Fanatec Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel

Continental GT3 Pikes Peak perfectly recreated

The Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel can also be enjoyed as a display model. — A steering wheel for racing simulators has been released that is a perfect reproduction of the racing steering wheel of the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak that competed in the 2021 Pikes Peak.

Bentley Motorsport entered the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Fanatec, a developer of gaming devices, has released the Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel, a perfect reproduction of the racing steering wheel actually used in this hill climb racing car.

The Bentley GT3 Podium steering wheel was jointly developed by Bentley Motorsport and Fanatec, which has extensive experience in steering wheels for racing simulators. Based on the racing steering wheel of the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak that ran in the 2021 Pikes Peak, it has undergone optimization and product development to become the ultimate racing simulator product.

The 310mm diameter steering wheel houses a 3.4-inch circular self-levelling touchscreen, a forged carbon bezel and a CNC-machined aluminium rotary controller with Bentley’s signature knurled finish. The base structure has a lightweight magnesium core and a 5mm thick carbon fibre front plate.

The steering wheel comes standard with the standard quick-release mechanism “QR2 Pro Wheel Side” used in Fanatec gaming steering wheels. Its ergonomic design includes a circular center display with automatic leveling, backlit switches, two 7-way joysticks, and two large aluminum rotary inputs.

There are also four magnetic paddles on the rear for changing gears, the design of which is based on the Continental GT’s shift paddles, and a pair of analogue clutch paddles.

Various information displayed on the circular center display

The design of the Bentley GT3 Podium steering wheel was inspired by the input of Rhys Millen, Continental GT3 Pikes Peak driver and a multi-time winner at Pikes Peak. At Millen’s request, the Pikes Peak Grip attachment has been added to provide greater control when driving around Pikes Peak’s hairpin bends.

When not in use for gaming, the included desk or wall mount transforms the steering wheel into a beautiful display wheel. The central circular display can display Bentley’s traditional analogue clock. It can also display pre-recorded telemetry information from famous circuits, on-board footage, pedal and steering inputs, gear change timing, G-meter, track maps and more.

Fanatec CMO Velma Nadarevic commented on the Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel:

“Bringing real motorsport technology to simulator racers has been a special challenge for us. The Bentley GT3 Podium steering wheel is the result of the passion and perseverance of the Fanatec development team. Working closely with Bentley, we have created an incredible product that perfectly combines motorsport performance and luxury. We can safely say that this is a steering wheel that was worth the wait.”