Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede: test & review of a clearly high-end steering wheel

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede is aimed at a very specific niche in sim racing: those who want an ultra-fidelity GT3-type steering wheel, designed for Direct Drive, with a feel close to that of a real modern racing wheel. This is a premium product, more focused on immersion and quality of control than "simply" on the Porsche look.

On paper, it promises three things: racing ergonomics, a finish well above CSL/ClubSport range wheels, and deep compatibility with the Fanatec ecosystem, notably the Podium bases. It's a steering wheel that clearly tips a setup towards the "serious" segment.

My angle with this steering wheel: the precision of the controls, the quality of the materials, the comfort over long sessions and the consistency with what you'd expect from a modern GT3 steering wheel. No dream being sold here: I'm looking above all to see if the asking price is reflected in the sensations and everyday use.

Design & manufacturing

In hand, the first impression is one of density. The Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede gives the impression of a solid block, with no parasitic play or creaking. The metal faceplate, the well-integrated buttons, the solid rotors: everything exudes high-end sim racing, not decorative accessories.

The diameter and shape are typically GT3, with a compact grip that encourages precise movements rather than large gestures. The foam under the suede is well balanced: neither too soft nor too hard. You soon get the feeling that you can "put your hands down" and forget about the steering wheel to concentrate on the track.

The suede itself is pleasant and grippy, but clearly calls for gloves if you plan to ride often or with a lot of FFB. Barehanded, it works, but you can feel that over time it will wear out faster and become more sweaty. It's the classic compromise of suede wheels: superb feel, more demanding maintenance.

The magnetic paddles are a real highlight. The click is crisp and clear, with a short stroke. You can feel every gear change, without any exaggerated harshness. Some top-of-the-range steering wheels tend to be overly aggressive on/off; here, the balance is well struck.

As for minor disappointments, the weight may come as a surprise if you come from a lighter CSL-type flywheel. On a low-power base, you feel that the inertia is greater. On a Podium base, on the other hand, this weight enhances realism and stability. The other point is that, despite the premium price, there are still a few plastic elements visible on the rear, well finished but which break the "full metal" look a little.

Compared with a more conventional ClubSport steering wheel, we've clearly moved up a gear in terms of overall rigidity, button feel and the impression of a racing component. We're way ahead in terms of overall feel, but also in terms of setup and budget requirements.

Settings, customization & compatibility

The Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede is fully integrated into the Fanatec ecosystem. The usual settings are available via the base menu (FFB, filter, damper, etc.) and the PC software. The general ergonomics are those we're familiar with at Fanatec: once you've understood the logic of the profiles, it's fairly fluid, but the first contact may take a little time if you're just starting out.

On the steering wheel itself, the layout of buttons and knobs is clearly designed for GT3 driving: everything is accessible without actually taking your hands off the wheel. There's plenty of space to map out the essential functions: TC management, ABS, fuel mixture, radio, pit limiter... You'll quickly understand how to use it, and everyone can adapt it to their preferred sim.

Rotators and encoders are particularly useful for racing. Their notching is precise, firm enough to avoid mistakes, but not tiring. Where I find the steering wheel very well thought-out is in its ability to manage many functions without getting lost while driving. It really helps you to feel "at home" in the car, especially in a modern GT with so many settings.

In terms of compatibility, this is classic Fanatec: PC no problem, consoles depending on the base used. The steering wheel itself does not limit compatibility: it's the base that counts. On a Podium base, full potential is exploited. On a ClubSport or CSL DD base, it works, but it's clear that the product was designed primarily for heavy-duty Direct Drive.

The ecosystem also works in its favor: Fanatec pedals, shifters, handbrakes... everything integrates naturally. For me, this steering wheel is not an "entry point" into sim racing. Rather, it's a piece that you add to an already-built setup, to take it up a notch in immersion and control.

Sensations in play

This is where this steering wheel really justifies its positioning. When mounted on a Direct Drive base, the precision of the force feedback takes on a whole new dimension. You can feel the road, but above all, you can feel the micro-variations in grip and pressure. The steering wheel doesn't just push, it informs.

In fast bends, the geometry and diameter make it easy to maintain a stable reference point. Load transitions are easy to read: you know when the front is starting to slide, when the rear is easing off, without needing to exaggerate the movements. It's all about fine control, rather than the spectacular.

On grip, the difference with a lower-end steering wheel is in the nuances. It's easier to perceive when you're on the edge of grip, when you hit the throttle a little too early, when the rear end slowly begins to shift. The steering wheel doesn't pull on your arms, it transmits clear information. That's what builds confidence: you dare to push because you can read what the car is doing.

Vibrations are well rendered. With a correct Direct Drive, edge hits are clean but not destructive. You can distinguish between a flat and an aggressive vibrator, a passage over grass or beyond. The steering wheel doesn't feel like a jackhammer, which is appreciated over long sessions.

On fast corrections, the GT3 format works wonders. The shape makes it possible to catch drift or oversteer without exaggerated movements. The range of movement is quite small, but very effective. When the car takes off, the steering wheel responds quickly, and the suede grip helps maintain control even with a fairly strong FFB.

Over long sessions, several factors play in favor of comfort: shape, weight distribution and suede quality. You won't tire as much as with a round steering wheel that's too wide or a grip that's too hard. With gloves, you can ride for a long time without hand pain. Without gloves, the texture of the suede does get a little warm, but it's still largely bearable if the FFB isn't on full blast.

Compared to a lighter, simpler steering wheel on a belt base, the difference is clear: you gain in finesse of reading, stability and a "solid" feel to the setup. Compared to another unlicensed high-end steering wheel, the Podium Porsche's main advantage lies in its highly accomplished ergonomics and the quality of its controls. It won't necessarily multiply the raw power of the FFB, but it makes better use of what the base sends out.

All in all, this steering wheel feels like much more than just a decorative Porsche accessory. It's a real GT driving tool, making corrections more natural, fast laps more repeatable, and errors easier to read. You quickly understand what the car is doing, which is exactly what you'd expect in this segment.

Who's it for? What we like / What we don't like

This steering wheel is clearly aimed at intermediate to advanced sim racers already equipped with a serious Fanatec base, ideally with Direct Drive. Motivated beginners can buy it right from the start, but they won't get the full potential out of it on a small base, and may find the investment a little disproportionate at first. On a PC, you can take full advantage of its possibilities; on a console, it depends mainly on the base, but the steering wheel retains all its ergonomic appeal.

What I appreciate most is, first of all, the overall perceived quality: rigidity, assembly, magnetic paddles, no "toy" feeling. Then there's the racing ergonomics: every button, every rotary has a meaning in GT3, everything falls to your fingertips, and that really changes the way you manage a race. Last but not least, the in-game feeling: the precision in corners, the ability to read the grip and repeat the right trajectories gives the feeling of a tool made for attacking, not just for driving.

In terms of limitations, the price clearly places this steering wheel in the serious investment category. You need to be well into sim racing to justify it. Suede also imposes certain constraints: ideally, gloves should be worn, regular maintenance is required, and wear and tear is more visible. For some, a leather steering wheel will be more practical for everyday use. One last point: on a low-powered or entry-level base, some of the magic is lost. The weight and design are designed for a strong Direct Drive, not to "wake up" a small base.

In terms of perceived value, if your setup is already solid and you're looking for an accomplished GT3 steering wheel, the price defends itself. You can really feel the quality gap with the lower ranges. If your setup is still under construction, it sometimes makes more sense to invest in the base or pedals first, and then move on to this type of steering wheel.

Verdict

The Fanatec Podium Steering Wheel Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede doesn't just change the look of a setup, it changes the way you drive. It brings precision control, GT3 ergonomics and a solid feel that transforms a good Direct Drive package into a clearly race-oriented setup.

On the market, it's at the very top end of dedicated GT steering wheels, far from the basic packages and above the more general wheels. You pay for the Porsche license, but above all for the build quality, finish and level of integration with the Podium bases.

I'd recommend it to those who drive a lot of GT/GT3, who already have a serious Fanatec base, and who place as much importance on feel in hand as on force feedback. For an occasional player, a complete beginner or someone with a very modest base, it won't be the best first purchase.

If you're looking for a top-of-the-range GT3 steering wheel that's solid, precise and truly designed for Direct Drive, this product can clearly make the difference in your setup.