Joystick run: Around the Hockenheimring without a steering wheel

As the carrier vehicle for innovative technical ideas and their implementation, the Schaeffler Innovation Taxi is the epitome of what Schaeffler embodies as the innovation partner of the DTM. During its outings on the DTM platform, the Audi R8 GT2 regularly demonstrates the innovations, with which the motion technology company is shaping the future of mobility.

Schaeffler tested one of these developments at the 2025 DTM race weekend at the Hockenheimring. Markus Winkelhock took to the track in an Audi R8 production car with no steering wheel. The secret: Schaeffler had replaced the steering wheel in the test car with a new guidance concept – two joysticks.

No steering wheel, but with joystick controls at the Hockenheimring.

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Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at Schaeffler, explains the background behind the use of joystick steering.

Matthias Zink, CEO Powertrain & Chassis at Schaeffler, explained the background: “We are investigating a range of input devices for autonomous driving. Our assumption is that around ten percent of vehicles will be operating autonomously by 2035. That is why we are developing various input devices.”

Mechatronic steering gear developed by Schaeffler forms the basis of the joystic steering system

The RWA (Road Wheel Actuation) mechatronic steering gear developed by Schaeffler for autonomous driving forms the perfect foundation for this pioneering work and can be combined with any input device. When addressing the question of how to replace a steering wheel, Schaeffler decided on integrating a joystick system. This borrowed two high-precision instruments from the aviation sector in order to ensure accuracy of resolution and fulfil all security aspects. The units were integrated into a concept car based on an Audi R8, enabling later incorporation into the Schaeffler Innovation Taxi. The vehicle is currently undergoing extensive testing to drive further development of software, driveability, and security concepts.

The test run at the Hockenheimring was a total success – the new type of vehicle guidance proved to be a reliable potential alternative to the traditional steering wheel. For Schaeffler, the Joystick Run represented another step in rethinking future-oriented mobility as a motion technology company. The entire concept vehicle team played a key role, applying the integration of new and extremely complex technology in a production vehicle to immediately achieve increased speeds and good driveability.