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Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:09 pm
by EasyShifter
I drive a 2011 Audi A3 Cabriolet and I've noticed when using dealers' loan cars that some of them have a flat section at the bottom of the steering wheel - I've never known why or bothered to ask. Now I'm considering replacing my car and find I've got the option of a flat-bottomed steering wheel at extra cost. Does anyone know what the benefits, if any are? :?

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:13 pm
by GTR1400MAN
Quantity of bacon sandwiches and McDonalds consumed ... maybe! :lol:

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:15 pm
by GTR1400MAN
Nothing is new.

Image

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:30 pm
by RiK
It's got a little sticker underneath on the flat bit to remind Audi drivers to put their indicators on when that part of the wheel gets to the top... ;-)

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 5:31 pm
by Triquet
Fat thighs

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 6:26 pm
by vanman
Austin allaggro blues perhaps, but I doubt if anyone has the blues for that feat of engineering, so must be the burger/coffee lap space.

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 9:20 pm
by akirk
isn't it meant to be 'sporty' as it mirrors the shape found in sports cars etc. where the tight cockpit needs that shape wheel to allow the driver to get in... no real need for it in an Audi
Alasdair

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Wed Sep 13, 2017 10:14 pm
by GTR1400MAN
No real need for any Audis

I've corrected it for you. :lol: :biker:

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 8:52 am
by sussex2
EasyShifter wrote:I drive a 2011 Audi A3 Cabriolet and I've noticed when using dealers' loan cars that some of them have a flat section at the bottom of the steering wheel - I've never known why or bothered to ask. Now I'm considering replacing my car and find I've got the option of a flat-bottomed steering wheel at extra cost. Does anyone know what the benefits, if any are? :?


Fashion? And to give people a feeling of sportiness?

Re: Flat bottomed steering wheels - why??

Posted: Thu Sep 14, 2017 9:28 am
by jont-
akirk wrote:isn't it meant to be 'sporty' as it mirrors the shape found in sports cars etc. where the tight cockpit needs that shape wheel to allow the driver to get in... no real need for it in an Audi
Alasdair

It's funny, but real sports cars don't bother (thinking Lotus, Caterham etc). Although they might have a removeable wheel. It's more marketing BS, like having an unpleasantly crashy ride on pointlessly large wheels is "sporty" :roll: