In a livestream by its CEO, the Danish racers teased further details about its upcoming Invicta steering wheel and answered questions about wheel customisation, extensions, handbrakes and cockpits.
It’s hard to believe that Asetek SimSports has only been on the market for around two years, but in that time the disruptive startup has already cemented itself within an exclusive batch of leading simulation equipment brands.
CEO André Eriksen recently held a live question and answer session to run through its plans for the next 12 months and beyond – there are plenty of new products on the way…
For those who aren’t fans of the grey and orange button colours on the steering wheels, different shades will also be offered as a post-purchase modification pack. The exact hues were not revealed.
Image: Asetek SimSports
“This is not so much about what we like, it’s more about what you like,” explains Eriksen.
For those with a La Prima wheel, a new white-text button sticker set is in development. These won’t be transparent, as this particular wheel doesn’t have backlit LEDs near the inputs, unlike on the Forte.
A significant update to its accompanying software is also anticipated. RaceHub 3.0 will arrive with “25 new features” but specifics were not detailed.
The mounts, stickers, buttons and software are all scheduled for Q1 2024.
The Danish liquid cooling expert is knowingly working on a top-of-the-line Invicta steering wheel, and while it wasn’t revealed, the ability to use these existing interchangeable handles was confirmed.
Nope, not the Invicta wheel, just Michel testing the Forte at the ADAC SimExpo 2023
“I could show [the Invicta wheel] today, but I’m not going to as I don’t want to reveal it,” says André.
“What I can say is that it’s going to be a very, very, nice steering wheel. It will have a nice display. The majority of the materials will be aluminium or carbon.
“I think it’s fair to say it will be very true to the design of the Invicta pedals, also in terms of materials.
“In terms of availability, if everything goes well, then I would say Q2 or early Q3 next year.”
It will bring a new gearshift paddle design, which can be affixed to other wheels in the range.
The upgrade will then be sent back to you before installation. A similar system will also be implemented for wheel faceplate upgrades.
Image: Asetek SimSports
A CNC-milled wheel base shaft extension (no sniggering at the back…) was also showcased. It builds upon the quick release adaptor for third-party steering wheel manufacturers, but for those within the Asetek SimSports ecosystem. This is for those who are looking for a larger gap between the wheel and wheel base, perhaps to mount the monitor in between.
An entry-level mechanical-only La Prima extension for third-party wheels is also being considered.
As for further range additions, additional wheel rim sizes are in the works including a dedicated rally wheel, an external display and the ABS system, first previewed at the 2022 ADAC SimRacing Expo.
“The reason it’s not out has simply been priority,” highlights Eriksen with regards to the ABS add-on.
“Needless to say, that system is going to be more expensive than let’s say a ‘mainstream’ brake system. Therefore, we have allocated more focus and resources to, for example, the GT wheel, to get stuff out of the door.
“I cannot give you an exact date… It’s for sure still on the roadmap.”
Image: Traxion
Shifters and handbrakes are stated to be in active development alongside a final version of its first cockpit – an early build was present during this October’s Dortmund Expo. Console support is once again muted.
“We are working on something, let’s put it like that, it’s on our radar,” concludes Eriksen.
Have you jumped on board the Asetek hype train? Let us know your thoughts about its products on X @Overtake_gg or down in the comments below!
It’s hard to believe that Asetek SimSports has only been on the market for around two years, but in that time the disruptive startup has already cemented itself within an exclusive batch of leading simulation equipment brands.
CEO André Eriksen recently held a live question and answer session to run through its plans for the next 12 months and beyond – there are plenty of new products on the way…
Mounts, Coloured Buttons and Stickers
To kick off, several smaller-ticket items were discussed during the broadcast. There are two new mount designs on the way, to help affix Asetek wheel bases to rigs – one to match the Fanatec Podium DD’s hole arrangement and another that will offer the ability to slide the wheel base when on an aluminium profile cockpit.For those who aren’t fans of the grey and orange button colours on the steering wheels, different shades will also be offered as a post-purchase modification pack. The exact hues were not revealed.
“This is not so much about what we like, it’s more about what you like,” explains Eriksen.
For those with a La Prima wheel, a new white-text button sticker set is in development. These won’t be transparent, as this particular wheel doesn’t have backlit LEDs near the inputs, unlike on the Forte.
A significant update to its accompanying software is also anticipated. RaceHub 3.0 will arrive with “25 new features” but specifics were not detailed.
The mounts, stickers, buttons and software are all scheduled for Q1 2024.
Invicta Wheel Update
Le Mans Prototype-style handles for existing wheels are another item expected for a Q1 2024 release, with 3D-printed prototypes displayed during the presentation.The Danish liquid cooling expert is knowingly working on a top-of-the-line Invicta steering wheel, and while it wasn’t revealed, the ability to use these existing interchangeable handles was confirmed.
“I could show [the Invicta wheel] today, but I’m not going to as I don’t want to reveal it,” says André.
“What I can say is that it’s going to be a very, very, nice steering wheel. It will have a nice display. The majority of the materials will be aluminium or carbon.
“I think it’s fair to say it will be very true to the design of the Invicta pedals, also in terms of materials.
“In terms of availability, if everything goes well, then I would say Q2 or early Q3 next year.”
It will bring a new gearshift paddle design, which can be affixed to other wheels in the range.
Upgrades, Extensions And Asetek Range Additions
As for wheel base upgrades, from La Prima to Forte, Eriksen believes the system will be launched early next year too. It will require shipping your PCB to Asetek who will then calibrate the new element to your specific motor.The upgrade will then be sent back to you before installation. A similar system will also be implemented for wheel faceplate upgrades.
A CNC-milled wheel base shaft extension (no sniggering at the back…) was also showcased. It builds upon the quick release adaptor for third-party steering wheel manufacturers, but for those within the Asetek SimSports ecosystem. This is for those who are looking for a larger gap between the wheel and wheel base, perhaps to mount the monitor in between.
An entry-level mechanical-only La Prima extension for third-party wheels is also being considered.
As for further range additions, additional wheel rim sizes are in the works including a dedicated rally wheel, an external display and the ABS system, first previewed at the 2022 ADAC SimRacing Expo.
“The reason it’s not out has simply been priority,” highlights Eriksen with regards to the ABS add-on.
“Needless to say, that system is going to be more expensive than let’s say a ‘mainstream’ brake system. Therefore, we have allocated more focus and resources to, for example, the GT wheel, to get stuff out of the door.
“I cannot give you an exact date… It’s for sure still on the roadmap.”
Shifters and handbrakes are stated to be in active development alongside a final version of its first cockpit – an early build was present during this October’s Dortmund Expo. Console support is once again muted.
“We are working on something, let’s put it like that, it’s on our radar,” concludes Eriksen.
Have you jumped on board the Asetek hype train? Let us know your thoughts about its products on X @Overtake_gg or down in the comments below!
