LeftFootBrake's White GTS AT

[Sutty]

The 86 e-brochure says there are no steering wheel controls "because some drivers have a different idea as to what makes the best 'music'"
I think they are intimating that this car isnt a rolling stereo but a driver's car and the sound of the engine is all you need to hear.
I don't currently have steering wheel controls and probably won't miss them in the 86 when it gets here

[LeftFootBrake]

I stopped listening to marketing departments about the same time I stopped believing in santa claus. And it's marketing departments that create brochures.

I think this is my first car without steering wheel controls. And I'm nearly 40.

[Sutty]

Originally Posted by LeftFootBrake

I stopped listening to marketing departments about the same time I stopped believing in santa claus. And it's marketing departments that create brochures.

I think this is my first car without steering wheel controls. And I'm nearly 40.

I'm over 40 and one of many cars that I've owned that doesn't have them.

[Calais]

Originally Posted by LeftFootBrake

I stopped listening to marketing departments about the same time I stopped believing in santa claus. And it's marketing departments that create brochures.

I think this is my first car without steering wheel controls. And I'm nearly 40.

Originally Posted by Sutty

I'm over 40 and one of many cars that I've owned that doesn't have them.

oh oh can i get in on this too?????

im under 40 and none of my cars have had steering wheel mounted controls.

p.s. the reason why they dont have them on the 86 is because they benchmarked it against the porsche cayman and that doesnt have any controls on the steering wheel as standard

[LeftFootBrake]

Originally Posted by Calais

p.s. the reason why they dont have them on the 86 is because they benchmarked it against the porsche cayman and that doesnt have any controls on the steering wheel as standard

Then you're in agreement with me that the real reason is a project management issue. Because, whilst you might not yet realise it, your reasoning results in it being an option (like it is with the Cayman) rather than unavailable.

(And guys, the age argument was about how long they've been available in the mainstream. Not about how long you've individually chosen to go without them.)

Anyway, I'm amused at what encourages participation in this thread. At least I won a bet.

[Calais]

lol glad i could be the tie breaker without even meaning it(all i was doing was informing you to that fact)

do i get a prize for helping you win?






lol jks

[proficience]

I think it is a very confused value proposition on Toyota's part to bring out a high grade model with a pretty little satnav and heated alcantara seats even... then leave out a few extra buttons on the steering wheel...

[Ryan1JZ]

maybe they thought the buttons would get in the way when you're driving it like you stole it?
in the 2 cars I've ever had, neither had controls on the wheel, it would have been nice to have, but i can do without it.

[LeftFootBrake]

Originally Posted by proficience

I think it is a very confused value proposition on Toyota's part to bring out a high grade model with a pretty little satnav and heated alcantara seats even... then leave out a few extra buttons on the steering wheel...

Yeah, the only logical root cause I can contemplate, other my my aforementioned family branding/project management point, is for it to have been a deliberate "identity-making" measure to help enforce market perception that differentiates it from the "gay" image associated with other low-powered sports cars (eg. MX-5).

Either way, I'll be amazed if we don't see them on the refresh model after both manufacturers have had time to get their layout individually aligned with their family branding. I wonder what the sticker price will be for replacement wheels with controls. TMCA, if you're listening, when the time comes please try and do the right thing by us early-adopters. Please.

[fuddbutter]

Oh oh! i am 33 going on 21.. i mean.. still 33.
i have had cars with and without steering wheel controls, and i reckon if you cannot work out where the volume knob is within a few hours of driving your car, you shouldn't be driving a car.
its not that hard, lean your arm over, wave it around and bam, there is a knob.
No need for fancy steering wheel controls

[fuddbutter]

Oh, i would say the other reason for no steering wheel controls is the physical size of teh wheel, its the smallest TMCA has ever made, it also has the airbag, so the controls have to be clear of that, also if they are around the inner rim there needs to be room to clear your fingers etc..

[primetime]

Originally Posted by Sutty

The 86 e-brochure says there are no steering wheel controls "because some drivers have a different idea as to what makes the best 'music'"

I call this "bull" on TMCA on this one just as they have on the "you-know-what" issue.

My 370Z, an all out sports car has a full sat-nav / audio / Hands-Free controls and a GREAT stereo - which admittedly has been improved over the 3 years odd it has since been out so no excuses really for TMCA to skimp.

That being said, there probably is a pretty GOOD chance that future 86 models will gain a few more things - steering wheel buttons among them maybe - unless they decide to "cut" more things out of spec ...

[LeftFootBrake]

Originally Posted by fuddbutter

i reckon if you cannot work out where the volume knob is within a few hours of driving your car, you shouldn't be driving a car.
its not that hard, lean your arm over, wave it around and bam, there is a knob.
No need for fancy steering wheel controls

The PEBKAC argument is old, boring, anachronistic and dangerous. Sure statistics often lie, but it's very much accepted that the #1 cause of crashes is driver distraction. A touch screen designed for LHD in combination with no steering wheel controls is nothing short of a safety issue, despite the safety regulators in our nanny state choosing to currently ignore it as part of their safety star branding exercise.

[proficience]

Originally Posted by fuddbutter

Oh oh! i am 33 going on 21.. i mean.. still 33.
i have had cars with and without steering wheel controls, and i reckon if you cannot work out where the volume knob is within a few hours of driving your car, you shouldn't be driving a car.
its not that hard, lean your arm over, wave it around and bam, there is a knob.
No need for fancy steering wheel controls

Haha volume is fine... skipping a track? well that's a whole different story.

After two weeks, I still have not been able to skip one song without looking over at the bloody nav. And don't even get me started about the mediocre resistive touch screen.

Granted. Its a 'nice to have' when you consider a 'no frills' sports car, but on the high grade, cmon its just asking for it...

Oh yeah, and before you guys mention the voice recognition lady...
Clunky at best... You gotta wait for her to say "Voice command please", then say "Track up" and pray to god that she heard you correctly. Most common answer though? ... "Please repeat". I.e. ur an incoherent noob and i dont understand you.

/rant