Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel – Review
The McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel is the current flagship product from German manufacturer Ascher Racing and combines high-quality materials with a wide range of features. We have tested the steering wheel extensively and put it through its paces.
Bestellung und Versand
The steering wheel can be ordered both in the Ascher Racing shop and from various distributors at a price of 1499€ + shipping, with delivery starting from week 18 2024. If you want to save even more, you can use the code ‘SIMRACINGPC’ to save 5% in the manufacturer’s official shop.
5% Ascher Racing Gutscheincode / Coupon code: SIMRACINGPC
The product tested here was provided by the manufacturer. No influence was exerted on this review at any time.
Specs
Ascher Racing itself describes the steering wheel with the specifications below. Particularly relevant for most users: The diameter of the steering wheel of 300 millimetres as well as the high-quality materials used, the large number of features and the total weight of 1520 grams:
- McLAREN ESPORTS WHEEL
- Based on the official McLaren Artura GT4 wheel
- Uses identical components of real-racing steering wheel
- Esports optimized functionality
- Maximum grip level from ergonomically improved rubber grips and 300 mm wheel diameter used in the real race car
- USB WHEEL
- Telemetry-based and animated RGB lighting
- Freely configurable button mapping (e.g., to enable barrier-free switching to other steering wheels) & modification of all thumb encoders & rotaries possible
- Non-linear clutch curves adjustable (various predefined progressive/degressive/s curves selectable or individual definition
- Encoder pulse width adjustable (defines how long the button is triggered per click)
- Selection of the analog input mode (e.g., for clutches) & quick calibration of the analog axes directly on the steering wheel without the use of software
- Low power consumption of only max. 500mA according to USB specification
- No power injection necessary
- Unrestricted operation with all PC mainboards
- Unrestricted operation with Asetek QR system
- INTEGRATED 4” DASHBOARD & 21X RGB LED SHIFT LIGHTS
- 4″ screen with high resolution
- 21x RGB LEDs (16 million colors)
- Official SimHub integration
- 16bit colors, 350 lm brightness
- Touch operation possible
- Seamlessly integrated
- OVER 100 INPUTS
- 14 x RGB illuminated push buttons (16 Mio. colors); individually adjustable coloring and tactile feedback
- 4 x thumb encoder
- 2 x multifunctional 7-way joysticks (4 directions / rotate clock- anticlockwise/ push button)
- 2 x 12-position rotary switches
- 2 x Gen6 magnetic and silenced motorsports double paddle shifters
- 2 x motorsports clutch paddles with electronic bite-point calibration
- Retrofittable single shifter
- HIGH-QUALITY FINISH
- Machined out of automotive aluminum
- Black anodized and laser engraved
- Brushed front plate surface finish
- Glass bed blasted paddle surface finish
- GEN6 MAGNETIC DOUBLE PADDLE SHIFTERS
- New generation of magnetic shifters developed from scratch for motorsport applications
- Machined and anodized out of automotive aluminum
- Proven strong snap-action force
- Silenced by damped rubber stops on both ends with unlimited precision due to tight tolerances
- Free of play due to preloaded ball bearings
- Marginal hysteresis for noise-free and precise gear changes
- No switches inside –extremely durable hall sensor
- Unlimited interchange possibilities due to identical mounting points for double shifter paddles
- LASER-ETCHED BUTTONS
- Laser-etched button caps with most common symbols available
- Easily interchangeable due to two-piece-design – no need to open the wheel
- Additional labels for various common steering wheel inputs
Scope of delivery
While the scope of delivery for the wireless version of the McLaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel was already very extensive, Ascher Racing has extended it even further with the USB versions of the steering wheels. In addition to the USB spiral cable, which is of course included in the scope of delivery, the manufacturer also includes an active USB extension and an additional USB-C cable. Together with the tools and screws for assembly, the button caps and the sticker sheet, this results in an extremely generous scope of delivery.
- ULTIMATE steering wheel
- Cables:
- Coiled connection cable
- USB-C cable for Asetek QR internal connection
- Active USB extension
- Screws and washers for Quick Release mounting
- Additional button caps with various symbols
- All required tools to swap button caps, knobs, mount QR…:
- 2 x button cap removing tool
- Allen keys: 0.9, 1.5, 2.5, 4.0 mm
- Torx key: TX8, TX20
- Coiled cable
Compatibility
Probably the most important aspect of the new USB steering wheels from Ascher is the significantly increased functionality compared to the Simucube versions. This is made possible by USB operation, which allows the McLaren Artura Ultimate steering wheel to be used on almost any current direct drive base with the appropriate hub via the standard bolt pattern (6 x 70 mm) on the back. For example, a Podium hub (or comparable emulator + QR) is required for operation on a Fanatec base and an SC2 QR is required for use on a Simucube 2 base. If the respective hub allows a screw feed-through, it can be screwed in from the outside; if this is not possible, the steering wheel housing must be opened and the hub can then be screwed in from the inside. Ascher Racing provides illustrated instructions for this case.
In addition to the coiled cable, Ascher offers the option of eliminating the coiled cable with an internal USB-C port and supplying the steering wheel with power and data directly via the back. In cooperation with Asetek, Ascher has already developed its own QR solution with a correspondingly customised circuit board (optionally available as an accessory), which allows the steering wheel to be used without an additional cable. It remains to be seen if and when other manufacturers will also jump on the bandwagon in the future and offer a USB pass-through, as the McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel is already ideally equipped for such a solution.
Features
It is usually easy to specify the number of functions or the number of buttons. With the McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel, this is difficult due to the countless configuration options. To summarise, however, one thing can be said with certainty: nobody needs more features at the moment. The steering wheel itself is made entirely of aluminium and finished to the highest standard.
Buttons
The steering wheel is equipped with the following function buttons:
- 14 x RGB buttons: The seven RGB buttons on each side of the steering wheel can be individually controlled via Simhub and are therefore 100% freely configurable, whether for displaying telemetry data or other effects. Instead of stickers, Ascher uses button caps here, which provide a much higher-quality look. The buttons have a tactile pressure point with a relatively short stroke and are comfortable to operate.
- 4 x thumb encoders: There are two encoders on each side of the steering wheel within direct reach of the thumb. They can therefore also be operated while driving without having to take your hand off the steering wheel. The metal rotary knobs have a relatively hard rasterised design so that the individual positions can be switched precisely.
- 2 x 7-way joysticks: The two “funky switches” (left, right, up, down, turn left, turn right, click) are also within easy reach and can be operated comfortably with the thumb. The metal cap has a small indentation so that the funky switches are also easy to operate.
- 2 x 12-position rotary switches: The two 12-position rotary switches are made of aluminium and provide a very firm feel when turned. They enable a wide range of adjustment options through different modes, making the steering wheel a functional monster:
- Permanent: Here the Rotary Switch outputs a different continuous signal in each position. (Attention, depending on the simulation, this can lead to problems during configuration, as no other buttons can then be assigned).
- Pulsed: Here, too, a separate signal is output at each position, but only for a user-defined duration.
- Encoder: Instead of outputting different signals in each position, the same signal is always provided in both directions of rotation in this mode (e.g. for TC+/TC-).
- Modifier: In addition, the rotary switches can also be used as modifiers for other buttons or encoders. This allows the function of predefined buttons to be changed. For example, various functions such as TS, ABS, Brake-Balance or Motor-Map can be increased or decreased using the same buttons. There are also various selection options here: BTN 3 / 9, BTN 4 / 10, ENC 1 – 4, Rotary (here one Rotary is the modifier for the other).
Button-Sounds
In response to numerous requests, all reviews now include a small sound impression of the steering wheels. Even though the shifters are significantly quieter than in the first generations of Ascher Wheels, they are still the loudest part of the wheel. The steering wheel is therefore only suitable for use in a living room with very tolerant partners.
Display and Dashboards
Ascher Racing is installing a display for the first time in the Ultimate version of the McLaren Artura Steering Wheel. The 4-inch VoCore display is no stranger to us. Seamlessly integrated into Simhub and with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels and a maximum brightness of 350 lm, it leaves nothing to be desired as a simracer.
For the dashboards, Ascher has an official partnership with Lovely Dashboard, probably the most popular dashboard currently available from the provider of the same name. However, this is currently designed for somewhat larger dashboards due to its framed layout. Alternatively, Ascher continues to offer its previous dashboard (see photos), which in our opinion fits better with the motorsport look of the wheel.
LEDs
In addition to the illuminated buttons, Ascher Racing has also distributed 21 LEDs (3 on the left and right, 15 at the top) with very even illumination around the dashboard. These are of course also freely configurable via Simhub and can be set up for a variety of other effects in addition to the speed display. Here too, Ascher has brought Daniel Newman Racing on board as a strong partner who offers pre-configured LED profiles for most simulations and their vehicles.
Shifter and dual clutch
The rear of the steering wheel is dominated by a total of four paddle shifters and the dual clutch. The shift paddles (now in their sixth generation) are made entirely of metal and, in contrast to previous versions of Ascher, are now damped and therefore significantly quieter than before. The magnetic shifters, which rely on Hall sensors to recognise actuation, are convincing as usual and, thanks to the absolutely solid construction, there is no need to worry about flex.
The two analogue axes are controlled via the two paddles on the underside. These offer relatively little resistance thanks to a spring and can therefore be easily operated with one finger each. The position of the two paddles can each be adjusted inwards by around half a centimetre.
The difference between the USB and Simucube versions lies in the software. There you can also change the mode (Throttle & Brake, Dual Clutch [master right], Dual Clutch [master left]), but above all you can adjust the curve of the two analogue paddles individually to your own needs:
Grips
For the grips, Ascher Racing uses a relatively soft rubber (“Maximum grip level from ergonomically improved rubber grips and 300 mm wheel diameter used in the real race car“), which is currently probably the most popular material on the sim racing market. This means that the steering wheel can be easily operated both with and without gloves and, thanks to the shape chosen, always offers sufficient grip while driving.
Stickers / Button Caps
As already mentioned, Ascher uses button caps for the 14 illuminated RGB buttons. These come pre-assembled, but can be replaced with the included alternative caps using the tool provided (this is absolutely essential). Ascher also includes a sticker sheet for labelling the thumb encoders and rotary switches.
Software
Like almost all manufacturers, Ascher Racing relies on the Simhub software, but combines it with its own tool.
Simhub
If you want to utilise the full potential of the wheel, Simhub (price from €6.99) is a must. The software is essential both for operating the display and for controlling the LEDs.
Dashboards and LED profiles can be configured in this software with just a few clicks, even for beginners. Things get more complicated if you want to use your own effects or customise the existing profiles. Despite the detailed instructions, beginners will definitely be overwhelmed and will need to allow for a longer familiarisation period. To remedy this situation, Ascher Racing is already working on creating more straightforward menus for the settings and a series of help videos and blog posts to provide additional assistance.
Ascher Racing Control Center
In addition to Simhub, there is software available directly from Ascher that can be used for some of the settings and provides additional assistance:
- Dual clutch configuration
- Configuration Rotary Modes
- Configuration Encoder Pulse Width
- Overview Button Mapping
- Device Information
- Various instructions
Here you will also find an overview of the various adjustment options that can be made on the steering wheel itself without the use of software:
- Bite-Point Setting
- ENTER: press Right Joystick button for 1s
- change 1.0%: turn Left Joystick
- change 0.1%: turn Right Joystick
- EXIT: press Right Joystick button for 1s
- Clutch Calibration
- press both Calibrate Clutch buttons for 1s (left buttons for left clutch and vice versa)
- pull and release clutch while status LED is on
- LED blinks after 3s: range is calibrated
- Analog Axis Mode
- ENTER: press both Analog Axis Mode buttons for 1s
- both status LEDs turn on
- press Change Mode button:
1 x Gas & Brake
2 x Dual Clutch (master right)
3 x Dual Clutch (master left)
0 / >3 x do not change mode - EXIT: press both Analog Axis Mode buttons for 1s
- Reset to Factory Default
- press & hold Factory Reset button while connecting device to PC
Driving impression
Conclusion
The McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel from Ascher Racing impresses across the board during our review. The German manufacturer’s many years of experience can be seen in every pore of the steering wheel, whether in the usual excellent choice of materials, the outstanding ergonomics, the positioning of the buttons or the choice of partners for the dashboard and LED software. The feature-packed steering wheel offers more adjustment options than can be covered in a review of this kind and is undoubtedly the new front-runner in Ascher Racing’s steering wheel line-up.
As an inexperienced (Simhub) user, it may be a little difficult at first to utilise the full potential of the steering wheel. However, as this steering wheel is so much fun, most users will probably enjoy investing the time required. Rarely has the “I don’t want to give it back” factor been as high in a review as with the McLaren Artura Ultimate Steering Wheel.
Pros
- Materials
- Full Simhub compatibility
- 4-inch VoCore display
- Magnetic paddle shifters and dual clutch
- Number/Quality of function keys
- Ergonomics
- Scope of delivery
- Wireless data transmission on an Asetek base
Cons
- Time to familiarise with software
5% Ascher Racing Gutscheincode / Coupon code: SIMRACINGPC
What a wheel. Maybe next year…