When we talk about driving a car, the classic circle immediately pops up in our imagination, with the driver’s hands holding on to it. However, the history of the automotive industry knows many examples when engineers and designers tried to break stereotypes by creating non-standard control systems. Some of them became legends, others - failed experiments, but all of them deserve attention.
Striving for ergonomics or the desire to distinguish a model from its competitors pushed manufacturers to take bold steps. The joystick steering wheel in the Citroën 2CV was a one-of-a-kind mass experiment with one-handed control similar to motorcycle throttle. It seemed convenient, but practice showed the opposite. Let's dive into the world of engineering fantasy and look at designs that can hardly be called ordinary.
Studying these artifacts helps to better understand the evolution of the driver's seat. Sometimes the strange decisions were ahead of their time, and sometimes they simply interfered with normal driving. In any case, these examples demonstrate that automotive industry I was never afraid to take risks.
Lamborghini's square steering wheel: mistake or genius?
One of the most famous anomalies in the world of supercars is the steering wheel. Lamborghini LM002. This SUV, nicknamed “Lamborghini Rambo,” has a square-shaped steering wheel, which completely contradicts the laws of rotational physics. It would seem, how can you rotate a square? The answer is simple: it was a trick.
In fact, the outer part did have corners, but the inner mechanism and the rim that the driver grips remained round. This design created the illusion of unusualness, but did not interfere maneuvering in the desert. It was more of a stylistic device designed to emphasize the brutality and uniqueness of the car.
⚠️ Warning: Trying to make a square steering wheel for a regular car yourself may lead to violation of traffic rules and safety problems when cornering at high speed.
Engineers of the Italian brand often experimented with shapes to emphasize exclusivity. In the case of LM002 The square shape fit perfectly into the angular design of the body. However, for everyday driving this geometry is still less convenient than the classic circle.
WSP system: Fiat steering wheel that won't turn
In the early 1990s the company Fiat introduced a revolutionary system for its time WSP (World Steering Project). It was installed on the model Fiat Trepiùno and concepts. The point was that the steering wheel did not rotate around its axis, but moved in a horizontal plane left and right, like a joystick or game controller.
This technology made it possible to free up space in the cabin and simplify the driver's entry. Instead of intercepting hands during sharp turns, the driver simply moved the handle in the desired direction. The angle of rotation of the wheels depended on the amplitude of the deviation tie rod.
Despite its apparent simplicity, the system required complex electronics for calibration and feedback. The driver had to get used to the absence of the usual rotation. Unfortunately, the project did not receive mass distribution, but remained interesting experiment in the history of the brand.
Why did Fiat abandon WSP?
The main reason was the high cost of producing the complex electronic system and concerns about reliability in extreme conditions. In addition, the drivers' habit of classic rotation played an important role.
Semicircular steering wheels and “horns” in old Citroëns
The French auto industry has always been famous for its unique approach to comfort. A striking example is Citroën 2CV and his famous steering wheel, which looked more like a curved pipe or even “horns.” The driver held onto the top part, and the bottom was an open semicircle.
This form was dictated by the need to simplify the design as much as possible and reduce weight. In the conditions of post-war Europe, this was a rational decision. However, the controls required some skill, especially when parking, when it was necessary active rotation the entire structure.
- 🚗 Ergonomics: The shape made it easier to get in and out of the narrow cabin.
- 🛠️ Maintainability: The simple design rarely broke down.
- 🌬️ Aerodynamics: The open shape reduced drag, although only slightly.
Later, similar solutions, but with more complex geometry, were found in other models of the brand. These “horns” became the hallmark of the brand for many years. Today find an original steering wheel for 2CV in good condition - a great success for a collector.
When restoring classic Citroëns, pay attention to the condition of the rubber steering wheel pads - original materials often crumble over time, and modern analogues may not fit the profile.
Joysticks and side handles: one-handed control
The idea of abandoning circular rotation in favor of linear motion has haunted engineers for decades. In addition to Fiat, similar systems were tested in Chrysler and BMW. In these systems, the steering wheel was a horizontal bar or joystick located in the center or on the side.
The main advantage of this approach was considered to be the freeing up of legroom and the possibility of installing more compact instrument panels. However, there was a serious problem with feedback. In a classic steering wheel, the driver feels the resistance of the road through hydraulic booster or electric drive, but in the joystick this feeling was often lost.
Some prototypes involved the use of two separate handles on either side of the driver, reminiscent of the controls of an airplane. This made it possible to separate the functions: one hand is responsible for the gas and brake, the other for the direction. But such a scheme required a complete restructuring of the driver’s reflexes.
| System type | Example car | Operating principle | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSP | Fiat Trepiùno | Horizontal offset | Concept |
| Joystick | Citroën 2CV (modifications) | One-handed control | Serial (limited) |
| Side handles | Chrysler Thunderbolt | Separate control | Prototype |
| Square | Lamborghini LM002 | Rotation (visually square) | Serial |
Spokes in the middle and steering wheels without spokes
Designers were constantly looking for ways to make the front panel more futuristic. One solution was to move the spokes to the center of the steering wheel or completely abandon them in favor of transparent materials. A striking example is BMW Z1, where the steering wheel had very thin spokes, almost merging with the rim.
The creators of concept cars went even further, using optical illusions. The steering wheel could appear to be floating in the air thanks to the transparent ones. This is not only beautiful, but also improves visibility of the dashboard, which in such cars is often built directly into the central part of the steering wheel.
⚠️ Attention: Transparent elements of the steering wheel can become cloudy and scratched over time, which significantly impairs the visibility and aesthetic appearance of the interior. Requires careful cleaning with special products.
In modern electric vehicles, the trend towards minimalism has returned. The steering wheels become rectangular at the bottom (amp format) or receive touch control zones. This allows you to remove unnecessary buttons from the dashboard and concentrate control over multimedia in one place.
☑️ What to look for when choosing a custom steering wheel
Steering wheel in the center of the cabin and other asymmetrical solutions
The most radical change was not the shape of the steering wheel, but its location. McLaren F1 became famous for the central location of the driver's seat. The steering wheel in this car was standard in shape, but its installation in the center required completely different ergonomics of the pedals and seating.
There are also stranger examples where the steering wheel is not just shifted to the left or right, but can move. In some concepts Renault and Opel the steering column could fold or move towards the passenger, turning the car into a mobile living room in mode autopilot.
Asymmetrical steering wheels, where one spoke is thicker than the other or one side is cut off, are found in sports cars. This is done so that the rider can see the telemetry screen, usually located behind the steering wheel. In civilian vehicles, such asymmetry is rare due to safety requirements.
The central placement of the steering wheel in the McLaren F1 was dictated by the desire to create an ideal balance of weight and equal conditions for the driver on the left and right hand, which improved handling at the limit.
The future: steering wheels that fold and disappear
With the development of autonomous driving technology, the role of the steering wheel is changing dramatically. In concepts Mercedes-Benz F 015 and other robotic cars, the steering wheel can be completely retracted into the instrument panel when the car is driving itself. This frees up space for work or relaxation.
Modern electric cars like Tesla Cybertruck or Model X They use handlebars with the top and bottom cut off, which makes it easier to get into and opens up a view of the large screen. Some manufacturers are experimenting with touch surfaces instead of physical buttons on the spokes.
However, humanity is not yet ready to completely give up the steering wheel. Most countries' laws require a mechanical or electronic control to be provided in case of failure. autopilot. Therefore, even in the most futuristic salons, the steering wheel still remains, albeit in a modified form.
Is it possible to legally install a non-standard steering wheel on a regular car?
In most countries, replacing the steering wheel with a non-standard one (for example, a sports steering wheel without an airbag or a square one) requires certification and changes to the design of the vehicle. Installing a steering wheel without an airbag on a car where it is provided by the factory is often prohibited and can lead to problems during inspection.
Why are racing car steering wheels often rectangular?
The rectangular shape (D-shape or square) allows the rider to have a better view of the instrument panel and easier to enter/exit from the low-slung cockpit. The flat bottom also gives more legroom in the car's cramped interior.
Does the shape of the steering wheel affect the operation of the airbag?
Yes, the shape and design of the steering wheel directly affect the deployment trajectory of the airbag. Non-standard steering wheels must be certified by the vehicle manufacturer to ensure that the airbag will operate correctly and will not harm the driver in an accident.