A round steering wheel with a vintage look

The Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 doesn’t try to impress with a barrage of buttons. Fanatec has opted for a classic round steering wheel design, inspired by GTs and older-generation touring cars. The design intent is immediately apparent: a solid rim, a large diameter, and exposed leather, recreating the feel of a road car’s steering wheel rather than that of a modern single-seater cockpit. It’s a sleek, almost timeless design aimed at those who value authenticity over technological excess.

Aluminum and leather: a solid construction

The ClubSport Wheel Rim Classic 2 is made of polished and anodized aluminum, then covered with genuine smooth-grain leather. The 350 mm (35 cm) diameter is calibrated to replicate the fluid motion of a classic driving experience. At the center, the Podium Hub is machined from a single piece of anodized aluminum, featuring an openwork structure that houses the electronics while keeping weight to a minimum. The entire assembly weighs approximately 1,403 g and exudes rigidity. This is a product whose construction and finish clearly position it in the high-end segment.

What's Really Included in the Bundle

Something to know before buying: This bundle combines the Podium Hub and the Classic 2 rim, but in its most minimalist form. No button clusters, paddle modules, or shifters are included as standard. The bare hub showcases the steering wheel, staying true to the spirit of a classic car steering wheel. It’s also a modular base: the Podium Hub allows for the later addition of button clusters and a Fanatec paddle module, should you wish to expand your setup. A Fanatec Quick Release ensures quick attachment to the base.

Compatibility: What to Check

When it comes to this, we need to be clear. The Podium Steering Wheel Classic 2 is not compatible with Xbox. It is primarily designed for PC, where full functionality is guaranteed, as well as for PlayStation, though with limited functionality that depends on the game. Most importantly, it does not work on its own: a compatible Fanatec steering wheel base is required and sold separately—whether it’s a Podium DD1 or DD2, a ClubSport, a CSL Elite, a CSL DD, or a Gran Turismo DD Pro. The wheel rim itself does not contain a vibration motor; all force feedback comes entirely from the base.

For whom, and on what basis?

This steering wheel is clearly designed for intermediate or experienced drivers who already have a solid base setup, ideally a direct-drive system. Its large, round diameter really comes into its own with classic GTs, touring cars, road cars, and rally cars—much more so than with a modern single-seater packed with screens. If your collection leans toward these categories and you’re looking for a high-end, understated, and well-crafted wheel, this is a solid choice. Conversely, a driver who spends most of their time in Formula cars or recent prototypes—and needs plenty of buttons at their fingertips—will likely look instead toward a more feature-packed wheel from the Fanatec catalog.