Ferrari Nintendo steering wheel for intense racing action on and off the circuit

Playing racing games on the Nintendo Switch is total fun when a Joy-Con Wheel is used. Giving you a tactical edge in gaming titles like Mario Kart, Star Wars Racer or FAST RMX. You just slot your Joy-Cons into the 5-inch diameter of the wheel, eventually making the game much easier to play. Third-party steering wheels of the standard size can also be connected, but they can sometimes have a glitchy experience.

Reason enough for Nintendo to graduate to the big boys club with a racing wheel that can give the likes of Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T300RS or Fanatec CSL Elite a good run for their money.

Designer: Braz de Pina

Carrying a discrete vibe compared to any other real-life gaming steering wheel, or even a concept creation, this Ferrari Nintendo racing wheel boasts an arcade-styled theme. The best-suited matching accessory for speeding past opponents or drifting in Mario Kart skirmishes. But a closer look reveals this is a steering wheel designed for a nerdy supercar fan who loves to keep a Nintendo Switch handy. One in a million chance of this combination!

The button layout is so comprehensive it could just make the cut inside the Ferrari 2023 SF-23 F1 dashboard. Well, that’s an even bigger hypothetical stretch of imagination… but what’s stopping me. Alright, back to reality, the concept racing wheel will piquet the interest of F1 and supercar fans, since such advanced steering wheels are only made for circuit racing machines. Things like the pit lane speed limiter, current and best lap times, driving mode, or KERS battery charging status.

The use of light color shades of white and light brown matched with the signature blue, red and green of the Nintendo lends this concept a distinct appeal. Not only Switch titles but this Ferrari gaming controller would be fit for racing sims like Test Drive Unlimited, Forza Motorsport, or The Crew Motorfest.

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State-of-the-art steering wheel concept comes with touch-sensitive inputs and a recyclable design

Here’s a fact I definitely didn’t know up until right now. Steering wheels don’t get recycled. They inevitably always end up in landfills, and while almost every part of a car can be stripped for parts, repurposed, refurbished, or recycled, a steering wheel usually isn’t. The ‘Cercle’ changes that. With a design that is both advanced as well as recyclable, the Cercle adopts a circular economy approach to design. It comes with touch-sensitive inputs that bring a cutting-edge experience to your ride… but more importantly, the Cercle can be pulled apart, repaired, and recycled. Internal tech can be swapped out, external housing can be replaced (if broken), all without compromising on the Cercle’s user experience.

Designers: Dominik Bini & Stu Cole

The Cercle upgrades the steering wheel by opting for a sleeker design that gives you haptic touch-based controls right under your fingertips. You’ve got a wheel with a backlit logo in the center, horns on each side, and arrow keys that trigger the indicators.

“More than 20 million vehicles reach the end of life each year in the EU and the US”, say the designers. “With their complex, multi-material construction and integrated controls, Steering wheels defy recycling.”

Designers Dominik and Stu decided that in order to make the wheel more advanced, it had to be more repairable. The Cercle, to that end, has a design that’s easy to disassemble, repair, and refurbish. It’s hard to imagine a single steering wheel being a standard (just the way seatbelts are an unwavering standard), but Cercle was designed for a speculative world where car brands could just opt for a standard steering wheel design that also happened to be repairable, helping reduce landfill waste.

The Cercle is a winner of the iF Design Award for the year 2022.

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Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel and Pedals elevate racing sim experience to god level

Logitech is making all the news today with quite a few announcements breathing down our neck. The one that’s making all the limelight though – the gaming brand’s new racing wheel and pedals for hardcore gamers who’ll go any length for maximum in-game immersion.

The PRO racing Wheel and the PRO racing Pedals aim to elevate the simulation of sim racing to an unprecedented level for compatible gaming titles and platforms like PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One or PC.

Designer: Logitech

According to Logitech G (brand’s gaming wing), the steering wheel very closely emulates the car’s feedback, just like it would be in the real world. Thus, racing game pros can feel every jerk or turning stress with 100 percent accuracy. It’s almost like being right there on the racing track. The gaming accessories are designed keeping in mind the professional sim drivers.

The heart of the racing wheel is the high-performance Direct Drive engine and the high-definition TRUEFORCE feedback technology for “pure connection to racing.” The motor generates 11-newton meters of force with a very low-latency response. When mated to the TRUEFORCE tech, the racing wheel is capable of delivering never-before-experienced realism.

According to rising star Formula-1 racing driver Lando Norris (team McLaren), the G PRO Racing Wheel simulates the real-time conditions of the track and how the car chances during the race. After spending time with the wheel, Lando said, he feels like being right there on the track even when he enjoys simulated runs in his home.

Richard Neville, head of simulation and controllers for Logitech Gaming further retreats this fact by explaining that they have analyzed everything in detail right from how many gear shifts, turns and impacts an 11-newton meter wheel takes, to which materials and components will last through even the most grueling racing conditions.” The wheel also has a precise button and dial placement along with the magnetic gear shift paddles, and dual-clutch paddles for a tactile analog response for varied gaming functions.

The new set of pedals is the perfect alibi for the racing wheel, as they are equipped with the load cell on the brake for the braking pedal, and contactless hall-effect sensors for the clutch and gas. The three pedals have pressure detection technology for realistic muscle memory and consistent performance. The G PRO Racing Pedals can be adjusted to be soft or firm depending on the gamer’s preference.

For professional gamers who want to invest in a state-of-the-art setup, the Logitech G PRO Racing Wheel and the Racing Pedals will come at a price tag of $999 and $349 respectively.

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Man Replaces Mazda Miata’s Steering Wheel with Nintendo Wii Wheel Controller

Presumably, to prove that Mario Kart can be used as a realistic driving simulator when coupled with the Nintendo Wii Wheel, TikTok user Tyler Atkin created the ‘Wiiata,’ a Mazda Miata with its steering wheel replaced with the Wii peripheral. He also switched out the car’s gearshift for one of the system’s nunchuck controllers – a nice touch.

@ttptng

Miata kart? #fyp #foryou #wii #wiisports #mariokart #miata #yata #miat #mx5 #japcars #steeringwheel #nardi #nintendowii #rainingmen #foryoupage #cars #carsoftiktok

♬ Angeleyes (Sped Up Version) – tuna (SVT HOT)

Now, if only the Miata just turtle shells its transformation into a real Mario Kart would be complete. Don’t you even think about blasting me with a blue shell. Honestly, there should be an option in the game where you can toggle blue shells on and off, but it appears Nintendo refuses to acknowledge all my angry emails.

@ttptng

Replying to @draxguy had a go at driving. Its not good but it does work🤣 #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #wii #wiiata #mariokart #nintendowii #miat #yata #miata #carsoftiktok

♬ original sound – Tyler Atkin

Of course, it’s all fun and games until your steering wheel snaps during a U-turn, and you lose all your steering capabilities. Those plastic steering wheels aren’t exactly the most durable controllers made, you know. I’ve noticed they break especially easy, slamming them into the coffee table after getting beat by your roommate on Rainbow Road for the second time in a row.

[via AutoBlog]

A customizable racing wheel that’ll fit future hypercar consoles like a charm

Racing games have evolved from the initial pixelated versions to the surreal graphics treat with amazing physics for avid gamers. So have the other simulated inputs such as force feedback. Racing gaming cockpits such as Next Level Racing Challenger, Playseat Challenge or Trak Racer TR80 quench the thirst of the most demanding racing game lovers. But for ones who are short on space and constricted by budget, a sim racing wheel is the next best option.

The ones by Thrustmaster, Logitech Fanatec rule the market currently, and just like every other racing game fan, I’m always on the lookout for the best new options. While most of the products in their lineup come with a racing wheel and separate pedals, won’t it be great to own a wheel that has it all? And what better if it could perfectly fit inside your future racing car.

Designer:  Mitja Borkert

Check out the TRZ-Y racing wheel concept inspired by the Lamborghini Terzo Millennio concept designed by Mitja Borkert. This sim racing wheel is ideated keeping in mind the needs of the most avid racing simulator fanatics who want everything to be perfect. TRZ-Y is for gamers who are pinned down from having a good experience due to the lack of available space for a full-fledged racing simulator setup. It is meant to be used without a dedicated pedal setup, thereby saving even more space on your desk.

The ergonomic shape of TRZ-Y replicates the interior design language of conceptual hypercars which is understandable given its Lamborghini concept inspiration. The concept racing wheel is also meant to be a plug-and-play input for concept hypercars, thanks to the future-forward design language. Force feedback on this one comes courtesy of the high-performance responsive motor located on the rear, and the customizable controls give the user a plethora of options when being used.

Since a racing wheel is going to be used for extended hours of gameplay, the designer incorporates ergonomic grip and tactile feedback from the paddles for an immersive gaming experience. This also ensures able hand and arm support for long hours of gaming fun. The customizable controls on both front sides of the racing wheel can be set up for elements like the real-time map view of the lap, the currently selected gear, or the RPMs. They can also be toggled for physical buttons just like on circuit racing cars.

This article was sent to us using the ‘Submit A Design’ feature.

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Hate the steering yoke? This dynamic steering wheel design gives you the benefits of a yoke and wheel

With a design that feels like a hybrid between a wheel and yoke, the Wheel X shapeshifts between both types, depending on exactly whether you want control or thrill while riding.

The yoke gets a bad rap because it isn’t particularly user-friendly in regular cars. Often found on racecars and on jets, the yoke is designed for a sturdy grip and force-based steering – something that regular cars don’t need. However, Tesla decided to provide a yoke on their latest Model S and Model X cars, much to the chagrin of drivers. Designed, however, to sort of oscillate between both styles, the Wheel X by Zijie Liu comes with a circular format but sports grips that expand outwards to give a yoke-inspired experience. Moreover, it comes with a rotating dashboard that gives you the option of virtual and analog-style meters while driving.

Designer: Zijie Liu

Wheel X’s experience can be divided into two states – Natural and Sport. In the “Natural” state, the Wheel X assumes the shape of a traditional round, smooth steering wheel. However, when the user presses a button, the Wheel X enters into its “Sport” state, and it will automatically rotate the grip to transform from an “O” shape to a “W” shape. Upon entering the Sport mode, the texture on the wheel/yoke gets enhanced too, providing a much better grip while controlling and steering your car.

Another interesting aspect about the Wheel X is its dynamic dashboard, which goes from a flat backlit display to a more analog one. While the flat display is more data drive, providing information like navigation along with speed, the analog display is much more traditional, with a speedometer, oil gauge, and fuel gauge.

What the Wheel X does is unique, giving drivers a choice when it comes to the kind of control interface they want while driving.  Designer Zijie Liu also mentions that the Wheel X could easily support unmanned driving, with the flat dashboard providing commute-related information.

The Wheel X steering wheel is a Silver Winner of the A’ Design Award for the year 2022.

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This origami-inspired BMW steering wheel is made for the Minimalistic lounge interiors of future sedans

A folding BMW steering wheel that brings back the nostalgic memories of creating those articulated figures from a piece of paper in my later childhood days. A very practical concept design indeed for the future of automotive.

The automotive industry is steadily shifting towards a landscape where semi-autonomous and ultimately fully autonomous driving in electric cars is the next horizon to look for. Even more, so is the shift in vehicle interior preference which is trending towards a comfortable and minimalistic lounge set up on a whole. This is when the need for a foldable steering wheel will be felt.

Designer: Lars Welten

Keeping this future-forward vision in mind, designer Lars Welten has ideated an origami-inspired steering wheel. This design comes with the modular freedom of folding into itself and retracting back into the dashboard when not required. For times when the vehicle is put in completely autonomous mode or parked for some fun time watching the setting sun. The steering wheel has a folding structure that immaculately collapses into itself.

The folding action is supported by the strong fiber threads running along the face of the wheel. Those sci-fi aesthetics of Lars’ proposed design are matched with the cool dual-color fabric inserts. The minimalism of this BMW steering wheel trickles down to the number of buttons available upfront. Only two knobs on each side are available to tweak the driving modes, and everything else is ditched. This hints at the use of this wheel in a BMW vehicle that has trimmed down interiors for complete relaxation. Interiors where simplicity and ambient visual appeal take precedence.

The execution of this concept steering wheel is practical and not something beyond the reach of automotive companies. Just look at that folded-down position, how little space it would take in the vehicle’s dashboard. Also, the folding ergonomics are on point to attract attention.

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Bang & Olufsen Steering Wheel Concept paints a wild picture of the future of infotainment and smart cars

In a future where cars are less about driving and more about riding, the Bang & Olufsen Steering Wheel Speaker lets you have your cake and eat it too. Designed by Alexandre Picard, the steering wheel/speaker concept is a wild idea that dabbles with an entertainment-driven future for cars. The inspiration for the speaker came from the Beolab series, which prompted Picard to think about how B&O could design speakers for other kinds of interiors too.

The Bang & Olufsen Steering Wheel Speaker is definitely unconventional, but it sends the audio giant on a new trajectory, allowing them to cement their position in the luxury automotive space too. Picard’s design retains the steering wheel’s original functionality, while also adding the signature B&O audio touch to it too. The speaker unit sits at the center of the wheel, right above the wheel’s airbag enclosure. The wheel comes with two controls on each side, and tiny screens above them too, allowing you to control aspects of the smart-car experience like answer/reject calls, control music/podcast playback, and even increase or decrease the car’s volume. The wheel provides just the right amount of function when you’re driving, and instantly converts into an entertainment unit when your smart car is operating on its own.

Designer: Alexandre Picard

Picard’s design provides the perfect entry for non-automotive companies to enter the automotive space. In the future, the car doesn’t remain a manual vehicle, it now becomes an extension of your home – a room on wheels. The speaker-steering wheel hybrid brings a host of smart services to the car, allowing voice assistants to enter the automotive space fully. It also allows the smart speaker (which has hitherto remained a stationary home-based device) to be present in yet another space, and another aspect of your life.

Is it a little too far-fetched to imagine a company like Bang & Olufsen entering the smart-car industry? Probably, but then again, the smart self-driving car has unlocked a new frontier for infotainment. One could argue that Apple’s reason to make a car simply helps fuel its services-model. A car would mean people use Apple Pay to buy their vehicle and to pay for recharges. The self-driving car would also allow Apple TV to really take off, and one could argue that the idea of listening to the radio or to podcasts while driving could easily propel Apple Music to the top of the music and podcast streaming business.

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This Nokia steering Wheel revives nostalgic memories of 5300 ExpressMusic phone!

Steering wheels and phones don’t have much common in them, but only to the unassuming eye! For a designer with an associative eye, they are two separate entities that can be intertwined in a way no one else could think of. Yes, that’s what the Nokia Wheel by Tadas Malinauskas is all about – a creation that elegantly adapts the design of a gadget into an automotive part. Tadas got inspired by one of his favorite phone designs, the Nokia 5300 ExpressMusic, and adapted it for a steering wheel that looks absolutely badass. Coincidently, the Nokia 5300 ExpressMusic phone was the first colored display screen phone I happened to own, and reason enough to feature it here on Yanko Design!

The cool-looking steering wheel, which I’m assuming is going to be a Bluetooth-enabled accessory for all your gaming needs, also doubles as a storage box for everyday essentials. The rear section of the wheel has space for keeping keys, coins, stationery, or anything else that fits. Who knows maybe it could even take the role of a dual-duty steering wheel that steers your car, and then, later on, can be taken out to play games on the racing simulators. That is a possibility since Fanatec has also designed the Podium Steering Wheel BMW M4 GT3 and Bentley Continental Pikes Peak GT3 steering wheel which are both usable in the respective cars and the racing sims too!

The Nokia 5300 ExpressMusic elements are apparent in the steering wheel design – starting off with the dialer keys and the home navigation button below the display area. I particularly like the steering wheel’s simplistic design aesthetics matte black finish in the middle and the textured fabric on the outside for a better grip at high speeds. To put it precisely, the steering wheel brings back cherished memories when smartphones were like your priced toys!

Designer: Tadas Malinauskas

 

Mercedes’ new E-Class knows when you’re holding the wheel

Mercedes vehicles come with state-of-the-art driver assist features, but with the 2021 E-Class sedans, it wants to make sure you use them properly. As such, it has introduced a new steering wheel with capacitive touch technology that can detect wheth...