Key insights

• ⚙️ Introduction of Lexus steer-by-wire system with no mechanical linkage
• 🔌 Explanation of how the system works electronically
• 🛡️ Addressing safety concerns and providing real-time feedback to the driver
• 🚗 Advantages of the steer-by-wire system over traditional systems
• 🔋 Transition to electrified vehicles has increased response in throttle and braking due to the quick reaction of electric motors
• 🔄 Drive by wire systems offer flexibility to adjust steering ratio for responsiveness at low speeds and stability at highway speeds
• 🔀 Flexible wheel location providing increased legroom and customizable steering options with a yoke design and adjustable steering ratio
• ⚠️ Flaws in Lexus' system allow aggressive steering inputs at high speeds and don't achieve perfect steering response

Q&A

• What are the potential drawbacks of Lexus' steer-by-wire system?

  Some concerns include a delay between steering wheel input and front wheel response in pre-production prototype cars, super sensitivity at low speeds, and variable steering ratio, indicating that the technology may not appeal to everyone.

• How does Lexus' design address steering sensitivity at different speeds?

  Lexus' design enables responsive steering at low speeds and increases the steering ratio at higher speeds in small increments, addressing sensitivity concerns and providing a balanced steering experience.

• What are the different steering wheel designs available in vehicles featuring the steer-by-wire system?

  Vehicles featuring the steer-by-wire system offer different steering wheel designs like the yoke and traditional options, providing redundancy for steering control actuators and utilizing familiar technologies for enhanced safety.

• How does the flexible wheel location contribute to a comfortable steering experience?

  The flexible wheel location provides increased legroom and customizable steering options with a yoke design and adjustable steering ratio, enhancing safety by allowing engineers to choose feedback that passes through. The system also has multiple power sources to address potential failures and ensure safety.

• What are the advantages of the steer-by-wire system over traditional systems?

  The steer-by-wire system offers advantages such as increased response, flexibility to adjust steering ratio for better response and stability at different speeds, packaging advantages, and design flexibility for engineers.

• How does the steer-by-wire system work electronically?

  The steer-by-wire system functions electronically, allowing for real-time feedback to the driver and addressing safety concerns by providing a responsive and customizable steering experience.

• What is the Lexus steer-by-wire system?

  The Lexus steer-by-wire system is a revolutionary technology that eliminates the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, operating electronically to provide steering control.

• 00:00 Lexus has introduced a steer-by-wire system with no mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the front wheels, addressing safety concerns, providing real-time feedback, and offering advantages over traditional systems.
• 02:23 The introduction of electrified vehicles has led to increased response, including throttle and braking. Steering response is the missing element in this equation. Drive by wire systems provide the flexibility to adjust steering ratio for better response and stability at different speeds.
• 04:55 A new car's wheel location is flexible, offering increased legroom and customizable steering options with a yoke design and adjustable steering ratio. The steer-by-wire system provides a comfortable steering experience with customizable feedback, enhancing safety by allowing engineers to choose feedback that passes through. The system has multiple power sources to address potential failures and ensure safety.
• 07:13 The vehicle features redundancy for steering control actuator, use of familiar technologies, and different steering wheel designs like the yoke and traditional options.
• 09:42 Modern variable steering ratio cars address the sensitivity of steering at high speeds with mechanical limitations, unlike Lexus' design which enables responsive steering at low speeds and increases the ratio at higher speeds in small increments. Formula One drivers manage short steering ratios due to their driving skills. Lexus' system has flaws in its execution, allowing aggressive steering inputs at high speeds and not achieving perfect steering response.
• 12:05 There is a delay between steering wheel input and front wheel response in a pre-production prototype car. The steering is super sensitive at low speeds and the steering ratio is variable. The technology is cool but it may not appeal to everyone.