Most Strange Steering Wheels Ever Made, Have You Seen Them?

As we know, great steering wheels can feel incredible for drivers. Steering wheels for cars are generally circular. The reason that the round shape is a natural evolution from the mechanics of how steering systems worked, not only a stylistic choice.

But some imaginative designers create uniquely shaped steering wheels including carbon fiber steering wheels to improve ergonomics, increase legroom, and evoke a futuristic, high-performance aesthetic.

In the post, let’s explore the charm of unique and personalized steering wheels together.

1. Renault 5 Diamant concept

The Renault 5 Diamant concept steering wheel was a unique, twisted “pretzel-like” shape wheel. It was constructed from recycled marble, seted on a carbon fiber frame to reduce weight. It featured a polished gold cap with a custom logo that merges the Renault diamond symbol with the initials of designer Pierre Gonalons on the center.

Despite its spiral-shaped appearance, Renault claimed it was designed to be functional and user-friendly.

2. BMW Vision Next 100 Concept

The retractable steering wheel of BMW Vision Next 100 concept featured two modes and switches through clever mechanisms. In “autonomous Mode” , the steering wheel retracted into the dashboard to create a lounge-like space for driver and reduced the potential harm to the driver in a frontal collision. In “Boost Mode”, it reappeared to allow the driver to take control of the vehicle. Under this condition, the vehicle was back to a traditional driving experience from the self-driving.

The BMW retractable steering wheel not only brought driver an unprecedented experience, but also paved the way for future semi-autonomous and fully autonomous driving.

3. Citroen Karin

The 1980 Citroën Karin Karin steering wheel was a unique, futuristic steering wheel which had a a tube-shaped column that protruded significantly from the dashboard. The shape was to allow the driver to control nearly every function of the car without moving their hands from the wheel.

It was one of many avant-garde features that would not be found on a production vehicle and also part of a larger futuristic interior for the pyramid-like wedge shape car.

4. Chevrolet Corvair Testudo

Chevrolet Corvair Testudo concept in 1963 had a rectangular steering wheel with rounded corners designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro. Obviously It was a departure from the traditional round steering wheels of the era. Black handles on both sides of the thin chromed rim with a two-spoke, multi-holed design were on the steering wheel.

It was also one of the earliest adaptations of the traditional steering wheel to make use of a flat-bottomed and flat-topped design.

5. Toyota BZ4X EV

The Toyota BZ4X electric SUV had an airplane-style yoke steering wheel just like Tesla Model S sedan and Model X SUV to improve the driver’s view of the instrument cluster. It paired with a steer-by-wire system that eliminated the mechanical link between the wheel and the tires.

The yoke steering wheel was available in certain markets and was a production option for the 2023 model year and beyond. It also had an optional traditional circle steering wheel.

6. Maserati Boomerang

The 1972 Maserati Boomerang concept had a revolutionary , non-rotating design steering wheel by Giorgetto Giugiaro that the circular rim of the steering wheel rotated around a stationary, central console that contains all the gauges and controls from the dashboard.

The futuristic and bold feature made this steering wheel became one of the most iconic and avant-garde designs of its era. Meanwhile, its design had inspired other designers to explore more.

7. Lancia Stratos Sibilo

The steering wheel of 1978 Lancia Stratos Sibilo was just like dinner plate more than the directional controls for a motor vehicle with three large red buttons in central hub. It was anatomically designed with a cast mold of a hand to make it as comfortable to grip and also had a switch for the warning lights.

The wheel’s design was undeniably innovative, but it remained an experimental concept.

8. Citroën DS ID19

In order to reduce the obstruction of the dashboard by the steering wheel, the designer made a single spoke steering wheel for DS ID19. It meant the whole upper portion of the steering wheel was utterly open and free. This was both clear and feasible in operation.

This steering wheel started with the DS in 1955, and was a constant design element for multiple years. Until 1975, It was ended.

9. Mercedes-Benz F200 Imagination

Mercedes-Benz F200 used a “drive-by-wire” system (all of the driver’s commands are transmitted electronically) with joysticks located in the interior door trim and center console to control the vehicle’s acceleration, braking, and steering rather than a traditional steering wheel. Conventional controls or connecting elements such as a steering wheel, steering column and brake pedals were removed.

In addition, “drive-by-wire” system could even be switched between the driver and passenger. It Supported independent operation on both sides.

10. Oldsmobile Incas

Designed by ItalDesign, the steering wheel was particularly unique with two independent gamepad equipped with digital display screens and multifunctional buttons. It supported drivers to control the vehicle through gestures or touch operations. The outstanding design was more exaggerated than steering wheel of Tesla.

The designer of this steering wheel was very bold. However, actually It will make the driver feel at a loss such a design while driving and became confused and flustered when operating.

11. Mazda MX-03 Concept

The concept in 1985 was ahead of its time. It was pure futuristic exuberance with a cabin that featured a fighter jet style yoke rather than a regular wheel. The steering wheel was inspired (or possibly Knight Rider-inspired) by an aircraft , which controlled the vehicle’s four-wheel steering system.

It had the joystick shifter with thumb-trigger button, and the digital display gauges and two-sided grip setup and looked more like it belonged in an aviation cockpit than in a car.

12. Ford Mercury Park Lane

Ford introduced the “Wrist-Twist” steering system for Mercury Park Lane In 1965. It removed the single big steering wheel in favor of two smaller wheels on either side of a two-spoked column. This innovative ergonomics design allowed the arm of driver to rest on either side that they rested their arms and made steering a far more comfortable exercise.

It did vastly increase visibility and featured height adjustment, which was considered a fairly futuristic amenity. However, the disadvantage was that the steering system proved very twitchy and overly responsive.