Is the Lexus steering wheel real wood?
Yes, the steering wheel in many Lexus vehicles is made of real wood. Lexus, the luxury vehicle division of Toyota, is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the use of real wood in the steering wheel is one example of this.
Lexus Steering Wheel Materials
Lexus offers a variety of steering wheel materials, including leather, wood, and a combination of both. The wood used in Lexus steering wheels is typically a high-quality, premium wood such as walnut, mahogany, or ash. This wood is carefully selected and treated to ensure a smooth, durable, and luxurious feel.
The wood is often combined with leather accents or inserts, providing a blend of natural and synthetic materials that enhances the overall aesthetic and tactile experience of the steering wheel. This attention to detail and use of premium materials is a hallmark of the Lexus brand and contributes to the overall sense of luxury and refinement in their vehicles.
Benefits of a Real Wood Steering Wheel
The use of real wood in the Lexus steering wheel offers several benefits:
- Unique Appearance: The natural grain and texture of the wood provide a distinctive and premium look to the steering wheel, setting it apart from more common plastic or synthetic materials.
- Improved Grip: The wood surface can offer a better grip and feel compared to smooth, synthetic materials, particularly in warm or cold weather conditions.
- Durability: With proper care and maintenance, a real wood steering wheel can last for the lifetime of the vehicle, maintaining its high-quality appearance and feel.
- Tactile Experience: The natural warmth and texture of the wood create a more engaging and satisfying driving experience, enhancing the overall sense of luxury and craftsmanship.
The use of real wood in the Lexus steering wheel is a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and attention to detail, providing drivers with a unique and premium driving experience.
How do I tell if my steering wheel is real leather?
The smell test can be a quick and easy way to determine whether a steering wheel cover is made from real leather. If the cover has a strong chemical or plastic smell, it's likely made from synthetic materials.
Does Lexus use real wood?
Yes, Lexus uses real wood, though it's often processed into thin veneer or composite layers for stability in a vehicle environment. While many Lexus models have featured real wood for decades, some newer models like the TX and GX have moved away from wood entirely to feature other materials like aluminum or matte-finish trim, and some trims may use imitation wood.
Details on Lexus wood trim
- Construction: The real wood is often part of a multi-layered composite structure to prevent swelling or cracking due to temperature and humidity changes in a car's interior. For example, the Shimamoku veneer process involves slicing thin sheets of real wood to create precise, vibrant patterns.
- Sources: Lexus has sourced real wood from various parts of the world, including African sapele and North American walnut, as well as bamboo from Japan.
- Examples:
- The Lexus GS has used real bamboo trim.
- The Lexus RX has featured various real wood options, including African sapele, walnut, and Japanese bamboo.
- The Art Wood trim in the Lexus LS is made from sustainably sourced Agathis wood.
- Variations:
- Some wood trims are high-gloss, while others, like certain bamboo options, have a matte finish.
- The definition of "real wood" can vary, with some customers finding the processed veneer less authentic than solid wood.
Where to find it
- Real wood is typically found on higher trim levels of certain models.
- Some new models, such as the 2024 GX, do not use any wood trim at all, prioritizing other materials for its functional design.
Are Lexus steering wheels real wood?
Each wheel requires a staggering 38 days to produce, and its manufacturing process involves no fewer than 67 specialized stages of production, including an intensely complex layering technique refined by Lexus. The Shimamoku steering wheel is made with sheets of Agathis wood.
What material are steering wheels made of?
Modern car steering wheels are typically made of a steel or magnesium alloy frame covered with foam and a finishing material like polyurethane (faux leather), leather, or wood. High-performance and luxury vehicles may use advanced materials such as carbon fiber for its strength and light weight, or softer materials like Alcantara for grip.
This video explains the manufacturing process of steering wheels: 1mPanos EgglezosYouTube · Feb 18, 2012
Common materials
- Steel/Magnesium alloy: A strong internal skeleton provides the wheel's core structure and can bend during an accident.
- Polyurethane (Faux-leather): A common and durable material that is often used as an inexpensive and easy-to-clean alternative to real leather.
- Leather: Offers a classic, comfortable, and luxurious feel and is frequently used in higher-end vehicles. It is durable with low maintenance.
- Wood: A luxurious and classic option, sometimes used on top of a metal core.
Advanced materials
- Carbon fiber: Known for being very lightweight, strong, and durable. It is popular in racing cars and high-performance vehicles for its modern aesthetic and performance benefits.
- Alcantara: A synthetic, suede-like material that offers a soft, grippy texture. It is often used for steering wheel grips in motorsports but requires high maintenance.
