A block of aluminum and carbon

When you first pick it up, the first thing that strikes you is how solid it feels. This Podium Porsche 911 GT3 R arrived in four modules (suede-wrapped rim, Podium hub, Endurance button module, and Advanced paddle block) that screw together in just a few minutes—it’s plug-and-play. Once assembled, the unit weighs just over 2 kg and measures 32 cm in diameter, giving the impression of a single, solid block. There’s no unwanted play and no creaking when you apply pressure to the rim. The brushed and anodized aluminum, the genuine carbon fiber front plate, and the gold monocoque hub all exude high-end quality.

Suede: A Pleasure You Have to Earn

The steering wheel is modeled after that of the real 911 GT3 R, with a compact, endurance-style grip that encourages precise movements rather than wide, sweeping turns. Underneath the suede-like material, the polyurethane foam is perfectly balanced—neither too firm nor too soft—and remains comfortable over time. The grip is excellent with bare hands, but we quickly found ourselves reaching for gloves. In the heat of the action, sweaty hands eventually leave marks and wear down the surface. That’s the downside of suede—it requires a bit of maintenance and shows signs of aging more noticeably than leather. If you drive often and hard, gloves aren’t a luxury.

The "Endurance" Module at Your Fingertips

All the electronics are housed in the Podium Button Module Endurance. It features a 2.7-inch OLED screen (256x64) that’s perfectly readable even in the middle of a turn, nine RevLEDs, and six FlagLEDs for RPM and flags. As for controls, there are ten buttons, two toggle switches, a two-axis analog stick, a seven-way FunkySwitch, and two twelve-position selectors that can be used as infinite encoders when needed. The top buttons are within easy reach of the thumb without having to let go of the rim, while the bottom ones require repositioning the hand—which makes sense on such a feature-packed steering wheel. On PC, the Smart Telemetry mode and Fanalab allow for in-depth customization of the display and LEDs.

Paddles Slapping Together

The Advanced Paddle Module really makes a difference in handling. It features four magnetic paddles with Hall sensors for shifting, plus two analog paddles for the clutch or slip control, all made of carbon fiber mounted on a machined aluminum cage. The magnetic click is crisp and firm; every upshift feels distinct, with no play. Positioned high and wide, the paddles remain accessible even when attacking a corner and turning sharply into it. During long endurance sessions, this combination of a compact grip, strategically placed foam padding, and well-spaced controls helps reduce fatigue.

What It Takes to Make It Work

One thing to check before purchasing: this steering wheel does not include any basic electronics. It absolutely requires a compatible Fanatec base (DD1, DD2, DD1 PS4, ClubSport V2.5, CSL DD, Gran Turismo DD Pro, CSL Elite+, or CSL Elite V1.1). As for platforms, it performs best on PC. On PlayStation, features are limited, and telemetry is displayed through the game rather than on the screen. Please note that it is not Xbox-compatible—a common pitfall if you play on a Microsoft console. Fanatec includes a three-year warranty.

Our verdict

This Porsche 911 GT3 R Suede Podium is clearly aimed at the discerning GT driver who already has a solid foundation. The build quality, the display, the paddle shifters, and the wealth of controls justify its premium positioning, and the difference in quality compared to lower-tier models is immediately apparent. Then there’s the suede-like material—superb but finicky—and compatibility that excludes the Xbox ecosystem. For those who check these boxes, it’s a well-rounded steering wheel.