Manoli Katakis 
With the introduction of the 2020 C8 Corvette nearly here, more and more details about the car are coming to light. It is well known at this point that Chevrolet will ditch 65 years of tradition to adopt a mid-engine platform, but that’s not the only part of the new Corvette that’s dramatically different than the previous generation.
For the mid-engine Corvette, Chevrolet has also decided to go with a squared off design for the steering wheel, and officially teased it before its debut. The decision for the oddly shaped two-spoke steering wheel obviously draws inspiration from motorsports, and helps to set the tone for what General Motors expects this car to be. Other cars to debut with a square steering wheel in recent years include the Ford GT and the LaFerrari. Not a bad bunch of vehicles to draw some inspiration from in the pursuit of a kick-ass car.
Based on the photo, the C8 Corvette wheel will be finished in leather, and will feature contrast stitching. It also appears that the metal shift paddles are mounted on the steering wheel itself, and not on the steering column. There are a bevy of controls integrated onto either spoke, as well.
Oddly enough, steering wheels have been a contentious issue for the Corvette in the past. When the sixth generation Corvette launched, many fans of the brand were disappointed to find out they would be piloting their American sports car with the parts-bin wheel out of a Chevrolet Cobalt. While this may have been okay if the steering wheel was a good design, it simply wasn’t.
It was obvious that Chevrolet had decided to save money in the one place that you’re always making contact with while driving the car, which rubbed more than a few people the wrong way.
The introduction of the mid-engine Corvette is a historic departure for one of the most beloved models on sale today.
While there are still many questions about what exactly that means for the future of Corvette, perhaps this new wheel design shows that Chevrolet is fully intent of making this eight generation Corvette a radical departure from the Corvette brand of the past.
Catch the livestream reveal of the all-new Corvette tomorrow evening.
