- Fanatec’s new Bentley GT3 steering wheel is identical to the Pikes Peak car’s real wheel, priced at $2,000.
- This high-end racing wheel offers Playstation and PC compatibility, giving sim racers an ultra-realistic experience.
- The Podium Steering Wheel features a self-leveling display and forged carbon fiber construction for true authenticity.
Race cars feature some of the most advanced technology in the automotive world. The Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak hill climb car is a great example of that. Now, you can buy a steering wheel that fits the car and also just so happens to be capable of controlling virtual race cars in video games on your Playstation or PC.
Dubbed the Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3, this product from Fanatec is as real as it gets. Fanatec and Bentley Motorsports developed the wheel together so it’s optimized for the track whether it’s real or simulated. As such, it’s probably the most advanced steering wheel capable of controlling a video game on sale today.
Read: This Racing Sim Is Made Out Of A Real Ferrari 458
The highlight feature is a round 3.4-inch display that sits in the center of the wheel. It self levels as one uses the wheel so the display itself is always upright. There, drivers will find vital info like their gear, speed, lap time, fuel level, and even a live map. Forged carbon fiber and CNC-machined aluminum rotary knobs surround the display.
The main structure of the wheel itself is a 5mm-thick carbon fiber plate with a custom green weave. The handles feature Alcantara and the wheel comes with a detachable bottom section. Bentley calls it the Pikes Peak Grip in honor of the man who suggested it, Rhys Millen. Millen is well-known in the Pikes Peak community as a two time outright PPHC winner and a 12-time class winner. The QR2 Pro Wheel-Side quick release is the same used on other real-world steering wheels.
“Bringing real-world racing technology into the hands of sim racers is a unique challenge, and this product stands as a testament to the passion and perseverance of our team,” says CMO of Fanatec Belma Nadarevic. “Working closely with Bentley Motors has allowed us to create something truly extraordinary — a perfect blend of racing performance and luxury. It was worth the wait!”
Interestingly, owners will also receive a stand with their purchase. When placed on the stand, the wheel will go into display mode and show famous race tracks on the small screen. A few videos have popped up showing the wheel in action. Hopefully, it works better in real life than it does in the clip below. It’s not exactly the quickest rotating display we’ve ever seen. Still, this is a very cool accessory – as it should be for $2,000.