The Simagic GT1 family has three versions, and the shape of the rim is the main difference. The GT1-SD is a 325 mm D shaped wheel for GT and touring cars. The GT1-SR is a 330 mm round wheel for rally, road and classic cars. The GT1 with Pro Hub combines a round leather rim with a bigger hub that has 14 controls. Pick the shape that matches the cars you drive most, then choose the grip material.
All three use Hall effect paddles and the Simagic quick release, so they suit the Alpha EVO bases that SIMGASM sells. So the real question is how you drive and what you want under your hands.
What makes the GT1 family different?
The GT1 rims sit between the simple round wheels and the button heavy formula wheels in the Simagic range.
They focus on a clean grip with a limited set of controls. The GT1-SD and GT1-SR both have eight controls, Hall effect paddle modules and a dedicated clutch control at the wheel. That clutch control matters if you drive without a clutch pedal and still want smooth launches. The GT1 with Pro Hub adds more inputs: 14 controls in total, of which 8 are programmable, on a hub made from carbon fibre and CNC machined aluminium.
If you want a wheel with a screen and many rotaries instead, read our comparison of GT Neo, FX Pro and round rims. This article stays with the GT1 family only.
GT1-SD: the D shape for GT racing
The GT1-SD is the wheel to choose when GT3, GT4 and touring cars fill most of your race calendar.
How the D shape feels
The flat bottom of a 325 mm D shaped rim gives your legs more room and makes the wheel feel closer to a modern GT car. Your thumbs rest near the buttons, and you always feel where the centre is. In a low seating position with the wheel close to your knees, that extra clearance is very welcome.
Alcantara or leather
SIMGASM offers the GT1-SD in Alcantara and in leather. Alcantara gives a soft, grippy feel, especially with gloves. Leather is easier to clean and lasts well with bare hands. Neither choice changes the controls or the size.
Simagic GT1-SD - Steering Wheel Alcantara
GT1-SR: the round rim for rally and road cars
The GT1-SR keeps the same control set but swaps the D shape for a full 330 mm round rim.
A round rim makes hand over hand steering natural. That matters in rally, drifting and road cars, where you often turn more than 180 degrees. The proportions also feel right in classic cars and in open world driving. If you drive EA Sports WRC, BeamNG or a lot of free roam, the round GT1-SR is the more honest choice. Like the SD, it comes in Alcantara and leather.
Not sure if a round wheel suits your base? Our guide on using other wheels on a Simagic base explains the QR70 quick release and what to check before you mount any rim.
GT1 with Pro Hub: more controls on a round rim
The third option suits drivers who like a round rim but need more buttons than eight.
The Pro Hub version weighs about 1,250 g and supports rims between 320 and 350 mm. You get 14 controls and map the 8 programmable buttons in SimPro Manager. In endurance racing you use those extra buttons for brake bias, traction control and pit limiter. Because the hub accepts different rim sizes, it also leaves room to change rims later without buying a new hub.
Simagic GT1-SR Steering Wheel - Alcantara
Which GT1 fits which wheelbase?
SIMGASM lists the GT1-SD as compatible with the Alpha EVO Sport 9 Nm, Alpha EVO 12 Nm, Alpha EVO Pro 18 Nm and Alpha EVO Ultra 28 Nm, and the GT1-SR and Pro Hub use the same Simagic quick release system.
A heavier wheel asks a little more torque to feel lively. The Pro Hub version weighs about 1,250 g, so it shines on 12 Nm and above, while the simpler SD and SR rims suit the 9 Nm Sport base well. Our guide to the Alpha EVO 9, 12 or 18 Nm helps you match the base to your driving.
Torque also decides your cockpit. SIMGASM founder Johan Akkerman raced at world level and won the 2019 Project CARS 2 world team championship. He knows how much a flexing frame blurs the feel of a good wheel. That is why every Simagic base at SIMGASM links to a compatibility collection, such as the Alpha EVO 12 Nm compatibility list, so you see which cockpit tier keeps the wheel steady.
Simagic GT1 steering wheel with Pro HUB / Knob - Leather
So which GT1 should you buy?
Use your favourite cars as the deciding factor, not the spec sheet.
Choose the GT1-SD if you mostly race GT and touring cars and want the modern D shape. Choose the GT1-SR if rally, drifting or road cars are your thing and you steer hand over hand. Choose the GT1 with Pro Hub if you like a round rim but run long races with many in car adjustments. Still in doubt? Browse all Simagic steering wheels and bases side by side, or ask the SIMGASM team in Wijk bij Duurstede for advice.
Questions about the Simagic GT1 wheels
Here are quick answers to the questions buyers ask most.
Do the GT1 wheels have a screen?
No. The GT1 family focuses on grip and simple controls. Choose the FX Pro or GT Neo if you want a display or more rotaries.
Can I use a GT1 wheel without a clutch pedal?
Yes. The GT1-SD and GT1-SR have a dedicated clutch control at the wheel, which helps with launches and stalls.
Is Alcantara harder to maintain than leather?
A little. Alcantara likes clean, dry hands or gloves. Leather is easier to wipe and suits drivers who race without gloves.
Does the GT1 fit a 9 Nm base?
Yes. The GT1 wheels use the Simagic quick release of the Alpha EVO Sport 9 Nm. Check the cable and base generation on the product page before you order.
Want to learn more? The SIMGASM experts are happy to help.
