Infiniti Q50 hit by steer-by-wire recall in the US

Infiniti has issued a recall notice in the US for a small number of Q50 models fitted with the firm’s new Direct Adaptive Steering system. This is a ‘steer-by-wire’ steering system that only has a mechanical link between the steering wheel and the wheels as a back-up. The rest of the time the steering is operated by electronics, rather than a direct connection.

Stop-Start Freelander on the way

Land Rover has announced that it will be introducing stop-start technology on its Freelander range from May 2009, thus saving around 8% on the Co2 emissions, and taking the Freelander down a group on VED, which should help move a few more Freelanders off forecourts next year. The technology for the stop-start was developed in-house, with a new engine management system coming from Bosch and an uprated starter from Denso. The stop-start option will be available on the 2.2 TD4, which accounts for nearly half of UK sales.

Mercedes-Benz replaces CLK with E-class coupe

After a 12-year run and more than 460,000 sales across two generations, Mercedes-Benz has replaced the CLK with the 2010 E-class coupe. Debuting at next month's Geneva motor show and with U.S. sales slated to begin in June, the upmarket two-door represents a departure from its predecessor not only in name but also on a technical basis, switching from the old C-class platform to a modified version of the structure that underpins the recently revealed E-class sedan.