The 2011 Infiniti M37X is a high-tech wonder with an alphabet soup of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Lane Departure Warning/Prevention (LDW/LDP), Blind Sport Warning/Intervention (BSW/BSI), Distance Control Assist (DCA), Forward Collision Waring (FCW) and Intelligent Brake Assist (IBA).
These all help prevent drivers from getting in accidents and can be quite intrusive, although you can turn them off. But the ADAS feature on the vehicle that I found the most interesting (and the most intrusive), ECO Pedal, isn't designed to save lives but instead save fuel.
Since it's difficult to snap a picture or capture a video of what ECO Pedal does, I resorted to using the somewhat confusing illustration above. (But hopefully make up for it with the beauty shot below.) Suffice to say that when you put too much foot into the gas pedal with the feature engaged, it pushes back to tell you to back off in order to drive more fuel efficiently.
The effect can be quite disconcerting, although I'm sure you'd get used to it after a while -- especially if you see a dip in your auto fuel costs as a result. It reminded me of driving a rental car in Hawaii years ago that had a speed limiter. But like the other ADAS features -- and unlike in the rental car -- you can turn ECO Pedal off.
By billt9
on June 22, 2010
12:57 PM
So once you hit the Gas Guzzling Limit, it behaves as if you've floored the pedal already.
On paper it looks like it'll feel intuitive.
It'll be great to turn on if you're hypermiling or trying to drive another 50 miles on Empty.
By billt9
on June 22, 2010
12:59 PM
Is Improved fuel efficiency of 5-10% worth it?
20 mpg to 22 mpg? Probably is in rush hour, where driving isn't enjoyable anyways.
It can be turned it off when you're not just commuting.
By estreka
on June 22, 2010
01:09 PM
I can't stand electronannies. At least it's defeatable.
By blueguydotcom
on June 23, 2010
07:35 AM
Horrible idea.
By greenpony
on June 23, 2010
10:24 AM
Why not just have it come with a block of aluminum secured behind the accelerator pedal. You can never drive at more than 3/10ths.