26:28

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/03/ny-la-26-hours-28-minutes-gt-r-powered-dual-control-infiniti-q50/

Awesome. Needs more details on the vehicle though. Curious about the multiple controls aspect.

As a technical and logistical accomplishment, these cross-country runs are interesting, and I did read Alex Roy's book a few years back. But sooner or later, someone is going to kill themselves and possibly others doing this stupid E36 M3. It needs to stop.

If it's real. Check the date, after all.

They lost me at "full GT-R driveline swap". I'm not buying it... I call A/F.

In reply to Duke:

The math adds up, but I'll freely admit I've seen even greater efforts displayed for April Fools day....

I buy it. I can't imagine writing something that long for an 4/1 joke.

This made me chuckle:

"I budgeted for an oil slick dispenser, but this seemed to cross a moral line beyond even my low and flexible standards. "

I don't see why it couldn't be real, even a GTR driveline swap could be done with enough money.

So it turns out the second driving position only had steer-by-wire with no mechanical backup...that's a little scary and I'm sure it didn't feel good to be driving an actual car with a sim-wheel.

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/03/tavarish-gives-us-depth-look-inside-alex-roys-insane-record-setting-infiniti-q50/

As a side note both articles were posted yesterday. And I doubt Jack Baruth even with as big of an ass as he is would be willing to post a long well thought out April fools. But it is still possible.

What an idiot. To average 107 or whatever it was means he spent 26.5 hours doing 50 mph faster than most other traffic. Nice of him to have all those other drivers share the risks with him without asking them first.

I've done it round-trip from Philly in 11hrs and I even passed thru Phoenix on the way home. It probably cost me less too ;)

600mph @ 35k ft FTMFW!

I find it hard to believe he would announce this so soon after the record breaking run. The last time he waited a full year to avoid statute of limitations in multiple states. Releasing this a couple days after leaves him liable for a lot of penalties, fines, and jail time. He had the record already. Why risk life and limb to beat yourself?

Steer by wire has never been used in a production car. Prototypes, sure, but it's never seen the showroom. A more practical way would be one of those right hand conversions they sell for mail routes. I've also seen some underdash chain set-ups for RHD conversions in Australia.

I'd assumed he'd either used a chain or a custom dual-pinion rack...but yes the Q50 has actual steer-by-wire, not careful one-sided brake yanking.

In reply to Cone_Junkie:

It's mentioned that he is talking about it now, but won't publicly publish the proof (video/gps/etc.) until April 2nd 2016. I guess the idea is he can say he did it all he wants and as long as he doesn't prove it within the statue he can't be charged.

I guess it's a similar move to what Ed Bolian did after his run.

What an ass. Why is this even a thing that gets reported on?

Because people will click on it and clicks make money.

iadr wrote:

Gearheadotaku wrote: Steer by wire has never been used in a production car. Prototypes, sure, but it's never seen the showroom. A more practical way would be one of those right hand conversions they sell for mail routes. I've also seen some underdash chain set-ups for RHD conversions in Australia.

You are highly incorrect.

Would you care to elaborate?

I'd be happy to. Infinitis use it today. It has a passive mechanical backup–if power is lost, a coupling engages and locks the wheel to the steering shaft. Otherwise, it is indeed steer by wire.

http://www.wired.com/2014/06/infiniti-q50-steer-by-wire/

Tom Suddard wrote: ...Otherwise, it is indeed steer by wire.

Do not want.

April fools!

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2015/04/drove-2628-end-automotive-journalism/

moparman76_69 wrote: And I doubt Jack Baruth even with as big of an ass as he is would be willing to post a long well thought out April fools.

Never underestimate the jackassitude of Jack Baruth

You know, I usually like TTAC, and Jack's commentary. However, I may stop reading for a while. I already despise April fools, and generally suspected this was a joke, but IMHO, they broke the cardinal rule of April Fools Day by acknowledging that it was April 1, and saying it was true despite that.

Still has the mechanical link, but pretty close. I was not aware of this horrible new system coming to market.

In reply to GameboyRMH:

Which is why I normally steer clear of TTAC in general. After hearing him on smoking tire podcast I have a general disdain for the man, and its even greater now.