Overview

Intro

If you’re a sim racing enthusiast who loves Porsche, the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R is the ultimate choice to up your virtual driving experience. This high-end replica steering wheel designed after the Porsche 911 GT3 R gives you pro-level controls and sublime force feedback when racing in your favorite sim titles.

While the wheel commands a premium price, it provides a sense of realism and immersion that few can match. In this detailed review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R. From unboxing to setup, customization, and of course putting it to the test on the virtual track – you’ll get the full lowdown on this exquisite sim racing wheel.

Design & Build Quality

Specs

• Materials: Brushed aluminum, carbon fiber, suede/leather
• Diameter: 320mm
• Rim Shape: “D” style
• Weight: ~2kg
• Compatibility: PC, PlayStation
• Buttons: 10 buttons, 2 toggle switches, 1 joystick, 2 rotary encoders
• Features: OLED display, LED shift lights, dual paddle shifters

Materials & Construction

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R impresses before you even plug it in. Both the suede and leather versions exude a sense of luxury, crafted from quality materials that match the real Porsche 911 GT3 R wheel.

The suede wrapped around the rim isn’t some cheap synthetic material – it’s made using the same premium Alcantara leather found in Porsche’s lineup. On top of that, it’s hand-stitched for added durability just like the wheels in real GT3 RS models. You can even catch a whiff of that new leather scent when unboxing it, further adding to the authenticity.

Touches like the CNC machined aluminum components, real carbon fiber front plate, and precisely constructed brushed aluminum Porsche logo with 3D detailing up the premium factor. This isn’t a plastic toy wheel – it’s built to mimic the real wheel in every way.

Ergonomics & Comfort

The dimensions of the Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R match the real wheel precisely. At 320mm diameter with a flattened “D” shaped rim, it looks and feels instantly familiar to anyone who has driven a real race-prepped Porsche 911.

Despite its performance intentions, the wheel remains comfortable for long stints thanks to the grippy yet supple suede material and foam rubber grips. The suede does require glove use to avoid sweat stains over time, but even bare hands get decent traction and comfort.

All of the buttons sit within easy thumb reach for intuitive controls. The toggles and encoders on the lower section do require briefly letting go of the wheel, but muscle memory kicks in quickly.

Attention to Detail

It’s clear Fanatec went the extra mile to replicate the real GT3 R wheel in every facet. From the materials and stitching on the rim to the precise size and shape of the brushed aluminum Porsche emblem, little details count.

The beautiful carbon fiber face plate adds lightweight strength just like the racing original. The buttons have a special sparkly metallic paint job found on real Porsche wheels too.

Even the RGB LEDs and OLED display integrate seamlessly rather than look tacked on. Fanatec nailed the attention to detail to provide the most faithful GT3 R replica on the market.

Features & Customization

Buttons, Switches & Encoders

A total of 10 buttons, 2 toggles, 1 joystick, and 2 rotary encoders provide expansive controls ready for any game or input configuration. Between the funky switch joystick, 12-position rotary dials, and variety of buttons, you can map just about every control needed right from the wheel.

The clicky buttons have a satisfying premium tactile feel, with each one easily discernible from the next without looking. This allows quickly finding critical controls like wipers or flashers mid-race.

LED Lights & Display

Immersive built-in LED shift lights and an OLED display add to the racing aesthetic while providing vital data. The RGB LEDs shine bright whether configured as shift lights or flag indicators.

The OLED screen offers telemetry readings when using Fanalab software on PC. It provides info like RPM, speed, lap time, and more. PlayStation users are limited to in-game telemetry displays.

Adjustability & Compatibility

Fully customizable controls, buttons, lights, and display settings are possible using the Fanatec Fanalab software on PC. This allows dialing in the wheel exactly how you want it per game.

While primarily designed for Porsche models, the level of adjustments make the wheel suitable for anything from open wheel racers to rally cars and trucks.

Sadly, Xbox compatibility is lacking, though the wheel works great on both PlayStation and PC rigs. PC enables full customization potential via Fanalab.

Expandability

Since the wheel ships in separate modules, you can swap components to further customize or expand its capabilities. Addition modules like the ClubSport static shifter are cross-compatible.

This modular approach lets you tailor the wheel to your needs and budget. Start with the base bundle and upgrade later as desired.

Performance & Feel

Force Feedback

Fanatec’s excellent Direct Drive wheelbases really bring the Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R wheel to life with silky smooth, ultra-precise force feedback.

The hybrid belt and gear-driven DD wheelbases provide a massive dynamic range – from buttery smooth to intensely visceral. A wide 10-100 force feedback strength scale lets you fine tune force to match your taste and specific cars.

Advanced effects like ABS vibration, road surface kickback, and tire slip feed into the wheel with amazing fidelity. Subtle details make the virtual driving experience feel alive.

Paddles

The magnetic shifter paddles strike the ideal balance between smooth light action and positive engagement. Shifts register immediately with a refined tactile click.

Paddle position, travel, and tension are all adjustable for the perfect shift feel. The paddles move seamlessly with the wheel rotation too.

Wheel Rim

The suede and leather wrapped rim provides plenty of grip without sliding around even when hands get sweaty. The material remains comfortable during lengthy stints without irritating the skin.

The size and shape precisely match real GT3 R dimensions for ideal control response. The flattened contours fit snugly between your hands.

Despite the premium materials, the rim isn’t so delicate that it can’t handle assertive counter-steering and forceful maneuvers when required. It holds up to abuse remarkably well.

Setup & Usage

Unboxing & Assembly

A potential downside is the wheel ships in 4 separate boxes, so you have to assemble it yourself. The different modules including wheel rim, control buttons, paddle shifters, and quick release have to be attached together.

Thankfully the plug-and-play components only take a few minutes to piece together. The included instructions walk through the straightforward process. Just take care when plugging in the wiring connections.

Firmware Updates

Before use, be sure to update all firmware modules to the latest versions for full functionality. Fanatec provides instructions and software utilities to handle the updates.

Updating requires a Windows PC connected to each component to flash the firmware. This ensures you have all the newest features and improvements.

Driver Installation

On PC, install the latest Fanatec drivers before connecting the wheel to enable proper operation and communication. The drivers routinely add game compatibility and optimizations.

PlayStation users can skip this step, as the wheel acts as a plug-and-play controller. But PC users need the Fanatec software.

Button Mapping

Part of the setup process involves remapping all of the buttons, dials, paddles, and controls to match your preferred inputs for each game. This quick customization unlocks the wheel’s full potential.

On PlayStation, you’ll need to manually reassign controls in the game settings menus. But Fanalab software makes remapping a cinch on PC.

Compatibility

Supported Platforms

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R works great on PC and PlayStation platforms. PC offers full customization, while PlayStation sees limited adjustability.

Unfortunately Xbox support is lacking despite Xbox’s popularity among sim racers. This omission may discourage some Xbox faithfuls from considering the wheel.

Fanalab (PC Only)

The free Fanalab software unlocks the wheel’s full potential on PC. It enables button remapping, custom LED and OLED display settings, force feedback tweaks, and firmware updating.

PlayStation users lose out on these useful tuning options and instead have to rely on basic game-specific adjustments. PC is the way to go for maximum control.