Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Sport Steering Wheel (USB) – Review

The McLaren Artura Sport Steering Wheel in the USB version is currently the cheapest steering wheel in the Ascher Racing line-up with a price starting at €799 – and, compared to its sister models, does without a display (Artura Ultimate) or encoder (Artura Pro). We have given it a thorough test and tried it out.

Ordering and shipping

As with the previous McLaren wheels, the Arutra Sport (USB) can also be ordered directly from Ascher Racing’s in-house shop. Here you also have the option of ordering one of the three available quick-release kits or the knob kit. Shipping is carried out directly from Germany.

McLaren Artura Sport Steering Wheel (USB): 799€
Wireless Version (SC2): 40€
Simucube Quick Release: 66€
Asetek Quick Release: 119€
Buchfink Quick Release: 79€
Knob Kit: 29€

With our voucher code ‘SIMRACINGPC’ you can save 5% in the official shop of Ascher Racing.

McLaren Artura Sport Steering Wheel (USB)*

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

Basiert auf dem offiziellen McLaren Artura GT4-Lenkrad und verwendet identische Komponenten
Plattformunabhängige USB-Verbindung oder Simucube Wireless Wheel™
Schallgedämpfte Single Magnetschaltwippen
Geschlossenes Design mit ergonomischen Gummigriffen sorgt für maximale Sicherheit, Steifigkeit und Grip
14 x RGB-beleuchtete hochwertige automotive Push Buttons mit individuell einstellbarer Farbgebung und taktilem Feedback
2 x multifunktionale 7-Way-Joysticks
Offizielle SimHub Integration
USB: Animierte, telemetriegestützte Beleuchtung
Upgradebar (Double Magnetschaltwippen, Clutch Paddles)
300 mm Durchmesser
6 x 70 mm Lochkreis

Scope of delivery

As with the previously available McLaren wheels from Ascher, the manufacturer also offers a very extensive scope of delivery for the Artura Sport, which leaves nothing to be desired. The following parts are included in the stylishly designed packaging:

Artura Sport 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

Compatibility is another familiar feature: there is a connection on the back of the wheel for the high-quality USB spiral cable supplied, which connects the wheel to the PC. Alternatively, Ascher also offers the option of connecting the steering wheel directly to a compatible QR solution, for example, via an additional USB-C port. For Asetek, for example, the manufacturer offers a solution tailored to the Ascher wheels that allows the Artura Sport to be connected without visible cables.

Features

Buttons

The steering wheel is equipped with the following functions:

14 x RGB buttons: The seven RGB buttons on each side of the steering wheel can be controlled individually via Simhub and are therefore 100% freely configurable. This enables the display of telemetry data or other effects. Instead of stickers, Ascher uses button caps, which provide a much higher-quality look. The buttons have a clearly defined pressure point with a relatively short travel and are easy to operate.
2 x 7-way joysticks: The two ‘funky switches’ (left, right, up, down, turn left, turn right, click) are also within easy reach and easily accessible with the thumb. The replaceable metal cap has a small indentation so that the funky switches can also be operated without any problems.

In contrast to the Artura Pro, the encoders have been completely omitted here, which gives the steering wheel a rather limited range of functions. If you are driving very complex vehicles, for example (F1 for example), this can lead to limitations despite the two Funkys. At least two additional normal encoders would be a successful addition here, but would probably position the steering wheel too close to the two top models in the Ascher Racing line-up.

Button-Sounds

You can find the video here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C-sQkFItqiQ/

Shifter and Upgrade-Clutch

At the rear are the two magnetic paddle shifters made entirely of aluminium, each of which registers the gear changes via Hall sensors. The paddles are now slightly damped and offer a very clean and clearly defined shift feeling.

In addition to the shifters, Ascher offers the option of adding two further optional paddles with analogue axes to the steering wheel. These could then be configured as a double clutch, for example.

LEDs

The Artura Sport offers 14 built-in buttons with background lighting that can be controlled via the Simhub software and can be used both statically and dynamically for various telemetric effects. Ascher Racing has decided not to include any additional LEDs (e.g. for RPMs).

Grips

The Artura Sport uses a relatively soft rubber grip material (‘Maximum grip level from ergonomically improved rubber grips and 300 mm wheel diameter used in the real race car’). They are very comfortable to hold and their ergonomic shape makes them comfortable to ride even during longer sessions.

Button Caps

Ascher Racing offers a little treat with the buttons. Instead of relying on stickers, the steering wheel comes with a set of additional, high-quality caps in addition to the already fitted button caps. These can be changed using a special tool and, unlike normal stickers, can of course be reused as often as required.

Materials and workmanship

One aspect that Ascher has been scoring points with for years is undoubtedly the high quality of the materials used and their excellent workmanship. The Artura Sport is no exception and is made entirely from black anodised and laser-engraved aluminium, with the exception of the button guards mounted on the front. Flex is definitely not an issue here, nor is a lack of durability.

Software

Simhub

Ascher Racing relies entirely on the popular Simhub software to control the button LEDs. This allows the buttons and their functions to be configured almost at will. The supplied profile already offers some functions, but the steering wheel only really comes to life with more sophisticated and complex profiles. For this purpose, the manufacturer works with a third-party provider (Daniel Newman Racing), which supplies such a profile customised for the Artura Sport. At this point, the current fee of at least ~€4 per month is a bit odd. For this reason, we also offer a free profile with a range of features for free download below.

LED profiles

Here you can download the profile created by Simracing-PC for the McLaren Artura Pro. It has been extended with the following features and is also compatible with the Artura Sport from Ascher Racing:

Additionally selectable neutral colour profiles within the dynamic profile (white, blue, red, orange, magenta, yellow, green) -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Basic color shemes
Spotter left and right -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Telemetry based effects -> Spotter (LEDs 1-7 bzw. 8-14)
Flags (white, green, yellow, black, blue) -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Telemetry based effects -> Flags (LEDs 4,5,11,12)
TC active -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Telemetry based effects -> TC (LEDs 6,7,13,14)
ABS active -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Telemetry based effects -> ABS (LEDs 6,7,13,14)
Turn Indicators -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING -> Telemetry based effects -> Turn Indicators (LEDs 5 / 12)
Pit Speed limiter -> WHEN GAME IS RUNNING Telemetry based effects -> SPEED LIMITER ON (LED 2)

Any Game – Ascher Racing – Artura Buttons – V1.00 SPC

Ascher Racing Control Center

The in-house software from Ascher Racing called Ascher Racing Control Centre is not really needed in practice and primarily provides an overview of the wheel’s functions as well as instructions for a possible firmware upgrade.

Driving impressions

Conclusion

The McLaren Artura Sport (USB) from Ascher Racing logically extends the German manufacturer’s McLaren line-up at the lower end and, at a price of €799, is significantly cheaper than its sister models, the Artura Pro (€1129) and Artura Ultimate (€1499), but also forgoes a significant number of features. In contrast, the quality of workmanship and the choice of materials are at the usual high level, as are the general ergonomics of the steering wheel.

Overall, the steering wheel is a clear recommendation for simracers who can live with the reduced range of functions. If you are unsure about this, the Pro version might be the better choice in the long run, otherwise the Artura Sport is a reliable companion for countless simracing hours.