Photo: Infiniti
When Infiniti's replacement for the G entered production in 2013, some fans of the compact sedan were not that impressed with the complicated and uncommunicative steer-by-wire system.
Yes, the trick steering system may let the car drive itself at 100 km/h with nobody behind the wheel and Sebastien Vettel proved that the Q50 Hybrid can do impressive power slides round the Sochi Autodrom Grand Prix circuit, but don't you miss that old school hydraulic assist feel?
Even though basic Q50 sedans don't benefit from the fancy Direct Adpative Steering option, but a hi-tech vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering setup, here comes the "what the?" end of the matter: for 2016, the sporty Infiniti Q50S will go retro, ditching its current system in favor of good ol' hydraulically assisted steering rack.
That's what Infiniti's head of product planning Keith St. Clair declared for Car&Driver. Keith added: “Some members of the enthusiast community, including the media, suggested the car could benefit with enhanced steering feel, as in more engagement similar to the former G Sedan Sport.” A prototype has already been built and it is currently testing a modified G37 steering system and a tweaked exhaust for added aural drama.
“The results were very clear and pronounced. The car is a blast to drive,” St. Clair concluded. Even the biggest boys in the supersport industry like Porsche and Ferrari have shifted to electric. That's why Infiniti's decision is a fresh breath of air for spirited drivers in a performance world crazy about electric steering.
Even though basic Q50 sedans don't benefit from the fancy Direct Adpative Steering option, but a hi-tech vehicle-speed-sensitive power steering setup, here comes the "what the?" end of the matter: for 2016, the sporty Infiniti Q50S will go retro, ditching its current system in favor of good ol' hydraulically assisted steering rack.
That's what Infiniti's head of product planning Keith St. Clair declared for Car&Driver. Keith added: “Some members of the enthusiast community, including the media, suggested the car could benefit with enhanced steering feel, as in more engagement similar to the former G Sedan Sport.” A prototype has already been built and it is currently testing a modified G37 steering system and a tweaked exhaust for added aural drama.
“The results were very clear and pronounced. The car is a blast to drive,” St. Clair concluded. Even the biggest boys in the supersport industry like Porsche and Ferrari have shifted to electric. That's why Infiniti's decision is a fresh breath of air for spirited drivers in a performance world crazy about electric steering.
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