Elevate Your Sim Racing with the Fanatec Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel
Fanatec proudly introduces its top-tier product, the Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel, now available for sim racing setups. Developed in partnership with Bentley Motorsport, this steering wheel caters to the actual Bentley Pikes Peak GT3 car and sim racing platforms, providing a peerless racing experience.
The steering wheel debuted in the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car at the 99th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in 2021. It has since been refined and optimised to become the quintessential sim racing accessory. Engineered to tackle the formidable Pikes Peak course, this product seamlessly combines robust durability with luxury and innovative technology.
Featuring a 310 mm diameter, the wheel includes a 3.4” circular self-levelling touchscreen framed by a forged carbon bezel and CNC-machined aluminium rotary controls embellished with Bentley's distinctive knurling. The design incorporates a lightweight magnesium core and a five mm thick carbon fibre front plate with an exclusive green weave. It comes with the QR2 Pro Wheel-Side, Fanatec's standard quick release, ensuring compatibility across all real-world steering wheels.
The wheel also features a central self-levelling display and several ergonomic enhancements, including backlit button surrounds, two seven-way directional sticks, and two sizeable aluminium rotary inputs. It boasts four magnetic paddles at the back: two for gear shifting and two for additional functions, alongside a pair of analogue clutch paddles. These paddles are modelled after the shift paddles in the Bentley Continental GT road car.
Rhys Millen, a legend of Pikes Peak and driver of the Continental GT3 Pikes Peak, significantly influenced the design. His insights led to introducing the 'Pikes Peak Grip', an optional lower attachment enhancing control during the climb’s numerous sharp turns.
When not active, the wheel transforms into an impressive display piece. It includes a desk/wall mount that doubles as a clock inspired by the timepieces in Bentley road cars. The wheel can showcase preloaded telemetry and videos of iconic circuits.
Belma Nadarevic, CMO of Fanatec, stated, “This steering wheel is a testament to our dedication to merging real-world racing technology with the sim racing world, facilitated by our close partnership with Bentley Motors. It epitomises the perfect blend of racing performance and luxury and was decidedly worth the effort.”
The Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car marks a significant milestone in Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, aiming to establish the brand as the global leader in sustainable luxury mobility. This version, the most extreme and environmentally considerate Continental GT produced, incorporated custom modifications to its aerodynamics, chassis, and engine for optimal performance.
Specifically adapted to meet the demanding requirements of Pikes Peak, the car featured enhanced cooling systems, an upgraded gearbox, and an engine tuned to deliver over 750 bhp and 1,000 Nm of torque. The aerodynamics were fine-tuned to increase downforce while maintaining balance, accommodating the vast rear wing and sophisticated front aerodynamic package, all produced using state-of-the-art Bentley’s Crewe factory techniques.
