More than three years since it was originally revealed, the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 — with which Rhys Millen actually drove up Pikes Peak — is now available to buy.
- Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 (US Store) – $1999.95
- Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Bentley GT3 (EU Store) – €1999.95
Designed in conjunction with Bentley, the wheel is not so much a replica as it is the genuine article. Although the example used by Millen remains attached to the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak, each production unit is identical to that.
Bentley was hoping to capture a third record with the car, as it had previously set Production SUV and Production records with the Bentayga and Continental GT but bad weather put paid to a full-distance race.
Instead the finish line was moved down the mountain to Devil’s Playground, at 12,780ft, skipping out the final third of the course. However a boost pressure issue saw the Bentley lose out on a class win as it placed fourth overall.
There were no such issues with the wheel though, which does make it a little surprising that it’s taken more than three years from the initial unveiling and that Pikes Peak attempt for Fanatec to make the product available to consumers.
As far as we can tell, nothing has changed since the original reveal back in June 2021, though Bentley and Fanatec have continued development on the wheel for much of the interim.
That means it’s still based around a 310mm (12¼-inch) magnesium core, with a 5mm-thick carbon-fiber front plate that features a Bentley-green weave and Alcantara grips. At the heart of the wheel is a self-levelling, 3.4-inch (86mm) touchscreen display set into a forged carbon bezel.
The screen’s custom interface can show in-game (or, when attached to the Pikes Peak car, real) telemetry, but can also be used as a clock — inspired by the Continental GT’s own — or a video display when demounted and used as a decorative item. It comes with its own stand for this function, and can be plugged into any USB power source.
Along with the usual array of buttons and FunkySwitches you’d expect to find on a Podium wheel, the Bentley item also comes with four unique, knurled aluminum rotary encoders — again, inspired by Bentley tradition — and a custom configuration of the Podium Advanced Paddle Module based on the design from the Continental GT.
This paddle system includes two gear selectors and two paddles for additional functions, with magnetic switches, while two dual-analog clutch paddles feature Hall Effect sensors. There’s integrated LEDs that display engine speed and flag information, and the eight primary buttons include backlighting.
Additionally there’s an optional lower grip piece — included with the wheel — for more versatility with tight corners, and a custom carry case for transporting the wheel around. If you happen to have a Bentley Continental GT3 and a home driving rig that you want to swap the wheel between, that’s a must-have…
It’s compatible with any QR2-equipped, Direct Drive wheel base, so you can use it on your CSL DD, Gran Turismo DD, ClubSport DD/DD+, and Podium DD bases. The wheel itself doesn’t support Xbox consoles, but when mounted to a PlayStation-compatible wheel base it can be used on Sony’s consoles.
There’s no word on if the wheel is a limited production unit, but it’s a pretty pricey unit with each item costing some $/€1999.95. Only deep-pocketed gamers should apply, but orders are set to ship in 4-7 days at present.
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