Experience professional racing authenticity with Fanatec’s new Bentley GT3 steering wheel, bringing Pikes Peak-proven technology to premium sim racing setups.
The Bentley GT3 steering wheel, renowned for conquering the challenging Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, has made its eagerly anticipated transition from professional motorsport to premium simulation racing.
Fanatec’s latest flagship product brings this exceptional racing technology directly to sim racing enthusiasts, offering an unprecedented level of authenticity and craftsmanship in the rapidly evolving world of virtual motorsport.
Revolutionary Design of the Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel
The Bentley GT3 steering wheel represents a masterpiece of engineering, developed through an innovative partnership between Fanatec and Bentley’s elite Motorsport team. After its successful debut in the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car during the 99th Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, this sophisticated steering wheel has undergone extensive refinement to create the ultimate sim racing controller.
The professional racing experience was meticulously translated into the simulation environment through months of testing and optimisation during the development process.
Each Bentley GT3 steering wheel features precision-engineered components, including a state-of-the-art 310mm diameter wheel housing a 3.4-inch circular self-levelling touchscreen.
The construction exemplifies Bentley’s legendary commitment to quality, incorporating a lightweight magnesium core and a 5mm-thick carbon fibre front plate with distinctive green weave.
This meticulous attention to detail is evident in each component, resulting in a product that not only performs at the highest level but also exemplifies the luxury and craftsmanship that are synonymous with the Bentley brand.
Professional-Grade Features of the Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel
The Bentley GT3 steering wheel’s design seamlessly integrates professional racing features with luxurious finishing touches. CNC-machined aluminium rotary controls showcase Bentley’s signature knurling pattern, while the incorporation of the QR2 Pro Wheel-Side quick release system ensures professional-grade reliability and compatibility.
This quick-release system, identical to that used in professional racing, provides users with the confidence that their equipment will perform consistently under intense gaming conditions.
The advanced ergonomic elements of the Bentley GT3 steering wheel have been carefully considered to enhance the simulation experience. Illuminated button surrounds provide essential visibility during intense racing sessions, while dual seven-way directional sticks offer precise control over various vehicle functions.
Tactile feedback that replicates the sensation of professional racing equipment is provided by the substantial aluminium rotary inputs, thereby generating an immersive experience for users.
The integration of four magnetic paddles represents a significant advancement in sim racing technology. These paddles, positioned for optimal access during racing, provide distinct functions for gear shifting and additional customizable inputs.
The analogue transmission levers, which are inspired by the Continental GT road car, provide users with the authentic experience of managing a high-performance racing machine by providing precise control over vehicle dynamics.
Racing Heritage and Professional Input
The development of the Bentley GT3 steering wheel benefited significantly from collaboration with Pikes Peak champion Rhys Millen. His extensive experience in competitive motorsport provided invaluable insights that shaped the final design.
One of the most notable contributions was the creation of the innovative ‘Pikes Peak Grip’, an optional lower attachment specifically engineered to provide additional leverage when navigating challenging hairpin turns. This feature demonstrates the practical application of professional racing experience in the simulation environment.
Beyond its primary function as a gaming peripheral, the Bentley GT3 steering wheel transforms into a sophisticated display piece that celebrates motorsport heritage. The included mounting system enables the wheel to function as an elegant timepiece, paying homage to the classic chronometers found in Bentley road cars.
This dual functionality extends to advanced telemetry replay capabilities, allowing users to analyse detailed performance data including pedal inputs, steering movements, gear changes, G-force measurements, and comprehensive track mapping.
Engineering Excellence Behind the Bentley GT3 Steering Wheel
The Bentley GT3 steering wheel’s development stems from the groundbreaking Continental GT3 Pikes Peak project, a venture that pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering.
This extraordinary vehicle, integral to Bentley’s forward-thinking Beyond100 programme, demonstrated the perfect balance between extreme performance and environmental consciousness through renewable fuel technology. The programme represents Bentley’s commitment to sustainable luxury mobility, proving that high performance and environmental responsibility can coexist.
The racing car that originally housed this Bentley GT3 steering wheel featured a modified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, generating an impressive 750 bhp and 1,000 Nm of torque at sea level.
The engineering team developed numerous custom components to achieve this remarkable performance, including reinforced pistons and connecting rods capable of handling increased boost pressures exceeding 2.2 bar.
The enhanced carbon fibre intake manifold underwent significant strengthening to manage the extreme conditions encountered during competitive racing.
Technical Innovation and Performance
The development of the Bentley GT3 steering wheel paralleled the car’s innovative cooling system design. Engineers created a sophisticated secondary cooling circuit that showcased the brand’s technical expertise.
The system incorporated strategically placed air scoops that replaced the rear windows, channeling air through an additional radiator mounted in the rear of the vehicle. This complex setup required a dedicated secondary water pump system and optimized airflow management to maintain peak performance under extreme conditions.
The aerodynamic package that complemented the Bentley GT3 steering wheel’s performance included the largest rear wing ever fitted to a Bentley, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s racing history.
The advanced front splitter design worked in harmony with integrated dive planes to manage airflow effectively, while carbon nylon filament components manufactured using cutting-edge rapid prototype techniques at Bentley’s Crewe facility demonstrated the brand’s commitment to innovative production methods.
Future of Simulation Racing
Fanatec’s CMO Belma Nadarevic emphasizes the significance of the Bentley GT3 steering wheel in the evolution of sim racing: “Bringing real-world racing technology into the hands of sim racers is a unique challenge, and this product stands as a testament to the passion and perseverance of our team. Working closely with Bentley Motors has allowed us to create something truly extraordinary , a perfect blend of racing performance and luxury. It was worth the wait!”
The Bentley GT3 steering wheel represents a pivotal moment in the convergence of professional motorsport technology and high-end simulation racing. This revolutionary product ensures that sim racing enthusiasts can experience the authentic feel of piloting a Bentley race car, complete with the same precision engineering and luxury finishing that defines the brand.
As virtual motorsport continues to grow in popularity and sophistication, the Bentley GT3 steering wheel sets a new standard for quality and authenticity in simulation racing equipment.
