Ok, so my '04 RX-8 got destroyed in a flood and I'm in the market for a new one.

I went to a dealership today to try out an '06 and was surprised that the leather on the steering wheelw as very different from the '04 I was used to.

It had more of a matte finish to it, and it felt kind of gritty. I checked all the other '06s and '07s they had on the lot and they were all using this type of leather on the wheel.

So, when did this change? Or was my '04 just a fluke that had a different kind of leather wrapped steering wheel?

I searched the forum already and didn't see anything on this.

 

I think they did change it, a sublte change that is for sure. I own a 04' and after I use my quick detailer whipes that stearing wheel is slippery as hell, I'm sure this new "ruff" design negates that to a extent.

 

That's interesting. I have an 04 and it is also slippery, but I'm yet to feel a new model.

It must be kinda like what GM did. I used to drive an 03 Silverado prior to my RX-8 with a rather slippery and shiny (and cheap looking :/ ) steering wheel but my mother's 06 Tahoe Z71 has a more matte finish which is also much grippier (and better looking). Maybe automakers are realizing slick and shiny = no good on steering wheel.

 

It is different. I just got done comparing mine to a friends (black/red interior) and the difference is subtle, but noticible. I also noticed that the red on my 06 steering wheel is just a shade or two lighter that the rest of the red leather in the car. But the grip is definitely preferred to my friends 04. It also seems to be thicker as well.

Later
Corvus13

 

I guess thats to be expected, its good they are making the small changes to improve the car.

I personally have an 04 and the steering wheel has never been an issue for me

 

While they are at it, they should fix the da*n visors.

 

Damn, I must be the only person that prefers the old steering wheel. I've never had any problems with grip on it.

 

No, you are just one of the few people who is on their second RX8.

-OS

 

I have an 05 and my steering wheel is sticky. I have cleaned it multiple times, but when I finish driving, a lot of times my hands will be slightly sticky. I'm dont like it

 

what have u been doin with ur steering wheel lol sticky after driving it?? hmm haha

 

haha... +1 on that point. I swear I see atleast once a week the Broken Visor thread or a related one get brought back up top lol

 

Ja I was disapointd about the wheel in my 2004, always had a better leather wraped wheel.

Good to hear they changed it.
I'll have to check it out next time.

 

I think a good idea would be to replace our leather steering wheels with ones made of mahogany. Just a thought.