Ascher Racing Mclaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel Review: Beginner’s Guide

Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel Review — Premium Race-Grade Controls for Sim Racers

The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel exemplifies a blend of professional racing technology and high-end sim racing design. Developed in collaboration with Ascher Racing, this steering wheel draws inspiration from the McLaren Artura GT4 real race wheel, making it a remarkable choice for serious sim racers. With its premium build quality, advanced control options, and motorsport heritage, the Artura Pro aims to deliver an authentic racing experience right from your cockpit.

Overview

Price: ~$749–$799 USD (varies by region/retailer)

Category: Sim Racing Steering Wheel

Platform: PC / Consoles (via compatible wheelbases)

Review

The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro stands out as one of the premium offerings in the sim racing market. Its design and features cater specifically to dedicated sim racers, providing a near-authentic racing experience through its comprehensive control layout and high-quality materials.

Design & Build Quality — Real Race Inspiration, Premium Materials

Upon unboxing the Artura Pro, the premium quality is immediately apparent. The steering wheel’s shape, button placement, and ergonomics closely mirror those of actual McLaren GT4 steering wheels used in professional racing. This attention to detail provides sim racers with a genuine motorsport feel, diverging from the typical gaming controller experience.

The construction features:

• CNC-machined aluminum
• High-density polymer
• Textured rubber grips

These materials contribute to a sturdy and tactile interface. The grip feels comfortable whether wearing gloves or using bare hands, while the wheel’s diameter of approximately 310 mm is well-suited for both GT and sport car simulations. Each control on the wheel feels robust, from the crisp buttons to the precisely spinning encoders, indicative of a purpose-built design rather than a haphazard arrangement. Additionally, the materials resist wear, ensuring longevity under typical loads.

Control Layout — Packed with Pro-Level Inputs

The Artura Pro excels in its extensive and intuitive control suite, which includes:

• Large color TFT display with configurable telemetry
• High-resolution rotary encoders with push functionality
• Multiple mechanical action buttons
• Directional funky switches
• Integrated RGB shift lights
• Magnetic paddle shifters with crisp, positive actuation

This array of controls allows for key racing functions to be assigned easily, enhancing the racing experience without requiring extensive menu navigation during critical moments. Functions that can be managed include:

• Brake bias adjustment
• Traction control and stability management
• Differential and engine mapping
• Pit strategy and timing
• Fuel trims and ERS modes

The TFT screen significantly enhances usability, displaying contextual data such as laps, speeds, tire temperatures, and shift recommendations, all visible from the cockpit’s viewpoint.

Paddle Shifters — Fast, Precise, Magnetic

The Artura Pro’s magnetic paddle shifters offer a premium feel, distinguishing them from lower-quality plastic alternatives. The magnetic return mechanism provides a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring that shifts are crisp and confident. This precision is crucial in competitive environments where timing can impact race outcomes significantly.

Software & Customization — Deep but Accessible

Ascher Racing has equipped the Artura Pro with a robust software suite that allows for extensive customization options:

• Remapping of every button, encoder, and switch
• Configuration of the TFT layout and telemetry widgets
• Adjustment of LED behavior, including shift points and colors
• Saving profiles for individual simulators

The software interface strikes a balance between user-friendliness and advanced functionality, allowing newcomers to easily navigate settings while also catering to the needs of experienced racers seeking detailed control.

Compatibility & Mounting

The Artura Pro features a standard quick-release interface that is compatible with various wheelbases through adapters (MagLink, 50.8 mm, 70 mm patterns). This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide range of cockpit setups, from entry-level to professional rigs.

Once mounted, the steering wheel provides a stable and secure connection with no wobble or looseness. The ease of installation and removal is beneficial for users who switch between different wheels based on their racing discipline or personal preference.

On the Track — Real-World Performance

Although the wheel itself does not generate force feedback (a function managed by the wheelbase), it translates feedback effectively, enhancing usability across various popular racing titles, including:

• iRacing
• Assetto Corsa Competizione
• F1 23
• rFactor 2

Users report that controls feel intuitive and natural, while the arrangement of media buttons and switches helps eliminate the need for menu hunting during races. The TFT display keeps critical information visible, and the RGB shift lights assist in timing gear changes without causing distraction.

Who It’s For

The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel is designed for:

• Serious sim racers seeking a professional-grade wheel
• Drivers who frequently adjust in-race settings
• Racers competing across multiple disciplines (GT, endurance, open wheel)
• Users who appreciate a rich hardware interface rather than minimal button layouts

However, it may not be the best fit for:

• Casual racers on a tight budget
• Users needing standalone USB operation without a compatible wheelbase
• Beginners who might initially find the extensive control layout overwhelming

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Motorsport-accurate design and inspiration
• High-quality materials and construction
• Extensive control suite with TFT display and LED shift lights
• Magnetic paddle shifters for precise shifting
• Deep customization capabilities with user profiles

Cons:

• Premium price compared to basic steering wheels
• Requires a compatible wheelbase; no standalone USB mode
• A slight learning curve due to the comprehensive button layout

Final Verdict

Score: 9.3 / 10

The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura Pro Steering Wheel stands out as one of the most compelling choices in the sim racing market. It strikes an impressive balance between motorsport authenticity, superior build quality, and functional versatility. From its premium materials to its rich control layout and crisp magnetic paddles, it serves not just as a peripheral but as a centerpiece for a race-ready cockpit.

Whether racing in iRacing, participating in endurance events in Assetto Corsa Competizione, or honing precision in F1 simulations, the Artura Pro delivers a complete, immersive, and highly customizable wheel experience that elevates the sim racing journey.