Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro Review

This is the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro. Made in collaboration with McLaren and based on the real-world Artura GT4 race car, this wheel is designed for the high-end sim racer with high-end needs and a bank account to match.

Keep in mind, if you are interested in this or any other Ascher Racing product, you can take 5% off using the code “OCRACING” and discount codes for most of the biggest sim racing brands can also be found here.

Sent over to me by Ascher Racing for review, the Artura Pro, the unit I have here, is a step down from the Artura Ultimate, the wheel I reviewed a few weeks ago, which differs primarily in the sense that it comes with a screen. This one looks very similar but, just like the real-world car, it doesn’t come with a telemetry display on the wheel itself, making it an even more realistic replica. Although it is only a replica, this rim uses identical components to the real thing, also maintaining the same size, shape, feel, and layout.

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Review

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Talking about the size and layout, as you would imagine, the ergonomics here are second to none. The thick rubber grips keep your hands comfortably tight on the wheel, all the paddle shifters are within comfortable reach, with the only exception being the clutch paddles, which are further out, and all the buttons, thumb encoders, and switches are within close reach.

Talking about those, there are a ton, including 14 RGB backlit buttons, 4 thumb encoders, 2 multifunctional 7-way joysticks, and two 12-position rotary switches. All of these, as you would expect, feel exceptionally well, with a firm push-action on the buttons and ample resistance on the thumb encoders. I’m also particularly a fan of the two 12-position rotary switches, which have a very satisfying click. It’s important to note that an optional knob kit can also be purchased separately for more customization of this wheel. If you want to customize it without needing to spend more, you can do that thanks to the large included sticker sheet and laser-etched button caps to replace the ones currently installed. These do take a little bit of time to install, but it's great to have this option available.

Finishing off with the front of the wheel, you’ll notice the pristine metallic faceplate, which glistens under light, as well as the metallic casing of the entire wheel. Now, regarding what I don’t like here, I’m surprised there aren’t any RGB shift lights, something that’s included in even the most entry-level wheels. I also wish they left just the McLaren logo on the faceplate of the wheel and removed the Ascher Racing logo, which is already boldly displayed on the top of the wheel. Finally, I wish they used a different type of rubber material on the handles, as the current one is an absolute magnet for dust and debris, which easily gets stuck there.

But anyways, moving on to the back of the rim, you’ll immediately notice the quick release and paddle shifters. As for the quick release, here I’m using the optional adapter for Asetek wheelbases, but the great news is that this wheel can be used with several other wheelbases from the likes of Fanatec, Simucube, and more. All you need to make sure of is that you have the appropriate QR system and connect it via USB. On that note, this wheel comes with a USB cable and extender which would plug into the back, or it can also be used wirelessly with Simucube wheelbases.

As many have said before, the Asetek quick release system I’m using here is amazing, with an easy mechanism to disconnect and attach the wheel and no flex or movement when in-game. Of course, we should go over the paddle module; here Ascher Racing has fitted clutch, shifter, and mappable paddles, all of which have a nice look and feel. The two on the top are magnetic, with a firm snap force on release, and are also now silenced for more discrete operation.

Overall, I have zero complaints about these except that maybe it would have been nice for them to be slightly adjustable, but that’s really just me nitpicking. The clutch paddles underneath sit far back from the rim, which I don’t like, but are individually adjustable and have a long travel, giving them ample functionality.

Now, taking this wheel out on track, I genuinely have nothing to complain about. At the end of the day, it is a very solidly built wheel with exceptionally high quality, giving me absolutely no flex or unwanted movement on track. With my La Prima wheelbase also giving me ample detail and force, I was vividly able to feel everything through my hands and comfortably be one with the wheel throughout hours of racing.

The backlit buttons were, of course, also a very nice touch, and those could even have their color completely changed using SimHub. As I said before, the ergonomics are also very nicely done, giving me everything at my fingertips when needed. So yeah, overall, there really is nothing to complain about regarding the on-track performance of this rim, and that’s what I would expect at its 1130 euro starting price.

So, overall, the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro is an outstanding wheel for serious sim racers who demand high performance and authenticity. Its meticulous design, premium materials, and ergonomic excellence make it a standout choice. Despite minor drawbacks like the lack of RGB shift lights and the dust-prone rubber grips, its exceptional build quality and immersive on-track experience easily outweigh these issues. So, for those willing to invest in top-tier equipment, the Artura Pro delivers a highly realistic and satisfying racing experience, living up to its high-end reputation and price point. Keep in mind that 5% off any Ascher Racing product is available using the checkout code “ocracing,” and many other discount codes for other sim racing companies are available here.

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OC Score: 8.3

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Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro FAQ

What is the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro is a high-end sim racing wheel made in collaboration with McLaren, based on the real-world Artura GT4 race car. It is designed for serious sim racers who demand high performance and authenticity.

How does the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro differ from the Artura Ultimate? The primary difference between the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro and the Artura Ultimate is that the Ultimate version comes with a screen, while the Pro version does not. Both wheels share similar design and components, but the Pro is a more realistic replica of the real-world car.

What are the key features of the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro features 14 RGB backlit buttons, 4 thumb encoders, 2 multifunctional 7-way joysticks, two 12-position rotary switches, and a pristine metallic faceplate. It also has a quick release system, magnetic paddle shifters, and optional customization options.

Can the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro be used with different wheelbases? Yes, the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro can be used with various wheelbases from brands like Fanatec, Simucube, and Asetek. It requires the appropriate quick release (QR) system and can be connected via USB or wirelessly with Simucube wheelbases.

Does the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro have RGB shift lights? No, the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro does not have RGB shift lights. This is a feature that is typically included in entry-level wheels but is absent in this high-end model.

How comfortable is the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro to use during long racing sessions? The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro is designed with ergonomics in mind, featuring thick rubber grips, well-placed paddle shifters, buttons, and encoders. This makes it very comfortable to use during extended racing sessions.

Is it possible to customize the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? Yes, the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro offers customization options. You can purchase an optional knob kit and use the included sticker sheet and laser-etched button caps to personalize the wheel to your preferences.

What components are used in the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro uses identical components to those in the real Artura GT4 race car. This includes the same size, shape, feel, and layout, providing a highly realistic racing experience.

What are the drawbacks of the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? Some minor drawbacks of the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro include the absence of RGB shift lights, the use of a rubber material on the grips that attracts dust and debris, and the presence of the Ascher Racing logo on the faceplate, which some users may find redundant.

What is the price of the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro? The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro starts at 1130 euros. Discounts may be available using specific checkout codes like “ocracing.”