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Added on the 29/04/2020 07:16:32 - Copyright : Auto Moto EN
The steering wheel has always been our guide on the road, and responsible for conveying a sense of freedom and control when we drive. Its form and function have evolved over history, going from a simple ring we had to turn while wearing gloves for better grip and to prevent blisters, to being a major ally that now parks for us and enables us to control driving speed, music selection or the telephone without ever taking our eyes off the road. We go over how steering wheels have changed over 70 years of history by looking at SEAT models:The 50s:The steering wheel was a large, rigid ring made of synthetic resin that made driving a strength training exercise. Luxury models like the SEAT 1400 feature steering wheel mounted details such as the main beam flash switch. Even the gear lever was located on the steering column.The 60s:The models purchased by the middle class, such as the SEAT 600, featured a steering Wheel that was reduced to its bare bones. It was an element used only to turn the wheels, only featured a horn to alert other drivers and pedestrians of our presence, as vehicles were still an uncommon sight.The 70s:The SEAT 850 Spider was launched in the 70s, and sporty steering wheels became a glamorous statement piece. In those years they were beginning to use metal on the spokes and the classic round holes were added. Its wood trim gave it a touch of luxury.The 70s:Models such as the SEAT 124 became a success in the late 70s. The horn was no longer in the middle, but at the side next to the two horizontal spokes, and was activated with the thumb.The 80s and 90s:With the arrival of power steering, the diameter of the steering wheel got smaller. On the early versions of the SEAT Ibiza, this part is made of a material similar to rubber, making it more ergonomic. The following generation in the 90s was then equipped with an airbag, and on the third one, the driver could select radio channels and control the volume from the steering wheel.Today:Parking and lane control assistants and all information at hand. These are some of the features available now to drivers. Models such as the SEAT Ateca, enable us to control the interior temperature, select music, choose a route, select the driving speed or range and even make a telephone call from the steering wheel.
The steering wheel has always been our guide on the road, and responsible for conveying a sense of freedom and control when we drive. Its form and function have evolved over history, going from a simple ring we had to turn while wearing gloves for better grip and to prevent blisters, to being a major ally that now parks for us and enables us to control driving speed, music selection or the telephone without ever taking our eyes off the road. We go over how steering wheels have changed over 70 years of history by looking at SEAT models:The 50s:The steering wheel was a large, rigid ring made of synthetic resin that made driving a strength training exercise. Luxury models like the SEAT 1400 feature steering wheel mounted details such as the main beam flash switch. Even the gear lever was located on the steering column.The 60s:The models purchased by the middle class, such as the SEAT 600, featured a steering Wheel that was reduced to its bare bones. It was an element used only to turn the wheels, only featured a horn to alert other drivers and pedestrians of our presence, as vehicles were still an uncommon sight.The 70s:The SEAT 850 Spider was launched in the 70s, and sporty steering wheels became a glamorous statement piece. In those years they were beginning to use metal on the spokes and the classic round holes were added. Its wood trim gave it a touch of luxury.The 70s:Models such as the SEAT 124 became a success in the late 70s. The horn was no longer in the middle, but at the side next to the two horizontal spokes, and was activated with the thumb.The 80s and 90s:With the arrival of power steering, the diameter of the steering wheel got smaller. On the early versions of the SEAT Ibiza, this part is made of a material similar to rubber, making it more ergonomic. The following generation in the 90s was then equipped with an airbag, and on the third one, the driver could select radio channels and control the volume from the steering wheel.Today:Parking and lane control assistants and all information at hand. These are some of the features available now to drivers. Models such as the SEAT Ateca, enable us to control the interior temperature, select music, choose a route, select the driving speed or range and even make a telephone call from the steering wheel.
While around the world the final stitches are being added to the fashion collections that will be showcased on catwalks in New York, London, Milan or Paris, at the SEAT Design Centre new proposals are being created to dress vehicles. Master tailor Nick Allen decides what kind of stitching, fabrics and colours will feature on the seats of the latest models for market launch. We visit him in his atelier, where he explains the ins and outs of his daily activity.
The mobility of the future is being powered by electric wheels. A good charging infrastructure is crucial for popularising electric cars. And so is knowing which type of charging is the most appropriate according to the characteristics of the vehicle and the time and place of charging. Electric vehicle charging can be confusing, but it’s easier than it seems once you become familiar with some of the concepts. With this in mind, an expert from SEAT S.A. explains in detail the different charging modes of the future.If you have a plug-in hybrid car or small electric vehicle at home, you can leave it charging overnight in the garage with a type 2 slow charger. With this option, the vehicle is connected to the electrical network via an adapter that plugs into a domestic socket (Schuko type) to ensure safe charging. In this mode, (for a capacity of 3.6 kW) the battery in a hybrid takes between 3 and 4 hours to charge from 0 to 100% and an average of 16 hours in an electric, depending on the power, the cable and the capacity of the battery. However, in the case of a considerably long-range 100% electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid, like the SEAT Tarraco e-HYBRID, the most convenient option is the type 3 semi-fast charging mode.
Lotus Eletre Reveal - Ben Payne, Head of Studio at Lotus Tech Creative Centre, Lotus Cars
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