Those of you who believe that AWD cars are designed primarily for driving conditions that are less than optimal are greatly misinformed about this marvel of automotive engineering. Don't confuse AWD with off-road, 4-wheel drive systems. AWD systems simultaneously and continuously "sense" road conditions under each of the four wheels and apply proportionate power as appropriate. In addition to sure-footedness on slippery roads, AWD generally improves/enhances handling and performance. That's why Audi Quattros were banned from racing circuits in the late `80s (RWD vehiles could not touch them), and why Porsche and Lamborgini now produce vehicles that feature AWD. Indeed, it's because the `06 GS300 features AWD that I'm attracted to what strikes me as an otherwise soul-less automobile.
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