CHASSIS
Empowering drive from adaptable chassis technology
- Second-generation Direct Adaptive Steering enhances steering feel and feedback
- All-new Dynamic Digital Suspension monitors the vehicle's body roll, pitch and bounce rate to deliver a secure ride
The Q60 embodies INFINITI's dedication to developing new and innovative driving technologies that deliver a confidence-inspiring and personalized experience behind the wheel.
Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS)
The second-generation of INFINITI's world-first Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is an advanced 'steer-by-wire' system that has undergone significant re-tuning to enhance steering feel and feedback without compromising comfort. The Q60 driver can choose from seven personalized modes to customize steering performance according to their preferred driving style.
The steer-by-wire system does without mechanically linked parts and instead employs digital components that communicate electronically via an Electronic Control Unit (ECU). The ECU relays steering input from the driver to the wheels, sending signals instantaneously to the Steering Angle Actuator that adjusts the cutting angle of the front tires.
Sending information in the reverse direction, the Steering Angle Actuator also communicates road feedback to the steering wheel, filtering out a certain level of vibration from the road surface – reducing driver fatigue on longer journeys. The connection between driver input and steering feedback and chassis behavior is immediate, thanks to the electronic connection between components.
With the DAS system, steering effort gradually increases with vehicle speed and lateral G, similar to a conventional steering set-up while also offering improvements: driving is unaffected by the kind of kickbacks and forced movements of the steering wheel normally found with a mechanical steering set-up and exacerbated by broken road surfaces. Drivers are offered a more refined and more direct steering system, delivering a confidence-inspiring, in-control experience behind the wheel.
Further in-depth information on DAS is available here.
Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS)
Developed to work in tandem with DAS, an all-new electronic suspension system, Dynamic Digital Suspension (DDS), monitors the vehicle's body roll, pitch and bounce rate to deliver a secure ride by further reducing unwanted steering feel and vibrations.
The DDS is controlled through a new set of electronically adjustable dampers, which regulate control of the variable damping force, offering a soft or firm ride. Soft damping control has been engineered to balance comfort and handling, ensuring that bumps and undulating roads are absorbed as much as possible. Firmer damping control delivers more agile handling while providing the best performance for a flat and stable ride.
Both DAS and DDS are available on Q60 models equipped with the 3.0-liter engine.
Further in-depth information on DDS is available here.
Rack Electronic Power Steering (Rack EPS)
As standard, Q60 models equipped with the new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine feature INFINITI's Rack Electronic Power Steering (Rack EPS). The system provides a linear and in-control driving experience, with every mode making for quick, natural, and precise handling, encouraging maneuverability and ease of control.
As a third steering system for the Q60 family, four-cylinder turbocharged Q60 models are equipped with a speed-sensitive hydraulic electronic rack-and-pinion power steering system as standard. This increases assistance at low speeds and reduces assistance for enhanced feel and response at higher speeds, with the assistive steering motor aiding driver inputs.
The standard suspension set-up ensures a low level of road noise and minimal intrusion of unwanted vibrations, while allowing for more direct and linear handling responses. Suspension link layouts and bushings have been modified specifically for their application in the Q60, while shock absorbers are relocated to make way for a selection of other tailor-made suspension components, endowing the Q60 with optimized sports coupe ride and handling.
Drive Mode Selector with multiple customization options
- Steering, Chassis, Powertrain and other features can be customized
- Ease of use with Drive Mode Selector
The all-new INFINITI Q60 is fully customizable through the Drive Mode Selector (DMS) – accessed through the 8-inch upper touchscreen. The system allows the drive mode to be selected from the following available options: 'Standard', 'Snow', 'Eco', 'Sport', 'Sport+' (new for certain models), and 'Personal'.
The Standard mode has been tuned to represent the core performance of the Q60: normal engine output and transmission settings combined with a unique blend of enhanced ride comfort and agile handling – what INFINITI's vehicle development teams have defined as the ideal performance characteristics for the car. In this mode, steering requires less effort at lower speeds for easier maneuverability, while at higher speeds or over rough road surfaces, there is a feeling of stability with fewer kickbacks associated with a slower gear ratio and firmer steering feel.
Sport mode increases the level of steering effort required and quickens the steering ratio, for more immediate handling responses. Selecting the new Sport+ mode, steering effort remains the same as Sport mode, but the response of the steering is further increased, with an even quicker steering ratio for incisive, precise handling performance – depending on vehicle speed.
For example, compared to driving in Standard mode at a speed of 100 kph, the steering ratio for Sport is four per cent quicker, and 12 per cent quicker for Sport+.
In addition, Sport and Sport+ modes come with changes to engine and transmission mapping to deliver the required driving characteristics.
In Personal mode Q60 drivers can personalize the DAS performance by selecting one of three core 'modes' (Standard, Sport and Sport+) and then specifying their preferred level of 'response' (Default, Dynamic and Dynamic+). In total there are seven mode and response combinations available in Personal: Standard and Default; Sport and Default; Sport and Dynamic; Sport and Dynamic+; Sport+ and Default; Sport+ and Dynamic; Sport+ and Dynamic+. For the highest level of assistance and ultimate sports coupe driving experience, the Q60 driver would choose Sport+ mode with Dynamic+ response.
In Snow mode, the engine automatically lowers its output for wet or icy conditions. The transmission adjusts, so to use a higher gear and lower torque and power output. This helps prevent wheel spin on slippery roads. In Eco mode, the steering force is lighter, while the engine automatically lowers output for economy driving. Throttle response is adjusted and the transmission not as immediate as in other modes. Transmission shift points have been changed for maximum economy.
For each of these drive modes, customers can also select either the 'soft' or the 'firm' electronic damper settings offered with the Dynamic Digital Suspension.