This is the Fanatec CSL Steering Wheel GT3, Fanatec's newest addition to its sim racing lineup. With the expiration of Fanatec's McLaren license, the hugely popular McLaren GT3 wheel could no longer be sold. Because it was such a strong budget option, Fanatec chose not to retire it. Instead, they removed the McLaren branding, replaced the orange accents with black, added a clean minimal pattern to the faceplate, and introduced it as the CSL Steering Wheel GT3.
Driving with the new Fanatec CSL GT3
Using the new CSL GT3 wheel feels instantly familiar, because this is essentially the same product with a few cosmetic tweaks. Nothing significant has changed in terms of functionality or performance. Fanatec simply stuck to the philosophy of not fixing what is already working. The original McLaren GT3 wheel earned its reputation because it offered everything a budget sim racer needed at a dependable quality level.
Wheel features
At 300 millimeters in diameter, the wheel offers a realistic size with molded rubber grips, a convincing carbon weave pattern, and a reliable set of inputs. It retails for 230 dollars or 200 euros, works on Xbox and PC, and can also be used on PlayStation when paired with a compatible Fanatec wheelbase. You also get additional button caps for simple customization.
The wheel includes nine buttons, two multi position switches, two 2 way toggles, and a compact OLED screen. That screen displays basic telemetry like speed and gear information, and it allows quick force feedback adjustments. This is especially useful on consoles where Fanatec's software tools are not available.
Software
If you run into issues getting the wheel to function, updating to the latest firmware will almost always solve the problem. It took me about ten minutes, and once installed, the wheel was immediately recognized. Just download the latest Fanatec firmware from their website, install it on your PC, and the wheel should work without trouble.
Old vs. new
When you compare this version to the original McLaren model, you will find that almost nothing has changed beyond the visuals. What we have here is effectively the same wheel with new styling.
QR and performance
On the back, the wheel comes equipped with the QR2 Lite quick release. It may not look premium, but it works even on Fanatec’s 25 Nm high end wheelbases. The rocker paddle shifters allow up and downshifts with one hand, and the clutch paddles sit underneath. Both feel good to use, and the rocker paddles are quiet and practical. Still, the shifters remain one of the most common criticisms, since many users feel the tactile response is too soft.
On track, though, the wheel performs impressively well for its price. Even on stronger wheelbases, there is no noticeable flex, and the thick rubber grips provide comfort and control during long sessions. The wheel is also very light at just under three pounds or about 1.4 kilograms.
That low weight means even weaker wheelbases can deliver punchy feedback without struggling. You do not need to worry much about compatibility or performance loss, because even modest bases handle it easily.
Settings
If you want to see the exact force feedback settings I used, they are listed in the description. Since this wheel is slightly wider than what I normally drive with, it gives me a bit more leverage, which means I need slightly more force to achieve the same feel. If you are switching from a different wheel, you may need to tweak your setup, although most of my usual settings stayed the same.
Negatives
As for the downsides, Fanatec had years to refine certain aspects, yet chose to update the branding and little else. Even the new graphics do not look particularly polished up close. The paint appears slightly inconsistent, though this is not a major issue.
The bigger disappointment is the shifters. They could have benefited from an upgrade in comfort and tactile feel. The surface pattern felt too rough on my fingers, so I applied tape to make it more comfortable. It is not a deal breaker, but after so many years, the wheel deserved a few meaningful improvements instead of a purely cosmetic refresh.
Conclusion
One genuinely positive aspect is that Fanatec kept the original price. Considering how the market and inflation have pushed most products higher, I expected this wheel to land closer to 250 euros. Keeping the price unchanged makes it even more appealing.
Fanatec improved the quick release system, kept all the core features, and maintained the original cost. For an entry level option, that is exactly what most buyers want. If you are shopping on a budget, this wheel is absolutely worth considering.
I cannot say I am disappointed, and there is nothing fundamentally wrong with the product. It is clearly designed for a specific audience, mainly new or budget focused sim racers who want an affordable formula style wheel or an upgrade from their bundled starter wheel. To hit that market, the wheel needs to stay within a certain price range, and Fanatec delivers on that expectation.
There is a reason the original model became one of their best sellers. When something works, keeping it simple makes sense. Viewed from that angle, Fanatec’s decision is understandable. Still, I am curious what you think of this wheel and whether you expected something more substantial from this refresh.
