It’s no secret that the car world is embracing new technology on a daily basis. It seems as though every new car comes with a nifty little feature that the one before was missing, and while some of these features don’t get as much use as they possibly could, there are others that change the way that we drive. This is certainly the case for the new Mercedes E-Class steering wheel.

New Additions

Over the years, car software has improved dramatically. New tech has allowed drivers to feel safe in their cars, thanks to parking sensors, in-built GPS systems, speed controllers, and even sensors that tell you when you’re driving too close to the lines. Yes, these driver assistance systems are great, but sometimes they can get pretty annoying. This is especially true when it comes to steering wheel additions.

Keeping Your Hands On The Wheel

There are many cars out there that have tech built into the steering wheel, to ensure that you are driving safely at all times. While this is a great addition to have, it does cause people a nuisance every now and then. For example, if you are driving along a straight stretch of road for a while, this assistance system will kick in and ask you to wiggle the steering wheel to ensure that you are still driving. Thankfully, the new Mercedes E-Class has changed this feature.

Knowing Your Moves

In fact, the new feature on the upgraded E-Class means that you don’t have to do any strange wiggles at all. That’s because this wheel comes complete with two-zone sensors that are able to detect whether you are holding it or not based on your touch, rather than your movement. As long as your hands are on the wheel – as they should be – you should have no problems at all.

This new feature is definitely something we hope we’ll be seeing more of.

The British automaker, Lotus, is slowly getting its affairs in order. The company will launch its first electric vehicle, the Evija, in the summer of 2021. It is also looking into the future by contemplating a transition to all-electric powertrains. In addition, the company is imagining what an endurance racer would look like at the 2030 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Is It a Plane? No, It’s a Futuristic Endurance Racer

The E-R9 is a conceptual vehicle with a futuristic design that features a fighter jet-style body and a delta-wing shape. The endurance racer has active aerodynamics, vertically mounted control surfaces that aid in high-speed cornering, and morphing body panels.

Drivers can change the vehicle’s shape on the fly, or the car can do it for them via an array of sensors, which allow the Lotus E-R9 to maintain minimum drag on the straight and maximal downforce through the corners.

The company doesn’t divulge all the details regarding the E-R9’s powertrain but confirms that it features an all-wheel drive with each wheel being powered separately. It also features torque vectoring, a technology used on the Evija. The main difference between both automobiles would be that the endurance racer will be able to make adjustments while on the move.

The E-R9 Features Technology That Lotus Will Develop in the Upcoming Years

Lotus strongly believes that advancements in battery technology over the next ten years will increase battery density and power, which will give rise to mixed cell chemistry batteries that can be replaced during pit stops by the maintenance crew.

The endurance racer was developed by Richard Hill, the company’s chief of aerodynamics, and Louis Keer, the main engineer behind the Lotus Evija. Its name pays homage to the company’s iconic racing past, as the 9 is a reference to the Lotus Mark IX, which was used for the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans.

While the E-R9 is still a conceptual vehicle, it gives a glimpse into the potential future of automotive racing, and things do look exciting.