It's like anybody's electric steering... it all depends on how much steering feedback is programmed in. But likely the steering ratio will be very short and the response rate very high. But it's also going to be a very expensive system... I think that the price point of the G is going to move into the 40s from the 30s.

 

Actually its not like anybody's electric steering... Other systems on the market use an electric assist motor but are still direct mechanical drive. This unit is not.

That said, i don't think its slated for the 2014 model.

 

That is correct - it does not have a direct mechanical drive...

From Jan 2013 Motor Trend: "Infiniti will be the first automaker to market with a steer-by-wire steering system. The system turns the steering rack electrically, with a fail-safe mechanical link that connects the wheel in case of an electrical fault. Infiniti is expected to launch its new system on the 2014 G model and it's new EL Leaf-based electric car. Nissan says it has designed the system to decrease steering kickback from bad road surfaces. It has another major advantage: It lacks a long steering rack that can intrude toward a driver in case of a frontal collision."

 

Sorry, I meant the steering rack itself in that it will either have some faux feel designed into the electronics, or it will end up numb like so many electric systems are. Of course the triplicate electronic controllers and the emergency backup mechanical connection are entirely different.
What's nice about this system, reading into the press release, is the possible range of tunability it could offer. Things like road crown and side wind compensation are features in most electric power steering systems these days (Ford is pretty good at this). But this system has the potential to take this to an entirely new level. The overall steering ratio could be extremely fast at slow speeds, and slower as the speed raises.
We'll have to see what Infiniti does with this for the G. It could be an option, it could be standard, the S and IPLs may have different calibrations, etc.
There is also the question of the Z. If it stays on the (updated) FM platform, will it share this (expensive), or stick to a more conventional system? We probably won't have an answer to the future of the Z for at least a year.

 

Judging by where Infiniti is in the development phase (real world testing, nurburgring, etc) it would be safe to assume it isn't going to be another concept, but a pre-production vehicle like the test cars..

 

you guys think its going to be unveiled at the LA auto Show next week? I know they said atleast 40 new vehicles will be revealed. Maybe we'll see a new G as well.

We'll be heading to the press-only days tomorrow and thursday. so we'll definitely keep our eyes open for it.

 

Infiniti made the announcement formal this morning. The debut will be broadcast live on the web - mark your calendars.

Infiniti press release follows:

------------------------------------------------------------
Infiniti to Debut All-New Model at 2013 North American International Auto Show

Press Conference Will Feature ‘Inspired’ Performance by Cirque Du Soleil® Simulcast Online

Los Angeles – Infiniti announced today it will unveil an all-new luxury sports sedan, January 14, at the brand’s North American International Auto Show press conference, following a special performance by Cirque du Soleil.
For those not able to attend the press conference in Detroit, Infiniti will host a live stream of the event at InfinitiUSA.com and on the brand’s Facebook page, Facebook.com/Infiniti.
Today’s announcement comes as the luxury brand undergoes a new era of inspiration, growing its market share with the strategic expansion of its business worldwide under the helm of new leadership, Infiniti’s president Johan de Nysschen.
In addition to the January 14 unveiling, de Nysschen will present his vision for the brand in a speech that outlines a new direction for Infiniti in the years to come.
Infiniti made a number of strategic changes in 2012, including relocating its global headquarters to a new state-of-the-art facility in Hong Kong. The move in May was followed by the appointment in July of de Nysschen as the brand’s new president.
Since then, Infiniti has recorded U.S. sales increases year-over-year of 20.6 percent through October, pointing to a strong finish for 2012 and an even stronger start to 2013.
About Infiniti
Infiniti offers a full-line of luxury performance automobiles that inspire at every turn, including the G Coupe, Sedan and Convertible, Infiniti M sedan, EX and FX crossovers, the QX full-size luxury SUV, and the all-new JX 7-passenger luxury crossover. More information about Infiniti and its Total Ownership Experience® can be found at Infiniti USA: High Performance Luxury Cars, Crossovers, and SUVs by Infiniti.

 

Yep it is debuting in Detroit in January. I'll be there during the press only show and plan on doing a feature on the new G sedan.

 

I may be there for the press-only as well, but have a conflict. It will be nice to see the debut, but I am more interested in the specification sheets.

 

I'm sure they will give specs...

 

I really hope the new G doesn't come with the eco pedal, like the M37 & M56 have.

 

Umm, you can choose not to use it.

 

I'm aware of that but I don't like that the pedal pushes up when it thinks you're driving aggressively, and it hasn't gotten the best reviews so far.

 

There's a switch you can pick the mode. If it's not in Eco it just drives the same as any other regular Infiniti

 

Again, I'm aware of that. But you're missing the point. Option or not, switch or not people are saying that its more annoying than anything else.