Automaker copies Tesla's yoke steering wheel - fans horrified: "Terrible"

Created: 04/07/2022, 08:27

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

The so-called yoke steering wheel from Tesla is hotly disputed – now a Japanese car manufacturer is following suit.

Many fans of the brand are not very enthusiastic about it.

Nagoya (Japan) – In the 1980s there were some cult series on TV – “Knight Rider” was one of the extremely popular ones at the time.

The ex-cop Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff (69), fought against injustice.

However, he didn't do it alone: ​​his car was almost more famous than the actor: KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand).

The modified Pontiac Firebird Trans Am could not only talk, but was also bulletproof, super fast and able to jump over obstacles (Turbo Boost).

But the “half” steering wheel of the futuristic production vehicle was also extremely cool.

Did Elon Musk (50) follow the series back then?

The Tesla boss introduced a similar steering wheel with the Model S Plaid - not everyone was enthusiastic about it.

But a Japanese carmaker is now following suit, like 24auto.

Tesla copied?

Many Lexus fans are not very enthusiastic about the new RZ 450e's yoke steering wheel.

© Lexus

Automaker copies Tesla's yoke steering wheel - fans horrified: "Terrible"

It was a real sensation when it became known that the Tesla Model S Plaid would be delivered with the so-called yoke steering wheel.

And although there was criticism of the new steering wheel, Elon Musk announced that in the future all new Tesla models should be delivered with just such a steering wheel.

And not optional, but standard.

On the contrary: It shouldn't even be possible to get a "normal" steering wheel as an option.

Lexus Copies Tesla's Yoke Steering Wheel - Is the 'Half' Wheel Just an Option?

Another automaker is obviously convinced of the yoke steering wheel - and that's Lexus.

The brand is the Nobel offshoot of Toyota, which is particularly successful in the USA.

The Japanese have now published pictures of their first electric vehicle Lexus RZ 450e - and for once, the focus is not on the drive itself or the exterior, but on the interior.

As can be seen in the photos, the RZ 450e has a yoke steering wheel, similar to Tesla's.

However, it is questionable whether the “half steering wheel” is an option – or whether there is no alternative, as with Elon Musk’s Stromers.

Some time ago, GM also showed a spectacular steering wheel concept - it resembled a game console.

Lexus shows electric car with yoke steering wheel - "Please don't imitate Tesla"

Lexus also posted pictures of the car including the yoke steering wheel on Instagram.

For many fans of the brand, the "Tesla tax version" is anything but good, as numerous comments on the post show:

• "Please don't imitate Tesla.

  This steering wheel is awful!”

• "No thank you."

• "I don't like this steering wheel."

• "Stop it.

  This steering wheel is ridiculous.”

• "Please offer a real steering wheel."

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