Custom Steering Wheel - Flat Bottom Steering Wheel

Flat Bottom Steering Wheel – Advantages, Disadvantages and Who It’s For

Flat bottom steering wheels have become incredibly popular in recent years, and not just in sports cars. But what exactly is the advantage, and is it suitable for everyone?

First we need to know, where does the idea originate?

1. Racing: The True Origin

Flat bottoms first came into being in motorsports , specifically:

• Formula 1

• Rally

• Touring cars

The reason?

Well, the main focus was more room for knees and legs, but also contributed to quick entry/exit of the cockpit when changing drivers. This was extremely important in racing due to time pressure, so such a small detail as a flat bottom steering wheel contributes in the Racing world.

2. Got into street cars because of sports grip

In the 2000s, several manufacturers incorporated it into sports and premium cars:

• Audi S/RS

• VW GTI/R

• Mercedes-AMG

• BMW M Performance

• Lamborghini

• Porsche

and more

It was first design and feel , but eventually it also became ergonomics due to the driver's lower seating position, meaning more space, as well as better control in corners. Ergonomic for those with long legs, especially comfortable for tall people who constantly bump into the bottom of a round steering wheel.

Advantages:

- More legroom - Naturally more space when getting in and out of the car

- Sporty feel – inspired by racing

- Better grip – many people like the firm finish

- Cool visual expression – gives the interior a sporty boost

- Especially beneficial for tall people

Disadvantages:

• Not everyone likes the feel of a flat edge at the bottom

• Some models have less room for the knee when sitting low.

• On extremely small cars, the radius can change the feel a bit

Best suited for:

• All brands but popular among BMW, Mercedes, Audi, VW, Porsche, etc.

• Sporty models

• Drivers who want more legroom or a more modern look

Production

Do you cut off the bottom?

We are often asked if we cut the bottom right off, but to answer that question briefly and simply: No, not quite.

With us, flat bottoms are always built by modifying the stem , so all functions, airbag, covers and fit work as original.

The steering wheel is built on a solid stem in high-quality steel, manufactured to OEM standards. This ensures proper fit, strength and compatibility with the car's original parts , so all functions, airbag and fit work as original.

This is the most important thing.

The steering column is a metal structure (usually magnesium alloy or steel) that gives strength to the steering wheel.

A custom flat bottom steering wheel must always be built on an OEM based stem , otherwise you will lose:

• correct fit

• airbag function

• crash safety

The trunk is shaped through some cutting + redesign

If the stem is not originally flat-bottomed, a standard steering wheel stem often has a round shape.
To make a flat bottom:

• the area at the bottom of the stem is marked

• a part of the metal is removed (not too much – only to the surface)

• the edge is reinforced, often by welding or metal filling

• the form is supported with a new structure so that strength is retained

The steering wheel does not lose strength, because the shape is rebuilt, not just removed.

When the stem is ready, it is placed in a mold/casting that gives:

• flat underside

• correct thickness and ergonomics

• precise lines

• symmetry

Here the design is determined: flat bottom, thickness, marker, etc.

Summary

A lot of useful information for you as a customer, and maybe some benefits to help you make your decision, but in the end it's mainly about taste and pleasure.

Want a custom flat bottom steering wheel? Contact us today!