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BMW Offers F1-Type Steering Wheel

BMW AG is offering an optional electronic "performance" steering wheel with built-in readouts at the top that provide such information as G force, lap times, engine temperature and shift points.
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BMW AG is offering an optional electronic "performance" steering wheel with built-in readouts at the top that provide such information as G force, lap times, engine temperature and shift points.

BMW's Web site indicates the $1,700 wheel can be retrofitted to several 1, 3 and M Series models produced since 2006.

The unit sports two rows of adjustable red and green LEDs that light up in progression to signal the driver when to upshift during spirited driving or to maximize fuel efficiency.

Set to efficiency mode, a center window can show water and oil temperature, average speed and average fuel economy. In sport mode, the display adds a stop watch and provides a readout of cornering and acceleration/braking forces.

In race mode, the wheel can measure as many as nine section times within a lap or, in quarter-mile race setting, provide a "Christmas tree" countdown, measure reaction time, record elapsed time and report trap speed. To measure lap times, the owner must buy an infrared transmitter and receiver set for $539.

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