Our ClubSport v2.5 also has a reasonably hefty Fanatec R330 wheel rim (to be purchased separately or in a bundle), which acts as a dampener of sorts, so the most sudden of feedback jolts feel like ...

Choose the ClubSport package, which includes the aluminum pedals, and you're looking at $319.95. But if you already have a GT3 RS wheel, Fanatec will upgrade it to V2 spec for $40.

Full disclosure: The McLaren GT3 V2 wheel we received for testing was provided by the fine folks at Fanatec, along with a ClubSport Wheel Base V2.5 ($550) and ClubSport V3 pedals ($360).

But the genius of the CSL DD's design has more to do with its peculiar, skeletal shell. Some wheel bases, like Fanatec's old ClubSport v2.5, must be actively cooled with whirring fans.

So if you’re looking for the best substitute to racing out on the track, Fanatec offers the wheel alone for $179.95, while the package including the aluminum ClubSport pedals is $319.95.

Fanatec sent me one to try out. Just like a maxed-out Fanatec ClubSport v2.5, it was a bit much for my weedy arms at maximum strength. Ok, so a lot much.