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So about that Squircle....

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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 10:43 PM
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Default So about that Squircle....

https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2024...teering-wheel/

If this is true, this is a godsend for GM keeping cost down--and for consumers to have aftermarket options. And since the design is 2-spoke, that makes me think this is intended for Corvette first and foremost. It would be a great way to color-match the steering wheel to the interior--for minimal cost. It also opens up a whole new realm of ultra-personalizing grip to match your specific hand measurements.

It also means that making a yoke (for those who desire it) is super easy. There would probably be a need to have some kind of driver control for steering ratio variability--as a yoke does not have the same user viability turning full-circle that a regular wheel does.

I also like how it has an optional 3rd spoke in the designs. I actually prefer the 3-spoke look.

p.s.
What I don't know is what happens for electrical connections for things like heated steering wheel or indicator lights. Or if it might be possible to make buttons/switches on the steering wheel modular as well. Swapping in a new steering wheel bottom with additional buttons for things I want--would be a killer advancement in automotive tech, and would likely revolutionize how we think about interior design. Ultimate user customization.
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 10:51 PM
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Agree, distine for the Corvette First!
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 11:06 PM
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This actually sounds like a great idea. Hope it comes to production in the future.
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Old Mar 5, 2024 | 11:12 PM
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Originally Posted by 3LZR21U
https://www.corvetteblogger.com/2024...teering-wheel/

If this is true, this is a godsend for GM keeping cost down--and for consumers to have aftermarket options. And since the design is 2-spoke, that makes me think this is intended for Corvette first and foremost. It would be a great way to color-match the steering wheel to the interior--for minimal cost. It also opens up a whole new realm of ultra-personalizing grip to match your specific hand measurements.

It also means that making a yoke (for those who desire it) is super easy. There would probably be a need to have some kind of driver control for steering ratio variability--as a yoke does not have the same user viability turning full-circle that a regular wheel does.

I also like how it has an optional 3rd spoke in the designs. I actually prefer the 3-spoke look.

p.s.
What I don't know is what happens for electrical connections for things like heated steering wheel or indicator lights. Or if it might be possible to make buttons/switches on the steering wheel modular as well. Swapping in a new steering wheel bottom with additional buttons for things I want--would be a killer advancement in automotive tech, and would likely revolutionize how we think about interior design. Ultimate user customization.
It's function that dictated the two-spoke design starting at 8 and 4 NOT old school straight across at 3 and 9 so your hands can fit in those ideal positions, quoting:

"Experts at the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) now recommend 9 and 3 — on opposite sides of the wheel halfway up — as the ideal steering wheel hand placement. The 9 and 3 steering wheel hand position maintains good control over the wheel while reducing the risk of injury from the airbag."

Do not want to get hooked on carbon fiber as I did my 2014 C7 but love my E-Ray 3LZ wheel. Love the Carbon Fiber soft touch material texture difference and feel.

Understood the Squarcle as soon as I got my 2020 C8. A rounded upper would block vision. The low hood in the C8 ME allows the top of the wheel to be lower so it's just at a position where it does not block any forward vision.

Was thinking today on my 100+ mile drive, best looking steering wheel I ever had.

Love it!


That's enough real Carbon Fiber in my 3LZ E-Ray for me! Like it BUT got hooked on my 2014 C7 and once you start hard to stop. Ordered the visible CF roof for my 2014 C7. Needed full length side skirts to stop pebbles thrown from front tire dinging rocker panels. Bought LG Motorsports matching real CF skirts. Then bought real CF cloth finished splitter. LG then offered real CF hood vent, had to have. that. BUT the most expensive item was the real CF thin overlay for the chrome grill bar. It was offered by only one company and very expensive. But with all other real CF, cheap faux CF tape etc would not do! Vowed never again. Just saw a 3LZ E-Ray with a window sticker at $157,000! Yep, CF Wheels and all interior CF options. Adds up!

Last edited by JerryU; Mar 6, 2024 at 12:21 AM.
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 07:10 AM
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The thought occurs to me that this is also a way to adjust the steering wheel to the length of driver arms--without having to use the telescoping function or sliding the seat. Since I've already seen a few owners who have complained that the wheel is a bit out of reach for track purposes--this would potentially allow for a custom design rim that extends towards the driver, rather than the conventional in-plane wheel that is ubiquitous.
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 07:23 AM
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Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the current spoke location... they're right where I typically place my hands (about 4 and 8 o'clock). Holding them at 3 and 9 is tiring on my arms for long drives, so I'm forced to crunch my fingers and hold closer to 5 and 7.
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 09:06 AM
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^^^
Hmm, I was taught 10 and 2:

"You probably learned to keep your hands at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions on the steering wheel. Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers put their hands at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions."

SIDEBAR
We sponsored Richard Pettry for over 15 years. He drove the 1st few years than it was drivers he and the team hired to drive #43. Richard sat very close to the wheel, unlike most. Recall seeing him race in a Mongomery NY old WWII airfield in 1958 or 59. The racetrack was mostly used for drag racing, where we went often.

Recall mentioning that to his team manager, cousin, Dale Inman who was crew chief at the Montgomery race. He said yep, those were the early days. We had the race car on a flatbed truck and we slept in the cab! No power steering back in the day!
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 09:16 AM
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Save the squircle!

I enjoy cruising at 4:30 and 7:30 positions which also allows for my arms to rest on door and/or center console...The 2-spoke squircle design is perfect!
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 11:01 AM
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I hate the squircle, but I do use 4:30 and 7:30 quite frequently.
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Old Mar 6, 2024 | 12:20 PM
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Arrrgh! No thanks.
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