Simagic ZEUS Formula

Simagic ZEUS Formula – a 280 mm wheel for Formula cars and prototypes

Simagic ZEUS Formula is built for cars where short, accurate hand movements matter more than a large steering range. Its 280 mm width suits Formula machinery, LMP cars, Hypercars and modern prototypes, placing the controls close to the driver’s normal grip position.

The front panel provides enough inputs to manage a complex race car without relying on a keyboard or separate button box. In its most developed configuration, the wheel offers up to 92 physical control inputs.

The modular design also gives the driver a choice. Zeus Formula can be used as a conventional screen-free wheel or expanded later with the magnetically attached MagicDash 4 telemetry display.

Main features of the Simagic ZEUS Formula

• 280 mm Formula steering wheel format
• 5 mm solid carbon-fibre front plate
• CNC-machined aluminium rear housing
• aluminium rotary controls and switches
• three-layer grips with a silicone outer surface
• 16 programmable RGB buttons
• 4 main rotary encoders
• 4 thumb rotary encoders
• 2 seven-way multi-position switches
• up to 92 physical control inputs
• up to 91 configurable RGB zones when combined with MagicDash 4
• Hall-sensor paddle module
• lower dual-clutch paddles for launch control
• optional three-paddle and push-pull modules
• Zeus QR50 Quick Release included
• optional MagicDash 4 telemetry display
• SimPro Manager V3 and SimHub support
• native compatibility with Alpha EVO wheelbases
• support for older Alpha and third-party bases through MagLink Pro

A compact 280 mm Formula layout

The smaller diameter allows the driver to make quick corrections without moving the arms through a wide arc. This is particularly useful in single-seaters and prototypes where steering response is sharp and the normal rotation range is limited.

The grips hold both hands close to the horizontal centre line of the wheel. Buttons and rotary controls remain within thumb reach, reducing the need to release the rim when changing a setting.

A 280 mm wheel also makes the torque from a Direct Drive wheelbase feel more immediate than it would through a large round rim. Force Feedback strength should therefore be adjusted for the selected car and the driver rather than automatically set to the highest available value.

Useful beyond Formula cars

Although the shape is clearly inspired by single-seater racing, Zeus Formula also fits LMP machinery, Hypercars, prototypes and selected GT cars using a similar steering layout.

It is less suitable for rallying or drifting, where the wheel regularly rotates through the hands. A complete round rim is normally the more natural choice for those disciplines.

Carbon-fibre and CNC aluminium construction

The front panel is cut from a 5 mm solid carbon-fibre plate. The rear housing is made from CNC-machined aluminium, while the rotary knobs and switches also use metal construction.

This creates a rigid assembly that resists movement during sharp Force Feedback impacts. Kerb strikes, rapid direction changes and sudden loss of grip are transferred through the wheel without the panel flexing independently from the grips.

Rigidity is not only a question of durability. It also helps preserve finer feedback because less of the wheelbase movement is absorbed by the body of the steering wheel.

Three-layer silicone grips

The grip structure combines a steel core, an injection-moulded middle layer and a silicone outer surface. Each section contributes a different part of the finished feel.

The steel core provides stability, the moulded layer gives the grip its shape, and the silicone creates an anti-slip surface that is comfortable with or without gloves.

The shaped areas allow the hands to remain settled without squeezing the wheel excessively. This can reduce fatigue in the fingers and forearms during a long stint.

Sixteen programmable RGB buttons

Sixteen RGB buttons cover frequently used race functions such as DRS, the pit limiter, radio, headlights, wipers, neutral, push-to-pass, camera controls and pit-stop confirmation.

Colour coding makes the layout easier to remember. Pit functions can use one colour group, communication another, while immediate vehicle controls remain visually separate.

The lighting can also react to supported telemetry. A button may change colour or flash when DRS, ABS, a race flag or the pit limiter becomes active.

Four main rotary encoders

Four large front-facing encoders are available for the main car settings. They can control traction control, ABS, engine maps, engine braking, differential settings or other functions supported by the vehicle.

Each rotary uses segmented RGB lighting. The illumination can represent the current setting or respond dynamically to telemetry from the simulator.

The encoders can operate in incremental or absolute modes, making it easier to match their behaviour to the input system used by a particular game.

Four thumb rotary encoders

Another four encoders sit close to the grips. They can be reached without removing either hand from the wheel.

These controls are useful for settings adjusted frequently but only by a small amount, including brake bias, energy recovery, communication volume or dashboard pages.

Dividing the controls between the left and right sides also helps organise the layout. One hand may handle braking functions while the other manages powertrain settings or the simulator interface.

Two seven-way multi-position switches

Each seven-way switch combines directional movement, rotation and a push input. One physical control can therefore take the place of several separate buttons.

The switches work well for black-box navigation, dashboard pages, strategy menus, pit-stop settings and game-interface control.

Once the layout becomes familiar, the driver can manage many tasks without reaching for a mouse or keyboard. This is particularly useful in a low Formula seating position where other controls may be difficult to reach.

Hall-sensor paddle module

The rear paddle module uses Hall sensors to detect movement magnetically. It does not rely on a conventional electrical contact for every input.

The upper paddles handle gear changes, while the lower pair can operate as a dual clutch. The clutch bite point can be calibrated in SimPro Manager to make standing starts more repeatable.

Before the start, the driver can hold both clutch paddles and then release one when the lights go out. The second paddle remains at the prepared bite-point value, allowing power to be applied more progressively.

Alternative paddle configurations

The UP+ modular system allows the standard rear module to be replaced with another layout. Optional configurations include a three-paddle module and push-pull shifters.

This makes it possible to change the rear controls for a particular car or driving style without replacing the complete steering wheel.

Optional MagicDash 4 display

Simagic MagicDash 4 mounts directly on the wheel after the decorative front cover has been removed. The magnetic connection allows the display to be attached and removed without dismantling the control panel.

The screen can show gear, engine speed, lap times, tyre temperatures, fuel level, race flags and other data supplied through SimHub.

MagicDash 4 is optional and is not part of the standard Zeus Formula package. A setup using the display also requires Simagic AirLink to carry the image and telemetry signal.

Zeus QR50 included

The steering wheel is supplied with the Zeus QR50 Quick Release. It allows the wheel to be removed or installed without undoing mounting screws during every change.

The QR provides the mechanical connection between the steering wheel and wheelbase and remains rigid during fast steering inputs. On Alpha EVO systems, it also forms part of the wheel’s native integration with the base.

Native Alpha EVO compatibility

Simagic ZEUS Formula works natively with the following Simagic Alpha EVO wheelbases:

• Simagic Alpha EVO Sport
• Simagic Alpha EVO
• Simagic Alpha EVO Pro
• Simagic Alpha EVO Ultra

No additional wheel-communication adapter is required for the Zeus wheel itself in this configuration. Once the wheel is attached to the QR, its controls can be configured through SimPro Manager.

Using Zeus Formula with earlier Alpha wheelbases

Owners of an earlier Simagic base do not need to replace the complete Direct Drive system. Zeus Formula can also work with:

• Simagic Alpha Mini
• Simagic Alpha
• Simagic Alpha U

The wheel requires either Simagic MagLink Pro Xtend or the universal Simagic MagLink Pro for power and data.

MagLink Pro Xtend is the cleaner solution intended mainly for earlier Alpha bases, combining the QR adapter and MagLink connection. MagLink Pro uses a magnetic cable and can work with both older Simagic systems and third-party bases.

Third-party wheelbase support

Zeus Formula can also be connected to selected Direct Drive wheelbases from other manufacturers. In a mixed-brand setup, MagLink Pro provides the wired power and data connection between the steering wheel and the PC.

The mechanical side must still match the shaft and Quick Release system used by the wheelbase. A suitable QR, a 50 or 70 mm adapter, or an additional spacer may be required.

The exact wheelbase, adapter, bolt pattern and communication method should be checked before ordering extra parts. A mechanical fit alone does not confirm that all electronic inputs will operate correctly.

SimPro Manager V3 and SimHub

SimPro Manager V3 is used to check buttons, rotary controls and paddles, calibrate the clutch bite point, configure RGB lighting and update the firmware.

Full SimHub support opens more advanced control over inputs, lighting and telemetry. Buttons and encoder illumination can react to game events, while MagicDash 4 dashboards and LEDs are also managed through SimHub when the display is installed.

Updating the wheel and the rest of the Simagic system before the first session is recommended. The Zeus generation uses the current SimPro Manager platform, and an older software installation may not recognise every function.

Who is the Simagic ZEUS Formula for?

Zeus Formula is aimed at drivers who spend most of their time in single-seaters, LMP cars, prototypes and other high-performance circuit machinery. Its compact format provides rapid steering response, while the extensive control layout reduces the need for a separate button box.

It also suits users who prefer to expand their cockpit gradually. The wheel works without a screen, while MagicDash 4 and alternative UP+ modules can be added later.

Simagic ZEUS Formula combines compact Formula ergonomics with a rigid structure, a broad selection of controls and flexible wheelbase integration. It can become the centre of a new Alpha EVO cockpit or be adapted to an existing Simagic or third-party Direct Drive system.