At a media event in Nashville, Tennessee this week, Infiniti wheeled-out four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel to personally introduce changes to the controversial ‘steer-by-wire’ Direct Adaptive Steering system (DAS) which is standard in all-new hybrid Q50S and optional on other versions.
The changes were made in response to negative feedback from customers and media following the launch of the Q50 which hasn’t yet arrived in Australia.
DAS uses senses and actuators on the steering column and rack to overcome ‘kickback’ and a mechanical steering link is fitted purely as a fail-safe.
You can set the steering feel for ‘Light’, ‘Standard’ or ‘Heavy’ and the response for ‘Casual’, ‘Standard’ or ‘Quick’ - however initial customer feedback has indicated the initial calibration was too sensitive and drivers found themselves experiencing the old ‘tank-slapper’ (turn-in too brisk, followed by over-correction and then oversteer).
Reports suggest Infiniti fettled the calibration so the Q50 is more progressive but still does a good job of virtually removing any feel of road bumps and kickback under hard acceleration.
