Autoblog

Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system

Jeffrey N. Ross — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Infiniti, Nissan

With as far electric power assist steering (EPAS) has come in recent years, it was only a matter of time before an automaker came up with a fully electric steering system. Nissan has developed such a system that replaces the mechanical steering linkage of today's cars with a "wired" steering column that uses drivers inputs to steer the front wheels via electronic controllers, and this type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

This type of system could be found on Infiniti models within the next year.

As bad as the feedback is on some current EPAS cars, we're a little skeptical about how such a system would feel, but Nissan says that not only will feedback be more direct, it will also be adjustable. Nissan's independent control steering technology will allow drivers to choose between "Sport" and "Standard" modes depending on what type of roads and driving condition they face. An added benefit of this system is that the steering wheel will be completely isolated from the rest of the steering system to reduce road vibrations felt by the driver.

In the event of power loss, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

This system also uses a camera to help keep the car driving in a straight line, meaning that drivers won't have to make constant small corrections, which Nissan says will reduce driver fatigue, and it can also auto correct in the event of crosswinds. As a safety precaution, Nissan's new steering system uses three redundant engine controllers to prevent any loss of steering, but in the event that the car loses total power, there is a clutch that can engage a backup mechanical link to allow the driver to control the front wheels.

Nissan is also working on an autonomous emergency steering system that seems to operate in the same vain as auto brake in some newer cars. If the car detects a possible collision, it will initially warn the driver with an audible tone and display. If this is ignored, it will then proceed to auto brake in an attempt to slow the car down. If a collision is still imminent, the car would then automatically swerve to avoid an accident. There are also sensors that can detect if a car is next to or coming head on with the vehicle to prevent an even worse collision.

Scroll down for Nissan's press releases on this new technology.

Continue reading Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system

Nissan previews production steer-by-wire system originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Porsche, Luxury

2010 Porsche Panamera 4S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Porsche offers no lack of choices for the purist, but the Panamera isn't one of 'em. Despite being ridiculously capable, the company's four-door coupe is more for spirited cruising than track attack. Little wonder, then, that Porsche is reportedly likely to abandon the availability of a manual transmission on the next-generation Panamera.

The decision reportedly comes, naturally enough, from lack of demand for three pedals on the current sedan. Which makes enough sense, we suppose - while we'd take a GT3, for example, with a clutch pedal, when it comes to the Panamera, we can see most customers preferring to let the robot do the work.

The report comes from the German correspondent at Car and Driver, who just a couple of weeks ago brought better news for the enthusiast side of Stuttgart's fan base: namely, that the next-gen 911 will offer a seven-speed manual. That in addition to the seven-cog, dual-clutch PDK that will apparently be the sole choice on the next Panamera.

In other news, C/D also suggests that the next Panamera will receive electric power steering, an energy-saving technology whose main drawback has been that such systems are tough to tune while preserving steering feel, an essential Porsche ingredient.

So, assuming word of no manual Panamera is true, has Porsche made the right decision? Cast your vote in the poll below.

View Poll

Porsche to nix manual option for next-gen Panamera? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SEMA: Flaming River electric power steering

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, SEMA Show, Classics

Updated with correct product description and price

How cool is this? With all of the bitchin resto mods out on the show floor this week, we think this is a product that has a big future. Modern powerplants, suspensions, brakes, and electronics have made it possible to give an old car, a new car feel. The classic old-school looks are great, but having all of the modern running gear makes it almost a daily driver. One area that was partially overlooked in those transformations was the steering. Or power steering to be more precise. Adding the new hardware, hoses and fluids to give your rod a boost, was a pain in the butt, until now.

The guys at Flaming River are addressing that need now, so we are one step closer to perfection. And they are doing it with a system that promises extra horsepower (well, it will free some up), no pumps, no hoses, and no leaks. The system is all electric. The way it works is that the electronic power steering box is mounted to the bottom of an OEM or one of Flaming River's steering columns, providing the assist. The kit includes the electronic drive unit, SGU (signal generator unit), potentiometer (allowing the driver to adjust the steering resistance), couplers for shaft connections, and the wiring harness. Available in 4 different ratios, with 4 or 3 bolt adaptability for different applications. All for just $3590, or $3990 attached to one of their steering columns. A couple more pics after the jump.

[Source: Flaming River]

Continue reading SEMA: Flaming River electric power steering

SEMA: Flaming River electric power steering originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments