Fanatec CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT Wheel Review

Featured Image: Fanatec Porsche Vision GT Wheel

Sim racing wheel reviews tend to fall into predictable patterns. We praise the ergonomics, comment on button placement, and maybe mention whether the Alcantara feels nice. Meanwhile, manufacturers keep churning out incremental updates that barely move the needle forward. So when Fanatec told me they’d created a £349 “CSL Elite” wheel based on a Gran Turismo concept car, I’ll admit my expectations were tempered. But here’s the thing – this wheel represents something genuinely interesting in Fanatec’s ecosystem, even if it’s not for the reasons you might expect.

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What makes a sim racing wheel based on a virtual car worth £349? That’s the question that kept nagging at me as I unpacked the CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT. This is Fanatec’s real-world incarnation of the wheel you’ll find in Porsche’s Vision Gran Turismo concept – a car that exists purely in the digital realm of GT7.

This review is particularly interesting for me because it highlights a fundamental shift in how sim racing hardware is being conceived. We’re no longer just copying real racing wheels – we’re bringing virtual designs into the physical world. It’s a fun philosophical exercise, which is nice, but does it justify the premium price tag?

The Materials Science Question

Fanatec has introduced what they’re calling “Tactarus” – a new grip material that supposedly improves on traditional Alcantara. Now, I’m immediately sceptical of marketing jargon, but let’s dig into what we’re dealing with here.

The material feels remarkably similar to Alcantara in practice. After a couple of hours of testing, there’s no visible wear, no balling up, and it maintains grip both with and without gloves (although I much prefer racing with gloves as a rule). Fanatec claims it’s more resistant to sweat and general wear, but without long-term testing, I can’t validate those claims. What I can tell you is that it’s wrapped over what appears to be a solid substrate – there’s no squishiness here beyond the inherent give in the material itself.

For console sim racers, coming from a DualSense controller, this represents a massive tactile upgrade. The 310mm diameter puts it right in the GT car sweet spot, and the internal aluminium structure provides enough rigidity for the 5-8Nm forces most PlayStation-compatible wheelbases deliver.

This isn’t trying to be a €800 premium wheel – it’s positioned perfectly for the Gran Turismo enthusiast who wants something special without going completely mad on pricing.

The Rotary Encoder Revolution (Or Evolution?)

Here’s where things get genuinely interesting. If you’ve used Fanatec’s ClubSport Formula wheels, you’ll know the thumb encoders have all the resistance of a bearing in zero gravity. They spin freely, making precise adjustments feel like guesswork.

The Vision GT wheel takes the opposite approach. These encoders have firm, defined clicks in each position. If anything, they’ve overcorrected – with bare hands and sweaty palms, your thumb can actually slip across the surface rather than rotate the encoder. It’s a strange problem to have, but infinitely preferable to the mushy feel of their predecessors.

The lower rotary encoders/multi-position switches are particularly clever. Because they wrap around the wheel’s edge, you can pinch them between your thumb and middle finger for easy adjustment whilst driving. These offer both rotary encoder and multi-position switch functionality, depending on the sim support – proper engineering thinking there.

Build Quality: Console-Focused Engineering

If you hold the wheel in quite an unusual way and exert it to “a twist test” (?!) then you’re going to get some flex in the lower portion of the wheel where the structure passes through the encoder housing. But here’s the thing – in actual GT7 sessions, that’s not a thing. The wheel is engineered for the forces you’ll encounter with PlayStation-compatible wheelbase (up to 5Nm mostly, higher with the high torque QR, not the 20Nm+ direct drive wheels you’ll find attached to $1500 of sim racing wheel.

More importantly, there’s zero creaking – a common issue with other Fanatec wheels, including the more expensive McLaren GT3 V2. And generally, as if it’s not clear, this is a superior wheel in build quality and feel compared to the McLaren.

For a wheel that’s priced at the lower end of the serious sim racing market, the build quality is entirely appropriate. Console players stepping up to a CSL DD from a controller or basic Logitech wheel will be blown away.

The Shifter Redemption

Historically, CSL Elite shifters have been awful. The McLaren GT3’s rocker-style paddles feel cheap, and aftermarket replacements are almost mandatory for serious use. The Vision GT completely reverses this trend.

These magnetic shifters deliver a sharp, rifle-bolt action that wouldn’t feel out of place on a wheel twice the price. The throw is short, the magnetic return is snappy, and there’s zero play. After years of disappointing CSL Elite shifters, Fanatec has finally delivered something that doesn’t need immediate replacement.

PlayStation Integration: The Gran Turismo Experience

Unlike Fanatec’s GT DD Pro and DD Extreme wheels, there’s no PlayStation button labelling here. You’ll spend a few minutes learning the layout – X is the centre button, the D-pad is the seven-way switch on the left. Is it intuitive? Not initially. But after a few sessions in GT7, the muscle memory develops quickly, and lest we forget most wheels take a minute to adjust to.

What’s brilliant for console sim racers is how the four rotary encoders map directly to GT7’s adjustment system. Traction control, brake balance, torque split, and fuel mapping all get dedicated controls. No more fumbling with D-pad combinations mid-race. The implementation feels like Polyphony Digital and Fanatec actually talked to each other – which, given the official Porsche licensing, they probably did.

The integrated OLED display shows gear indicators, speed, and other telemetry data from compatible games. Press the Porsche crest button to access the Fanatec Tuning Menu, where you can adjust force feedback settings and switch between five customizable profiles. Yes, it’s behind a tinted window which makes it slightly dimmer than other Fanatec wheels, but in a typical gaming room setup, it’s perfectly functional. The seven-way FunkySwitch makes navigation intuitive once you get the hang of it.

The Price Reality

At £349.95 (€349.95 in Europe, $399.99 in the US with current tariffs), this sits at the entry point for serious sim racing wheels. For context, the McLaren GT3 V2 costs 30% less, but you’re getting significantly upgraded shifters, better encoders, and – crucially for console players – a wheel designed specifically for your platform’s flagship racing game.

Consider what console players typically upgrade from: a Logitech G29 at around £250, or perhaps a Thrustmaster T300. This Fanatec represents a real step up in quality, with the added emotional appeal of driving the same wheel (virtually) that you’re holding physically. For Gran Turismo enthusiasts, that connection might be worth the premium alone.

The Moza Vision GS at £500+ offers more features like an integrated display, but it’s also significantly more expensive and requires diving into the PC-only Moza ecosystem. For PlayStation players already invested in or considering Fanatec gear, the Vision GT makes more sense.

Engineering Reality Check

Let’s stop with the subjective nonsense about “immersion”, “twist tests” and “feel.” What measurable improvements does the CSL Elite Porsche Vision offer over cheaper alternatives?

• Magnetic shifters with quantifiable throw distance and decent return force
• Well-defined encoder detents
• 310mm diameter for broader compatibility with GT-style driving
• Dual-mode switches (rotary encoder/multi-position)
• QR2 Lite included (the plastic version – lower maximum torque which you’d need to upgrade later down the line)

What it doesn’t offer:

• Metal construction touch points
• Extreme structural rigidity
• Premium materials throughout
• Display visibility improvements
• Intuitive PlayStation button mapping
• I wish the wheel had come in a bag, so the rim didn’t rub on the packaging

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Perfect PlayStation Simulator Package

I’m going to assume that you’re a budding console sim racer – on that note, here’s what I’d recommend for a complete Gran Turismo setup:

Essential: PlayStation-Compatible Wheelbase

Gran Turismo DD Pro (5Nm or 8Nm)

The official Gran Turismo DD Pro is your safest bet. Native PS4/PS5 compatibility, available in 5Nm and (upgradeable to) 8Nm versions. The Vision GT wheel transforms this bundle into something truly special – you’re getting the official GT wheelbase with the GT concept car wheel.

The older CSL Elite+ with PlayStation compatibility is discontinued, but sometimes available used on eBay. If you find one at a good price, it’s still a solid option for console racing.

Cockpit: Fanatec ClubSport GT Cockpit

If you’re going all-in on the Fanatec ecosystem, the ClubSport GT Cockpit is the natural choice. Purpose-built for Fanatec gear with integrated cable management and pre-drilled mounting points for the wheelbase and pedals. The adjustable seating position works brilliantly for GT-style racing, and the whole structure is rock-solid even under 20Nm+ force feedback, so there’s later stage upgrade potential there.

At around £800-900, it’s a serious investment, but you’re getting German engineering that’ll outlast multiple wheelbase upgrades. The cockpit comes flat-packed but assembles logically – budget 2-3 hours for a proper job. Pro tip: Leave the main bolts slightly loose until everything’s positioned, then tighten systematically.

The Pedals: CSL Pedals with Load Cell Kit

The CSL pedals with load cell brake are perfect for console players. They work with PlayStation and don’t require the complex configuration of higher-end options.

The Display: 32″ Gaming Monitor for Console

As covered in our gaming monitors guide, a 32″ display with HDMI 2.1 is ideal for PS5 racing. Look for 120Hz support and low input lag:

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The Console Racer’s Verdict

The CSL Elite Porsche Vision GT wheel represents something unique in the sim racing market – a physical manifestation of Gran Turismo’s virtual vision. At £349, it’s priced at the entry level for serious sim racing wheels, making it an intriguing proposition for PlayStation players ready to level up their experience.

The magnetic shifters are genuinely excellent – a massive improvement over every other CSL Elite wheel. The encoders, whilst perhaps too stiff, offer precise control that console players will appreciate when making on-the-fly adjustments in GT7. The four-way adjustment system feels purpose-built for Gran Turismo’s tuning options.

Is it perfect? No. The button mapping takes some learning, the display could be brighter, and yes, there’s some flex if you really wrench on it like you hate it. But in actual use – particularly in Gran Turismo 7 where it belongs – these issues fade into irrelevance. You’re holding the Porsche Vision GT wheel, driving the Porsche Vision GT, in the game that inspired it all. For PlayStation sim racers, that’s a compelling emotional connection that transcends pure engineering metrics.

If you’re a console player considering the jump to serious sim racing hardware, this wheel makes that transition special. It’s not just another GT-style wheel – it’s YOUR wheel from YOUR game, made real. At the entry-level pricing for quality sim racing gear, that might just be worth the investment.

Pros:

• Magnetic Shifters: Finally, CSL Elite shifters that don’t feel like afterthoughts. Sharp action, zero play, magnetic return.
• Defined Encoder Clicks: No more guessing how many positions you’ve turned. Perhaps too stiff, but I’ll take that over mush.
• Dual-Mode Switches: Rotary encoder or multi-position functionality shows proper engineering consideration.
• Build Quality Improvements: No creaking, decent button feel, better than typical CSL Elite standards.
• Gran Turismo Integration: Four-way adjustment system works well in GT7, even if button mapping is obtuse.
• QR2 Lite Included: Still plastic, but it’s the current standard and included in the price.

Cons:

• Kinda High Price Point: £349 places it at the entry level for serious wheels, but it’s still a significant investment for console players upgrading from controllers.
• Button Learning Curve: PlayStation controls aren’t labelled, requiring memorisation for navigation (sticker sets are easy to find)
• Dimmer OLED Display: The tinted window reduces visibility compared to other Fanatec wheels.
• No Xbox Support: Strictly PC and PlayStation compatible.

Technical Specifications

• 310mm diameter GT-style wheel
• ‘Tactaris’ synthetic suede grip material
• Cast aluminium structure with iconic spoke cutouts
• 2x magnetic paddle shifters (aluminium)
• 8x push buttons (including 2 integrated in rim)
• 4x thumb rotary encoders (high resistance)
• 2x Multi-Position Switches (12 positions or encoder mode)
• 1x 7-way FunkySwitch (directional, push, and encoder)
• OLED display for telemetry and Tuning Menu
• Porsche crest button for Tuning Menu access
• PlayStation compatible (with compatible wheelbase)
• PC compatible
• QR2 Lite quick release included

General Specifications

• Weight: 2.194kg (including QR2 Lite)
• Officially licensed Porsche product
• No Xbox compatibility
• No clutch paddles
• USB connection via wheelbase
• 5 customizable setup profiles
• High Torque Mode compatible with ClubSport DD/DD+ and Podium bases
• Price: £349.95 (UK), €349.95 (EU), $399.99 (US with tariffs)

Physics doesn’t care about your Gran Turismo dreams, but, maybe it should. At £349, this wheel sits at the entry point for serious sim racing hardware, offering console players a genuine upgrade path with emotional resonance. The magnetic shifters are superb, the Gran Turismo integration is thoughtful, and that Porsche crest connects virtual and physical in a way that matters to the right buyer.

For PlayStation racers ready to take Gran Turismo seriously, this is arguably the most compelling wheel in Fanatec’s lineup. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfectly targeted. Sometimes, that’s exactly what engineering should achieve.

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Related Reading

For more context on Fanatec’s wheel ecosystem and alternatives, check out our comprehensive guide to the best Fanatec wheels. If you’re considering a complete setup, our gaming monitor guide will help you choose the perfect display to complement your new wheel.

Topic: Sim Racing Wheels