Nissan Steer-by-wire Options

[richee3]

First things first, a link to click. Clicky!

Spark notes: Similar to removing the throttle cable for drive by wire, Nissan is disconnecting the steering wheel from the steering rack. They're replacing the physical connection with a multitude of sensors and two electric motors. But don't worry, just to make sure everything is twice as expensive as it needs to be, they're making sure that the steering wheel can still be connected to the steering rack via a clutch.

Your thoughts?

I feel like this will dull the driving experience for those of us who enjoy it, drive manufacturing costs up which will of course be passed along to the consumer, add weight, and provide more things to break.

[Special_Edy]

I think it will be a positive thing for 100% of drivers everywhere, because the 95% of drivers who need it will be less likely to smash into the other 5% of us.

If you think about it, it opens a lot of doors for further improvements in handling.
Progressive steering, so you dont have to turn the steering wheel as far in a parking spot to cut the wheels the same distance. Or on the highway the wheels turn only half as far as you turn the steering wheel, this would make the steering twice as accurate and people much less likely to swerve.

How about incorporating the ABS, traction control, ECU and steer by wire systems together? The car would have the sensory input to anticipate traction loss or unsafe turns and correct throttle, braking and steering to correct for the drivers mistakes. You may complain about this but once again it will be beneficial 95% of the time.

And finally it opens the door for autopilot. Cars are already equipped with front collision avoidance systems, pretty soon they will be steering themselves down the freeway

This post has been edited by Special_Edy: Dec 2, 2012 - 1:26 PM