Fanatec McLaren GT3 And Podium Wheel Updates
When you are opening a Fanatec steering wheel box you can immediately read this: Hello realism goodbye toys. It’s like a statement from a company that doesn’t need an introduction in the sim racing world.
Fanatec CEO, Thomas Jackermeier posted an interesting article letting us know the current status of their upcoming products. In short, the shipping date of the CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 is delayed to late April, the highly anticipated Fanatec DD wheelbases production is slightly behind schedule, and the CSL Elite Racing Wheel support will soon be officially implemented in Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo Sport.
Fanatec CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3
We had some last-minute electrostatic issues on this product and we had to make some small design changes. This means that the shipping date will be postponed to late April.
All customers who pre-ordered the steering wheel will get an e-mail and they can also expect a nice compensation for this delay. All affected customers will get a free ClubSport quick release adapter or a coupon code if they already purchased one. Of course, they can also cancel the pre-order at any time.
Podium Wheel Base
Talking about delays…
We are all waiting for this product to be released but we had to fight a lot of small issues. The pre-production is done and we are still making internal tests to verify the design and sort out some obvious issues.
Currently, we select the beta testers and will get in contact with them shortly. The beta tests will start in late February and it is still planned to hold a community event in our HQ where we will invite interested potential customers and direct drive specialists to help us fine-tune the wheelbase.
At the moment we are aiming to start selling the DD wheelbases in summer.
Some good news as well. We managed to crank up the torque on both versions. We also successfully eliminated all torque ripples so you can expect the same smoothness as on your ClubSport Wheelbases which is on par with the very best DDs out there or even better.
Full Implementation of the CSL Elite Racing Wheel in GTS (blue mode)
I have received an update from Polyphony and got the confirmation that the wheel is already implemented in the code and that they are fine-tuning it. Unfortunately, I did not get any confirmation when this change will be patched to the game.
But it looks that this should not stop you from going fast.
CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 Features
The exact replica of the McLaren GT3 Steering Wheel
Officially licensed by McLaren Automotive Limited
Officially licensed for Xbox One
Dual analog paddles with 4 modes and 4-position rotary encoder for changing the modeDual clutch bite-point mode
Clutch/handbrake mode
Gas/brake mode
Binary button mode
Solid anodized rocker type aluminum shifter paddles with snap-dome functionality
Diamond texture grips for shifter and clutch paddles
1? 128×64 OLED Display
Upgraded Fanatec Tuning menu functionality
2 Rocker switches
2 Rotary encoders with 12 positions and number indicators
Fanatec FunkySwitch™ (5-way digital joystick with rotary function)
2 high-bezel snap-dome buttons with laser engraved P & N indicators
7 Basic buttons with exchangeable button caps
Tuning menu button
Overmolded rubber grips (like original GT3 wheel) with 50 Shore A Hardness
Glass-fiber reinforced and heat stabilized Simplified Quick Release and clutch paddles
Exchangeable quick release. Can be upgraded to ClubSport Quick Release Adapter (optional)
Allen key tool included in the steering wheel
Exchangeable button caps included
Button label placement indicators for placing additional indicators like “VIEW” & “KERS”
Xbox One mode LED indicator
Lightweight ( 942 g / 2,07 lbs )
Diameter ( 30 cm / 12 inch )
Compatibility
Wheel Bases:
ClubSport Wheel Base V2
ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5
CSL Elite Wheel Base
CSL Elite Racing Wheel – officially licensed for PS4™
Platforms:
Xbox One: If connected to this steering wheel, the above-mentioned wheelbases will be compatible with Xbox One.
PC and other Platforms: The specifications of the compatible wheelbases will remain unchanged.
Special Notes
In order to operate this product, a compatible Fanatec Wheel Base (not included) is mandatory!
Connect your Wheel Base to a PC and install the latest driver to update the wheelbase firmware before you mount the CSL Elite Steering Wheel GT3.
