The original McLaren GT3 wheel was one of Fanatec’s most popular sim racing wheels, and with good reason. It was light, ergonomic, feature rich and lacked a lot of the arguably unnecessary things present on more expensive wheels, giving sim racers all the things they needed from a sim racing wheel without an unnecessarily high price tag.
The Fanatec CSL Elite McLaren GT3 V2 is now here, carrying on the same theme but addressing some of the issues of the past, as well as including some new features. So let’s take a look!
If you’d prefer to read, a transcript of the video is available below.
If you’re keen on one of these wheels and would like to support our work at Boosted Media at no additional cost to you, the below affiliate links will send a small commission our way! Thanks a lot for your support!
Product Details
- Full-scale replica: Officially licensed by McLaren, based on real GT3 CAD data.
- Refined design: Redesigned electronics, improved durability, and new white OLED display.
- Magnetic shifters: Rocker-type, anodised aluminium paddles with satisfying feedback.
- Multi-purpose analogue paddles: Clutch bite-point, handbrake, throttle/brake, or mappable axis modes.
- Ergonomics: Excellent button placement, tactile snap-dome switches, toggle switches, and FunkySwitch™.
- Rotary Encoders: Two fully rotatable encoders plus one multi-position switch with configurable behavior.
- Tool-free Quick Release: Newly designed rotating system, fast and solid. Optional ClubSport QR unlocks High Torque Mode.
- OLED Display: White, 128×64 resolution display for tuning and telemetry.
- Wheel Diameter: 300mm — versatile for GT, touring, and some open-wheel racing.
Compatibility
- Wheel Bases: ClubSport V2, V2.5, CSL Elite (all), Podium DD1/DD2, Podium Racing Wheel F1®.
- Platforms: Xbox (limited by game support), full functionality on PC. Requires compatible Fanatec base.
Special Notes
- High Torque Mode on Podium bases requires ClubSport QR adapter (sold separately).
- Some Xbox limitations depending on title and SDK support.
What’s Included
- CSL Elite Steering Wheel McLaren GT3 V2
- Quick Release Adapter (preinstalled)
- Racing-style button caps
- Sticker sheet
- Quick Guide
Hands-On Impressions
The new V2 wheel retains the beloved ergonomics of the original while improving the shifter feel, encoder support, and most notably — the quick release system. While the grips and materials remain plastic, the tactile feel and balance of the wheel make it an excellent choice as a primary GT-style option. The new magnetic shifters have a more satisfying throw, and the updated rotary encoders improve game compatibility significantly.
If you already own the V1, the improvements are substantial but may not be enough to justify a full upgrade unless you’re after the new QR system or had issues with the previous model’s electronics. But as a new purchase, the V2 represents exceptional value for money and covers almost all racing scenarios aside from rally/drift use where wheel slippage is needed.
