This might qualify as the silliest question of the day. Casually shopping for a replacement to my 2017. This question has been rolling around and I’m more curious than anything.

I’m noticing the newer used models (2020+) all seem to have the fully round steering wheels. Is this just me and the random cars that catch my eye or is flat-bottomed no longer available? It’s not going to stop me from buying but I sure do like the look of the flat-bottom and seems odd to not to see them anymore. Maybe i missed an update somewhere (likely).

 

I felt the same way. In the literature for my 2019 F-type, it shows the flat-bottomed steering wheel available as a stand-alone option available with or without the heated feature and additionally with dark finshed trim in "R" or "SVR" logos. There are a fair amount available from $400-$700 (without the airbag) on ebay but you need to study the pictures carefully to make sure the leather is not marred or nicked. I bought a nice heated one for $450 and have not installed it yet because the trim is dark and the rest of mine is silver so I'll probably sell it and find another one that matches my trim, although I guess I could probably buy the trim. . If you're interested in it, send me a PM, or enjoy the hunt!

 

The SVR only came with the round. Their reasoning was that it was more performance driving focused than the flat bottomed.

 

From day one of F-Type ownership (15 Sept 2016) I hankered after the flat-bottomed steering wheel coz going by the pics on t'internet (including this forum) it looked soooo much better than the standard round wheel my car came with. Not just the flat bottom bit but the "10 past 2" grip bulges which the round wheel did not have and the appearance of being a bit fatter (fairly sure this is illusion though). Also the existing wheel was starting to get very shiny and slippery no matter what I tried to fix that problem.
After dithering for several years I finally bought a brand new OEM flat-bottomed steering wheel from Rimmer Bros (UK) when they offered it for sale at a 20% discount.
It still wasn't cheap though, $1,500+ AU with shipping IIRC, then another $150 or so to have it fitted.
But I don't regret getting it for one second, it is a yuge improvement over the standard wheel - looks way better (much more of a matte finish) and feels way better.

 

Thanks for the offer @PaulBarrrera but no need for now. My current 2017 has the flat bottom. Just seems like the early Rs were all flat and now that I’m looking at newer years, none of them are.

It’s a minor curiosity more than anything. I do find I keep my hands more at the “proper” position rather than letting them drift to the top, hadn’t connected that as a difference (the bumps) though.

 

I suspect the issue is a mundane one - guessing cost cutting and the round ones are less costly and/or the same as in other JLR cars....cannot blame them.