Flat bottom steering wheel?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Fort Hood TX
Flat bottom steering wheel?
I've noticed the trend of flat bottom steering wheels being put in "Sport" versions of cars and recently the ZL1, but since I've never used one I'm not sure what the purpose is?
They do look very nice but do they serve any purpose? Why doesn't the Corvette have one :[
They do look very nice but do they serve any purpose? Why doesn't the Corvette have one :[
Pro
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 721
Likes: 11
From: Lansing and Brighton Michigan
I had one in my other car as well and I liked the look and the usefulness. It does make it easier to get in and out. I tend to drive with both hands on the lower corners of the wheel and the flat bottom gave me a great grip.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Gives taller drivers more knee clearance when working the pedals of a manual car as well. Especially for heel/toe downshifting, which often requires rotating the right knee under the wheel as the edge/heel of the right foot reaches over from the brake to blip the throttle.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
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From: Sacramento California
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 51
From: South Carolina
Gives taller drivers more knee clearance when working the pedals of a manual car as well. Especially for heel/toe downshifting, which often requires rotating the right knee under the wheel as the edge/heel of the right foot reaches over from the brake to blip the throttle.
I have to use the inside arch of my foot on the brake and tap the throttle with my toe.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,019
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
The vette wheel definitely precludes me from being able to heel-toe in the normal fashion (mostly a function of my driving position of choice, but still). I'm not overly tall at 6 feet but I prefer my steering wheel to be fairly low. It kind of feels like driving a bus if it's up too high.
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Pro
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 584
Likes: 13
From: Eugene Oregon
I decided to build one and see if it improves getting in and out and how it feels while drivinghttp://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b6...ps3110fafe.jpg
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 440
Likes: 6
From: Hillsboro Oregon
I've always thought the steering ratio on my `08 is too slow and relaxed for the palm-swell, flat bottom wheels. But I've decided that's one thing I like about my Vette for a road car, its relaxed steering, not cart-darty and nervous. I've had cars that you could corner without taking your hands off the palm swells...great for the track...too nervous for the highway.
As far as heel & toe...there are different ways, and it depends on pedal placement, but I learned from the Stig that my C6 pedals work well with side-stepping. No extra leg clearance needed.
As far as heel & toe...there are different ways, and it depends on pedal placement, but I learned from the Stig that my C6 pedals work well with side-stepping. No extra leg clearance needed.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,365
Likes: 3
From: Huntsville AL
Ok, you're going to have to elaborate on this statement. When did you meet The Stig?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 41,732
Likes: 1,718
From: Springfield MO
I was thinking about the flat bottom steering wheel when I went to brunch Sunday. Took the curvy road. I had my steering wheel adjusted so that the top is just above the top of the speedo/tach, to not block my view. That gives me about 1.5" knee room on the bottom. I'm 6'. I don't have a problem using the pedals when shifting/braking.
As for as getting in/out of the car. I have the memory move the seat all the back/down, the steering wheel moves all the way towards the dash, and I manually raise it to the upper position before getting out of the car.
I don't see that a flat bottom steering wheel would benefit me, functionally or visually.
As for as getting in/out of the car. I have the memory move the seat all the back/down, the steering wheel moves all the way towards the dash, and I manually raise it to the upper position before getting out of the car.
I don't see that a flat bottom steering wheel would benefit me, functionally or visually.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,327
Likes: 166
From: Summerton SC
Tech Contributor
The difference is negligible, there is only like 1/2" or so of space saved, when the wheels are perfectly centered. That could make a difference if you are 400 lbs. but for the most part it is only a styling issue. Personally I'd prefer the flat spot be on top ... 
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 440
Likes: 6
From: Hillsboro Oregon
Ah, never said I met him, and didn't mean to infer so. But I did learn from a camera shot of his foot work while he was driving an Ariel Atom. He side-stepped while braking to blip the throttle and I thought to myself "Self, you just learned something", and it's been working well for me ever since.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,992
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From: Naples FL
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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I think its a pretty cool looking mod.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Toronto Ontario Canada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,694
Likes: 106
THAT looks like crap IMO. If you're going to do a flat-bottom steering wheel, DO IT RIGHT. Which is keep the same diameter, and flatten the bottom, to decrease the distance from top to bottom of the steering wheel. Those abominations use the stock steering wheel, and just elongate the sides below hafway, so they can put the flat bottom. Looks like an afterthought, but to each his own.
This is a proper flat-bottom steering wheel
:
But the one I like the best (functionally) is the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8's... although the plastic bottom is quite cheesy. I don't like the Ferrari wheel because even all the way down (as shown), is waaaaay too high, and blocks half the gauges. Oh well; nothing is perfect
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This is a proper flat-bottom steering wheel
:But the one I like the best (functionally) is the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8's... although the plastic bottom is quite cheesy. I don't like the Ferrari wheel because even all the way down (as shown), is waaaaay too high, and blocks half the gauges. Oh well; nothing is perfect
.