The 2014 Infiniti Q50 debuts with Direct Adaptive Steering (or DAS), which adds it to the growing list of cars that can steer themselves. Known in the industry as drive-by-wire, the tech is available in the 2014 Acura RLX reviewed recently and the 2013 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.


This new generation of lane-keeping technology works automatically—almost magically—as you drive. A computer uses a camera to spot lane indicators and make constant micro-adjustments to the steering. This means less effort for the driver and more precise driving. You can even let go of the wheel for short periods, although car companies discourage this, naturally.


Infiniti's Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is faster and more precise than mechanically controlled steering.

After a brief hands-off test of Infiniti’s new DAS, it looks like a major improvement over Infiniti's previous lane-keeping measures (such as in the G37), which used light brake pressure to correct lane drifting. The Q50 maintained a lane for four minutes over a few miles—longer than the Acura RLX managed. On a slight curve, however, the system did not maintain the lane quite as long as the Acura RLX did. On a country road, when allowed to go hands-free, the system worked fine as long as road markings were clear.


In a more controlled test, on a private, enclosed course, we drove the Q50 over small road bumpers and noticed the steering wheel barely moved. Instead, the car adjusted the tires automatically and didn't cause the typical jolt to the driver. That could be a boon for safer driving, especially in wintertime, if the Q50 hits blocks of ice or snow mounds.


Adaptive steering is yet another step toward autonomous cars. A computer can think faster and smarter (and in all directions at once) to avoid dangers on the road. The real hurdle, other than the insurance and regulation issues, is whether programmers can equip the car to understand unusual situations, such as lane-splitting motorcycles, slick roads in winter, deer running across the road, and other random events.




@jmbrandonbb



John Brandon , TechHive


John Brandon is a technology writer and car enthusiast. After leaving the corporate world in 2001, he embarked on a solo writing career and never looked back (except for that one time). He's tested thousands of products and reported on everything from 50 Cent starting a headphone company to BMW building a data center in Iceland. He lives outside of Minneapolis.

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