Bentley’s monstrous Pikes Peak Continental GT3 race car will make use of a steering wheel compatible with racing game simulators.
Created with gaming hardware specialists Fanatec, the new steering wheel is packed with motorsport technology and high-end materials.
Sim racers will be able to use the exact same wheel that will pilot the 750 hp Continental GT3.
Plug and play technology
Crafted from carbon fibre and magnesium alloy, the GT3 steering wheel is intended to be lightweight but strong. A digital central display hosts telemetry and other performance data.
Bentley’s influence on the steering wheel can be seen in the knurled rotary switches. Magnetic paddles, used for gear shifting and other functions, are based on those found in the road-going Bentley Continental.
The quick-release function of the steering wheel allows it to easily transfer from race car to sim gaming rig. Fanatec promises that the GT3 wheel will work with its existing force-feedback bases, and comes with a special carry case.
Such a wheel is likely to aid Bentley’s preparation for the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb. Being able to use the exact same wheel when practicing in a simulator can only be a bonus.
Leading the field
The Bentley steering wheel is the second created through a collaboration between Fanatec and a car company. Last year, BMW announced that Fanatec would supply a homologated gaming wheel for the forthcoming M4 GT3.
However, the BMW item will not be used until the 2022 season. It allows Bentley to score a world-first achievement.
This year, the company is looking to take a hat trick of wins on the 12.42-mile Pikes Peak course. The all-new GT3 car, designed to use renewable synthetic fuel, will aim to follow the previous wins taken by the Bentayga and Continental GT.
Paul Williams, director of motorsport at Bentley Motors, commented: “Our detailed collaboration with Fanatec has repurposed the steering wheel from the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car for virtual use.
“There cannot be a more realistic way for gaming enthusiasts to experience the thrill of driving one of our fastest ever vehicles, from home.”
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