This is the Fanatec CSL GT3 steering wheel, and while Fanatec labels it as a new product, it really isn’t. Their McLaren license expired, so instead of discontinuing one of their best selling budget wheels, they removed the branding, swapped the orange accents for black, added a minimalistic front graphic, and re-released it under the CSL name. The core design, the features, the ergonomics, and even the quirks are all essentially the same. It is still a good wheel, still familiar, and still one of the easiest budget recommendations out there.
But what makes this release interesting, and honestly a little concerning, is what it represents for Fanatec’s direction compared to the rest of the industry.
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From a design standpoint, the CSL GT3 remains exactly what made the original McLaren GT3 wheel so popular. At 300 mm in diameter, it is a proper GT sized rim that feels natural in your hands. The rubber molded grips remain comfortable and confidence inspiring, and nothing about the construction feels outdated or cheap for this price point. The fake carbon weave on the front is convincing enough, and the new black accents give the wheel a more neutral, understated look that fits with almost any cockpit.
The change from McLaren branding to Fanatec branding is undeniably a downgrade in terms of personality, but Fanatec executed the visual refresh well. It does not look tacky or empty, and credit is due for maintaining a clean design that still looks the part on a modern sim racing rig.
Functionally, very little has changed. You get 9 buttons, 2 multi position switches, 2 toggle switches, and a small OLED display. The layout remains ergonomic and easy to reach, which has always been one of this wheel’s biggest strengths. The display provides basic telemetry like speed and gear, but more importantly, it allows force feedback adjustments on the fly, which is especially helpful for console users who cannot rely on Fanatec’s full tuning menu.
Additional button caps come in the box for labeling, which is a nice touch even if it is less customizable than what wheels from Moza or Simagic now offer. At 230 dollars, the feature set still holds up well, but it is clear that other brands have introduced more modern input layouts while Fanatec has stayed frozen in time.
The build quality is respectable for the price. The outer shell is plastic, but the internal frame is a cast aluminum structure that prevents flex and keeps everything solid during aggressive force feedback sessions. Even on stronger bases like the ClubSport DD or DD1, the wheel does not twist or bulge under load, which is impressive for something so light.
Speaking of weight, the CSL GT3 comes in just under three pounds or around 1350 grams, which is great for smaller wheelbases. Lower torque motors can spin it easily, giving you more detail and a cleaner force feedback experience compared to heavier wheels that tend to dull the response. This has always been a major selling point of the design, and it remains one of the best things about the wheel.
The included QR2 Lite quick release may not look premium, but it works with Fanatec’s full lineup without torque restrictions. It is practical, secure, and appropriate for the wheel’s price bracket.
The rocker paddle shifters also return unchanged, and they continue to be a divisive feature. Some people love them for their versatility since you can upshift or downshift with either hand. Others criticize them for their softer feel and lack of the sharp mechanical click that many competitors now provide.
The clutch paddles underneath work well and have good travel, but again, no improvements have been made in years. It all works fine, but this system could have strongly benefited from a refresh, especially considering how much progress competitors have made in this area.
On track, the CSL GT3 still performs very well for a budget wheel. The ergonomics are good, the weight distribution works in its favor, and the overall comfort makes it easy to use over long races. Even on higher end wheelbases, the wheel stays rigid and stable with no unexpected movement.
It delivers exactly what you would want from a starter GT wheel. No more, no less. There are no major flaws in the driving experience, and the wheel remains easy to recommend to beginners who want a reliable and straightforward option.
The problem with the CSL GT3 is not the product itself. It is the fact that Fanatec chose to release it again without any meaningful updates. Many years have passed since the original, and the market around it has changed dramatically. Moza is pushing hard, Simagic continues to pump out new hardware, and even Asetek is steadily expanding into more accessible price tiers.
Fanatec had the perfect chance to release a refreshed GT3 wheel with upgraded paddle shifters, more thumb inputs, better encoders, or even just small refinements. Instead, nothing changed. Even the sticker sheet that used to come with the original McLaren wheel was removed for no obvious reason.
For many sim racers, this points to something larger. Fanatec is moving slowly, while the competition moves quickly. This wheel proves that even when given an opportunity to modernize something beloved, they decided to do the bare minimum.
The Fanatec CSL GT3 wheel is still a very good budget wheel, and nothing about its performance or comfort is disappointing. It remains one of the easiest recommendations for beginners and anyone looking for a simple and reliable GT style wheel.
But Fanatec’s choice to re-release it unchanged is disappointing. This should have been an exciting refresh and a chance to show that Fanatec is still paying attention to the entry level market. Instead, it highlights a concerning lack of innovation while competitors continue evolving rapidly.
The wheel itself is solid. The message behind it is not.
