Simagic GTS Alcantara

Simagic GTS Alcantara – a versatile 300 mm round steering wheel

Simagic GTS Alcantara is a complete sim racing steering wheel designed for GT, touring, rally, road and classic cars. Its full round 300 mm rim allows the hands to move freely, making the wheel suitable for both circuit racing and vehicles that require a wider steering range.

The GTS is smaller than the 330–350 mm rims commonly used for rallying and drifting. Its compact diameter produces quicker steering response, takes up less room in the cockpit and keeps unnecessary rotating weight away from the Direct Drive motor.

This version uses Alcantara-covered grips. The soft, textured surface provides a clear sense of grip during rapid steering movements and suits drivers who prefer a suede-like finish rather than smooth leather.

Main features of the Simagic GTS Alcantara

• full round rim with a diameter of 300 mm
• weight of approximately 1.45 kg
• cast magnesium-aluminium alloy construction
• ergonomic Alcantara-covered grips
• stitching designed to reduce pressure beneath the fingers
• 7 programmable RGB buttons
• 2 push-button rotary encoders
• 2 seven-way multi-function switches
• 9 programmable RGB rev LEDs
• two adjustable Hall-sensor shift paddles
• telescopic paddle-position and distance adjustment
• Simagic QR50 Quick Release
• wireless communication with compatible Simagic wheelbases
• control and lighting configuration through SimPro Manager
• 128 button-label designs included

A full round 300 mm rim

The circular rim keeps the same shape around its entire circumference. The driver can change hand position without encountering a flat lower edge or the open section found on Formula-style steering wheels.

This is useful in rally cars, road vehicles and classics where the steering wheel often rotates through a wider range. During countersteering, the rim can move naturally between the hands.

Its 300 mm diameter creates shorter leverage than a larger rally wheel. Steering inputs therefore feel quicker, and small hand movements produce a more immediate change of direction. This characteristic works particularly well in GT and touring cars.

One wheel for several types of racing

The GTS is not restricted to one category of vehicle. Its round shape suits rally and road cars, while the compact diameter remains responsive enough for circuit racing.

A driver can move from a GT car to a classic or rally vehicle without replacing the steering wheel after every session. The software assignments may change, but the hand position and control layout remain familiar.

Cast magnesium-aluminium alloy construction

The main structure is produced from a cast magnesium-aluminium alloy. It provides the rigidity required for Direct Drive use without the unnecessary mass of a heavy steel assembly.

Lower rotating weight reduces inertia. The wheelbase can reverse the direction of force more quickly, while smaller changes in tyre grip are less likely to be softened by the mass of the steering wheel.

A rigid frame also limits movement between the Quick Release and the grips. Force generated by the wheelbase is transferred directly to the driver’s hands rather than being lost through flex.

Approximately 1.45 kg

The overall weight balances strength with steering response. This matters on high-torque wheelbases, but it can be equally important on models with less available torque.

A lighter wheel allows a lower-powered base to preserve more force-feedback detail. On a stronger base, it supports rapid direction changes and a more natural return during countersteering.

Alcantara-covered grips

The grip material is the main difference between this version and the GTS Leather. Alcantara has a soft, suede-like texture that creates noticeable friction and helps the hands remain stable without excessive pressure.

The surface feels particularly natural during active driving, where the driver makes frequent corrections and does not want to clamp the wheel tightly. The shaped grip areas support a relaxed hand position around 3 and 9 o’clock.

The rim does not use oversized thumb supports that lock the hands in place. It remains possible to slide the hands around the wheel during rally countersteering, road-car manoeuvres or driving older vehicles.

Looking after the grip material

Alcantara requires slightly more regular care than leather. Dust and moisture should be removed with a dry microfibre cloth or a soft brush after driving.

The surface should not be heavily soaked or cleaned with aggressive chemicals. Gentle and frequent cleaning helps prevent the fibres from becoming compressed and keeps the texture even.

Simagic advises that driving without gloves may help reduce pilling on the suede surface. Whether gloves are used or not, hands and equipment should remain clean and dry.

Stitching designed for longer sessions

The seam is positioned to avoid creating a hard ridge beneath the main grip areas. During longer races, the fingers rest mainly against the softer Alcantara surface.

It is a small detail, but it helps reduce local pressure when the same hand position is maintained for many laps.

Controls positioned close to the rim

The front panel combines buttons, two rotary encoders and two multi-function switches. Its symmetrical layout allows frequently used functions to be divided between the left and right sides.

The controls have different shapes, making them easier to recognise by touch once the layout becomes familiar.

This reduces the need to reach for a keyboard or separate button box. Vehicle settings, simulator menus and communication functions can stay directly on the wheel.

Seven programmable RGB buttons

The seven main buttons can control functions such as the pit limiter, headlights, wipers, radio, ignition, camera view or vehicle reset.

RGB lighting allows each control to use a separate colour. Lighting functions can be marked in white, communication in blue and service-related commands in red.

This grouping makes the controls easier to recognise in a dark cockpit and helps the driver locate the correct button through peripheral vision.

128 button-label designs

A set of button markings is included, allowing the front panel to match the driver’s own control layout rather than a single fixed arrangement.

A rally profile may use a very different group of symbols from a GT setup. It is best to apply the labels after finalising the assignments in SimPro Manager.

Two push-button rotary encoders

The rotary encoders are intended for parameters adjusted in steps. They can be assigned to brake balance, traction control, ABS, engine maps, audio volume or other settings supported by the selected car.

Each encoder also operates as a push button. Rotation may increase or decrease a value, while pressing the control can confirm a selection, reset the adjustment or activate another command.

The raised shape makes each encoder easy to locate by touch. Both sit close enough to the rim to be used without moving the hands far from their normal position.

Two seven-way multi-function switches

Each switch combines directional movement, rotation and a push function. One physical control can therefore handle several commands that would otherwise require separate buttons.

They are useful for navigating a black box, changing dashboard pages, adjusting car settings or moving through simulator menus.

One switch may be reserved for interface navigation and the second for vehicle setup. The RGB buttons then remain available for commands used directly while driving.

Nine programmable RGB LEDs

A strip of nine RGB LEDs sits across the upper part of the front panel. Their most common role is displaying rising engine speed and the approaching shift point.

Colours and behaviour can be adjusted through SimPro Manager. Available functions depend on the telemetry supplied by the simulator.

The lights sit close to the driver’s natural line of sight. A change in colour can be noticed through peripheral vision without repeatedly checking the virtual dashboard.

Adjustable Hall-sensor shift paddles

Two shift paddles are fitted behind the rim. They use Hall sensors, allowing input to be detected without a conventional mechanical contact.

This provides a repeatable activation point and reduces wear on the component responsible for registering each shift.

The paddles offer telescopic adjustment, and their distance from the rim can also be changed. This allows the position to suit different hand sizes and grip preferences.

The left paddle is normally assigned to downshifts and the right paddle to upshifts. In vehicles using an external shifter, they can be mapped to other functions supported by the simulator.

Simagic QR50 Quick Release

Simagic GTS Alcantara uses the QR50 Quick Release, allowing the wheel to be fitted to a compatible base without fastening the rim with screws before every session.

The mechanism also makes it easier to change between steering wheels. A Formula wheel can be installed for one race, with the round GTS returning for rally, touring or road-car driving.

The wheel is compatible with Simagic Direct Drive wheelbases from the Alpha and Alpha EVO families, including:

• Simagic Alpha Mini
• Simagic Alpha
• Simagic Alpha U
• Simagic Alpha EVO Sport
• Simagic Alpha EVO
• Simagic Alpha EVO Pro
• Simagic Alpha EVO Ultra

Wireless communication with the wheelbase

On a compatible Simagic wheelbase, data from the buttons, encoders, switches, paddles and lighting is carried through the Simagic Wireless system.

There is no need to run a USB cable from the rotating wheel to the computer. Depending on the Alpha EVO configuration, the appropriate communication mode may need to be selected in SimPro Manager.

Configuration through SimPro Manager

SimPro Manager is used to assign functions to the controls, choose button colours and configure the behaviour of the rev LEDs.

Separate profiles can be prepared for different games. A rally setup may use the buttons for headlights, wipers and vehicle reset, while a GT profile may use them for the pit limiter, radio, ABS and traction control.

Before the first session, checking for wheel and wheelbase firmware updates is recommended. Current software helps maintain reliable communication and correct recognition of each input.

Where the Simagic GTS Alcantara fits best

The GTS Alcantara suits a cockpit used with several different types of cars. Its round rim feels natural in rally and road vehicles, while the 300 mm diameter remains responsive enough for GT and touring-car racing.

A dedicated drift setup may benefit from a larger 330 or 350 mm wheel that leaves more room for wide countersteering movements. Formula cars generally suit an open rim. The GTS sits between these extremes and does not restrict the cockpit to one discipline.

The Alcantara finish is particularly suitable for drivers who prefer a soft, high-friction grip rather than the smoother surface of leather.

Simagic GTS Alcantara compared with other wheels

GTS Alcantara and GTS Leather

Both versions share the same diameter, structure, control layout, paddles and Quick Release. The difference is the material used on the grips.

Alcantara provides a softer, suede-like texture with noticeable friction. Simagic GTS Leather is easier to clean during everyday use and may suit drivers who prefer a smoother grip surface.

GTS Alcantara and GT1-SR Alcantara

Simagic GT1-SR Alcantara uses a larger rim and a simpler control layout. Its dimensions may feel more natural in rally cars, classics and dedicated drifting setups.

The GTS is more compact and provides a broader set of controls, including RGB buttons, two encoders, multi-function switches and rev LEDs.

GTS Alcantara and GTC Alcantara

Simagic GTC Alcantara has a stronger focus on circuit racing, GT cars, prototypes and endurance events.

The round GTS allows greater freedom when changing hand position. It is the more flexible option for a cockpit also used with rally cars, classics and road vehicles.

Simagic GTS Alcantara specifications

• Model: Simagic GTS Alcantara
• Product code: GTS(Suede)
• Product type: complete sim racing steering wheel
• Rim shape: full round
• Diameter: 300 mm
• Weight: approximately 1.45 kg
• Construction material: cast magnesium-aluminium alloy
• Grip material: Alcantara
• Programmable RGB buttons: 7
• Push-button rotary encoders: 2
• Seven-way switches: 2
• Rev LEDs: 9 programmable RGB LEDs
• Shift paddles: 2 with Hall sensors
• Paddle adjustment: telescopic position and distance from the rim
• Quick Release: Simagic QR50
• Communication: Simagic Wireless
• Compatibility: Simagic Alpha and Alpha EVO wheelbases
• Software: SimPro Manager
• Button labels: 128-piece sticker set

Simagic GTS Alcantara in regular use

Simagic GTS Alcantara combines a traditional round rim with a modern control panel. Its 300 mm diameter provides quick steering response while still leaving enough room for changing hand position.

The magnesium-aluminium alloy structure keeps the weight under control, while the Alcantara surface provides a clear and stable grip. Buttons, encoders, switches and rev lights reduce the need to reach for a keyboard during a session.

Adjustable Hall-sensor paddles, the QR50 Quick Release and wireless communication complete a practical wheel for compatible Simagic Alpha and Alpha EVO wheelbases.