Review disclosure: VPG supplied this wheel free of charge for review, and I returned it after testing. This written review reflects my original December 2024 experience. The product link below goes directly to VPG and is not an affiliate link.
After enjoying the V-PGT, I wanted to see how VPG’s approach translated to the Mustang GT3. The attraction was the connection to the real car: a genuine carbon wheel body and grips adapted with electronics for a simulator. What mattered once I started driving was whether that authenticity made the wheel comfortable and satisfying, and what it left out compared with a purpose-built sim wheel.
My verdict at a glance
Best suited to: GT3 enthusiasts who value the Mustang’s motorsport connection and want its particular grip shape and control layout.
What stood out: Light, rigid construction, comfortable grips, tactile buttons and crisp paddle shifts.
What to consider: The premium price, lack of thumb encoders, clutch travel and the lighting setup involved during my original test.
What the motorsport connection means
VPG uses the carbon body and grips associated with the real Mustang GT3 wheel, with electronics adapted for sim racing. Its current product page describes an officially Ford-licensed product using the same moulds, materials and manufacturing techniques.
That connection was a large part of the appeal for me. It does not mean I tested the wheel in a race car or verified that the sim electronics could be installed in one.
The pre-preg carbon construction felt light and rigid. I appreciated the finish and the impression of a purposeful racing component, without treating the material name alone as proof that every detail was beyond criticism.
The understated branding also suited my preferences. The front did not have an oversized Ford logo, so I was comfortable using it in cars other than the Mustang.
Grips that made long sessions enjoyable
The grip thickness, thumb rest and amount of give felt right to me. They were neither excessively firm nor soft, and I found them comfortable during longer sessions.
A bare-handed driver could notice the seam. I normally drove with gloves, so it did not bother me, but it is something to consider if you are sensitive to grip texture.
The shape worked particularly well for the GT cars I was driving. It would not be my first choice for someone seeking a small formula-style rim; the fit to the car and the driver was part of the decision.
Buttons, rotaries and the extra sim controls
The large push buttons had a satisfying tactile click and were easy to operate with gloves. The three front rotary controls felt positive and precise, with the centre control also selecting different functions.
The two seven-way switches added useful sim-racing flexibility. Their assignments changed with the centre multi-switch position, giving access to more functions without filling the front with extra controls.
I found the layout intuitive on track and did not struggle to find the buttons I wanted. The usable arrangement mattered more to me than counting every possible assignment.
There were still tradeoffs. If you want thumb encoders or the maximum number of easily accessible functions, some other premium sim wheels offer a different layout. The Mustang’s priorities were authenticity and driving feel, and that approach will not suit everyone equally.
Shifters and the unusual clutch position
The large magnetic paddles delivered crisp, decisive shifts. I liked their tactile feedback and the available choice of lighter or stronger activation force.
The analogue clutch paddles sat above the shifters rather than below them. That initially looked unusual, but it became natural after a few laps and worked well for my hands.
I liked the clutch resistance, although there was no separate end stop on my unit: I could press the paddles until they reached the housing. It did not spoil my experience, but it was a detail I wanted buyers to know about.
Mounting and the USB connection
The wheel I tested connected to a PC over USB, with a locking connector at the bottom of the wheel. The supplied cable was long enough to reach the nearby powered hub I preferred using.
My review unit came with an optional 50 mm spacer. That was part of my configuration, so it should not be assumed to be included with every order.
For a current purchase, VPG lists direct 50.8 mm PCD mounting, with 70 mm compatibility requiring its wheel hub and adapter, sold separately. Check the exact quick-release and spacer combination needed for your wheelbase.
The USB connection and bolt pattern address different parts of compatibility. My review was of a PC installation, not a console setup or every wheelbase on the market.
SimHub lighting and the original setup experience
I configured the backlit buttons and rotary lighting through SimHub. VPG supplied a profile tailored to the wheel, which gave me a starting point.
I still wanted a simpler route to customising the lighting. Building a profile can take time, even if you already know your way around SimHub, and I would have welcomed straightforward manufacturer software or a ready-made profile solution.
Those comments concern the original December 2024 experience. The official page currently confirms SimHub compatibility; it does not establish that the particular profile or software experience I wanted at launch is unchanged today.
If a specific lighting package is essential to you, check its present support and requirements before buying.
The driving experience
The lightness was immediately noticeable. Steering felt responsive, and I enjoyed the clear feedback through the rigid body and comfortable grips.
I felt well connected to the car when catching slides and making quick corrections. That is a subjective impression from my driving, rather than a measured claim that the wheel produces faster lap times or changes the wheelbase’s output.
The controls remained easy to reach, and the shifters made each gear change satisfying. I did not notice flex or play during my test, and the wheel was simply a lot of fun to drive with.
For me, the motorsport connection helped make the simulator feel more convincing. Someone who values a more configurable layout over that connection could reasonably prefer a different wheel.
Original pricing and my verdict
My December 2024 review quoted £1,599 excluding taxes, around US$2,049 or €1,899. Those figures describe the original review, not today’s price. Options, tax and shipping can change the full cost.
This was a specialised luxury purchase. I liked its craftsmanship, grips and responsive feel, but I would not suggest that someone needs a wheel at this price to enjoy GT racing.
For an enthusiast who specifically wants the Mustang GT3 design, it delivered a memorable experience. For someone prioritising thumb encoders, maximum customisation or a less expensive all-purpose wheel, the tradeoffs were harder to justify.
My enthusiasm came from how enjoyable it was in my hands, alongside its genuine connection to the car. The cost, clutch travel and original lighting setup belonged in that assessment just as much as the carbon construction and excellent paddles.
Explore the VPG Mustang GT3.
Check the current price, available options and compatibility before ordering.
Visit the official product pageThis is a direct manufacturer link, not an affiliate link.
Confirm taxes, shipping and any required accessories at checkout.
About this article: Adapted from my original review script and video review. Driving impressions refer to the original review period. Current mounting details were checked against the official Mustang GT3 product page. This is an adaptation of the original test, not a new hands-on review.
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