Power steering helps to reduce the effort required to maneuver a car, making it easy for drivers to change their vehicle’s direction.
This steering assist system is present in almost all modern cars, except some few ones.
If you are, therefore, looking for the few sports cars with no power steering, stay on this page to discover 6 of them.
Table of Contents
1. Alfa Romeo 4C
Designed by the Italian brand, Alfa Romeo, this sleek and stylish sports car is one of the few popular modern sport cars with no power steering.
The Alfa Romeo 4C works with a 1.75 L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 240 metric horsepower at 6000 rpm to offer a fast acceleration for speed lovers.
With the Alfa Romeo 4C, a driver can reach 62 mph acceleration within 4.5 seconds, with its top speed at 258 kilometers per hour.
This sports car works with a 6-speed Alfa TCT dual dry clutch transmission, otherwise known as the twin-clutch transmission. A driver can as well operate the transmission via the provisional gearshift paddles placed on the steering wheel.
To increase steering feel, Alfa Romeo 4C car has no power steering, unlike most modern cars. However, drivers would hardly feel the steering pressure because of the lightness of the car.
Did we mention that this vehicle is designed with a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque that weighs only 132 lbs?
Mind you, Alfa Romeo produced the last model of this car with no steering assistance in 2020.
2. Lotus Elise
The Lotus Elise is another impressive sports car that doesn’t feature a power steering. To minimise the pressure of the steering wheel, it also comes with a lightweight body, using aluminum materials and its composite.
Note that even the latest Lotus Elise, the series 3 produced from 2011 to 2021, weighs just around 866-932 kgs, helping it to shed a lot of weight and achieve mind-blowing acceleration with its relatively small engine.
Many series 3 models of the Lotus Elise are powered by a 1.6 L engine that works with a 6-speed manual transmission, although the 2011 US model comes with a 1.8L supercharged engine.
The series 3 Lotus Elise models are the fastest; they move from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.
Mind you, all series 1 Elise model (1996–2001) are powered by a 1.8L engine that works with a 5-speed manual transmission. They also weigh far lesser at 725 kg. These models can move from 0 to 60 mph within 5.8 seconds.
While the second series of this sports car share many similarities with the series one models, they weigh less light at 860–910 kg.
Overall, drivers of these cars hardly complain about its lack of power steering. This could be because its lightweight design makes steering easier even with a single hand. If you would love a Lotus car with power assisted steering, you can check the Evora.
Check also: What does “Steering Assist Reduced” mean?
3. Lotus Exige
Like the Elise, the Lotus Exige also comes with no power steering. This car is unlike the Elise, as it is a little smaller and may prove somewhat uncomfortable to get in. Otherwise, it is equally a swift sports car.
Exiges are also a little heavier than the Lotus Elise cars. They weigh around 914–1,176 kg, and they also come in 3 series.
For the series 1, 2000 – 2001 models, they are powered by a 1.8 L Rover K-series engine that works with a 5-speed manual transmission. These series weigh lesser at 780 kg and they have a top speed of 219 km/h. While they could move from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, they are remarkably fast.
Lotus made some improvements to the series 2 (2004 – 2012 models). Although these series also work with a 1.8 L engine, they run on a 6-speed manual transmission. Their power output was also increased to 243 hp in 2005.
Mind you, these models are not faster than the series one models. The standard Exige series 2 model will also achieve 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Lotus. The series 3 models are much improved on, but they come with more weight.
The 2012 to 2021 Exige models, being the latest models, are powered by a more powerful 3.5 L Toyota 2GR-FE V6 engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
While they have a weight of 1,176 kg, they make a maximum horsepower of 345 at 7,000 rpm. These models also make 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
Although some drivers have complained about the difficulty in steering the latest Exige due to its lack of steering assist, this feature has remained the delight of several other drivers.
Make sure to also read our article about sport cars with Apple CarPlay.
4. 2018 Ariel Atom 4
Built with the idea of running seamlessly like a motorcycle, the 2018 Ariel Atom 4 boasts of flair and simplicity.
Sports cars are notable for low weight, and this is a perfect example. Interestingly, the 2018 Ariel Atom 4 weighs just 595 kg.
Probably because of the lightweight, this vehicle also features no power steering. While it comes with the conventional body of a racing car, Ariel Atom 4 can move from 0 to 160 km/h in just 6.8 seconds.
This car is powered by a 2.0 L engine that works with a 6-speed manual transmission and makes 321 hp at 6,500 rpm. With a top speed of 260 km/h, it is remarkably fast.
5. Caterham Seven 620R
Even though it is not built with one of the finest designs seen in sports cars, the Caterham Seven 620R is one of the fastest amongst its peers.
This sports car can move from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds–that’s quite speedy, right? It beats the likes of the GT3 RS, Ferrari F12 tdf, Lamborghini Aventador, and McLaren.
While it is powered by a 2.0 liter Duratec engine, it boasts 310bhp paired with a 5-speed transmission.
Mind you, the Caterham Seven 620R also lacks a power steering. So, it could cause a little discomfort in your arms due to its relatively wide tires and a small steering wheel. However, its weight helps a great deal in minimizing the pressure.
The pressure of the steering is also reduced when the car is at a high speed.
6. 2008 Tesla Roadster
Produced with the framework of the Lotus Elise, this first generation of the Roadster has no power steering. Being an electric car that uses lithium-ion battery, it was the first all-electric car to travel over 320 kilometers on a single charge.
Because it’s a little heavier than other sports cars here, weighing 1,305 kg, a driver will feel the pressure of the steering, especially when moving at a slow speed.
The 2008 Tesla Roadster has a top speed of 201 km/h.
Please also read our article about sports cars with cooled seats.
Final Thoughts
First introduced by Chrysler in 1951, tagged Hydraguide, the steering assist system has become a popular feature in modern cars. This is because of the convenience it offers to drivers while steering the wheel.
Whether hydraulic or electrical, virtually all modern cars have power steering.
Using this steering assist system has been criticized for sports cars, mostly by traditionalists who claim that it makes driving less physically demanding. Power steering remains a preferred option in modern vehicles.
However, because sports cars are characterized by their lightweight, few of them still feature no steering assist technology.
If you’re interested in the use of power steering in the automotive industry, we’ve also written an article that discussed whether all cars have power steering today.
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