Fanatec Showcases Prototype Entry-Level Sim Racing Cockpit and Seat

Fanatec sim racing cockpit and seat RD.jpg
Fanatec is set to expand its range of sim racing cockpits with a new, more affordable, range addition. There’s also a fresh seat design to match.

A prototype is available to test at the Gran Turismo World Series World Finals in Spain, and RaceDepartment has had a brief hands-on test.

The yet-to-be-named sim rig looks to be significantly simpler than the existing €999 RennSport Cockpit V2 (ClubSport) or the upcoming Formula 1-licenced unit currently used in the F1 Sim Racing competition.

Comprising of a straightforward tubular design that is remarkably spartan, it should make for compact packaging and a relatively simple construction process – but the final verdict will wait for a later date.

Fanatec entry-level seat.jpg

Sturdy With ClubSport DD+​

What we did appreciate at this early stage was its ability to remain sturdy during use with the new ClubSport DD+ wheel base running at the maximum 15Nm of constant torque. It’s rare to find a so-called ‘entry-level’ device that remains this planted during vociferous feedback.

We must stress, this was a brief test of a prototype, but the ingredients are in place for this to become a pre-eminent cockpit for those looking to upgrade from a desk-mounted wheel.

The seat we used is also a premiering – black with yellow accents, it’s clearly not trying to emulate a premium faux-leather texture, but rather analogous to something you may find in an affordable road car. It would mark a return to seat manufacturing for Fanatec, following the discontinuation of the prior CSL seat.

Fanatec entry-level rig cockpit.jpg

Name or Price Not Yet Available​

Pricing is not yet confirmed, for the seat or the cockpit, but we hope they are at the affordable end of the scale.

Release dates and even the names are also yet to be determined, but we expect them to fit within the German peripheral manufacturer’s existing nomenclature. We’ll be sure to update you when we have further details, for now, let us know in the comments below if you’d be interested in such a set-up.

What do you think about the Fanatec prototype? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
About author
Thomas Harrison-Lord
A freelance sim racing, motorsport and automotive journalist. Credits include Autosport Magazine, Motorsport.com, RaceDepartment, OverTake, Traxion and TheSixthAxis.

Comments

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I built my own with aluminium profile from motedis.
Would you mind, doing a thread on this based on parts you ordered and if you just copied popular designs or had something more custom planned. Interested how the process went and how well the ordering/shipping was handled.
 
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Oh dear. It looks far too low, no more room for adjustment for that tall person in the photo. Maybe if the seat would lean back a bit and the pedals moved further forward it could be a formula sitting position, but it doesn't look like it is possible.
 
Would you mind, doing a thread on this based on parts you ordered and if you just copied popular designs or had something more custom planned. Interested how the process went and how well the ordering/shipping was handled.
Yes, I'd be interested to know if you think you saved any money making it yourself. I spent some time looking at various prices of 4080 aluminium, and in the end I decided to go with the Next Level Racing GT Elite Lite at £499 (I decided it was justified after 15 years in my wooden DIY rig). Then I added my own parts to finish it off. I've spent an extra 250 on nuts, bolts, aluminium, and various other parts to add transducers (not essential though, as the NLR rig was fine as it was), & I am so happy with how it is turning out.
I don't believe I could have made the basic chassis much cheaper than NLR, or as good a standard. Not to mention the effort it takes just to manually cut a single piece of aluminium extrusion and file it to the correct size (though I suppose it might be worth buying an aluminium circular saw blade if you were building a complete rig).
 
If you want a really solid aluminum rig I recommend Track Racer. Bought a TR120 this summer. Design and quality is amazing. The price is fair. You have modular options for different wheelbases and pedal sets. The assembly took some time but I've enjoyed every minute.
The smaller TR80 should be enough for DDs up to 20nm.
 

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