Latest news with #steeringwheel
Top Gear
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Ferrari Roma Spider Interior Layout & Technology
Yep, along with everyone else, Ferrari has opted for capacitive multi-touch controls on the steering wheel. The touchpad on the left spar operates the adaptive cruise control, meanwhile the audio and other functions are navigated via a touchpad on the right. And they're exactly as painful to use as they sound. They deactivate after 15 seconds of inactivity while you're on the move to avoid accidentally pressing anything, and require a double tap to switch back on. Beautifully made, and a lovely place to sit. But Ferrari's bold adventures in the world of HMI continue. It starts with the engine start/stop button, which is a touchpad on the bottom of the steering wheel. And it gets worse from there. As ever, some things are just better done using physical buttons rather than jabbing at a screen or trying to persuade your thumbs to get onboard. The long-serving wheel-mounted manettino remains tangible and elegant proof of this thesis. What about the screens? The main instrument display is a configurable 16in curved HD screen with some seriously hi-def graphics. As before, you can configure it in various ways (after a lot of frustration), but almost always end up having the rev counter front and centre. The 8.4in central screen allows you to control the aircon and multimedia (though you do at least get physical switches and scrolls on the rear of the wheel to cycle between radio stations/songs and adjust the volume), as well as providing the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto interfaces that'll do most of the connectivity heavy lifting. And we love the gear selector panel that mimics the open gate of classic Ferrari manuals. These are the elements drivers will interact with most often. All the usual ADAS – advanced driving assist systems, including lane assist and its associated (dys)functionality – are also all present and correct here. Urgh. Fortunately a shortcut on the wheel allows you to switch it all off. And believe us, you'll want to, unless you like being serenaded by warning chimes.
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
This forgotten car surface is filthier than your TOILET
When people clean their cars, they tend to focus on the obvious parts like vacuuming up crumbs or giving the outside a rinse. But did you know there's actually a part of your vehicle that is often overlooked and can wrack up more germs than your toilet? That's right, according to a motoring specialists at Plates Express, your steering wheel is one of the dirtiest parts of the car - and most drivers forget to wipe it down. Studies have shown that steering wheels can harbor hundreds of strains of bacteria per square inch - including those linked to food poisoning and skin infections. That's more than can be found on your mobile phone, your computer keyboard… or even a public toilet seat. James Taylor, a luxury car cleaner who regularly details high-end vehicles for clients across the UK, said, 'People touch their face, their phone, their food - then grab the wheel. 'I've cleaned Bentleys that looked spotless - but when you swab the wheel, the bacteria levels are through the roof.' James pointed out that steering wheels are not only exposed to sweat and food residue from your hands, but also sneezes and coughs since they're located right in front of your face - which can create the perfect environment for germs to grow. 'It's not a huge danger to most healthy people, but if you've got kids, allergies, or low immunity, it's something you should take seriously,' he added. 'You wouldn't go weeks without washing your hands, but drivers go months without wiping down the one surface they touch every single day.' As for the best way to clean it, the expert recommended using a car-specific interior cleaner or antibacterial wipes that are safe for leather or plastic. He also reminded drivers to clean in the creases, and to wait for it to dry before driving since a wet wheel can be slippery. In the end, he said a weekly wipe-down can reduce germs dramatically and takes less than a minute. Back in 2011, research found that while 80 bacteria lurk on each square inch of toilet, up to 700 harmful bugs inhabit the steering wheel. The study found that bacillus cereus – a bug that can cause food poisoning and is found in rice, pasta, potatoes and pies – was the most common along with arthrobacter, which is found in soil and human skin. The study also revealed that 42 percent of motorists regularly dine while driving. Only a third cleaned the inside of the car once a year, while 10 percent said they never bothered to wipe down surfaces or vacuum. Dr Ron Cutler, director of biomedical science at Queen Mary University, London, said at the time: 'While most of the bacteria were unlikely to cause health problems, some cars were found to play host to a number of potentially harmful bacterial species. 'Most people clean their homes but many are neglecting to clean their cars and are driving around in vehicles which resemble a rubbish bin. 'A car is the perfect place for germs to breed, especially if you eat in it and leave litter or uneaten food around. To avoid potential health risks it would be wise to regularly clean your car inside and out.'
National Post
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- National Post
Toyoda Gosei Develops New Steering Wheel for Next-Generation Steering Systems
Article content KIYOSU, Japan — Toyoda Gosei Co., Ltd. (TOKYO:7282) has developed a new steering wheel for steer-by-wire steering systems. 1 With its advanced design, this steering wheel contributes to comfortable driving and is compatible with new systems that offer a next-generation steering feel. It will first be used on Toyota Motor Corporation's Lexus RZ battery electric vehicle. 2 Article content Article content The newly developed steering wheel adopts a compact, stylish shape similar to that of an airplane yoke. It was made feasible since multiple rotations of the steering wheel, such as when making U-turns or parking, are not needed with steer-by-wire systems that control tire angle via electronic signals. In achieving this new design, Toyoda Gosei adopted the technology it has cultivated in ergonomics-based design for steering wheel structure and grip shape, and in production processes including wrapping the wheel with real or synthetic leather. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content
