New Lexus RZ comes with F1-inspired steering wheel

A major car brand is redefining the driving experience with a bold new feature inspired by the world’s fastest cars.

Lexus is set to bring a slice of Formula 1 to Australian roads, with its futuristic yoke steering wheel set to arrive in cars later this year.

The luxury car brand has locked in plans to introduce its controversial F1-style steering wheel system to the new RZ electric models.

The yoke wheel replaces the conventional round steering wheel found in normal cars with an odd shape featuring hand grips on either side. This aids entry and exit from the vehicle while providing a clearer view of the dashboard.

MORE: How Netflix changed F1 forever

Lexus RZ electric SUV. (Picture: Supplied)

Lexus RZ electric SUV steering wheel.

As with a Formula 1 car, it has precious little steering lock – less than one full turn from its left to right extremes. This means your arms never cross, and it is never necessary to reposition your hands on the wheel.

This is made possible by its ‘steer-by-wire’ system, a digital link between the steering wheel and front tires that eliminates conventional mechanical hardware. The system relies on sensors, motors, and computers to assist drivers.

The steer-by-wire system has a reduced 200 degrees of steering lock – compared to 540 degrees for a conventional steering system.

MORE: The wild EV move changing cars forever

Lexus is redefining the driving experience with a bold new feature inspired by the world’s fastest cars. (Picture: Supplied)

At lower speeds, steering effort is reduced in situations such as U-turns, roundabouts, and reverse parking.

Similar to a PlayStation game or commercial airliner, the system interprets your desired intention based on the vehicle’s speed, chosen mode, and driver input, continuously adjusting its ratio of driver input to steering angle.

According to Lexus, the steer-by-wire system is designed to provide precise steering control through electronic signals, eliminating the need for large steering inputs and minimising unwanted road vibrations.

“The steering gear ratio is dynamically adjusted based on vehicle speed, thereby aiding low-speed maneuverability, agile handling on winding roads, and better stability at highway speeds.” the statement said.

“With steering inputs made through electrical signals, unwanted road vibrations are minimised, giving a smoother feel through the driver’s hands.”

MORE: The electric SUV that’s finally interesting

Lexus RZ electric SUV. (Picture: Supplied)

Lexus’ revolutionary steering wheel is expected to be legal in Australia, despite concerns that it may face similar regulatory scrutiny to Tesla’s yoke wheel.

In 2023, Tesla faced substantial criticism from safety experts and customers over its controversial yoke wheel offered for their Model S and Model X vehicles.

Tesla offers the yoke steering wheel on the Model S and Model X vehicles.

Customers also criticised Tesla’s yoke for being impractical during low-speed manoeuvres like parking and U-turns.

While Tesla’s yoke steering wheel keeps a traditional mechanical connection — meaning drivers still need to rotate it multiple times for tight turns — Lexus takes a more advanced approach with a steer-by-wire system that uses electronic signals, allowing for quicker, easier manoeuvres with minimal hand movement.