In a remarkable collaboration, Bentley Motors and Fanatec have brought the racing wheel from Bentley’s renowned Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car to sim racing setups worldwide. Dubbed the Fanatec Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel, this exclusive wheel not only merges Bentley’s race-proven aesthetics with state-of-the-art sim racing features but also offers an unparalleled tactile experience. Originally developed for Bentley’s record-setting Pikes Peak hill climb car, this wheel offers enthusiasts a combination of power, luxury, and functionality like no other.
Cutting-Edge Features and Innovative Design
The steering wheel first debuted in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where Bentley’s Continental GT3 took on the world’s most challenging hill climb. This new Fanatec release includes refinements that make it ideal for sim racers, featuring a 310 mm diameter, a lightweight magnesium core, and a 5 mm-thick carbon fibre front plate with a distinct green weave. Designed to handle demanding real-world racing, it now delivers the same level of resilience to at-home racing setups. CNC-machined aluminium controls with Bentley’s signature knurling and a carbon bezel around the 3.4-inch circular display ensure the wheel is both functional and visually captivating.
One of the steering wheel’s highlights is a self-levelling 3.4-inch circular display that seamlessly presents telemetry, lap times, and video replays of famous tracks. Powered by a quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 processor, this display is capable of smooth video playback, reflecting a technical prowess rarely seen in sim racing peripherals. With its forged carbon bezel, backlit buttons, two seven-way directional sticks, and large aluminium rotary controls, the wheel’s design is as intuitive as it is luxurious.
At the rear, the wheel hosts four magnetic paddles designed for quick and precise gear shifts, plus two analogue clutch paddles. These elements are inspired by the iconic paddles of the Bentley Continental GT road car, translating Bentley’s celebrated craftsmanship directly into the sim racing realm. To maximize grip and comfort for even the tightest bends, Bentley Motorsport legend Rhys Millen provided insights on the “Pikes Peak Grip,” an optional lower grip attachment developed to give racers extra control when navigating demanding turns.
Multi-Purpose Display Piece
When not in use, the wheel transforms into a striking decor piece. Mounted on an aluminium desk or wall bracket, it doubles as a timepiece and can showcase detailed telemetry from previous races, including track maps, G-meter, gear shifts, pedal inputs, and steering angles. This mode is inspired by Bentley’s luxurious dashboard clocks and offers owners a distinctive way to bring the racetrack into their homes.
Belma Nadarevic, CMO of Fanatec, encapsulates the essence of the wheel’s journey: “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!”
Built for Bentley’s Most Extreme Machine
The steering wheel represents more than just a tool for sim racers; it mirrors the legacy of Bentley’s Continental GT3 Pikes Peak — the most extreme, sustainable, and performance-focused road-going car Bentley has ever produced. Bentley’s Continental GT3 Pikes Peak, part of the brand’s Beyond100 programme, aims to set new standards in sustainable luxury mobility, utilizing renewable fuels throughout its racing tenure.
This extreme Continental GT3 iteration received substantial modifications to its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which was enhanced to generate over 750 bhp and 1,000 Nm of torque at sea level. Unique components, including custom pistons, conrods, and a carbon fibre intake manifold, combined with 3D-printed Inconel exhaust manifolds and larger turbos, allow the engine to handle the high boost pressure required for intense hill climbs.
In terms of cooling, the Pikes Peak GT3’s setup was innovative, with an additional rear-mounted cooling system channeling air through scoops replacing the rear windows, all directed to a dedicated radiator that exhausts through ducts in the boot lid. Paired with Bentley’s track-tuned chassis and aerodynamic elements, including an oversized rear wing and front splitter, the car and its components were optimized to meet the specific demands of the Pikes Peak course.
A Collector’s Dream for Motorsport Fans
The Fanatec Bentley GT3 Podium Steering Wheel stands as more than just a tool; it’s an embodiment of Bentley’s racing heritage and Fanatec’s technical ingenuity, making it a true collector’s item. For sim racers and Bentley enthusiasts alike, it offers a chance to hold a piece of Bentley’s motorsport legacy in their hands while experiencing race-ready performance at home. Whether mounted for practical use or displayed as a work of automotive art, this wheel is a high-caliber addition to any collection.
