Faction Fab's Steering Wheel Upgrades for the Subaru WRX VB 2022+

 

One of the best upgrades that will improve the driving experience of your Subaru without adding more horsepower is an upgraded steering wheel. On prior generation WRX models, there are two interior mods that really liven up the interior. One is a new OEM leather-wrapped shift knob because a worn shift knob is an unavoidable eye sore. The other is an upgraded steering wheel.

Steering wheels are an integral part of a race car as this is the main focal component to control where the car points by the driver. More importantly, it’s the fast and sharp movements. The key is grip. When race car drivers are wearing their Nomex gloves, they need to maintain a tight grip on the wheel to maintain focus on the track. Because of these reasons, racing steering wheels are mainly featured a suede-wrapped grip dating back for decades.

As technology advanced, other methods were utilized to optimize the steering wheel to allow drivers to maintain steering precision and this applies to all faucets of racing whether it be Formula One, Grupe B, Le Mans, Trans Am, NASCAR, and Baja racing. The methods used were to have a smaller diameter wheel to allow drivers to quickly enter and exit out of their racing seats during emergencies, or driver changes.  A smaller diameter wheel also allows the driver to complete a full rotation with both hands remaining on the wheel during fast corner switchbacks. Furthermore, companies such as MOMO or Sparco designed steering wheels with flat bottoms to provide drivers with more clearance between the legs and steering wheel as sitting in an open cockpit racecar for example, will have the least amount of space to move around.

For grassroots enthusiasts who enter weekend autocross, drifting, track days, and even drag racing, many opt to get an aftermarket steering wheel because many cars were designed from the factory with bulky steering wheels with larger airbags, and narrow openings for the side grips. Racing steering wheels typically have narrow spokes to make sure the driver can maintain grip and fast hand movements during higher speeds.

The steering wheel in the 2022+ Subaru WRX is actually a really nice piece, and it adapts well to this all-wheel drive rally-inspired supersedan. It’s got a sporty flat-bottomed shape, and it is complemented with red stitching to top it off. Since the overall design of the VB WRX is subjective, objectively Subaru has always done a great job with the steering wheel designs for all generation WRX and STI models.

Still there is room for improvement.

 

(suede)

Like all modern vehicles, the VB Subaru WRX is a contender for modern ergonomics and amenities. This includes a giant iPad-like display screen that controls everything. Yes, this is a nice feature aimed for the younger demographic. But for the inner race car driver, we aim for form, and function. Because Subaru executed the design of the OEM steering wheel for the VB WRX, Faction Fab took the approach with materials that are found in the likes of modern exotics.

(carbon and suede)

As you can see, Faction Fab introduces a great marriage between race and roadability. Each option available for the 2022+ WRX provides an alteration that will suit the enthusiast that demands a more aggressive touch to this modern interior. Faction Fab executes a great attention to the details that make their lineup of steering wheels hard to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

 

MATERIALS

Faction Fab sources the finest of materials that demonstrate the build quality behind all their products to sustain the taxing conditions associated with racing. Faction Fab does not sleep on their steering wheels, and great proportions of leather, suede, and carbon fiber that are household options used in today’s modern upper-tier vehicles. Suede promotes better grip during those weekend track events, or if you’re dancing through your local mountain passes. Leather and carbon fiber also feel great while gripping the steering wheel to promote better responsive directional stability. Additionally, many examples will include a center-colored strip to remind the driver where the on-center position of the wheel is, while also providing the driver with a GT-3 inspired look.

(leather and suede)

PLUG AND PLAY DESIGN

 

Make sure you unplug the battery first if you decide to tackle this installation. In the video you can see that Faction Fab’s Gregan shows us how to remove the airbag by gaining the clips through the access holes. Once the airbag is loose, you can then remove the electrical connectors to the airbag, releasing the clock spring electrical connection, then you’re ready to remove the center nut to remove the steering wheel. Gregan then shows you how to remove the back covers, as well as the steering wheel controls. After transferring the buttons back on you can re-install the new FF unit, and safely re-install the airbag.

Gregan performs an excellent job displaying the installation process for those of you with some mechanical know-how and basic tools. It would make for an excellent weekend project.

 

EVERYDAY ENJOYMENT

The Faction Fab Steering Wheel for the 2022+ Subaru WRX provides the driver with a thicker grip, a combination of superior materials, and a race-like look. This is a steering wheel that will be effective during those weekend track events, having a spot at your local car show, or hitting up your local drive-through on the way home from work. A very nice touch that naturally blends in well with the rest of the VB’s modern characteristics that make this interior upgrade a must-have that only provides you with better comfort and style.

(leather and carbon)