The premium sim-racing segment is occupied by several brands of virtual racing equipment. From Simucube and Asetek to Playseat and Grid Engineering, these players offer products aimed at satisfying the specific needs of budding drivers, as well as professional drivers, as these same brands equip, or are partners with, motorsport teams.

Grid Engineering is now part of Simlab, to bolster the sim-racing cockpit manufacturer’s catalog. This enables Simlab to present itself to a wider range of virtual pilots who prefer to buy from a single brand, as is the case with Fanatec. Nevertheless, Grid has retained its independence, as well as its catalog of sim-racing peripherals.

One of Grid’s products is the 911 RSR wheel created in partnership with Porsche. This wheel is aimed at endurance, GT and Formula racing. The design is very motorsport, with the driver at the center. In what follows, we’re going to test this wheel and see what it has to offer on the very high-end sim-racing market.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• 30 cm diameter with a rectangular shape, typical of endurance/GT and Formula racing.
• Rear hub with 6×70 mm pattern can accommodate virtually any QR
• 50 mm spacer supplied with steering wheel
• 5” display on front panel
• Downward-opening TPU handles
• 5 mm-thick carbon fiber faceplate
• 20 controls in all on the front of the steering wheel, with switches, buttons and rotary controls
• 6 adjustable magnetic rear paddles
• Aviation socket on rear of steering wheel for secure connection to PC
• Simhub and PC compatible only
• RevLED around the central display

911 RSR design

First, let’s talk about the design of Grid’s 911 RSR. It’s entirely rectangular in shape, with TPU handles open at the bottom. The faceplate is carbon fiber, not square or rectangular, and the frame is aluminum. The front features all the wheel controls and the Porsche logo, which sits below the 5″ display.

At the rear, 6 paddles make an already beautiful steering wheel even more beautiful. The Grid 911 RSR is just gorgeous, especially with the “Porsche” above the screen. Sure, it’s flashy with the RGB LEDs, and it won’t please everyone, but it’s a beautiful wheel nonetheless.

Customized assembly

The 911 RSR is mounted using a standard 6×70 mm pattern. As standard, a 50 mm spacer is supplied with the wheel, which should save 5 cm in distance between you and the steering wheel.

When it comes to hubs, you’re spoilt for choice. Simagic, Simucube, Asetek, Fanatec and many others are just some of the brands you can use Grid’s steering wheel with, as well as all their Direct Drive bases.

Simply attach the hub to the rear of the 911 RSR, with or without a spacer, attach the QR and you’re ready to go. Connection to the PC is via a cable that terminates in USB on one end, and in an aviation plug on the other.

Wheel manufacture and finishing

Grid used aluminum for the entire structure of the 911 RSR. It’s very well made, premium and superbly well assembled. I didn’t notice any defects in the steering wheel structure, or even in the carbon fiber that acts as the faceplate. It’s only 5 mm thick, and you may find it hard to see at first glance.

The finish is simply exemplary. Between the buttons that don’t catch on use, the paddles that make noise when you shift gears, and the display panel, everything is spot-on. I expected nothing less from a product resulting from collaboration between Grid and Porsche, and I wasn’t at all disappointed by the result.

Handling the steering wheel

The typical shape of the wheels used in endurance, GT or Formula racing gives this steering wheel a very good, natural grip. It’s true that it’s 30 cm in diameter, and small hands will have a little trouble reaching certain controls without leaving their grip, but this steering wheel is nonetheless very ergonomic.

The controls are judiciously placed all around the screen, and also close enough to your fingers if you have average-sized hands. Another point I must mention is the paddles. There are 6 in all, magnetic and 2 push-pull. 4 of them are adjustable, further enhancing the 911 RSR’s grip and ergonomics.

As for the screen, it’s a beautiful, vividly colored panel that displays a range of telemetry data directly from the sim-racing title. Dashboards can be configured from SimHub, and the software supports this steering wheel natively.

Sensations during play

The typical shape of the 911 RSR’s endurance, GT and Formula steering wheels makes it extremely comfortable to use, as well as being extremely ergonomic. Admittedly, 30 cm in diameter is a bit large for this kind of steering wheel, but you’ll be able to reach virtually all the controls on the faceplate without too much effort or gymnastics on your part.

As for the screen, I was pleased to see that there are several dashboards available, all through SimHub. What’s more, the software allows you to have essential data displayed, and not just superfluous information as can be found on some screens that come with a proprietary interface.

The handles are another important aspect of the feel. Their design is very advanced, giving them an excellent grip, especially on the thumbs. The shape of the curves has been carefully studied to avoid discomfort during long sim-racing sessions.

911 RSR compatibility

A Grid steering wheel of this kind is only compatible with the Windows PC platform, as you’ve probably guessed by now. Only PCs are capable of exploiting the full potential of the 911 RSR, both in terms of software configuration via SimHub, and in terms of Direct Drive underpinnings. Let’s not forget that the most powerful sim-racing equipment is PC-based, and it only makes sense that a device as elitist as the 911 RSR should be compatible with this platform alone.

Value for money

Fasten your seatbelts, because the price of the 911 RSR could send you over the edge. If you’re planning to buy it for sim-racing, and therefore endurance, GT or Formula racing, get ready to lighten your bank account by some €2,300 in exchange for the 911 RSR.

It’s a hefty price, I admit, but the Porsche crest on the breastplate comes at a price, and you’re the one who’s going to pay it. I’m pretty sure Grid won’t be selling any 911 RSR shovels, because it’s an elitist wheel, and few virtual racers have not only the means to afford it, but also the passion that goes with it.

My verdict on Grid’s Porshe 911 RSR steering wheel

After the hours I’ve spent with Grid’s 911 RSR, I’ve come to the following conclusion: it’s one of the best sim-racing wheels on the market, covering GT, endurance and Formula racing.

Grid’s asking price for this little gem is high, but so are the sensations it delivers. If you’re looking for one of the best, if not the best, 911 RSR-style steering wheel, then you’ll find what you’re looking for at Grid. The brand is proud to offer this standard-bearer to virtual racers, and it’s a product I’d recommend. To try it is to adopt it. And as for the financing part, you can’t put a number on passion.