Fanatec ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) : test & full review

The ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) is clearly positioned as a premium steering wheel in the Fanatec ecosystem, designed for demanding simracers who race on PC and Xbox. This is a "modern GT3-type" immersion-oriented product, with a strong emphasis on perceived quality, comfort and racing ergonomics.

The combination of the official Porsche look, a realistic steering wheel diameter and integrated Xbox compatibility via the hub is what attracts people. It's clear that Fanatec is targeting the simracer already equipped with a ClubSport / CSL DD / DD1-DD2 base, who wants to move upmarket on the wheel without going full custom.

My angle here is simple: how much does this steering wheel really add in terms of feel, input precision and driving comfort, compared to simpler or entry-level steering wheels? Are we mainly paying for Porsche's aesthetics, or is there a real sporting and practical value behind it for hours of driving on ACC, iRacing, Forza or others?

Design, materials and manufacturing

What's immediately striking is the solid feel in hand. The leather rim gives a dense feel, with a well-calibrated volume: neither too thin, nor too thick. The leather has a slightly firm grain that is more reminiscent of a sports car than a classic road steering wheel. You immediately feel like gripping the steering wheel and attacking.

The structure, based on the Xbox Fanatec Hub, exudes seriousness: aluminum, clean assembly, no perceptible flex in the rim or temples. In torsion, it doesn't flinch. Buttons are plentiful, well integrated and click cleanly and precisely. The rotors are just the right amount of firmness, so you're not afraid to use them in a straight line.

The overall quality is superior to that of a CSL steering wheel, and comes close to that of a real "mainstream" racing car. You can clearly feel the ClubSport positioning, with particular attention paid to materials and rigidity. It's not the ultra-radical 100 % competition-style aluminum billet, but for a living-room or cockpit setup, it looks very serious.

The only slight disappointment is that the hub remains visually a little massive. It gains in versatility and Xbox compatibility, but loses a little in terms of pure "racing minimalism" compared to some of the more streamlined steering wheels. The labels and markings are very console/PC, less "pure GT3" than some podium or QR2-only models.

All in all, compared with other Fanatec wheels in similar ranges, we're a step up in look and feel from the CSL series, and a good compromise against even higher-end, often more expensive and specialized wheels.

Settings, customization and compatibility

This steering wheel is based on the Fanatec ecosystem, so all settings are handled by the PC driver and the basic menus (FFB, rotation, filters, max force, etc.). Above all, the steering wheel itself provides a richer ergonomic experience, allowing you to control everything directly from the wheel. On Xbox, this is even truer: all the essential buttons are there, well-placed, and are also used for menu navigation.

There are enough knobs and buttons to map just about everything you need on modern simulations: brake bias, TC, ABS, mixture settings, HUD pages. You can really adapt your layout to your riding style. Once you've found your logic, there's no need to go looking for a keyboard or joystick. This saves time and, above all, concentration on the track. That's where the "complete racing wheel" positioning comes in.

The learning curve is reasonable. At first, it takes a little time to memorize who does what, especially if you're using all the knobs and buttons. But the layout is fairly intuitive: you quickly distinguish what you can operate when cornering, and what you keep for straights. There are no hidden menus, and everything is at your fingertips.

In terms of compatibility, the big advantage is of course the Hub's native Xbox support, while remaining perfectly usable on PC. On PlayStation, it's not the wheel that makes for compatibility, but the base, so keep that in mind: this wheel is primarily aimed at the PC/Xbox couple. The Fanatec ecosystem behind it is extensive: top-of-the-range CSL DD, ClubSport and Direct Drive chainstays, cranksets, shifters, handbrakes - everything integrates seamlessly.

In terms of upgradability, I see it more as a durable wheel that you can keep for several years, even if you change the base later. It's not just an entry point, it's a central part of a serious GT, endurance or even multi-discipline setup, if you're willing to do everything with a single wheel.

Sensations in play: FFB, grip and control

Once on the track, the character of this leather Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 is revealed above all by its diameter and grip. The format is very reminiscent of current GT steering wheels, with enough leverage to dose the torque of a Direct Drive base without tiring too quickly. You can quickly feel that the wheel is working in concert with the base, without any parasitic vibration or exaggerated flex.

In terms of force feedback, the steering wheel doesn't create power, but it does transmit it very well. On a CSL DD-type base, for example, you can clearly feel the slight variations in load on the flywheel as you enter a bend, the transfer of mass and the gradual loss of grip. Micro-movements are legible, and bumps and vibrators are clear but not aggressive. You immediately understand what the car is doing.

On the vibrators, the leather cushions even the driest shocks. With thin gloves, there's a good compromise between detail and comfort. Without gloves, the steering wheel remains pleasant, even over long sessions. There's a "long ride" aspect that's very much appreciated if you're doing 30-60 minute stints. You don't end up with your hands completely rinsed, which happens quickly with more aggressive bare-metal steering wheels.

Grip reading is good. When the rear starts to lose weight under acceleration or on braking that's a little too optimistic, you can feel the steering wheel lightening or vibrating slightly, depending on the track. Quick corrections go down well: the diameter and grip of the leather allow you to catch up with oversteer without taking your hands off the wheel, provided of course that the base is set to a level of force consistent with your physical strength.

Compared to a simpler or lighter steering wheel, you gain precision in your inputs, particularly in medium and strong support. Small trajectory adjustments are more controllable, and you move your hands less to achieve the same effect. On technical circuits, it really helps to "put" the car where you want it, especially on fast corner entries.

On a more powerful base, such as a top-of-the-range DD, the wheel takes the strain without flinching. It doesn't seem to limit the FFB, as long as the settings remain within reasonable limits. In this case, you feel more the work of the virtual chassis, the compressions, the bumps at high speed. All in all, there's a nice consistency to the whole, with no noise or parasitic play.

Over time, consistency is a real strength. The steering wheel retains the same rigidity, the same feeling of control, even after long sessions. There's no annoying warm-up, no feeling of the game coming on. You can really concentrate solely on the track. This is where the wheel changes the experience: the steering wheel disappears, becoming just an extension of your hands.

In pure immersion, the combination of the Porsche look, the leather finish and a good FFB gives a very convincing result. You get the impression of driving something serious, not a toy. It doesn't necessarily make you faster overnight, but it puts you in the right frame of mind to go for performance cleanly and consistently.

Who's it for? Real strengths and limitations

I clearly see this ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 (Leather) as a steering wheel for intermediate to advanced simracers, who drive regularly and want a consistent high-end setup without falling into the ultra-niche. It's also well suited to Xbox gamers who already have or are considering a Fanatec base and want a complete, premium steering wheel.

What I appreciate most is the perceived quality: materials, finish, rigidity, everything exudes seriousness. Then there's the ergonomics on the track, with enough buttons and knobs to control all the car's settings without taking your hands off the wheel. Finally, the comfort of use over time: the leather, diameter and density mean you can drive for long periods without feeling like you're fighting against the material. You can concentrate on trajectories and rhythm. For the general public, it's a real "game changer" in terms of pleasure.

But there are limits. The first is price and the notion of investment: this is a clearly premium product, which only makes sense if you already have a decent base (minimum CSL DD) or are planning to upgrade. If your overall budget is tight, it may be better to invest in the base and pedals first, and then move on to this type of steering wheel.

The second limitation is the hub's rather massive size and Xbox orientation. If you drive exclusively on PC and aren't interested in Xbox compatibility, you're partly paying for a function you don't need. In this case, other Fanatec steering wheels or more "pure sim" competitors may seem more rational.

Thirdly, the style and format are very GT/touring oriented. For hardcore rallying, extreme drifting or very typical single-seaters, some will prefer a smaller, lighter or differently shaped wheel. This Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 can do it all, but it performs at its best in GT, endurance and modern circuit disciplines.

Verdict: a premium Porsche steering wheel for demanding PC & Xbox users

This ClubSport Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 for Xbox (Leather) clearly brings a more "pro" dimension to a Fanatec setup. It doesn't change the nature of your base FFB, but it does better exploit its potential, in terms of input precision, readability of feel and comfort of use. It's a real setup centerpiece, not just a cosmetic accessory.

On the market, it's positioned at the top end of the mid-range / accessible premium range: more serious and more accomplished than an entry-level wheel, less extreme and less specialized than a very high-end full competition wheel. For many passionate simracers, it's exactly the sweet spot between fun, performance and versatility.

I'd recommend it above all to those who ride regularly on PC and/or Xbox, with a current or future Fanatec base, and who want a single, well-finished main steering wheel for GT and track. For a beginner on a limited budget, or someone who often switches between very different disciplines, there are more economical or specialized options.

If you're looking for an immersive, rigid, comfortable steering wheel designed for modern GT racing on PC and Xbox, this Fanatec ClubSport Porsche 911 GT3 R V2 (Leather) can clearly make the difference in your setup.