Understanding Grid Engineering Porsche 911 Rsr Sim Racing Steering Wheel Review
Grid Engineering Porsche 911 RSR Sim Racing Steering Wheel – In-Depth Review
Introduction
The Grid Engineering Porsche 911 RSR Sim Racing Steering Wheel is a flagship sim racing wheel inspired by and officially licensed to replicate the steering wheel from the legendary Porsche 911 RSR (991.2) race car. Built with high-end materials, a large 5-inch display, and extensive RGB telemetry lighting, this wheel aims to bring motorsport-grade control and realism to PC sim racers looking for a premium experience.
Unboxing & First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Porsche 911 RSR wheel impresses with its high-quality CNC aluminum body and carbon fiber accents. The packaging reflects its premium positioning — everything feels sturdy, well protected, and ready for a high-end racing setup. The iconic Porsche crest on the faceplate immediately signals authenticity and attention to detail.
Design & Build Quality
Construction & Materials
The construction of the Porsche 911 RSR steering wheel focuses on high-quality materials and precision engineering:
– CNC Machined Aluminum: Every structural component, from the enclosure to shifters and paddles, is precision milled from high-grade 6061 aluminum for strength and lightness.
– Carbon Fiber Front Plate: A 5 mm carbon fiber faceplate adds rigidity and a sporty look that mirrors real motorsport wheels.
– Custom Over-Molded Grips: PU grips with an anti-static mix provide a secure hold and durability.
– 80 Telemetry RGB LEDs: Individually programmable LEDs give real-time visual feedback during racing.
– 5″ High-Resolution Display: The bright, crisp LCD shows essential race data directly in your line of sight.
This robust build feels both solid and meticulously crafted, engineered to handle intense sim racing sessions while looking the part of a high-end motorsport peripheral.
Controls & Interface
Button & Encoder Layout
The wheel includes a rich set of tactile controls positioned around the central display:
– APEM Switches & Buttons: Responsive, RGB-backlit controls for quick adjustments.
– Rotary Encoders: Provide granular control over in-game settings like brake bias or traction.
– Telemetry LEDs: Display real-time data for shift lights, warnings, and race flags, customizable with one of 16.7 million colors.
– Large Display: A 5″ LCD panel delivers vital race info — gear, lap times, deltas, etc.
Controls are placed so you rarely need to move your hands away from the grips — a thoughtful layout that enhances usability during competition.
Ergonomics & Handling
Grip & Feel
Thanks to its custom over-molded grips, the Porsche 911 RSR wheel feels secure and comfortable even during long stints. The grip contours support natural hand placement, making the wheel feel both intuitive and race-ready.
Shifters & Clutches
– Adjustable Magnetic Paddles: Provide satisfying and precise shifting for an enhanced racing experience.
– Height-Adjustable Clutches: Allow you to set bite points and clutch feel to suit your driving style.
These paddles and clutches feel robust and add to the overall sense of control and performance.
Compatibility & Software
The wheel connects via USB with a 6-pin Lumberg connector and requires an external power injector box due to the display and lighting system. It’s compatible with all major PC Direct Drive wheelbases and integrates with software like SimHub and Grid’s RaceDirector for configuring LED patterns, screen layouts, and telemetry feedback.
On-Track Experience
In use, the Porsche 911 RSR steering wheel delivers precise control and excellent feedback. The combination of tactile buttons, informative LEDs, and a large in-view display makes it easy to stay focused on racing. The wheel’s ergonomics and real-world inspiration bring a level of authenticity that enhances immersion, especially for endurance and GT sim racing.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Motorsport-grade build quality: CNC aluminum and carbon fiber for strength and style.
- Large 5″ high-resolution display with customizable telemetry.
- 80 individually controllable RGB LEDs for race info and visual feedback.
- Ergonomic control layout: Easy access to buttons and encoders during driving.
- SimHub & RaceDirector support for customization.
Cons
- Premium price point — a high-end choice for serious racers.
- External power required, adding setup complexity.
- PC-only compatibility — no native console support.
Conclusion
The Grid Engineering Porsche 911 RSR Sim Racing Steering Wheel is a top-tier, motorsport-authentic steering wheel designed for sim racers who want maximum immersion and control. With its premium materials, extensive input options, expressive telemetry lighting, and a large built-in display, it stands out as one of the most complete and visually striking sim racing wheels available. While the price and setup complexity may be high, the overall quality and experience justify the investment for enthusiasts and competitive sim racers.
My name is Michael “Mick” Carter, and I’m a dedicated sim racing enthusiast with a deep love for motorsport. I first discovered sim racing in 2015 when a friend introduced me to a Logitech G27 and Assetto Corsa—an experience that immediately hooked me. Since then, I’ve gone from basic gear to advanced direct drive setups, VR headsets, and custom racing rigs, constantly refining my driving technique and equipment.
I mainly race in iRacing, ACC, and rFactor 2, focusing on GT3 endurance and open-wheel events. I’m not a professional driver—I’m simply someone who enjoys the craft of racing: learning car behavior, improving lap times, and battling for position with respect and skill.
I share what I’ve learned so others can build setups they enjoy and grow their own passion for sim racing. For me, the joy is in improving, one race at a time.
Owner at SimRacingCockpits.Com
