More than three years after its original launch, the Fanatec Podium Bentley GT3 steering wheel – which Rhys Millen actually used to climb Pikes Peak – is now available for purchase.
Designed in collaboration with Bentley, the wheel shouldn’t be a lot a duplicate as an original item. Although the instance utilized by Millen stays related to the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak, every production unit is similar to it.
Bentley had hoped to set a 3rd record with the automotive, having previously set production SUV and production records with the Bentayga and Continental GT, but bad weather worn out the full-distance race.
Instead, the finish was moved down the mountain to Devil's Playground, at 3,000 meters, bypassing the ultimate third of the course. However, a lift pressure problem caused the Bentley to miss out on the category win and finish fourth overall.
However, there have been no such problems with the wheel, which makes it somewhat surprising that greater than three years have passed because it was first introduced and that Pikes Peak has attempted to make the product available to consumers through Fanatec.
As far as we all know, nothing has modified for the reason that original reveal in June 2021, although Bentley and Fanatec continued to work on the steering wheel throughout much of the transition period.
This means it remains to be based on a 310 mm (12¼ inch) diameter magnesium core with a 5 mm thick carbon fiber front plate with a Bentley green weave and Alcantara grips. The heart of the steering wheel is a 3.4-inch (86 mm) self-leveling touchscreen embedded in a forged carbon fiber frame.
The custom screen interface can display telemetry data in-game (or, when connected to a Pikes Peak automotive, in real life), but may function a clock – inspired by the Continental GT – or as a video display when removed and used as an ornamental element. It has its own cradle that supports this feature and may be connected to any USB power source.
In addition to the same old array of buttons and FunkySwitch you'd expect on a Podium wheel, the Bentley product also features 4 unique knurled aluminum rotary encoders – again inspired by Bentley tradition – and a custom Podium Advanced Paddle Module configuration based on the design of the Continental GT.
This shifter system includes two gear selectors and two paddles for added functions, with magnetic switches, and the 2 dual analog clutch paddles are equipped with Hall effect sensors. Integrated LEDs display engine speed and flag information, and the eight foremost buttons are illuminated.
Additionally, there’s an optional lower handle – included with the wheel – for greater versatility in tight corners and a custom wheel transport case. If you occur to have a Bentley Continental GT3 and a house kit that you wish to swap the wheel between, that is vital…
It is compatible with any Direct Drive wheelbase equipped with QR2, so it may well be used on CSL DD, Gran Turismo DD, ClubSport DD/DD+ and Podium DD bases. The wheel itself doesn’t support Xbox consoles, but may be used on Sony consoles when mounted on a PlayStation-compatible base.
There isn’t any word on whether the wheel is a limited production unit, however it is sort of an expensive unit, with each unit costing around $1,999.95. Only deep-pocketed players should apply, but orders currently ship inside 4-7 days.
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