Nissan Infinitis Will Soon Steer By Wire
Nissan is looking to significantly upgrade its Infiniti sedans by adding a steer-by-wire system. Somewhat similar to the fly-by-wire system found in planes, the new tech will mostly dispense with the age-old mechanical apparatus. In steer-by-wire, control signals are transmitted electronically. Since electrical signals are transmitted faster than mechanical instructions, drivers can expect better response time and easier turning. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZhoPe1X8KU&w=560&h=315] The downside is that if the car’s electrical system fails, so does the steering. Nissan has worked around this by including a fail-safe clutch that activates during an electrical event and allow the driver to steer the old-fashioned way. The first vehicles to use the new system are expected to be on the road in the next three to five years.
