Here we are, We have a new Fanatec Mclaren Gt3 V2 in pre-order. After a fleeting post, on their social profiles, “we’re not done yet”, announcing something imminent in a couple of days. The word Yet was actually orange. Now it is clear why.
Why didn’t I think about it before?
The first version sold out in a short time. And many were left with a dry mouth, hoping they could have one, and you? Owner, or are you ready to put in your cart ?!
Of all the pro teams in the world, McLaren is perhaps the one that speaks most strongly to racing enthusiasts with an engineering mindset. It is a brand for those obsessed with details and for many sim racers, tormenting with the minutiae is a way of life. To be honest, I’m not an exception.
On the other hand, just look at my nick.
It’s great in my opinion that so many of these McLaren sim racer fans now have a new way to get a little closer to reality. Mind you, this wheel isn’t entirely new, but it’s mostly improved. This is the $ 200 McLaren GT3 V2 Fanatec CSL Elite steering wheel.
Why V2? The previous version of the wheel has been quite criticized for the gear changes and sloppy feel, and this is the major overhaul here.
The feel is much more precise than, for example, Fanatec’s BMW GT2 Clubsport wheel, but it’s not as precise as Fanatec’s Podium Advanced Paddle Module. Given that those paddles cost $ 180 on their own – almost as much as the entire wheel – it shouldn’t surprise you.
But What Has Changed With The New Fanatec McLaren GT3 Wheel V2?
The wheel has a diameter of 300mm, so a bit larger than the Fanatec formula wheels and smaller than many of the company’s other GT wheels.
The new McLaren GT3 V2 wheel now features realistic, strictly magnetic shift paddles with a completely revised shift mechanism. The paddles now have a longer throw and can still be moved up and down with one hand. Fanatec has also revised the double-clutch paddles also improved.
But it doesn’t stop there. Now, the wheel features a white OLED display to access the tuning menu features and show game telemetry (if supported). There are new multi-position switches that feature advanced multi-position modes and infinite rotary encoder functionality for greater compatibility between racing simulators. Up to 54 inputs are directly accessible on this wheel.
The steering wheel features two 12-way rotary switches, a pair of two-way toggles, a seven-way toggle, two analogue sticks under the shifters, seven standard buttons with interchangeable caps, and a pair of buttons hidden inside of plastic bunkers.
These last buttons have the purpose of activating the speed limiter in the pits and engaging neutral. Fanatec wanted to go further this time, going so far as to model the resistance of each button to match that of the real car.
Fanatec has also improved and simplified the quick release adapter which clips to the pitch without the need for tools. If required, the simplified quick release adapter can be replaced with the optional high-end ClubSport quick release adapter, unlocking the High Torque mode on the podium wheel bases.
Finally, the McLaren GT3 V2′s steering wheel is now officially licensed for Xbox. Connected to a compatible FANATEC base, including connected peripherals such as gear levers, pedals, or handbrake, the wheel will work on Xbox One® and Xbox Series X | S. Needless to say, the wheel also works on PC and PS4 or PS5 when combined with a PlayStation licensed wheel.
FEATURES
- Full-scale replica of a McLaren GT3 Steering Wheel
- Officially licensed by McLaren Automotive Limited
- Officially licensed for Xbox One® and Xbox Series X|S
- Two analogue paddles with reinforced honeycomb pattern, supporting four switchable modes:
- Clutch bite-point mode (standard/advanced)
- Clutch/handbrake mode
- Brake/throttle mode (allows driving without pedals connected)
- Mappable axis mode
- Clutch bite-point system can be used in any game with analogue clutch input
- Magnetic shifters for superior tactile response
- Rocker-type paddle made from anodised aluminium allows up and down-shifts with one hand (possible on both sides)
- Diamond texture grips on shifter and clutch paddles
- New tool-free Simplified Quick Release Adapter design:
- Improved ease of use (no clamping bolt required) and durability
- Exchangeable, supports ClubSport Quick Release Adapter, unlocking High Torque Mode on Podium wheel bases
- Avoids any play in the QR system
- 1”, 128 x 64 resolution OLED display (white)
- Two 2-way toggle switches
- Multi-Position Switches: two 12-position switches, configurable as endless rotary encoders
- 7-way FunkySwitch™: left, right, up, and down directional inputs, push button, and rotary encoder functionality
- Two high-bezel snap-dome buttons with laser-engraved P and N lettering. Identical resistance to the buttons on the real wheel
- Seven standard buttons with exchangeable button caps
- Tuning Menu button for instant access to force feedback and other Fanatec hardware adjustments
- Overmolded rubber grips (like the original GT3 wheel) with 50 Shore A hardness
- Racing-style button caps included
- Button label placement indicators for placing additional indicators such as “VIEW” & “KERS” (sticker set included)
- Xbox® mode LED indicator
- Weight 1090 g (with Simplified QRA) / 1280 g with ClubSport QRA
- 300 mm diameter
COMPATIBILITY
Wheel Bases
- ClubSport Wheel Base V2
- ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5
- CSL Elite Wheel Base
- CSL Elite Wheel Base V1.1
- CSL Elite Wheel Base + officially licensed for PS4™
- Podium Wheel Base DD1
- Podium Wheel Base DD2
- Podium Racing Wheel F1® (Podium Wheel Base DD1 PS4™)
Platforms
- Xbox: if connected with this steering wheel, the above mentioned wheel bases will be compatible with with Xbox One® and Xbox Series X|S.
- PC and other platforms: The specifications of the compatible wheel bases will remain unchanged.
- The functionality of this product on Xbox or PlayStation can be limited by the capabilities of the console (subject to firmware/OS changes and developer support). The full functionality can only be guaranteed on PC; this is also game-dependent.
SPECIAL NOTES
- In order to operate this product, a compatible Fanatec Wheel Base (not included) is mandatory!
- Some features might not be supported on Xbox One® or Xbox Series X|S. Functionality also depends on game developer implementation of the Fanatec SDK.
- High Torque Mode on Podium wheel bases is available when using the ClubSport Quick Release Adapter with this wheel.