Nowadays, car designers are changing much in vehicles to improve performance and reduce inconveniences. So much has changed in various car models and makes, from outlook to interior. But what is trending is the change in steering wheels in different cars.
Unlike when steering wheels were only circular, various car designers have come up with different steering wheel makes for multiple reasons.
The new trending make is the flat-bottom steering wheel. It is prominent in various types of cars which we will get to right after comprehending their benefits.
So, why did designers come up with the flat-bottom steering wheel? Keep reading to learn why and which vehicles have this type of steering wheel.
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Benefits of Flat Bottom Steering Wheel
Enough room for leg
With a flat-bottom steering wheel, the driver has more space to move the legs, enter and leave the car, and feel comfortable even on a long journey since the space between the steering and seat is increased. It makes driving better for obese people too.
Sturdiness and Luxurious look
Most people love a premium-looking car, but a flat-bottom steering wheel offers more. It is sturdy and fancy. You surely do not want to drive a loose steering wheel because you can quickly lose control and incur severe damages.
Know the posture of the wheels instantly
Steering is one significant aspect of showing how straight the wheels of a car are, but it becomes easier to notice with a flat steering bottom steering wheel. If the flat part of the wheel is not directly facing the driver seat, then the wheels are not straight. That is easy to notice.
However, if the circumference of the steering wheel was not flat at the bottom, it might have taken the driver a while with a lot of attention to realize the wheels are not straight. So, a flat-bottom steering wheel is pretty useful.
Moreover, vehicles have a universal adapter allowing you to replace the existing wheel with another. If you want a flat-bottom steering wheel, you can change yourself or ask a professional to do it.
Now you understand the importance of the new steering wheel design and maybe have made up your mind to get a car featuring the steering wheel. Not every vehicle has that steering design, so let me help you get one instantly.
Below are the various car types with a flat-bottom steering wheel.
Cars with Flat Bottom Steering Wheel
People are used to only sporting cars having this kind of steering wheel, but several city cars also have them. Here is the list.
Audi R8
The flat-bottom steering wheel adds more to the already cool-looking convertible machine. It is a 2017 Audi R8 made with a V10 plus model. Pretty unique and eye-catching to car lovers.
Though the body tells a lot about a vehicle, its engine tells all about the car. The V10 plus model has distinct engine features taking it to another level and incomparable.
Its performance is high, and fuel consumption is controlled. The engine boasts a 5.2-liter petrol power plant with pin-sharp throttle response.
It reduces fuel consumption by shutting down five of the ten cylinders when unnecessary reducing CO2 output. Its torque is 560 Nm, and power ramps up to 610hp, helping the car achieve a high speed of 205 mph or achieve 0-62 mph dash in 3.2 seconds.
All the quality features might make you wonder about its price, but worry not because it only goes for $206,200.
Porsche Boxster Spyder
You will be doing the vehicle injustice when discussing performance and personification and failing to mention Porsche Boxster Spyder. The 718 model wins the race and is incomparable when it comes to performance apart from its freaking beauty.
The 2021 718 model boasts a high-performance engine with unique features. The four-liter, six-cylinder midsized engine is naturally aspirated and can rev up to 8,000 rpm and reach maximum power at 7,600 pm. Its maximum torque is 420 Nm, and its high engine speed is 8,000 rpm.
This beast can hit a maximum speed of 301 km/h and gain a standard top momentum from 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. This is made more accessible by the torque values and the high power output.
The crankshaft features a hydraulic valve responsible for operating the valves, while the camshaft is a four VarioCam adjusted by the electronic engine management system.
Additionally, the engine uses a direct fuel injection (DFI) system managed by piezo elements. This helps control fuel consumption and emission from the engine. Its cost stands at $63 950.
Ferrari 458 Italia
This brand is popular all over the globe and possesses unique features. Though the make was first released in 2009, the 2015 Ferrari 458 MSRP stormed the market with a bang, only going for $239 340. It is a standout performer and finished with an eye-catching design.
The outlook tells about its elegance while the engine tells all about it. Are you worried about its engine efficiency and performance? Well, you should not because this car’s engine is unmatched. It is efficient yet powerful.
The 4.5-liter V8 engine is F1-inspired and uses a direct fuel injection system. It yields 562 horsepower when the pointer reaches the 9,000 rpm mark and when at 6,000 rpm, it produces 398 lb-ft of torque. This results in 60 mph from zero within 3.4 seconds and can hit a maximum speed of 210 mph.
What makes this model unique is the dual oxygen sensors, double throttle bodies, and ample airflow in the engine. Its transmission is unmatched as well. It has a double-clutch seven-speed Getrag gearbox.
Volkswagen GTI
It is one of the simplest yet great town cars. The Volkswagen GTI is fitted with unique features everywhere. Though it is a city car, it is categorized as a sports car not only because of its flat-bottom steering wheel but because of its engine traits.
The 2022 Golf GTI model remains unmatched in its category. The car is motorized by a turbocharged two-liter, four-cylinder engine that generates 273 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 rpm and 241 horsepower at 6,500 pm. It can hit a top speed of 155 mph and 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.
Its transmission features either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a standard six-speed manual. The fuel consumption efficiency is estimated to be between 24 and 32 mpg.
Despite all these unique aspects, the car will only cost you $ 38,000.
There is much more to learn about these vehicles, and at one point deserve to be on your list.
Conclusion
Different car manufacturers are coming up with various improved designs to minimize inconveniences and enhance the driving experience. The most recent is the flat-bottom steering wheel, which offers many benefits to users. Though some drivers are against the design, this steering wheel circumference has its share of pros.
Some are direct, while others need more profound observations. Several cars, Volkswagen GTI, Audi R8, Ferrari 458 Italia, and Porsche Boxster Spyder, have adapted the new steering wheel design.
This has enhanced their interior look and gives the users extra legroom than the circular steering. Obese people can comfortably drive themselves for a longer distance and still be okay.
If you have been thinking of changing or buying a new car, I recommend you try the new flat-bottom steering wheel and feel its comfort while enjoying that premium feel.
