Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate Wheel Review
This is the brand new Ascher-Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate, and it’s probably the most insane (and expensive) sim racing wheel I’ve ever reviewed. Priced at $1500, this is far from a toy and has to be absolutely perfect. It is notably compatible with wheelbases from Fanatec, Simagic, Asetek, and many others, thus potentially making this wheel rim one of the most versatile ever.
Ascher Racing has sent this unit over for review, and I’ve been putting it through its paces for the last several weeks. Now, I’ve gathered my thoughts on it, determined what I do and do not like, and am ready to share all that. 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.
Specs & Features
Created alongside McLaren and based directly off the real-world Artura GT4 racecar, this sim racing wheel has the exact same materials, parts, and styling as the real thing, with only a few minor changes to adapt it to the virtual world. Based on that alone, its $1500 price point begins to make at least some sense, but that’s really just the start.
At 300mm in diameter, Ascher Racing has fitted this wheel with more functionality than you could probably ever use. As seen here, a total of 4 thumb encoders, 2 multifunctional 7-way joysticks, 2 12-position rotary switches, 14 RGB backlit buttons, and an integrated 4” display with 21 individual RGB shift lights are included. From my experience, I found every single button and dial to be meticulously placed so as to be easy and comfortable to reach. Mixed with its 300mm diameter for ultimate realism, the ergonomics of this wheel are second-to-none.
The rubber grips of this wheel are also very comfortable and extremely grippy. On one hand, this adds a lot of grip and security when holding your wheel, but I also found it to be a bit of a dust magnet as it easily holds onto dust and other debris.
As expected, the feeling of every button and dial here is of high quality, with a clicky feel on the backlit buttons and a rigid feel on the thumb encoders and knobs. As per customizability, there’s also quite a bit, with an included sticker sheet and completely separate button caps with a wide range of icons for you to swap out, albeit the process of swapping them out is a bit tedious. Furthermore, a $100 optional knob kit is available which introduces a wide range of color options for you to further customize this wheel even more, although I personally already really like the standard color scheme.
Overall, there is truly very little to complain about regarding the front of the Artura Ultimate as it both looks and feels of high quality. The main selling point here will of course be the large and vibrant 4” digital dash display which supports SimHub for a fully customizable experience. Using SimHub, I’m able to use dozens of pre-made telemetry displays or make one from scratch myself, and on this software, I’m also able to change color profiles, bind different buttons for different in-game functions, change the brightness of the LEDs, and pretty much everything you could expect. The in-house Ascher Racing software will also allow you to change the functionality of the clutch paddles, but in general, SimHub will be the main application used with this wheel, meaning that as you’d expect, it only works on PC.
Quick Release & Paddle Shifters
Taking a look behind the rim, you’ll find six 70mm bolt pattern inserts for your desired quick release system, along with the clutch, shifter, and mappable paddles. As for my quick release system, here I’m using the optional Asetek Invicta Wheel Side quick release, which is sold separately, but depending on the wheelbase you’re using, you’ll need your corresponding quick release system and maybe an adapter.
Ultimately though, once this wheel is attached, since it connects independently via USB to your computer, it will retain its full functionality. One of the cool things about the Asetek quick release I’m using is that by attaching this small USB cable onto the wheel and quick release system, I’m essentially able to wirelessly use this wheel on my La Prima wheelbase without having any cable needing to go all the way to my PC. But in the case that I did need to use the USB cord, it also comes with an extender making you have ample cable length to route back to your PC.
As per the paddle shifters, they’re as good as you would expect. Machined out of aluminum and fitted with strong magnets, they have a firm tactile feel while having its sound dampened with rubber stops. Altogether, this results in paddle shifters which not only look and feel good, but also perform well with a notable snap-action force. The only thing I do not like is both the distance and resistance of the mappable clutch paddles underneath as not only did I find them a little hard to reach since they sit so far back, but they also have little to no resistance, making it difficult to precisely move.
On-Track Performance
All said and done, the in-game performance of the Artura Ultimate is as good as you would expect. On track with max torque enabled, the wheel remained rigid and flex-free even when purposefully trying to push and pull on it. The Asetek quick release system worked its magic, and the wheel, upon installing SimHub, quickly fired up with everything ready to go. On track, the large screen was apparent and helpful in many cases, albeit it’s not something I would say is a necessity - in that sense, you’re very much paying for the cool factor rather than anything else. Regardless, everything was precise, quick to react, and very vibrant and in high resolution.
So, all in all, my experience with the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate was as good as I was expecting, with the cool factor of knowing this exact type of wheel is being used in the real car definitely adding to the immersion. The price tag here, of course, will be its biggest downside, and where you really have to realize that this wheel is designed, marketed, and intended for the very high-end and exclusive sim racing market. In a world where real-life supercar owners want the absolute best for their sim racing experience and price isn’t a consideration, this is where the McLaren Artura Ultimate will be found.
OC Score: 8.4
Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate FAQ
What makes the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate different from other sim racing wheels?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate is based directly on the McLaren ARTURA GT4 race car, incorporating the same materials, parts, and styling. It's compatible with various wheelbases like Fanatec, Simagic, Asetek, and others, making it exceptionally versatile.
How much does the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate cost?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate is priced at $1500. Although it's a premium product, its high-quality components and features justify the price for serious sim racing enthusiasts.
Can I use the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate with any racing simulator?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate is primarily designed for PC use and is fully compatible with SimHub software, which allows for extensive customization and functionality. Compatibility with other specific racing simulators will depend on the software and hardware setup.
What are the key features of the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate?
Key features include a 300mm diameter wheel fitted with 4 thumb encoders, 2 multifunctional 7-way joysticks, 2 12-position rotary switches, 14 RGB backlit buttons, and an integrated 4” display with 21 individual RGB shift lights. It also offers excellent ergonomics and customizable options.
Is there a discount available for the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate?
Yes, you can use the code “OCRACING” to get a 5% discount on the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate when purchased through the official website. Additional discounts on other Ascher Racing products and major sim racing brands are also available on the website.
What are the customization options for the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate comes with an included sticker sheet and separate button caps with a wide range of icons. An optional $100 knob kit provides further customization with various color options, allowing users to personalize their setup further.
How do I set up the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate connects via USB to your PC. It includes six 70mm bolt pattern inserts for various quick release systems, though some may require an adapter depending on the wheelbase. Detailed setup instructions are provided with the product.
How durable is the Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate?
The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate is built to high standards with quality materials, designed to withstand rigorous use in sim racing environments. Its construction mirrors that of actual racecar components, ensuring both durability and performance.
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