New steering wheel hint?

[VI Tesla]

Possible hint a new steering wheel?

Was looking at article for Model S update and saw this new wheel concept.
https://electrek.co/2020/11/15/tesla-model-s-refresh-renders-new-roadster-dope-nope/

Personally wouldn't mind a few controls in the middle of the wheel.
Not a bad spot for a speedometer either?
Thoughts?

Turns out this is just fan render, but I suppose good for discussion purposes, we already know they've patented this sort of wheel, actual config remains to be seen, hopefully we see something in December.

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[Crissa]

I would rather controls on the steering wheel that I don't have to look for.

-Crissa

 

[EVCanuck]

F1 drivers have most of the controls on the wheel, appart from the safe airbag integration there is no reason this cannot be implemented in regular cars

 

[FutureBoy]

F1 drivers have most of the controls on the wheel, appart from the safe airbag integration there is no reason this cannot be implemented in regular cars

And perhaps this kind of solution would be an acceptable compromise for the HUD crowd.

 

[Gvardaman]

Yes, that crowd might like having controls at hand, as well as data.
I’m am not thinking of an “us” v.s. “Them” with regards to asking about features other vehicles are getting (or have already). I like having steering wheel controls, I have had them on Mini, BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Subaru and Toyota.
A touch screen though, would again force me to look away from the road, even for a second, whereas the controls they have now (as well as many other manufacturers) are great!

The only steering wheel display I have seen that I like was a digital display as a strip or a banner along the top edge (facing the driver) that displayed speed, tachometer, etc. I don’t even recall where I saw it, but it seemed like a nice addition.

 

[Newton]

I'm really not a fan of screen buttons. Real buttons, you dont have to look at or question if it was pressed. But I do really like a screen directly in front of the driver.

 

[OneLapper]

Wait a sec, lemme' find my reading glasses........

 

[ldjessee]

The much closer screen would have a much different focal length, making the switch from the road to the screen on the steering wheel much harder.

 

[Gvardaman]

The much closer screen would have a much different focal length, making the switch from the road to the screen on the steering wheel much harder.

That’s a good point. Of course, that also argues for something like the HUD, which - at least in theory- keeps your focus out over the road (or at least the hood).

 

[lancethibault]

I've tried to stay open minded about the center console only display (no speedometer behind the steering wheel). I know many with the M3 don't see this as an issue, but I just can't get on board with this. I know my actual speed isn't a real issue when I'm driving in the city, as I rarely look at it anyway and I just go with the flow of traffic, but for long trips, I want a readily viewable speedometer. Anyone who has traveled cross country knows cruise control isn't always convenient (construction zones, 1 lane hwys, etc.).

Also...wrt the OP image, where is the airbag deploying from? Nothing like a face full of shrapnel before impact!

 

[ldjessee]

That’s a good point. Of course, that also argues for something like the HUD, which - at least in theory- keeps your focus out over the road (or at least the hood).

From what others have posted about HUD being studied, they said it actually takes longer to refocus on it... but I do not have any support for that myself.

 

[Deke]

I would still like to have an additional screen behind the steering wheel like the M6. Would pay extra for that option

 

[Owner13669]

The much closer screen would have a much different focal length, making the switch from the road to the screen on the steering wheel much harder.

I have a Chevy Bolt, which has a camera monitor in The rear view. You can use it as a camera, or a mirror. I prefer the mirror because of presbyopia. It doesn’t require my eyes to refocus. The camera is still useful if the line of sight is blocked though.

 

[T3slaDad]

I've tried to stay open minded about the center console only display (no speedometer behind the steering wheel).

It really isn't that bad. Once you have any vehicle with a center console vs driver side console (there are a few of them out there), it really becomes a non issue really fast. Yes, I've taken many trips with these center console vehicles, not just my M3. And yes, it definitely becomes a non-issue real fast.

I'm amazed by how many people are scared/concerned of having a center console vs driver's console. When I drove a Saturn Ion for years, almost everyone who needed to borrow the car thought it would be a terrible problem until they tried it themselves for a few days.

Just like anything, change requires adaptability, and change is the only constant. I can imagine many will also have a problem with getting into two passenger seats in the front when there's no wheel or pedals in the not-so-distant future! After some time, they will wonder why they ever worried. Same thing with center consoles, you just need to try it for a bit and you'll realize it wasn't a problem (even in odd traffic situations which Tesla's are amazing at anyway).

 

[azjohn]

I hate that steering wheel design, enough that it would keep me from buying the vehicle

I prefer an uncluttered look in front of me