The sim-racing steering wheel market is full of wheels for all motorsport disciplines. Between endurance, GT, Formula, rally and drift, it’s easy to get lost, and fans are delighted with the number of equipment options available.

Fanatec, for example, has more than 40 entries in its catalog for everything to do with flywheels, from bare wheels to complete wheels with hub and Quick Release.

Speaking of Fanatec steering wheels, the German brand has just unveiled the replacement for the CSL McLaren GT3: the CSL Steering Wheel GT3. Visually, there’s virtually no change from the steering wheel it replaces, but would Fanatec have simply changed the logo? Let’s take a closer look.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• 30 cm diameter with rectangular shape
• Composite structure
• Aluminum vanes with push-pull configuration for gear shifting
• OLED display on faceplate
• 14 controls on the front of the steering wheel
• Compatible with PC, Xbox and Playstation
• QR2 Lite rear as standard
• Closed side handles
• Carbon-fiber skin over the entire steering wheel
• Silicone grips for a good level of grip

Design

As usual with our tests, we start with the design of this new steering wheel from Fanatec. At first glance, it’s an almost carbon copy of the McLaren GT3 it replaces: the shape is the same, the number and location of buttons are the same, the paddles are still 4 at the rear, but the design is a hair more sober.

Obviously, Fanatec has removed the “McLaren GT3” logo from the bottom of the faceplate and replaced it with the brand’s logo. Personally, seeing the crest of the prestigious British supercar brand is more rewarding for the wheel, but the CSL GT3 is still a handsome steering wheel.

Customized assembly

For some time now, all steering wheels marketed by Fanatec have been equipped with the Quick Release QR2, and the CSL GT3 is no exception. The latter embeds the Lite version of the QR2, but it’s still a good solution for connecting flywheels to Fanatec bases. The connection is very solid, and what’s more, this QR is capable of handling higher torque, such as that of a ClubSport DD, for example.

Mounting the CSL GT3 on a Fanatec base is a rudimentary operation: you pull the ring, align the QR with its counterpart on the side of the base, push in the steering wheel and release the ring. The connection is solid and without the disadvantages of the old QR, notably a loss of connection during sharp turns. If you like, you can insert the QR directly without pulling on the ring, as drivers in some motor racing disciplines do.

Manufacturing and finishing

Although the faceplate might appear to be made of carbon fiber, it’s unfortunately a skin, as the entire steering wheel is made of plastic, or composite if you’re picky. The grips are in a material that looks like silicone, but it’s good quality I think, as is the entire steering wheel. The only premium element on the CSL GT3 is the 2 gearshift paddles, which are made of aluminum, as opposed to the plastic on the old steering wheel. This choice of material was made by Fanatec not to increase the price of the steering wheel, but to provide better immersion on the track.

Overall build quality is very good on the CSL GT3, with flawless machined materials. I didn’t notice any burrs, poorly assembled or protruding parts, or any other defects for that matter. Even though this steering wheel is part of the CSL range, Fanatec has quality standards, and we end up with a well-made product.

Handling the steering wheel

Let’s take a look at the CSL GT3’s grip. First of all, the wheel has a rectangular shape, with a diameter of 30 cm, which gives it a good grip for everything from GT competitions to endurance racing.

Secondly, the location of the controls makes them easy to use while running. All the buttons, except for the switches, are on the outside of the faceplate, very close to your hands. As a result, you’ll be able to use them without your hands leaving the grips.

As for the paddles, those on top, i.e. for shifting gears, are now made of aluminum to provide better immersion in racing, and still in push-pull configuration. I know not everyone agrees, but I think push-pull paddles are practical, otherwise they wouldn’t be used in motor racing. As for the other two, the ones at the bottom, they’re composite and analog, and at a good distance from the fingers.

Sensations during play

As this wheel is part of the CSL range, I tested it on a CSL DD with boost kit, i.e. with 8 nm of torque. However, you can use this wheel on ClubSport DDs without the slightest problem, as the QR2 Lite is stronger than the Quick Release it replaces.

I found this steering wheel surprisingly light, which favors immersion, especially on a base that develops less than 10 nm of torque. It takes less force to turn the wheel, and you’ll get a more supple feel from the base, but it doesn’t introduce any negative feeling to immersion.

The driving position is 9H15, with thumb moldings that allow long sim-racing sessions without feeling fatigue or discomfort. This steering wheel is made for endurance racing, and Fanatec puts the emphasis on that.

Compatibility

The QR2 Lite offers full compatibility with all Fanatec bases, whether from the CSL, ClubSport or Podium ranges. Personally, I wouldn’t go so far as to pair the CSL GT3 with a Podium DD2, but on paper, the QR2 Lite is capable of being used on this base, albeit not at maximum power.

For platforms, you have native support on PC, Xbox and Playstation. On Sony consoles, just make sure you have a base that is compatible with them.

Value for money

The CSL GT3 is priced at 199.95 on the Fanatec storeThis is less expensive than the steering wheel it replaces, the McLaren GT3 V2, which sold for around €220. I have to admit that this price came as a surprise, as we were expecting a more expensive product, something that virtually all brands do when they replace their peripherals.

But on the other hand, the CSL GT3 doesn’t have any big changes from the McLaren, and the manufacturing is essentially the same, minus the British supercar logo in the center.

As far as I’m concerned, and for the target audience, the CSL GT3’s value for money is very good. You’ve got a nice wheel, capable of being used on several Fanatec DD bases, and offering good immersion.

My verdict

If you’re looking for a GT or endurance wheel, then the CSL GT3 is a no-brainer. You’ll gain in immersion thanks to its typical GT shape, its controls close to your hands and its QR2 Lite, which is beefy enough to be coupled to a base that develops over 10 nm.

The CSL GT3 brilliantly replaces the McLaren GT3, and this was no foregone conclusion. But once again, Fanatec has proved that the brand is experienced in the industry, and knows how to make the right decisions. Personally, I validate this steering wheel for GT and endurance fans.