Lange mussten die Nutzer von Asetek auf das neueste Update der hauseigenen Software Racehub warten. Die Version 3.0 bringt nun endlich die lang ersehnte Unterstützung für Le Mans Ultimate und bietet eine Reihe neuer Einstellmöglichkeiten sowie LED-Effekte.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
The steering wheel is equipped with the following function buttons:
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
Like almost all manufacturers, Ascher Racing relies on the Simhub software, but combines it with its own tool.
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.
In addition to Simhub, there is software available directly from Ascher that can be used for some of the settings and provides additional assistance:
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:
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.
5% Ascher Racing Gutscheincode / Coupon code: SIMRACINGPC
Ever since Ascher Racing announced the cooperation with McLaren and the associated simracing steering wheels with components from the real racing steering wheel at Simracing Expo 2022, the community has been waiting to finally be able to buy the high-end wheels from the German manufacturer. On 15 April, the time has finally come and the USB versions of the McLaren Artura Ultimate and Artura Pro will be officially released for sale from 10 a.m. (CET).
Both versions can be ordered directly from the Ascher Racing shop from tomorrow at the following prices:
The prices include the steering wheel, a USB spiral cable, an internal USB-C cable (e.g. for the optionally available Asetek QR from Ascher Racing), an active USB extension, assembly tools, interchangeable button caps and a sticker sheet. If you want to make additional savings, you can use the voucher code ‘SIMRACINGPC‘ to get 5% off the total price.
5% Ascher Racing Gutscheincode / Coupon code: SIMRACINGPC
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