Steering wheels

We have been seeing sport-style steering wheels similar to those used today almost since the beginning of motorsport history. The first documented use of a steering wheel is considered to be in the Paris-Rouen race of 1894. This race took place on open roads, and the steering wheel was essential for avoiding pedestrians, horses, and other animals. Since then, the design of the steering wheel has evolved enormously. Today, a factory steering wheel integrates the hub, the wheel rim, a horn, an airbag, and often complex multifunction controls for safety and comfort features. At first glance, it might seem there is nothing left to improve.

However, when we talk about a steering wheel for sport or racing use, or even as a design element of a vehicle’s interior, it can be improved in several ways to meet specific needs:

DIAMETER – The diameter is probably the most important dimension of a steering wheel. Production cars are typically equipped with larger-diameter wheels to make driving easier, even for less physically strong drivers (although power steering today assists significantly). In our range, steering wheels range from 250?mm to 380?mm. The smallest diameters are primarily intended for formula cars, GT category vehicles, or go-karts, and often come without pre-drilled mounting holes or with three mounting holes. Wheels with the classic six-hole bolt pattern are usually between 300?mm and 380?mm. Smaller diameters provide quicker vehicle response to steering input, while larger diameters offer more precise control at lower speeds (e.g., off-road).

DEEP DISH – Many wheels feature a dish (or offset), which can range from small (30–40?mm) to very deep (70–90?mm). A deeper dish brings the wheel closer to the driver, allowing greater leverage during demanding maneuvers (rally, drifting, etc.) or enabling an ideal seating position in vehicles where the seat and pedal positions have been altered.

MATERIAL – Sport and racing wheels are offered with a variety of rim materials, each with its pros and cons:

• Suede is currently the most commonly used material in motorsport. Combined with suitable racing gloves, it provides maximum grip and prevents slipping. However, it has a shorter lifespan and requires more care.
• Leather is significantly more durable than suede. With leather gloves or gloves with synthetic palms and fingers, it still offers sufficient grip. Without gloves, it can be slippery, especially if your hands sweat.
• Wood looks great in vintage and classic cars. With leather or synthetic gloves, it still provides enough grip, but bare hands may slip on the smooth wood surface. Wooden wheels retain their appearance almost perfectly over time.

In our range, you will find a wide selection of steering wheels for racing cars, sporty driving on public roads, and the most sophisticated tuning projects, from world-renowned manufacturers such as Sparco, MOMO, OMP, and NRG Innovations.