New Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3: New Steering Wheel For The ClubSport Universal Hub

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Fanatec has announced a new addition within its modular steering wheel ecosystem: the Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3. This is emphatically a wheel rim (rim/grips/spokes only), intended to be combined with existing Fanatec hubs and modules. The gist of this release is clear: Fanatec wants the ClubSport Universal Hub V2 and V2 for Xbox gain new momentum with an accessible GT3 shape that better suits Button Clusters than the hub's standard arms/adjustability.

What makes this release interesting is not just the shape (318 mm GT3-style), but more importantly the specially designed bracket that Fanatec adds to mount Button Clusters more ergonomically and rigidly. In addition, Fanatec deliberately pitches the rim as a lower-priced option than the existing Wheel Rim line-up. The ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 is available immediately. Find out what to expect in this article.

What is a Fanatec Wheel Rim?

The term ‘wheel rim’ is sometimes used broadly in sim racing, but Fanatec uses a clear definition. Within the Fanatec ecosystem, a Wheel Rim:

• The steering wheel with faceplate/spokes and grips (shape/diameter varies per rim)
• Without electronics
• Without buttons or paddles
• Without quick release

A Wheel Rim is meant to be mounted on the front of a Fanatec Hub. That hub contains the electronics and internal connectors towards the quick release and wheelbase.

Important detail: if you mount a rim directly on just a quick-release component, you create at most a mechanical connection. The wheelbase then does not detect that a handlebar is connected and force feedback is not activated. In practice, you therefore always need a Fanatec Hub to make a complete steering wheel out of rim + hub.

Why this release is interesting within Fanatec's ecosystem

Fanatec has long had a modular system: rims, hubs, button modules, button clusters and quick releases that you can build in various combinations. Recently, you can see Fanatec further refining this modular thinking: not just “compatible”, but also “optimised for a specific setup”.

The GT3 Endurance rim was clearly designed around the Podium Button Module Endurance. With the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 Fanatec pulls that same idea through to the ClubSport Universal Hub V2: a GT3 form that doesn't force you towards the Endurance button module, but instead caters to Universal Hub owners working with Button Clusters.

Fanatec's positioning is clear: this rim should be renewed energy and creative possibilities bring to the - now obsolete anyway - ClubSport Universal Hub V2 (and V2 for Xbox), and at a price that is accessible to more sim racers.

Key features of the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3

Fanatec pitches this rim as a practical upgrade for those using the ClubSport Universal Hub V2: the same 318 mm GT3 shape as the GT3 Endurance, but with a bracket that positions Button Clusters tighter and more ergonomically. Below are the main design choices, plus the details that determine whether this rim fits your hub and module combination.

Specially designed bracket for Button Clusters

The most distinctive part of this rim is the specially designed (reinforced) bracket for mounting the Button Clusters of the ClubSport Universal Hub. That bracket has two functions:

1. Ergonomically optimised Button Cluster layout
   The bracket allows for a layout that fits the size and shape of the rim better than the standard adjustment range of the Button Cluster arms on the ClubSport Universal Hub.
2. Stiffer, more precise montage (brace)
   The bracket acts as a brace so Button Clusters are mounted tighter and more rigidly, with the aim that the buttons feel like they are “part of the rim”. Less flex or micro-movement, so a more solid feel.

Identical shape and grips to the GT3 Endurance

Fanatec confirms that the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 is the same size and shape as the ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 Endurance, including identical grip shape and material. So you are not choosing “different feel in your hands”, but a different build at the front of your handlebars.

Spoke design: made for Universal Hub, but also clean without clusters

Fanatec mentions that the spoke design visually matches the shapes of the Universal Hub Button Clusters. At the same time, the rim would also maintain a clean, balanced look when used on its own. Fanatec positions this as an argument for why this rim could be more versatile than the GT3 Endurance, which is more strongly designed around one specific button module.

FunkySwitch left or right

The FunkySwitch can be placed on the left or right. This is relevant for sim racers who classify their controls by discipline (GT3/Endurance, rally, etc.) or who have a preference in thumb dominance.

Custom stickers

The rim contains 10 blank sticker sheets to print custom graphics. Useful for teams, leagues and streamers who want a consistent layout (features, icons, colour coding). A nice detail! If you want good quality stickers, you will have to use laser printing, as a standard Inkjet printer does not offer sufficient quality.

Features & specificaties

• CNC-machined, black anodised aluminium
• Overmolded rubber grips with 50 Shore A hardness
• Optimised for ClubSport Universal Hub
• Reinforced bracket: strong mounting for Button Clusters
• Bracket: ergonomic button layout
• FunkySwitch can be positioned left or right
• 10 blank sticker sheets for custom graphics
• Diameter: 318 mm
• Weight (incl. bracket): 700 g

Compatibility

Fanatec mentions compatibility with:

• ClubSport Universal Hub (V1)
• ClubSport Universal Hub for Xbox
• ClubSport Universal Hub V2
• ClubSport Universal Hub V2 for Xbox
• Podium Hub (with two Button Clusters)
• Podium Button Module Rally

Practicality: this rim targets modular Fanatec builds (rim + hub + inputs). Note: “compatible” does not mean that every combination gives exactly the same ergonomics or clearance. That always depends on your hub version and your chosen modules.

Price of the Fanatec ClubSport GT3 Wheel Rim

Fanatec says this rim is deliberately priced lower than the existing Wheel Rim line-up, to provide an accessible GT3-style alternative within the ecosystem.

• EU: € 99,99
• US: $ 99,95
• CA: $ 144,99
• AU: $ 149,90
• JP: ¥ 14.000

Availability of the ClubSport GT3 Wheel Rim

The Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 is available immediately. Even if a product is readily available, delivery times may vary by region due to warehouse stock and transport. If you want to drive fast, check the current stock status in your region.

For whom is the Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3 intended?

This rim especially makes sense for:

1. Sim racers with a ClubSport Universal Hub (V2) looking for a GT3 shape that better suits Button Clusters (ergonomics + stiffer feel).
2. Users with a Podium Hub + two Button Clusters who want a 318 mm GT3 rim without going straight to a complete wheel.
3. Sim racers who are the Podium Button Module Rally combine with a GT3 shape.

For sim racers who prefer a complete “all-in-one” steering wheel (fixed button layout, integrated paddles and a complete faceplate), this product is less relevant. This is a rim for builders within the modular Fanatec system.

Frequently asked questions

Haven't found your answer yet? Below is a selection of frequently asked questions about the Fanatec ClubSport Wheel Rim GT3.