Nissan To Introduce Steer-By-Wire On Certain Infiniti Models

Drive-by-wire throttle systems are nothing new - in fact, they have largely become the industry norm. Replacing the direct mechanical connection between a vehicle's steering wheel and the actual wheels that turn the car is a relatively new frontier, however, and one that Nissan will be exploring on some of its Infiniti models in the near future.

In roughly one year's time, Nissan's 'steer-by-wire' system will connect the front wheels to electronic actuators controlled via a computer brain that receives its instructions from the steering wheel. The goal is to eventually remove much of the mechanical steering hardware that exists in modern automobiles, which at the same time reduces the number of points of failure in the system and also introduces weight savings. Long-term, Nissan is hoping that steer-by-where would allow for an automobile to be piloted from any position inside the cabin, using a control as small as a joystick.

Somewhat less reassuring is the idea that Nissan's electric steer-by-wire system would be able to selectively provide feedback to the driver, eliminating bumps and rattles that it deems non-critical to the process of guiding the car. This could further enhance the disconnected feeling that some modern electric power steering systems (which still make use of a mechanical linkage) display. Nissan also plans to link its computerized steering to its vehicle safety systems, which would potentially allow a vehicle to steer out of the way should obstacles appear in its path.

All early implementations of the steer-by-wire system will be accompanied by a 'backup' mechanical steering feature, according to a report published by the Automotive News. Nissan will disconnect the mechanical system from the steering wheel by way of a clutch, and it will only be used should a malfunction render the fully-electronic system inoperable.