The McLaren GT4 mounted on our base

We’ve rarely held a steering wheel that so openly embraces its racing heritage. The Artura Ultimate uses the same components as the official McLaren Artura GT4 steering wheel, and you can tell as soon as you take it out of its mount. The CNC-machined, anodized aluminum shell doesn’t wobble or creak, and feels more like a tool of the trade than a flashy gadget. Plugged into our base via USB, it instantly transforms the experience: you’re no longer just driving an accessory—you’re gripping a real GT cockpit.

Craftsmanship that never compromises

The first touch confirms the ergonomics. The rubber grips, redesigned from previous generations, fit naturally in the palms and position the thumb just right. Nothing wobbles: even when deliberately pushing and pulling the rim with maximum force, there is no play or flex. The automotive-grade push buttons offer a distinct resistance that prevents accidental presses, and the laser-engraved, interchangeable caps give it a genuine cockpit-style finish.

Magnetic paddles and the clutch: pure pleasure

That’s where the Artura really won us over. The silent dual magnetic shift paddles deliver a short, smooth, and perfectly predictable shift travel, with a gentle stop that provides a sense of certainty with every gear change. When accelerating, you can shift up through the gears without ever worrying about a mis-shift, and when braking hard into a tight corner, you can keep a firm grip without triggering any unintended input. The clutch paddles, with their slip point adjustment accessible directly on the rim, make standing starts clean and repeatable once the bite point is set.

The 4-inch screen and the density of controls

The high-resolution 4-inch screen isn't just for show. Controlled via SimHub, it displays useful telemetry, speed, gear selection, and lap time, while the 21 RGB LEDs in the top strip signal gear shifts with enough precision that you can keep your eyes on the track as much as possible. Surrounding it, the control layout is comprehensive: 14 RGB backlit buttons, two 12-position rotary controls for adjusting traction control and brake balance on the fly, four thumb encoders for navigating menus, and two seven-way mini-sticks. During an endurance race, everything is right at your fingertips without having to let go of the steering wheel.

Long sessions and track performance

Over time, the ergonomics live up to their promise. The grips don’t cause premature fatigue and allow the details of the force feedback to come through without smoothing them out. The 300-mm diameter suits both an aggressive riding style and a smooth, relaxed ride, and the rim remains perfectly neutral: it conveys exactly what the frame is doing without adding or masking anything. After several stints, it’s the consistency that stands out—no controls go out of adjustment, and nothing develops play.

Connectivity, Software, and Compatibility

The USB version connects via a shielded cable with an industrial connector and functions as a single device on the PC side, without adding extra cables. The Ascher Control Center provides precise control over the encoders and rotary modes, while SimHub controls the display and LEDs. The factory settings work right out of the box, but the system offers extensive customization options for those who like to have full control. As for mounting, the quick-release adapters support Simucube, Fanatec, Asetek, Simagic, MOZA, VRS, and the 70 mm standard, making the steering wheel interchangeable between different mounts. Note: This is a USB steering wheel for PC, not a console peripheral.

Who, exactly?

The Artura Ultimate is clearly aimed at the demanding GT and endurance driver who wants a comprehensive, reliable cockpit that faithfully replicates the racing experience. Its price puts it at the very top of the market, and the software takes some time to get used to, but the build quality, paddles, and display justify its high aspirations. If you’re looking for a setup that never compromises on durability and feel, this one checks all the boxes.