CT owners, tell us about the steering wheel

[shocker]

I like it. Works because of the 1 turn lock to lock steer by wire. Main issue is training the left thumb to instinctively hit the proper turn signal. Also must break the habit of glancing at the rear view mirror.

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[shocker]

I love the steering wheel. I cruise down the highways with my hand or hands resting on the top flat part. I prefer driving the CT over any other vehicle still.

I agree that's comfortable and natural, but I don't do that because of the consequences should the airbag deploy.

 

[tmeyer3]

At first I hated it and was really concerned about the shape and size (standard worries, you know?). But once I got the hang of it and gave it a few tugs I was surprised to find that it turned into something I loved. Now it's completely comfortable and natural. It's smaller than average size helps with not needing to move nearly as much to get the job done. Don't let anyone make you feel bad about it if it's working for you!

 

[cybercoffee]

the squircle is awesome, and if I'm holding the top to turn left or right, it is very reminiscent of holding a pipe wrench or maybe a large adjustable wrench. it feels very tool-like. it's a great design.

 

[Wonderful]

I agree that's comfortable and natural, but I don't do that because of the consequences should the airbag deploy.

Good point, could be smacking my face with my fists and a bag.

 

[jpend]

it seems like the perfect match for SBW, though they probably could have gotten away with a yoke given the minimal amount of rotation needed.

I thought it might be too small before getting the truck. I like having my arms rest and driving with the bottom, but do use the top at times. The form factor perfectly supports that and the SBW has ruined me. Other vehicles now feel ‘old’ and the amount of movement, even in a sports configuration of a performance SUV, is challenging to get used to again at first.

Alternate wheel shapes, as SBW takes over across other cars, may continue, but seems like Tesla nailed a great setup for the CT.

 

[tmeyer3]

Also must break the habit of glancing at the rear view mirror.

Removing it completely solved this for me. I might put it back in now that my brain is rewired because I liked being able to see the kiddos.

 

[Pops]

I tell everyone its called a Squeal in a high pitched voice. (Square + Wheel = Sqwheel)

Cons

• I wish the top and bottom where rounded like the sides. They are a thin blade like shape, which doesn't feel great in the hand.
• If you squeeze hard on the corners it can start to hurt your hands.
• Its clear they designed it to be used in a certain way and held in a specific manner.
• You cant hold the squeal with your knee while you eat with both hands because its too high up.
• The buttons could use some texture or braille for sightless identification

Pros

• It takes less space than a wheel, so more leg space and easier ingress/egress.
• The flat top doesn't block my view of the vast plateau known has the dash.
• There is a good amount of road feel simulated even though its not physically connected to the tires.

 

[KrennPowerSports]

I just wish it would telescope out more....

 

[CyberGus]

I love the squirkle and SbW, but on my wish list:

• Increase the overall adjustability up/down and in/out (the smaller wheel needs more adjustment range)
• Tune the thumbwheel springs, since I often "Select" accidentally when trying to tilt left/right
• Use distinct two-tone for the left and right turn signal, to make mistakes easier to catch

 

[Fabville]

…but I think the photos the OP posted here are not the same as other photos I've seen of the steering wheel.

yep, a bit different with “Tesla” over the horn rather than the CT silhouette logo and no multi-function button below the high beams button. Must have been one of the prototypes the OP posted…

 

[tripzero]

I personally love the wheel-thing. Steer by wire is real and I can't go back driving regular. Every time I do it feels wrong.


I love the shape too. I feel like the angles/paths my hand travels are shorter/better/faster than they would be with a wheel. I tend to mostly drive one handed, so I can really apply quick arm torque with a side-motion rather than a circular one. I don't know if that makes sense. Maybe you've got to try it to really understand.

 

[wtibbit]

I love the squirkle and SbW, but on my wish list:

• Increase the overall adjustability up/down and in/out (the smaller wheel needs more adjustment range)
• Tune the thumbwheel springs, since I often "Select" accidentally when trying to tilt left/right
• Use distinct two-tone for the left and right turn signal, to make mistakes easier to catch

I just ran across this great idea for a two-tone turn signal chime from Gus.

Tesla could implement that with a simple software change and roll it out to all the new stalk-less vehicles.

@CyberGus, your comments and posts are consistently insightful and helpful. Thanks!

 

[GardensCT]

Yeah I'm super happy with shape and feel. Sits lower and feels more comfortable than my Tahoe when having your hand across the top. Miss the knee driving when you're in a pinch but hopefully LKA will be on soon. Parking lot maneuverability is amazing and 90 degree turns are less than a 1/4 turn.

 

[swengl]

I love it, but don't try to steer with your knees, it is a few orders of magnitude harder to do than with a round wheel. Of course, once FSD is fully enabled, you won't have to try to steer with your knees

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