Flat bottom steering wheels
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 8,534
Likes: 938
From: Alaska
Flat bottom steering wheels
Never owned a car with one before and am awaiting delivery of my 2017 so will ask these questions:
Are they a gimmick or useful? Any negatives to them?
Are they a gimmick or useful? Any negatives to them?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,079
Likes: 1,922
From: DFW, Tejas!
practically speaking, it's just for looks. Might make getting in and out a little easier.
I'm just guessing out loud, but I assume it's good if you don't have power steering and need a bigger steering wheel, but wan't leg room. Might be a dated thing.
It does look cool though.
I'm just guessing out loud, but I assume it's good if you don't have power steering and need a bigger steering wheel, but wan't leg room. Might be a dated thing.
It does look cool though.
CORVETTE TODAY Show Host
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 26,038
Likes: 7,883
From: Kansas City, Missouri
CORVETTE TODAY Host
St. Jude Donor'15
Randy, these wheels were originally designed to make it easier to get in and out of the driver's seat.
Now, along with that, I think they make a car look more exotic, a la Lamborghini and Ferrari.
Now, along with that, I think they make a car look more exotic, a la Lamborghini and Ferrari.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 943
From: Bonney Lake Washington
In my case, yes
Bought a stock flat bottomed for my '14 because I am 6'2" and alot of it is long skinny legs...the flat portion avoids my knees alot better than the stock round one......
Pro
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 483
Likes: 39
From: Woodville Ohio
^^^ I don't think I am at that age yet...lol but making it easier to get in and out I appreciate!
Last edited by Steve Garrett; Jan 19, 2017 at 10:02 PM. Reason: No need to re-quote the previous post, especially if you're the next person posting.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 6,140
Likes: 2,745
From: Northeast
I guess it could help getting in and out of a car- that doesn't have an a adjustable steering column, but kinda "gimmicky" on the C7.
It certainly looks good, and more importantly, I like the smaller size, which enhances the driving experience.
It certainly looks good, and more importantly, I like the smaller size, which enhances the driving experience.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
From a driver's point of view, the flat bottom wheel is useless. I went from a 2014 with a round wheel to a 2017 with the flat bottom wheel. Now granted I only have 164 miles on the 2017, yet already noticed the void when rapidly turning the steering wheel just parking the car. I can live with it, certainly would not purchase if it was an option. Cosmetic improvement?
Racer
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 76
From: Florida
I changed the stock wheel for a flat bottom one on my 2015 for all of the above stated reasons. What I like about the flat bottom wheel the most has nothing to do with looks or ease of entry/exit. With the new wheel, I can lower the steering column/wheel a bit more than I could with the old one and not block the dashboard display. This more comfortable (to me) position was a small change, but that made it all more than worthwhile.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2016
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From: Central Oregon
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 5,832
Likes: 1,682
From: Rochester New York
I think they look nice and give you more freedom getting in and out of the car. The biggest advantage to me, is that it gives you more clearance between your knee and the bottom of the wheel when braking. This especially, because I like driving with the wheel tilted in it's lowest position.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
I think they look nice and give you more freedom getting in and out of the car. The biggest advantage to me, is that it gives you more clearance between your knee and the bottom of the wheel when braking. This especially, because I like driving with the wheel tilted in it's lowest position.
Last edited by Larry/car; Jan 15, 2017 at 05:40 PM.