Today we’re taking a detailed look at the new Fanatec CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT steering wheel, a real-life incarnation of the wheel found in the Porsche Vision GT concept car in Gran Turismo 7.
This unique offering sits within Fanatec’s CSL Elite range, though it presents itself with a more premium feel than previous CSL wheels. With its distinctive design, and official Porsche licensing, this wheel targets a specific segment of sim racers looking for an authentic GT experience.
But with a higher price point than other CSL Elite products, does it deliver enough value to justify the investment? Let’s dive in and find out exactly what this wheel brings to your sim racing setup.
CSL ELITE PORSCHE VISION GT Ratings
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VALUE: 5/10
Premium aesthetics and Porsche branding command a higher price, but core functionality remains similar to more affordable alternatives
The Fanatec CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT wheel is the most expensive CSL Elite wheel in Fanatec’s lineup to date.
Previously, many sim racers would have compared it directly against the McLaren GT3 V2 — widely regarded as one of the best value wheels in the ecosystem — but Fanatec has since discontinued that model. This leaves a gap in the mid-range lineup, making the Porsche Vision GT wheel’s price point even more significant. While it commands a premium thanks to the Porsche branding and unique aesthetic, the underlying functionality is still broadly similar to more affordable alternatives.
Ultimately, the value proposition depends on how much weight you place on the official Porsche license and styling. If you’re primarily after features and performance per dollar, there are stronger options elsewhere in the Fanatec catalog. But if the design and branding are important to you, this wheel stands alone in that regard.
Fanatec CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT
Current Prices
Features: 7/10
- 310mm wheel diameter – slightly larger than many GT-style wheels
- PC and PlayStation compatibility (with PlayStation-compatible wheelbase)
- Cast aluminum internal structure for strength and rigidity
- Tactaris microfiber material (New alternative to Alcantara)
- 8 push buttons including two integrated with the wheel rim
- Porsche crest functions as a tuning menu button
- OLED display window for settings and telemetry
- Magnetic shifters using Hall effect sensors
- 4 rotary encoders
- 2 multi-position switches (usable as rotary encoders or 12-position switches)
- 1 seven-way FunkySwitch with directional, push, and rotary functionality
- Integrated tuning menu for adjusting settings directly on the wheel
- QR2 Lite quick release pre-installed with no torque limitation
- Fully mappable buttons for PC use
- Optimized for Gran Turismo 7 with pre-mapped controls
Build Quality: 4/10
Respectable quality for it’s product category
The CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT offers a surprising level of build quality for a wheel in the CSL range. The internal aluminum structure provides good rigidity overall, though there is noticeable flex in the bottom section where the rotary encoders are located. The Tactaris microfiber material covering the grip areas and center section looks premium and feels pleasant to touch—comparable to Alcantara but reportedly more resistant to sweat and wear.
The wheel’s buttons have a satisfying click without the cheap plastic feel found in earlier CSL wheels. Most touch points are plastic rather than metal, which is a missed opportunity at this price point. The shifters are a genuine highlight, featuring metal construction with neodymium magnets and Hall effect sensors that eliminate the mechanical switches found in lower-tier wheels. The QR2 Lite quick release does introduce some flex, but not enough to significantly impact driving experience. Overall, it presents a more premium feel than you might expect from a CSL product, though it doesn’t match the build quality of wheels costing significantly more.
Sim RACING
Discount Codes
Ergonomics: 7/10
The CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT offers surprisingly good ergonomics despite its distinctive design. At 310mm in diameter, it sits on the larger side of the GT wheel spectrum — bigger than the 280mm GT DD Pro and 300mm GT DD Extreme and McLaren GT3 wheels. This additional size actually works in its favor, providing a comfortable grip position for a variety of driving styles.
The Tactaris microfiber material covering the grip areas feels excellent in hand—soft and plush without becoming tacky or collecting dirt like some suede-style materials can. It works well with or without gloves, and after several hours of testing, showed no signs of wear, though long-term durability is yet to be seen.
Button placement is thoughtfully designed, with most controls accessible without shifting your grip position. You can reach four push buttons, a thumb encoder, and the shifters without moving your hands from the default position. The seven-way switch on the left side provides intuitive menu navigation.
One minor ergonomic issue worth noting is the gap between the wheel rim and the lower structure that can occasionally pinch skin when driving barehanded. This wasn’t a problem with gloves, but might require some grip adjustment for those driving without them.
The wheel’s overall layout feels natural for GT-style driving, and its rounded top section makes it more versatile than expected, working well for both GT and road cars. Despite its specialized aesthetic, it offers better all-around usability than its distinctive Porsche branding might suggest.
Inputs
Buttons 7/10
Good everyday performance but nothing exceptional in terms of feel or premium quality at this price point
- 8 push buttons total
- 2 buttons integrated at the top of the wheel
- 3 buttons on each side lower down
- Plastic construction for all button caps
- Satisfying click with good tactile feedback
- Porsche crest functions as tuning menu button
- Fully mappable on PC
Encoders 7/10
Substantial improvement over previous CSL models with excellent tactical feedback, though limited in number compared to some competitors
- 4 rotary encoders specifically designed for GT7 integration
- 2 multi-position switches (usable as encoders or 12-position switches)
- 1 seven-way FunkySwitch with directional, push, and rotary functionality
- Firm, tactile click with each position
- Pre-mapped for critical functions in Gran Turismo 7
The CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT wheel makes significant strides in input quality compared to previous CSL offerings. The buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback, though the all-plastic encoders feels like a missed opportunity at this price point.
Encoders feature a deliberate, tactile click that many users have requested in Fanatec products for years. This makes precise adjustments possible without visual confirmation – crucial during intense racing. While the resistance might be slightly too stiff for some bare-handed users, particularly for the thumb encoders, it’s great with gloves.
The sophisticated array of input options, including multi-functional encoders and switches, provides excellent versatility for both console and PC racing, though metal touch points would have elevated the premium feel substantially.
Paddles 7/10
A significant upgrade from previous CSL Elite wheels with hall effect sensors replacing mechanical switches
The paddle shifters on the CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT wheel represent one of its most impressive features and a substantial improvement over previous CSL Elite products. Gone are the cheap-feeling plastic paddles of older models, replaced by full metal construction paddles with a sophisticated magnetic mechanism. The use of Hall effect sensors instead of mechanical switches eliminates a common failure point, promising greater longevity and consistent performance over time.
The paddle activation is precise with a clearly defined actuation point, preventing accidental shifts while remaining responsive under race conditions. The magnetic resistance provides excellent tactile feedback, comparable to the magnetic paddle modules found in Fanatec’s higher-end ClubSport range. One curiosity is the difference in sound between upshift and downshift paddles – the upshift has a more pronounced metal-to-metal click, while the downshift is quieter despite providing the same physical feedback.
While the paddles aren’t adjustable in terms of throw or position, their default placement works well ergonomically, requiring minimal finger movement from the standard grip position. For racers accustomed to upgrading shifter paddles on entry-level wheels, these factory-installed paddles likely eliminate the need for aftermarket replacements – a significant value addition to this wheel.
RGB Lighting: 0/10
MIssed Opportunity
While understandable for a CSL product, the absence of even basic lighting features is disappointing at this price point where competitors often include some illumination elements.Software: 8/10
Standard integration with Fanatec ecosystem and industry leading tuning menu system
The CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT, like Fanatec’s entire wheel range, shines in its software integration, featuring Fanatec’s reliable driver system and the convenient on-wheel tuning menu accessible through the Porsche crest button. The small but functional OLED display allows for easy profile switching, force feedback adjustments, and other settings without needing to exit your game. Five customizable profiles can be accessed directly on the wheel, making complete settings overhauls for a change of cars extremely simple. The integration with Gran Turismo 7 is particularly seamless, with the rotary encoders automatically assigned to key vehicle settings for intuitive adjustments on the fly.
Overall Rating: 6/10
A solid performer with premium touches that will appeal beyond just GT7 drivers, though higher price asks for more.
Conclusion
The Fanatec CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT wheel delivers an interesting mix of premium design elements and mid-range functionality. As the most expensive CSL Elite wheel to date, it occupies a unique position in Fanatec’s lineup – more refined than entry-level offerings but without all the premium features found in higher-end wheels.
Its greatest strengths lie in the exceptional magnetic shifters, premium Tactaris microfiber material, and satisfying rotary encoders that provide significant upgrades over previous CSL wheels. The aluminum structure and distinctive design make it visually impressive, while its ergonomics proved surprisingly versatile across different racing styles. However, the higher price point makes the plastic button touch points and lack of RGB lighting more difficult to overlook. For Gran Turismo 7 enthusiasts and Porsche fans, this wheel provides an authentic connection to the Vision GT concept car that justifies the premium, but others might find better value elsewhere in Fanatec’s ecosystem.
Overall, it’s a capable and attractive wheel that delivers a solid experience, even if it doesn’t quite reach the value proposition of some competitors.
Pros
- Officially licensed Porsche design with distinctive aesthetics
- Excellent magnetic shifter paddles with Hall effect sensors
- Premium Tactaris microfiber material that’s comfortable and durable
- High-quality rotary encoders with satisfying tactile feedback
- Good ergonomics with 310mm diameter suited for various racing styles
- Aluminum internal structure for strength and rigidity
- Integrated tuning menu accessible via Porsche crest button
- Compatible with PlayStation and PC with appropriate wheelbase
- QR2 Lite with no torque limitation pre-installed
- Surprisingly versatile despite GT-focused design
Cons
- Higher price point compared to other CSL Elite wheels
- All-plastic button touch points instead of metal
- Noticeable flex in the bottom section near rotary encoders
- No RGB lighting features whatsoever
- Thumb encoders may be too stiff for bare-handed use
- Gap between rim and structure can pinch skin during aggressive driving
- Porsche branding limits thematic versatility across different racing scenarios
- QR2 Lite introduces some flex that could be eliminated with metal quick release
Have our Fanatec reviews helped you decide what the best sim racing gear is for you?
Please consider using the links on this page to make your purchase.
By doing so you’ll be supporting Boosted Media at no additional cost to you! This option is available for a huge range of Sim Racing gear.
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