Tag: driving

Wheels

Have you ever wonder how big is big in the wheels game. It all depends on the type of vehicle or its purpose, although some times it all depends on the look you want to have.

Keep in mind I am only talking about OEM wheels because there is a whole new world if we were talking about wheel customization.

Volvo XC60 Polestar

The bigger the wheel size the lower the tire profile is going to be. Back in the day, a wheel size 13”-14” was the norm. Sports cars used to have 15”-16”. Nowadays even SUVs have 21” – 22″ as standard.

No doubt that new technology has helped with the change in size, sometimes history helps us appreciate more the present.

What is going to be next? Could it be uncommon sizes or a new concept that merges wheels and tires in one?

Mercedes Benz AMG

Less is more…

Let’s talk about minimalism in the auto industry. Decades ago auto manufacturers competed not only for the best exterior design or performance, they also compete for interior design, practicality and who could give more information.

The cockpit used to resemble those in airplanes, the more buttons, dials, gauges the better. Some specialty companies only built quality gauges and precision instruments for high-end manufacturers.

I remember that more buttons mean more features. Nowadays with technology evolving everything is turning more minimalistic, the concept of less means more is taking the car industry by storm.

Maybe driven by tech companies entering the auto space or maybe because of a more straightforward approach for less distracting driving.

The clean design, fewer dials, gauges and buttons mean more room for storage; a center screen controls everything. A less distracted driver has been born but, simultaneously, more dependent on technology.

Some manufacturers are rethinking the way a proper steering wheel should be. At what point surrendering all the control to a screen is going to be the norm?