The Ascher Racing McLaren Artura range shares the same 300 mm GT4-inspired shape, but the Sport, Pro and Ultimate are built for different control requirements. The Artura Sport prioritises the essential inputs, the Artura Pro adds encoders and a more complete paddle system, and the Artura Ultimate puts a 4-inch dashboard on the wheel. This comparison focuses on what changes in daily use—not simply which model costs more.
What all three Artura wheels share
Ascher Racing builds the range under licence from McLaren Automotive and says it uses the real Artura GT4 wheel's ergonomics and 300 mm diameter. All three have a closed GT-style shape, rubber grips, 14 RGB-illuminated automotive push buttons, interchangeable button caps and a 6 × 70 mm rear mounting pattern. They are PC sim racing wheels; console compatibility should not be assumed.
The 70 mm pattern gives you mechanical choice, but a wheel-side quick release is not automatically included with every configuration. The manufacturer manual says adapters and quick releases are purchased separately. Match the QR to your wheelbase and verify bolt length and cable clearance before ordering.
Sport vs Pro vs Ultimate at a glance
| Model | Connection | Rear controls | Extra front controls | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sport | USB or Simucube wireless | Magnetic single shifters; upgrade path | 2 × 7-way joysticks | No integrated display |
| Pro | USB or Simucube wireless | Silenced magnetic double shifters and clutch paddles | 4 thumb encoders, 2 × 7-way joysticks, 2 × 12-position rotaries | No integrated display |
| Ultimate | USB | Silenced magnetic double shifters and clutch paddles | Pro-style encoder and rotary layout | 4-inch dashboard plus 21 RGB shift LEDs |
This is the practical dividing line. Sport is the cleaner choice if you do not need clutch paddles or multiple on-wheel rotary adjustments. Pro makes more car settings reachable without taking a hand from the grips. Ultimate is for a cockpit where the main dashboard belongs on the wheel rather than above the wheelbase.
Choose USB or Simucube wireless first
USB for broad wheelbase choice
The USB versions connect directly to the PC and can be used with many wheelbase brands when you fit the correct mechanical QR. Ascher lists systems including Fanatec, Asetek, Simagic, MOZA, VRS, OSW, Leo Bodnar and AccuForce for the USB route. A compatible quick release or hub is still required; USB does not solve the mechanical connection by itself.
USB also enables telemetry-driven animated lighting through the official SimHub integration on Sport and Pro. Route the cable so full steering rotation does not wind it tightly or pull on the connector. The Ascher coiled cable is relevant only after checking the chosen wheel's connector and your required cable length.
Simucube wireless for a cable-free wheel
The SC versions use Simucube Wireless Wheel technology. Ascher lists Simucube 2 Sport, Pro and Ultimate, plus Simucube 3 Sport/Pro with the required adapter. It also lists use with other wheelbases through a Simucube Link Hub. On the wireless version, Sport and Pro provide static lighting profiles controlled on the wheel rather than USB-style live telemetry animation. That lighting difference matters if colour-coded flags and RPM effects are a priority.
Which controls do you actually need?
For sprint GT racing, Sport already covers core actions: pit limiter, radio, lights, wipers, menu navigation and a few car adjustments. The guarded buttons help reduce accidental presses. If brake bias and traction control are adjusted often, the Pro's four thumb encoders and two 12-position rotaries make those changes easier to separate and repeat.
Pro also arrives with double shifter paddles and motorsport clutch paddles, while Sport starts with single magnetic shifters and can be upgraded. Drivers who launch from a dual-clutch bite point or want redundant shift inputs will benefit from Pro immediately. If paddle reach needs fine tuning, the 5 mm paddle spacer is an accessory to check against the exact paddle generation.
When the Ultimate display is worth it
The Ultimate adds a high-resolution 4-inch dashboard and 21 RGB shift LEDs with SimHub customisation. It is the strongest option when the physical monitor or a separate DDU sits too high or too far away. Keeping gear, flags, lap delta and fuel data inside your normal steering view can make a compact cockpit cleaner.
However, the dashboard adds value only if you will configure it. Plan a USB connection, install the Ascher SimHub plug-in, choose one legible dashboard and map a small set of LED meanings. If you already own a well-positioned external DDU, the Pro may deliver the same hand controls without duplicating information.
Installation and setup checklist
- Select the connection variant. Choose USB for broad PC/wheelbase use or SC wireless for the supported Simucube route. Ultimate is USB.
- Choose the correct QR. Confirm the wheelbase-side system and a 6 × 70 mm wheel-side interface. Check whether the QR uses threaded or through-holes and use approved M5 hardware.
- Mount squarely. Start all fasteners by hand, tighten evenly and ensure the QR sits flush. Do not trap the USB lead or internal connector.
- Set paddle reach. Test the shifters and clutch paddles with both hands on the grips before applying high force feedback.
- Configure SimHub. Install the official plug-in, test every input, then set button colours, telemetry lighting and—on Ultimate—the dashboard.
- Create a baseline profile. Map only frequently used functions first. Save the profile before adding modifier layers and secondary commands.
Which Artura should you buy?
Choose Sport when you want the licensed 300 mm shape, excellent buttons and magnetic shifting with the lowest cost and least control clutter. Choose Pro when on-wheel car adjustment and factory-fitted clutch/double paddles matter more than a screen. Choose Ultimate when you want Pro-level controls plus an integrated dashboard and telemetry LEDs in one USB wheel.
The Ascher Racing Knob Kit has Sport and Pro versions in Shopify; select the version matching the wheel. Do not assume the more expensive kit fits every model.
Frequently asked questions
Are these wheels the same size?
Yes. Ascher specifies a 300 mm diameter across the Artura Sport, Pro and Ultimate range.
Can the wireless version animate LEDs from telemetry?
Ascher describes static lighting control on the SC versions. The USB versions support animated, telemetry-driven lighting via SimHub.
Does a quick release come in the box?
Do not assume so. The manufacturer manual states that adapters and QRs are separate. Check the exact Shopify variant and choose a compatible wheel-side QR.
Which model includes a screen?
Only the Ultimate has the integrated 4-inch dashboard and 21 RGB shift LEDs.
Compare the current configurations: McLaren Artura Sport, McLaren Artura Pro and McLaren Artura Ultimate. Technical sources: Sport, Pro, Ultimate and the official manual.
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