VPG Mustang GT3 Sim Racing Wheel Review: As Real As It Gets
Sarah Nocchi
When it comes to sim racing gear, anything that adds more authenticity and immersion to the experience are a critical factor for many. For those chasing that real racecar feel, the VPG Mustang GT3 steering wheel isn't a high-end replica - it’s the real wheel from the race car, reengineered for sim racing! Officially licensed by Ford and built using the same materials and molds as the actual Mustang GT3 race car wheel, this wheel promises an unrivaled experience for fans of a GT-oriented, 300mm+ steering wheel (this one's 309mm, to be exact).
In this review, we’ll score the VPG Mustang GT3 across four categories:
- Design & Build Quality
- Feature Set
- Ergonomics & Grip
- Overall Value
Whether you’re a die-hard Ford fan or simply on the hunt for a premium wheel with unmatched realism, my review should help you make your decision on if it's worthy of its hefty price tag or not.
👉 Watch the full video review below:
Design & Build Quality: Race-Grade Materials, Built to Last
The moment you take the VPG Mustang GT3 out of the box, you’re hit with one thing: it’s light. At just over 1100 grams, this wheel is featherweight without sacrificing rigidity. That’s thanks to the insane amount of carbon fiber used across the wheel - from the body of it and paddle shifters to the attachment mount. It’s everywhere, and it looks freakin' amazing!
But it doesn’t stop there. Aluminum is used for the button guards, rotary encoders, and switch housings, giving the wheel a premium feel with every touch. Even the electronics are automotive-grade, mirroring those used in real race cars.
One important factor in a high-quality sim racing steering wheel is that it's light but strong. The more lightweight it is, the more you feel every nuanced detail that comes from the force feedback. If it's strong and rigid at the same time, the wheel will be able to handle higher amounts of that torque. That's a winning proposition, and it's where the VPG wheel shines. I gave it a forceful twist and could not detect any flex whatsoever.
Most impressively, this isn’t just "inspired by" the Mustang GT3—it’s actually built using the same molds and manufacturing processes. This is about as close to a real GT3 wheel as it gets in sim racing.
- Fully exposed matte carbon fiber finish
- Sturdy aluminum details throughout
- Flawless craftsmanship; zero flex
- Top-tier electronics built for racing conditions
🔧 Design & Build Quality Score: 10/10
Feature Set: Customization for Days!
The VPG Mustang GT3 isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s packed with functionality that makes this wheel one of the most customizable I've ever tested. Here's a breakdown of the inputs:
- 10 front push buttons (5 per side)
- 2 rear push buttons
- 2 7-way funky switches
- 3 rotary switches
- 2 magnetic paddle shifters
- 2 clutch paddles (top-mounted)
Using the newly released VPG software and firmware, this wheel becomes a programmable beast. Through “Magic Button” assignments, each button’s function can change based on the position of the multi-switch—offering up to 128 different mappable inputs. That's insane! And basically turns this wheel into a button box. Watch the clip below for a breakdown of how that works:
Even the clutches can be reassigned depending on switch position offering incredible versatility for sim racers who want ultimate control. How could that work, you ask? Well, typically, you really only use the clutch at the start of a race and during a pit stop. The clutches can be used for that when you have the multiswitch in position "1" for example. If you switch to position "2", however, you can make the clutches do something entirely different! You can bind them as a DRS/push-to-pass button, for example. That's all up to you.
- 128 programmable inputs with multi-switch logic
- Magic button system transforms buttons
- Re-mappable clutches and encoders
Given how much customization is allowed, especially with the magic button functionality, and the sheer fact that you can get up to 128 mappable inputs, I am giving the feature set a score of 9.5.
🧠 Feature Set Score: 9.5/10
Ergonomics & Grip: Comfort Meets Functionality
At 309mm, this is a larger-than-average wheel, but perfect for GT racing. The soft-touch rubber grips strike a balance between comfort and control, though the slight seam where the grips meet can be felt if you drive barehanded. As expected with real-world racing gear, gloves make the experience much more comfortable.
The magnetic paddle shifters are some of the best we’ve tested—crisp, quiet, and perfectly positioned. Rear-mounted auxiliary buttons are also a nice bonus for advanced users.
- Comfortable and grippy rubber texture
- Best-in-class magnetic paddle shifters
- Ergonomic button placement
🧤 Ergonomics & Grip Score: 9/10
Setup & Compatibility
- Connects to PC via USB
- Standard bolt pattern for most direct drive hubs
- Optional aluminum spacer sold separately
- VPG software required for full customization
Setup is plug-and-play, with advanced mapping available via the new VPG software. The included aluminum extension spacer adds flexibility to mounting setups, though it costs an additional $50.
On-Track Test: In the Mustang GT3 in iRacing
We tested this wheel in iRacing using the Mustang GT3, and the experience was mind-blowingly immersive. The visual match between the in-game and physical wheel is spot-on, and the physical feel matches the visual fidelity.
Button placement, paddle feedback, and overall comfort performed brilliantly under race conditions. Top-mounted clutches were intuitive after a few laps, and the auxiliary rear buttons added functional depth to the setup.
Value: A Premium Price, but a Premium Product
At around $1,999, this wheel is not aimed at entry-level sim racers. This is for enthusiasts who want the absolute best in realism and quality.
Compared to other high-end wheels like the Fanatec Bentley GT3, it’s competitively priced—but with arguably more authenticity. This isn’t a replica. It’s the actual GT3 wheel, built for your sim rig.
- Licensed by Ford and built using the real race wheel molds
- Ultra-durable carbon fiber and aluminum construction
- Deep input customization and software support
💰 Value Score: 9.5/10
Final Verdict: The Ultimate GT Wheel for Hardcore Sim Racers
With its unmatched realism, advanced programmability, and flawless design, the VPG Mustang GT3 is a standout product. It earns top marks in nearly every category and sets a new standard for premium GT wheels. But then again - it kind of should be, given its price point.
If immersion is your top priority and you’ve already invested in top-tier sim gear, this is the wheel that completes your setup - assuming you're a fan of Ford Mustangs, Ford Performance, or just a really good GT3-style wheel.
🏆 Final Score: 9.5/10
Looking to buy the VPG Mustang GT3 sim racing wheel? Click here for more info.
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