Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Wheel

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The Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Wheel is not just a simulator peripheral; it is a genuine piece of motorsport hardware. Developed in a direct partnership between Fanatec and Bentley Motors, this wheel was engineered to survive the grueling Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in the real-world Bentley Continental GT3 race car.

Overview – What is the Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel?

The Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel is a premium, licensed sim racing peripheral that bridges the gap between digital racing and real-world motorsports. Originally developed in tandem with Bentley Motors for the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this wheel is unique because it was designed to be used in both the actual Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car and a home simulator. It represents the pinnacle of Fanatec’s Podium series, blending high-end automotive engineering with enthusiast-grade sim racing hardware.

Build Quality & Materials

Crafted to meet genuine racing specifications, the build quality is industrial yet luxurious:

  • Faceplate: A massive 5mm thick carbon fiber plate with a distinctive green weave, providing incredible rigidity and a lightweight profile.

  • Chassis: Constructed from magnesium alloy to ensure durability under the high-torque forces of direct drive bases.

  • Grips: Wrapped in Alcantara for a high-grip, premium feel, designed for use with or without racing gloves.

  • Core: The heart of the wheel features a CNC-machined aluminum structure that houses the complex electronics and display mounting.

Self-Levelling Touchscreen Display & Telemetry

The showstopper feature is the circular 3.4-inch digital display.

  • Self-Levelling: Much like the hubcaps on a Rolls-Royce, the screen remains upright even as you rotate the wheel 180 or 360 degrees. This ensures telemetry is always readable.

  • Interface: It provides real-time data including speed, gear, lap times, and tire temperatures.

  • Touch Functionality: Being a touchscreen, it allows for quick adjustments to wheel settings and tuning menus without needing a keyboard or mouse.

Control Inputs — Thoughtful & Intuitive Layout

The button layout is designed for high-pressure racing environments:

  • Encoders: Two large aluminum rotary encoders on the face and two thumb-accessible encoders on the sides for on-the-fly brake bias or traction control adjustments.

  • Buttons: High-tactile buttons with customizable RGB LED rings that can be programmed for specific car functions (Pit limiter, Radio, Flashing).

  • 7-Way FunkySwitch™: A signature Fanatec input for navigating menus with ease.

Paddles & Shift Controls

The rear of the wheel features a sophisticated magnetic paddle system:

  • Dual Shifters: Utilizing magnetic sensors for a crisp, “clicky” throw that mimics the feel of a GT3 race car.

  • Dual-Analog Clutch Paddles: These allow for professional-grade “bite-point” starts, crucial for competitive standing starts.

  • Material: The paddles are made of carbon fiber, ensuring zero flex and rapid response.

Compatibility & Setup

As part of the Fanatec ecosystem, the wheel is designed for high-torque applications:

  • Quick Release: It comes standard with the QR2 Pro Wheel-Side, the gold-standard connector required for the highest torque levels of the Podium DD1 and DD2 bases.

  • Ecosystem: Fully compatible with Fanatec Podium and ClubSport DD wheel bases.

  • Platforms: Native support for PC and PlayStation (when paired with a compatible PlayStation-licensed base).

Style & Collector Appeal

This isn’t just a peripheral; it’s a collector’s piece.

  • Design Language: The knurled aluminum knobs and the iconic “B” logo at the center scream Bentley luxury.

  • Display Stand: The wheel typically ships with a dedicated desk stand, allowing you to display it as a work of art when not in the cockpit.

  • Heritage: Knowing this exact design climbed Pikes Peak adds a layer of authenticity few other sim wheels can claim.

Pros — What Makes It Stand Out

  • Authenticity: It is a literal piece of racing hardware, not a replica.

  • The Display: The self-levelling circular HUD is the most unique visual feature in sim racing history.

  • Ergonomics: Despite the complex tech, the wheel feels natural and balanced during intense maneuvers.

  • Materials: Top-tier carbon fiber and magnesium construction.

Cons — Things to Consider

  • Price: It sits at the extreme high end of the market, often exceeding the cost of an entire mid-range sim rig.

  • Weight: The magnesium and screen tech make it heavier than a standard GT3 wheel, which may slightly dampen very fine Force Feedback (FFB) detail on lower-end bases.

  • Niche Appeal: The self-levelling screen is impressive but can be distracting for some drivers who prefer a static HUD.

Final Verdict

The Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 Wheel is the ultimate “halo” product. It is designed for the sim racer who values immersion, luxury, and the prestige of owning genuine motorsport hardware. While its price makes it a luxury item, the combination of the self-levelling display and the Pikes Peak pedigree makes it one of the most significant pieces of sim racing gear ever produced. If you want the closest possible feeling to sitting in a £500,000 GT3 car, this is your steering wheel.

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