The sim-racing market comprises several brands operating in different segments. Some players target a generalist market, while others are much more focused on the entry-level.

Of course, there are also brands in the premium segment, such as Ascher Racing. This brand is not very well known to ordinary drivers, or to those who are only interested in sim-racing for its own sake. It’s much more of a niche player, with a catalog that can be considered meagre compared to other manufacturers.

Ascher Racing currently offers 4 sim-racing steering wheels: all are officially licensed to the McLaren Artura GT4, but available in different variants. On our setup today we have the Ultimate, with central screen and 6 rear paddles. We’re going to test this wheel and see what it has to offer that’s different from the competition.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Aluminum structure derived from motor racing
• 30 cm diameter weighing 1.52 kg
• GT-style steering wheel officially licensed for the McLaren Artura GT4
• 4” integrated color display
• RevLED around the screen
• 14 RGB buttons, 4 encoders, 2 rotary knobs, 2 joysticks
• 6 rear paddles, 4 magnetic and 2 for dual clutch
• 70 mm pattern on rear for QR
• Factory-compatible with Asetek QR and USB-C
• SimHub compatible

Mclaren Artura Ultimate design

The Artura Ultimate is based on the design found on GT4 cars. In other words, a very rectangular shape, with a high level of sobriety, even if there are a few flashy elements on the front panel.

The front is in anodized aluminum, as is the rest of the steering wheel. It’s very attractive, with a lightly brushed effect. It’s not a flashy steering wheel, even though the buttons are RGB (backlit). What’s more, the McLaren and Ascher logos are positioned to brighten things up.

I think the Artura Ultimate is a magnificent steering wheel, very simple visually and a perfect match for any sim-racing setup.

Customized assembly

The manufacturer offers a standard 6X70 mm mounting pattern on the rear for attaching hubs from other brands of sim-racing peripherals. This means you can use more or less any Quick Release, as long as you have a hub that supports 6X70 mm attachment.

All the hardware is supplied with the steering wheel, and all you have to do is attach the hub to the rear. What’s more, Ascher has collaborated with Asetek to ensure that the latter’s QR is natively supported by the Artura Ultimate. If you have an Asetek base, a Forte for example, you’ll simply attach the QR, and hub, to the rear of the wheel, and the integration is thorough too, as connection with the PC is via a USB-C cable.

Manufacturing and finishing

Ascher has used anodized aluminum for the structure of the Artura Ultimate. It’s a premium material, lightweight and above all solid when you know how to machine it properly. In terms of build quality, we’re dealing with a premium product, with virtually no defects that are apparent or even distinguishable to the naked eye.

The silicone grips are beautiful, the buttons don’t catch when you press them, and the parts that make up the Artura Ultimate are superbly well assembled.

Which brings us to the finishing touch. From the outset, the Ascher brand wanted to offer premium sim-racing peripherals. And I have to say, after taking the Artura Ultimate in my hands, it’s confirmed. This steering wheel screams high quality craftsmanship, and from every angle. It’s sublimely well finished, in every respect. Quality of buttons and controls, paddles, assembly and so on. So I’d expect nothing less from a steering wheel positioned fairly high up in the premium segment.

Handling the steering wheel

The wheel is rectangular, with a diameter of 30 cm. It’s very “square”, if I may say so, and naturally gives it a very good grip. What’s more, the riding position is 9:15, with hands flat on the ground, which makes riding more comfortable and reduces fatigue during endurance sessions.

The grips are pleasant to use while racing, even without gloves. It’s certainly an accessory that adds immersion and realism, but I can see why not everyone feels the same way.

As for the display, it’s well placed in the center of the faceplate, displaying telemetry data from the sim-racing track. It can, of course, be configured via software.

As for controls, there are 22 on the front of the steering wheel and 6 on the rear. The 14 buttons are RGB backlit, making them easily accessible on the fly, as are the switches, rotary and all the rest. As for the paddles, 4 are magnetic and 2 progressive, with the option of adjusting their spacing. All in all, the Artura Ultimate is a steering wheel that’s superbly easy to get to grips with.

Sensations during play

As mentioned above, the Artura Ultimate can be used on many Direct Drive bases, provided you have the right hub and QR to make the connection. For this test, I used a Fanatec ClubSport DD+ in order to get a good amount of power, and thus see what the steering wheel has to offer for GT or endurance racing.

For a start, the grip is excellent on this wheel, and you won’t really need gloves. The material used is superb on the hands, offering no room at all for perspiration.

Let’s move on to the controls. They’re positioned very close to your fingers, so they’re easily accessible in the middle of a run. This applies to the buttons, paddles and other controls on the faceplate. Which brings us to the display, which occupies the main space on the front of the steering wheel. It’s 4″ diagonal, with a color screen that isn’t touch-sensitive. Between you and me, it’s not necessary to have a touchscreen, as it’s of little use in racing, except perhaps to record false manipulations.

And finally, customization. Everything can be mapped on the Artura Ultimate, from buttons to telemetry. However, you’ll need to spend some time with Ascher’s software, and I have to say it’s not the best in its class. It’s complete, yes, but not intuitive, in my opinion. Otherwise, you have SimHub, which is natively supported, which is excellent.

Artura Ultimate wheel compatibility

The Artura Ultimate is compatible only with the Windows PC platform. Supported games don’t really need to be mentioned here, because what’s important is the base. And speaking of DD bases, compatibility is very good thanks to the hub on the rear with 6X70 mm pattern.

Value for money

Ascher’s products are premiums, and this is reflected in the price of the Artura Ultimate. Count on €1,500 without options, and if you take everything (Asetek QR and accessories), the bill will rise to over €1,700. It’s not the most expensive, yes, but it’s a high price all the same.

My verdict on the McLaren Artura Ultimate from Ascher Racing

The Ascher McLaren Artura Ultima is a wheel worthy of consideration by endurance and GT fans, or those looking for a superb sim-racing peripheral. It has its shortcomings, including software that’s hard to get to grips with and a high asking price, but if you can afford it, I’d recommend it. If money is tight and you’d prefer to spend half as much, there are variants of the same wheel starting at €800.