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2014 Infiniti Q50's novel drive-by-wire steering system recalled

The gradual replacement of mechanical components in automobiles with electronic systems brings with it definite advantages, but also poses certain potential dangers. Just think of the inevitable problems you've encountered with the computer on which you're reading these words and you'll know what we mean. But a computer crashing isn't as problematic as your car going on the fritz when its electronic systems fail.
That's what Infiniti is being reminded of with its new drive-by-wire electronic steering system. The Japanese automaker developed and installed the Direct Adaptive Steering System in its new Q50 sedan, but a small number of those cars on the road are now being recalled due to that system.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on a small number of examples, the Q50's optional by-wire system may fail if the temperature in the engine compartment drops below freezing. There's a backup mechanical setup in place should the electronic system fail, but NHTSA says that the backup system may also fail to engage in time to avoid a crash.

Infiniti prices Q50 2.0t from $34,855, hybrid from $47,955

Infiniti has a whole range of new engines coming out for the Q50. And that means a new pricing scheme to go along with it. The bottom line is that you can now get into the sports sedan for as little as $34,855 (inclusive of the $905 destination charge). That price is for the 2.0-liter turbo model that's the new point of entry into the range with 208 horsepower on tap. It also represents a much lower starting price for the 2016 model than the one it replaces, which started at over $38k for the base Q50 3.7. It also undercuts the price of the comparable Audi A4, which also comes with a 2.0-liter turbo four priced from $38,250. The BMW 3 Series straddles the divide with two models equipped with 2.0-liter turbo fours: the less potent 320i with 180 hp priced slightly below the Infiniti at $34,145, and the more powerful 328i with 240 hp for $39,345. If you want all-wheel drive or the Premium trim, you'll need to cough up an extra couple grand for each, which is a larger premium than the Japanese automaker charged before. Pricing for the V6-powered 3.0t and Red Sport 400 models are still to come. But along with the 2.0t sticker, Infiniti also released pricing for the hybrid model, which only comes in Premium spec and starts at $47,955. That's a couple grand more than the outgoing version cost at $45,305. For the time being, the top of the line is the Q50 Hybrid Premium AWD, which goes for $49,955. Related Video: INFINITI ANNOUNCES U.S. PRICING FOR 2016 Q50 2.0T AND Q50 HYBRID PREMIUM MODELS First two of four available Q50 engines available now, new 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo-equipped models to follow later this year NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Infiniti today announced pricing for the 2016 Infiniti Q50 2.0t and Q50 Hybrid Premium models, which are on sale now at Infiniti retailers nationwide. Pricing starts at $33,950 for the Q50 2.0t and $47,050 for the Q50 Hybrid Premium. The Infiniti Q50 sports sedan, Infiniti's best-selling model, enters the 2016 model year with an array of significant enhancements, starting with the addition of three new turbocharged engines and continuing with new technologies designed to enhance the already strong driving dynamics of Infiniti's best-selling model. The 2016 Infiniti Q50 is now offered in an expanded range of trim levels, each in a choice of rear-wheel or all-wheel drive – Q50 2.0t and Q50 2.0t Premium, Q50 3.0t Premium, Q50 Hybrid Premium, Q50 3.0t Sport and Q50 Red Sport 400.

Infiniti Q50 steer-by-wire system took 10 years to develop [w/video]

Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is quite a novelty - the system employs no physical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels under normal circumstances and instead relies on a computer, clutch and steering-angle actuator to guide vehicles down the road with input from the driver.
In our First Drive review of a 2014 Infiniti Q50 equipped with the system, we weren't overly impressed by the artificial feedback. But we can't help but be impressed with how long Infiniti spent on its development: a full 10 years, according to Autoline Daily in the video report below. A staggering 70 percent of the research and development time spent on DAS was devoted to getting the steering feel right, and unfortunately, our first impression suggests their results still leave something to be desired, as we found it lacked the sporty feeling a sport sedan should have.
The weight of DAS is comparable to that of a conventional steering system due to its complexity. For example, three ECUs are used in the first-generation DAS system to ensure there's never a loss of steering, but Infiniti is refining the technology and is working to simplify it to reduce weight. One day Infiniti hopes that only one ECU will be needed to control DAS. We just hope it doesn't take the Japanese automaker another ten years to get the steering feel right.