ROME – The steering wheel represents the connecting element between the driver and the vehicle, a component that for Audi’s designers has always been decisive in defining the character of its cars. Reactivity and handling are the key words in maneuvering as well as in more dynamic driving, when high performance is required of the car both in straight lines, where stability and directional rigor are crucial, and in corners, while steering precision forms the basis. of the feeling between car and driver.
The latter is an objective to which the sensors responsible for detecting the angle of the steering wheel in real time provide their contribution, offering optimized power assistance and reduction. On the other hand, a well-balanced steering has linear reactions in all circumstances and communicates to the driver the approaching of the limits of physics, beyond which phenomena such as understeer or oversteer occur.
In 1910 the first production cars of the Ingolstadt company, such as the Typ A and Typ B, were equipped with a steering wheel, but oversized compared to today’s controls and since then, the technical evolution has been constant. Thus, thanks to the hydraulic power steering, introduced in the 1980s, the physical effort in maneuvering was significantly reduced and this made it possible to contain the diameter of the chainrings. Starting in 1991, the steel skeleton structure was replaced by elements in composite materials that allowed the insertion of the driver’s side airbag, followed by the appearance of the first functional controls, for example for volume adjustment.
Currently, the most recent generation of Audi branded steering wheels is characterized by a die-cast magnesium skeleton, lighter than the steel components and significantly more performing in terms of vibration absorption and strength. Based on the size, performance and character of each model, the designers give the steering a specific characterization, adapting the setup from car to car, like a “tailor made” suit, taking into account the different engines and body configurations.
Just to give an example, the sporty S and RS models benefit from high reactivity, while SUVs and station wagons receive a balanced mix of stability, comfort and sportiness. In short, the steering wheel rim is much more than a simple tool for changing direction, it is the interface par excellence between man and machine and today, thanks to the multifunction controls, it is possible to manage various communication, infotainment and options functions. comfort. Over the years the steering wheels have been transformed into real control units by combining elements such as the sporty look, ergonomics, intuitiveness and high functionality, to get to the current ones capable of managing up to 18 functions. and to offer capacitive recognition of the grip as well as of the steering intervention systems of the Adas.
The maximum expression of the evolution of the steering wheels of the house of the four rings is embodied in the compact electric SUVs Q4 e-tron and Q4 Sportback e-tron, which offer up to 18 functions that can be managed via touch surfaces, with the functional areas corresponding to the upper spokes. backlit to facilitate the identification of active commands. A further innovation is represented by the crown, for the first time “cut” in both the lower and upper sections. There is also an additional technology widely used on devices such as smartphones and tablets, which combines the touch system with swipe movements, to scroll, for example, through the various menus.
Hands On Detection technology works through a sensor inserted at the base of the first layer of the crown and detects whether the driver is keeping his hands on the steering wheel or not. A “light” grip or light touches are enough for the system to register the contact and evaluate via an integrated control unit whether the driver is able to react quickly. If there is no contact for more than 15 seconds, the Hod technology activates specific optical and acoustic signals. Finally, it should be noted that the maximum expression of Audi technology in the field of steering systems, available in five configurations, is represented by the combination of dynamic steering and integral steering, which we find on the A6, A7 Sportback and A8 models, in which it combines a high sporty and direct response to reference stability.
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