Leading sim racing and esports equipment manufacturer, Fanatec, has been at it again with yet another new product. Following on from the CSL DD wheel base, the CSL Pedals, the limited edition ClubSport Steering Wheel F1 2021 and the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 comes the Fanatec Bentley GT3 steering wheel.
Part of the Fanatec Podium Series and developed alongside Bentley Motors Limited, the wheel will be used in the real-life Continental GT3 Pikes Peak race car that will blast up the 12.42-mile hillclimb on the 27th June.
The wheel, which merges the real and virtual worlds, features a 310 mm diameter rim with Alcantara grips built upon a magnesium core and a 5 mm-thick carbon fibre front plate with a unique green weave.
The focal point is a centre-mounted circular 3.4” digital display, providing live vehicle telemetry and performance information.
In addition, you will find two seven-way FunkySwitch directional sticks, a pair of aluminium thumb wheels and four magnetic paddles – two for changing and two mappable auxiliaries and based on the design of the Continental GT road car. Integrated RevLEDs and programmable FlagLEDs are also included.
This is the most advanced wheel we’ve ever made,” explained CEO of Fanatec parent company Endor AG, Thomas Jackermeier.
“We had the honour of making an iconic wheel for an iconic car to race at the legendary Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and our customers can be part of it and drive the exact same wheel in a simulator.”
To further elaborate on just how identical the Fanatec wheel to buy for home use is to the one used on the Continental GTE Pikes Peak race car, the quick release (QR2) meets FIA standards and will connect to the real vehicle.
A mount is also included to showcase the wheel on a wall or desk and when powered by a USB connection, the central screen can display a Bentley-theme clock. Now that is attention to detail…
Finally, an optional lower handle grip that attaches to the base of the wheel rim is available to help apply additional steering lock around tight corners.
The Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car is made specifically to challenge the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb event at the 156-corner course in Colorado. This fine machinery features a specially tuned, twin-turbocharged, 4.0-litre V8 engine that produces over 750 bhp and 1000 Nm of torque utilising synthetic fuel technology. It will be driven in anger by Rhys Millen.
Pricing and availability are yet to be revealed for the Fanatec wheel – but if we were to hesitate a guess, you will have to save up many years’ worth of pocket money to reach the required sum. You can sign-up to hear more information soon.
It will be work with the Podium series of wheel bases, such as the DD1 and DD2. As for the upcoming CSL DD, that base will feature “an upgradable quick release system and USB-C port, ready for the upcoming QR2 system” so it will be compatible in some form, but we’re not quite sure how yet.
We think this further evidence of just how important car manufacturers and race teams are taking the virtual world. Let us know if you’re excited in the comments below.
