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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.

Production Infiniti QX30 coming to LA Auto Show

Infiniti showed its QX30 small crossover in concept form at this year's Geneva Motor Show, and now, we've got confirmation that the production car will debut in Los Angeles. But this is just one of some 30 global reveals that will take place at the LA Auto Show this November. The QX30 will be a higher-riding version of the new Q30 hatchback that we'll see in Frankfurt later this month. And since the Q30 shares a lot of its underpinnings with the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, we can probably expect the QX30 to be a sort of Infinitized GLA-Class. Just picture a lifted version of the production Q30 we've already seen in teaser shots. In addition to 30 global debuts, the LA Auto Show will host 20 North American reveals, including the Jaguar F-Pace, Kia Sportage, and Bentley Bentayga that will initially be shown in Frankfurt. The only other LA show global reveal we know about right now is the 2016 Hyundai Elantra. Still, there will no doubt be a lot to talk about come November, with Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru, and Volkswagen all confirming that they'll have something to show in Los Angeles. Naturally, we'll be on site with our usual obsessive auto show coverage. Related Video: THIRTY WORLD DEBUTS CONFIRMED FOR 2015 LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW 50 total reveals expected and will be streamed live by CNET from the show floor LOS ANGELES, CA (September 2, 2015) – The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) announced today that 30 world debuts, totaling 50 vehicle unveilings overall, will be introduced in front of media, analysts and automotive industry executives during its Press & Trade Days, November 17-19, 2015. Almost every manufacturer will be making news, and while most have yet to announce details, a few manufacturers have begun to share their debut plans. Specifically, Infiniti will have a global reveal of its all-new QX30 crossover and Hyundai will host the world premiere of its all-new Elantra. Other debuts include Jaguar's first luxury SUV, the F-PACE, and Kia's next generation Sportage. Other automakers officially confirming premieres include Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen.

Infiniti Q50 Active Lane control is scarily self-driving

Occasionally, we post videos that require us to tell you not to try something at home. They usually involve some unsafe activity that requires a high-degree of skill and planning to achieve. This video, though, gets a more interesting disclaimer: Don't ever try this. Ever. Never ever. Period. Seriously, don't try it.
Some clowns in Germany decided to put the Infiniti Q50's Active Lane Control system to the test. For those not in the know, ALC can make small adjustments to keep the vehicle in the correct lane, a feature that's just starting to pick up steam. Instead of using it the way you're supposed to - with both hands on the wheel - these guys not only take both hands off the steering, but at one point climb out of the seat while traveling at freeway speeds, just to see how automated the combination of ALC and adaptive cruise control really are.
Yes, we've seen this sort of stunt before, but it was done in extremely controlled circumstances that didn't put the cars, the driver or any other motorists at risk and probably had appropriate emergency personnel on hand should the worst happen.