know-it-all' attitude.

The stock HSV tyres are 245/35R20 front; 275/30R30 rear. The reason it handles bad is because it runs on such low profile (30's) tyres and huge pimpin' rims. As I said above, for the best handling the tyres with around 40-45% aspect ratio are usually selected (and this is what they proved on aussie top gear).

With regarding to you switching from 45 to 50 series, your ride ONLY got more comfortable because there's more cushion with the road, BUT your corner handling would not improve (unless you were running on el-cheap-o 45 series tyres, which you shouldn't do in the first place!).

/discussion

Keep it nice...

I've checked and it appears that the stock rim size for that particular 2009 model HSV Clubsport might be 19" rims with 245/40R19 tyres. Even the updated 2009 model has the same size listed (as well as the GTS) http://www.redbook.com.au/cars/research ... x=4&eapi=2 So, perhaps it's actually 19" vs 22"?

I switched from Michelin Pilot Exalto PE2 tyres 205/45R16 (hardly cheap tyres) to privately imported Bridgestone Potenza RE-11 205/50R15. As I stated, on public roads the handling was more secure, with the tail end not stepping out on ripples- as it was all too keen to do on the lower profile tyres. Cornering speeds were actually higher (tested on a familiar area of road.)

At the end of the day there's a lot more to it than simply saying lower profile tyres are better for handling. The trend for larger diameter rims is largely driven by showroom aesthetic appeal- not improvements in handling and cornering. Also, wide rims with stretched low profile tyres are great for drifting, but have you ever seen a drag car fitted out like that? No, because it's bad for traction (getting the power to the ground.) You need to find the right balance in sidewall height, as lower isn't always better.

[twoqttsdad]

Excellent discussion that gets you thinking and I'm a tire guy. Keep the discussion in good taste please. But I guess good taste differs.