LONDON: Sim racing hardware maker Fanatec has unveiled a steering wheel inspired by the Bentley Continental GT3 Pikes Peak race car, merging high-performance materials and innovative features.
Initially developed for Bentley's GT3 Pikes Peak car, which competed in the 2021 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the 310 mm wheel from the German maker now includes enhanced elements for sim racers.
The wheel features a 3.4-inch circular self-levelling touchscreen encased in a forged carbon bezel, CNC-machined rotary controls, and backlit buttons.
Constructed with a magnesium core and a green carbon fiber weave front plate, it includes Fanatec's QR2 Pro Wheel-Side for quick release.
Two seven-way directional sticks, large rotary inputs, and four magnetic paddles provide ergonomic support, along with the "Pikes Peak Grip" — a lower attachment for better handling, as per driver Rhys Millen's feedback.
Functioning as a high-end racing device, the wheel can also serve as a display piece, doubling as a clock or playback device for telemetry and famous race videos.
Powerful, quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 microprocessor allows for smooth video playback and advanced functionality.
The Continental GT3 Pikes Peak car itself represents Bentley's extreme engineering efforts under its Beyond100 initiative, aiming for sustainable luxury mobility.
Modifications for Pikes Peak included a fortified 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing over 750bhp, an improved cooling system with rear air scoops, and a durable gearbox with a special lubricant by Mobil1.
Bentley’s engineers also focused on adjusting the car's suspension for low-speed cornering and water-cooled brakes for sustained high performance.
Aerodynamic enhancements provided 30% more downforce, thanks to the largest rear wing ever on a Bentley, complemented by a front splitter and dive planes. Many of these components were crafted using advanced 3D printing methods in Bentley’s Crewe factory.
