Few developments in automotive innovation are as unappreciated as the invention of the steering wheel by many of us. However, this is an essential part of driving, and for a long time now, Lexus has been at the forefront of steering wheel design. A steering system in motion When you consider the various stages that the company has gone through in half a lifetime, it’s hard to deny that Lexus has ushered in a new world since it was formed in the late ’80s.

The Early Days: A Safety Revolution

This changed when automotive safety no longer remained a matter of personal judgment. Under pressure from Californian legislation, in the late’80s car makers began to show some care for drivers. The age of airbags started here, with early prototypes making their way into the market in the mid-’70s.
This was especially important for getting airbags taken seriously in the US, where nearly all states have no seat belt laws. The American market now depended much more on airbags.

The Early Days_ A Safety Revolution

The steering wheel of the original Lexus–the 1989 LS–is living proof of this revolution. This was quite large, its background being made of a large molded center boss that extended onto the spokes of the wheel, functioning as horn buttons.

This was the result of early airbag technology not having been designed to deal with being pushed flat against the vehicle by a large body.

Moreover, the wheel diameter, the soft leather-encased thick V-shaped rim. All were in tune with the spirit of the LS-a comfortable and serene car for long rides.

The RX 300: A Shift Towards Dynamism

But 10 years ago when the RX 300 crossover was launched by Lexus, it revolutionized the steering wheel. The RX steering wheel was a little shorter than the LS. Had a compact center hub.

The aesthetic advances made by airbags gave these spokes a more dynamic quality and also made it easier for the driver to grip. Yet this was no coincidence, as the purpose of this was to highlight the status of RX as a car, and the fact that RX is a first-ever luxury crossover sport utility vehicle that gives a high-speed sensation.

The RX 300 A Shift Towards Dynamism

Strengthening functionality of the era As airbag technology advanced, Lexus also modified their steering wheel. But the three switches on the left spoke of the RX steering wheel would now be used exclusively for control. Besides making everything more convenient, these additions also improved safety by allowing drivers to keep both hands on the steering wheel.

The Steering wheel for the IS compact sports saloon was another innovation introduced around that time. It also featured an airbag cover, a two tone leather trimming, and thumb rests on the inside of its upper rim. This was a new style of IS model.
These improvements were not only superficial. But they also looked for a material continuity (driver and front wheels) that would show the driver-centered nature of the IS.

Fusing style with functionality One of the Lexus LC Coupes How to movies mix style and practicality?

Thus when the automaker Lexus brought out its own GS in 2003, it offered steering wheels that were in a league of their own. Their steering wheels had a wooden rim that gave drivers the feeling they were driving a normal car. For example, their RC coupe uses spokes to insert switches like touch pads that can be pressed in four directions to provide more control in the car. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz LC coupe is the real innovation in steering wheel design.
Xtreme Mudder Wheels. Maybe it’s the best way to experience what the future of driving will be like. These wheels were designed with total control in mind. So just head to any nearby Lexus dealership and pick the next new automobile that combines the ideal proportions of safety, class, and sophisticated technology.

Combining Luxury and Practicality; The Lexus LC Coupe

The LC’s steering wheel not only takes advantage of all these breakthroughs, it’s even fashionable–with wider spokes, a fatter rim, and a smaller airbag housing, etc. These are packed with all kinds of special controls that can be reached with the tip of the finger.
In addition to employing the latest technology such as lane guiding radar-assisted cruise control and voice command systems, it adapts to the constantly changing conditions faced by drivers. Moreover, there are paddle-shaped shifters in the position of the wheel control structure, so you can shift gears without taking your hands off the wheel.

What Happened to the Steering Wheels?

This simple steering wheel was used to protect the driver in the event of an accident and to sound the horn. Now it is a center for all the controls. When we talk about the future of the auto, the steering wheel is even further off. Also, with the coming of the era of “ driverless cars, ” there are many things that can change in this part of driving.

Content Section Content
Evolution of Steering – Unappreciated Innovation: Discuss the underappreciated history of the steering wheel in automotive innovation.
  – Lexus’s Pioneering Role: Highlight Lexus’s role in steering wheel design and its continuous evolution.
Lexus Steering Design – Innovative Designs: Explore the various stages and innovative designs of Lexus steering wheels over the years.
  – Essential Driving Element: Emphasize the significance of the steering wheel as an essential part of the driving experience.
Automotive Innovation – Impact on Automotive Innovation: Discuss how innovations in steering design have contributed to the broader automotive landscape.
  – Lexus’s Influence: Highlight the influence Lexus has had on steering systems since its formation in the late ’80s.
Conclusion – Continued Evolution: Conclude by acknowledging the continuous evolution of steering systems and Lexus’s ongoing contributions to driving experiences.
  – Looking to the Future: Discuss the potential future developments in steering wheel design and their impact on the driving experience.
 

The Bottom Line

Finally, over the last 30 years, the experience of driving a Lexus has grown with safety, speed, luxury, and practicality. This illustrates that Lexus is willing to expend the effort to refine the driving environment and keep at the forefront of technical innovation in cars.

 

Read Also: Maserati Levante Interior: Opulence Meets Performance

 

Forget the days when you just turned the wheels via the steering wheel. Every trip is now a novel experience and technologically challenging.


 

FAQs

Q1)How has the shape of the Lexus steering wheel evolved?

The shape of the Lexus wheel has also continuously evolved. Beginning with safety and then gradually incorporating ideas of sportiness, usefulness and luxury, it has become an essential component of the driving scene.

Q2) Why did safety technology alter the looks of the Lexus steering wheel?

Design of the steering wheel, which includes airbag technology, is another critical factor in the development of the Lexus. The first airbag systems even altered the wheel’s size and shape for the sake of driver safety.

Q3) But how did the addition of music settings to the steering wheel of the Lexus make driving more enjoyable?

To make the steering wheels even safer and more useful for driving, they added controls for adjusting sound levels to their top-of-the-line Lexus.

Q4) Why is the steering wheel of the Lexus LC Coupe different from those of its predecessors?

The steering wheel in the Lexus LC Coupe is both stylish and useful. It has buttons you can control with your fingertips, and has even entered the stage of self-driving features such as radar cruise control and lane guiding.

Q5) Are there any new-style steering wheels on the horizon?

Indeed, despite all its advances, steering wheel technology still has some way to go. It’s even more so when it comes to the future of driverless cars and drivers as a group.

Q6) What is the best way to get to know the latest options on the Lexus steering wheel?

 Will these cutting-edge steering wheels stand the test of time? You only have to go to your local Lexus store and check out the latest models to find out.