Fanatec has just announced via its YouTube channel the release of a new steering wheel. It’s the Fanatec Clubsport RS. You’ll probably recognize its design! It’s already been used on the Clubsport Porsche 918 RSR steering wheel.
Which raises a lot of questions! What are the differences between this model and the Porsche Best Seller? Will the Porsche still be produced? What improvements will the Clubsport RS offer us?
I’m going to try and answer all these questions and more today. Thanks to their presentation video and the information available on the Fanatec website.
The Fanatec Clubsport RS steering wheel from a technical point of view
- Base compatibility: all CSL, Clubsport and Podium bases
- Console compatibility: PC and Playstation
- Vibration: No
- Wheel diameter: 32cm
- Materials: Metal, carbon fiber, leather, plastic
- Paddles: 2 adjustable Clubsport magnetic paddles
- Customizable buttons: 11 buttons, 1 clickable joystick, 1 7-position encoder
- Lap counter: integrated LED bar at top of wheel
- Display: OLED for telemetry and settings display
- Connections: Quick Release QR1 Fanatec
- Weight: 1.65Kg
Design and ergonomics
The Clubsport RS appears to be based on the same design as the Clubsport Porsche 918 RSR. So it’s hardly surprising that it features the same materials, shapes, dimensions and functionality. Fanatec hit the nail on the head with its replica of the Porsche steering wheel. The Clubsport RS should therefore logically inherit the same quality of grip and finish.
Below, you’ll find photos of both models, so you can make up your own mind 😉
As you can see, these are clearly very similar products. Yet there are a few subtle but important differences.
First of all, the Clubsport RS has no vibration motors, whereas its big brother had 2. Console gamers won’t be put off by this withdrawal, as most console simulations don’t take these motors into account.
Whether PC gamers will miss these vibrations remains to be seen
The second major development is the paddles. On the Porsche 918 RSR, the standard paddles were adjustable. This time around, the Clubsport RS comes with two real, adjustable magnetic paddles. And everyone will feel the difference. Comfort and the feeling of solidity will be all the greater.
Installation and compatibility of the Fanatec Clubsport RS steering wheel
To install the Clubsport RS, you’ll need the Quick Release QR1. Nothing too complicated, just tighten 4 screws and you’re ready to hit the road.
As for compatibility, as with the Porsche 918 RSR, we’re limited to PCs and Playstations. In fact, it’s a safe bet that the internal electronics are exactly the same for both models. But that’s something we won’t know until we get our hands on the wheel!
What will become of the Porsche 918 RSR Clubsport steering wheel?
That’s the first question I asked myself when I saw this announcement. If Fanatec decides to release a new, almost identical model compatible with the same setups, what will become of the Porsche?
Well, I found the answer on the Fanatec website. The Clubsport Porsche 918 RSR is no longer present in the list of steering wheels available for purchase.
So that’s the end of the model that has seduced so many players, and which is still one of my Daily models to this day. It’s a pity, because I was just about to buy one to replace my aging one…
Pre-order the Fanatec Clubsport RS steering wheel
The Fanatec Clubsport RS is available for pre-order on the Fanatec website for €299.95. Deliveries will start on January 4, 2022.
Let me know what you think of this announcement in the comments! Did you prefer the Porsche 918 RSR? Do you think this new steering wheel brings us one step closer to the announcement of a Playstation-compatible CSL DD?
In any case, Fanatec has not finished surprising us!
