I have flown using a butterfly styled yoke for over 40 years. The difference between flying with a yoke and driving with a full wheel are: An airplane yoke only needs to rotate to about 45 degrees deflection to cause a full turn. A car may need 1 1/2 or more turns to move the wheels from lock to lock. A full circle wheel allows the driver to complete the turn without ever losing contact or grip and thus, control of the wheel in a 180 or 360 degree turn situation.
Pulse - 6 years ago
I agree with most comments. I would like to add that one benefit of this design is that it may block the continuous air vent much less. However, I don't think I would want a steering wheel like this, as it would make it harder to drive, unless the full extent I needed to turn it was only 80 degrees to both sides, which isn't the case for any car I've ever been in, and would come with a loss of fine control in steering, and risk for hazard, if the steering wheel were ever inadvertently jerked.
Nicholas Evergates - 6 years ago
There are some good comments here. I never thought about entanglement, but that is a relevant concern. Besides that I like to put my hand on top of the wheel when relaxed driving which isn't possible with this design. Seems pretty gimicky, just stick with what works well. Tesla has already rewritten the game in all the right ways. No need to get gimicky.
Not practical in everyday life but the look is fitting for the Tesla3
Phil Schaad - 6 years ago
A steering wheel of this type may be ideal for a race car, but it's not suitable for most situations on public roadways. Steering ratios used in many racing vehicle are such that the driver can place his/her hands on opposite sides of the wheel and leave them in that position. Vehicles intended for use on public roadways usually have steering ratios that make a complete continuous steering wheel rim necessary because the wheel must be turned one or more complete revolution, requiring the driver to reposition his/her hands in some driving situations.
Furthermore, the gap in the rim of the steering wheel under discussion presents a risk of entanglement will clothing and jewelry often worn by ordinary drivers in the course of normal day to day driving.
Lastly, forcefull occupant contact with the discontinuous steering wheel rim in the course of various collision scenarios has not, to my knowledge been adequately studied to allow use of a steering wheel of this design in vehicles intended for use by the entire population of drivers and occupants of ordinary vehicles on public roadways. I doubt that the steering wheel under discussion has been tested and found compliant with applicable Federal Vehicle Safety Standards.
Maisha Grinn - 6 years ago
I prefer the steering "wheel" in the Bugatti Chiron, but since I will never own either, I don't know what possible difference that preference could make.
Gary - 6 years ago
I am a car buff and Tesla fan however I do not think that steering wheel is an everyday wheel. Track yes - street no for sure.
Among other reasons... Sometimes you want to drive with one hand which typically relies on the 12 o'clock position.
I do appreciate a thicker, supple steering wheel which was my first upgrade on my latest vehicle.
Reverend Greg - 6 years ago
This allows you to put your phone right above /behind the steering wheel so you can use waze .
T Bone - 6 years ago
Ironically, every car with an airbag should have that steering wheel so your arms aren't broken by the airbag deployment. Those who think it isn't safe or practical haven't researched the issue.
Keith - 6 years ago
Looks great but could be considered a safe problem as clothing or in some cases jewelry. Still love the look!
ProfDude - 6 years ago
I agree with Marvin8. I would not buy any car with that sort of steering wheel, due to safety concerns.
Marvin8 - 6 years ago
Looks cool as hell, but is totally impractical for everyday driving.
Stuart Young - 6 years ago
I'd order a car with this - as long as it was street-legal in my area.
Yes!!
Great, now you can enjoy a clear, unobstructed view of...the... Instrument cluster...?? Lol
Yuck
I have flown using a butterfly styled yoke for over 40 years. The difference between flying with a yoke and driving with a full wheel are: An airplane yoke only needs to rotate to about 45 degrees deflection to cause a full turn. A car may need 1 1/2 or more turns to move the wheels from lock to lock. A full circle wheel allows the driver to complete the turn without ever losing contact or grip and thus, control of the wheel in a 180 or 360 degree turn situation.
I agree with most comments. I would like to add that one benefit of this design is that it may block the continuous air vent much less. However, I don't think I would want a steering wheel like this, as it would make it harder to drive, unless the full extent I needed to turn it was only 80 degrees to both sides, which isn't the case for any car I've ever been in, and would come with a loss of fine control in steering, and risk for hazard, if the steering wheel were ever inadvertently jerked.
There are some good comments here. I never thought about entanglement, but that is a relevant concern. Besides that I like to put my hand on top of the wheel when relaxed driving which isn't possible with this design. Seems pretty gimicky, just stick with what works well. Tesla has already rewritten the game in all the right ways. No need to get gimicky.
Not practical in everyday life but the look is fitting for the Tesla3
Not practical in everyday life but the look is fitting for the Tesla3
A steering wheel of this type may be ideal for a race car, but it's not suitable for most situations on public roadways. Steering ratios used in many racing vehicle are such that the driver can place his/her hands on opposite sides of the wheel and leave them in that position. Vehicles intended for use on public roadways usually have steering ratios that make a complete continuous steering wheel rim necessary because the wheel must be turned one or more complete revolution, requiring the driver to reposition his/her hands in some driving situations.
Furthermore, the gap in the rim of the steering wheel under discussion presents a risk of entanglement will clothing and jewelry often worn by ordinary drivers in the course of normal day to day driving.
Lastly, forcefull occupant contact with the discontinuous steering wheel rim in the course of various collision scenarios has not, to my knowledge been adequately studied to allow use of a steering wheel of this design in vehicles intended for use by the entire population of drivers and occupants of ordinary vehicles on public roadways. I doubt that the steering wheel under discussion has been tested and found compliant with applicable Federal Vehicle Safety Standards.
I prefer the steering "wheel" in the Bugatti Chiron, but since I will never own either, I don't know what possible difference that preference could make.
I am a car buff and Tesla fan however I do not think that steering wheel is an everyday wheel. Track yes - street no for sure.
Among other reasons... Sometimes you want to drive with one hand which typically relies on the 12 o'clock position.
I do appreciate a thicker, supple steering wheel which was my first upgrade on my latest vehicle.
This allows you to put your phone right above /behind the steering wheel so you can use waze .
Ironically, every car with an airbag should have that steering wheel so your arms aren't broken by the airbag deployment. Those who think it isn't safe or practical haven't researched the issue.
Looks great but could be considered a safe problem as clothing or in some cases jewelry. Still love the look!
I agree with Marvin8. I would not buy any car with that sort of steering wheel, due to safety concerns.
Looks cool as hell, but is totally impractical for everyday driving.
I'd order a car with this - as long as it was street-legal in my area.
I like the model 3 one but not the roadster one
looks sick af