Fanatec Releases QR2: New Adapter in Multiple Versions

Fanatec QR2 Pro Bundle Release.jpg
After first showing a working prototype in late 2022, Fanatec have released their QR2 Quick Release Adapter. The new part aims to offer more rigidity while allowing to keep the convenience of the previous QR system.

Image credit: Fanatec

One of the biggest strengths of Fanatec’s QR1 system is that it frees the Landshut-based manufacturer’s wheels from having to use a data cable. However, the system also has a drawback. Due to manufacturing tolerances, some QR1 adapters flex when mounted to a wheel base. This flex may be minimal, but it is noticeable – and not exactly ideal for wheels in the higher price regions in particular.

To combat this, Fanatec has developed the QR2. Not only is the new adapter supposed to be more stable, it also lets sim racers mount their wheels by simply pushing them onto their bases. Previously, they had to pull back the outer ring of the release manually – now it simply clicks into place.

QR2_Lite_Bundle_-Type-C.jpg

The QR2 Lite Bundle comes in different versions. Pictured: The Type-C example. Image Credit: Fanatec

Different Versions

Similarly to the QR1, the new adapter comes in different versions. The Pro version looks to be aimed at the Podium range of wheels and wheel bases, while the QR2 and QR2 Lite examples are likely introduced to pair with the CSL DD and DD Pro bases. The non-Pro and Lite models also come in an M version as well as a USB C-type version.

Only the QR2 Lite looks to be made from plastic, both of the other versions look like metal pieces. This should allow sim racers to unlock high torque modes with the latter two, similar to the QR1. The plastic version of the older adapter did fit higher-torque bases, but could not unlock their full power.

At the time of writing this article, an official announcement has yet to be made. However, a QR2 tab is already available on the Fanatec website. There, prices have already been posted as well. Check our list below to find out on how much of a diet your wallet needs to go. Spoiler: It is not exactly a cheap accessory.

QR2_Bundle_-Type-M.jpg

The Fanatec QR2 Bundle in its Type-M guise. Image credit: Fanatec

Fanatec QR2 Price​

  • QR2 Pro Bundle (Type M): €318,09
  • QR2 Bundle (Type M): €227,18
  • QR2 Pro Wheel-Side: €199,95
  • QR2 Bundle (Type-C): €154,45
  • QR2 Base-Side (Type-M): €149,95
  • QR2 Lite Bundle (Type-C): €118,09
  • QR2 Wheel-Side: €99,95
  • QR2 Base-Side (Type-C): €69,95
  • QR2 Lite Wheel-Side: €59,95
For their release, the bundles feature a reduced price. However, this only becomes apparent on the product page itself and is not shown on the overview page at the time of writing.

Sim racers will not have to fork out the maximum amount of cash, though. The difference between the "normal" QR2 and the QR2 pro Wheel-Side models is that the latter is designed to FIA standards and can be used in real racing cars as well. Of course, this ties in with Fanatec's BMW M4 GT3 wheel - but it likely will not be of use for the majority of sim racers.

What do you think about the brand new Fanatec QR2? Let us know on Twitter @OverTake_gg or in the comments below!
About author
Yannik Haustein
Lifelong motorsport enthusiast and sim racing aficionado, walking racing history encyclopedia.

Sim racing editor, streamer and one half of the SimRacing Buddies podcast (warning, German!).

Heel & Toe Gang 4 life :D

Comments

I wonder does this mean that the Podium Hub will now come with QR2 instead of QR1. I am looking to maybe get the Cube Controls CSX3 and I will need the Podium Hub according to what I have read.
It would make sense to no longer have the QR1 as the device include in the Podium product.
 
Premium
I wonder does this mean that the Podium Hub will now come with QR2 instead of QR1. I am looking to maybe get the Cube Controls CSX3 and I will need the Podium Hub according to what I have read.
It would make sense to no longer have the QR1 as the device include in the Podium product.
I think it’s going to be a bit of wait and see as to what this will mean especially with 3rd party wheels. Hopefully Boosted Media or someone will do a deep dive on it soonish.
 
With their shareholder report mentioning a planned release of a CSW/Clubsport DD wheelbase this Autumn...they're generating some genuine interest on my end. Have fended off endless waves of upgrade-itis and am still sitting on my CSW 2.5, mostly content. If they bring an updated motor, 12-15nm of peak force and QR2 to a CSW DD offering, I think my fence-sitting days might be over.
 
Premium
Firstly - finally!
Second, no support for CSW bases isn't that surprising as they've not been available new for a couple of years, but disappointing, as there's quite a few still out there (including mine). Maybe the price of QR1s will come down now as DD users upgrade :) And maybe SRM or someone will come up with an adapter.
Thirdly, could they have made it any more confusing? I found working out what the bundles actually were unclear, when I think just listing the individual bits and offering e.g. a set discount if you buy two or more would have been clearer.
From what I can see so far there are two base-side adapters, the silver (metal?) Type-C and the black (plastic?) Type M. I think the connectors are podium = usb C and CSL/DD = twin cable Type M, but until the descriptions get added to the product page it's not clear.
And there are three different wheel-side adapters, a cheap plastic Lite, the standard black metal QR2 and the gold Pro, which is £50 more, but again, not clear atm why.
Fourth, I haven't taken apart a CSL DD base - I'm guessing the Type-C podium base-side adapters should be fairly easy to fit, how much disassembly is required to fit a new shaft to the CSL bases? Swapping out the shaft and main cable on my CSW was a worthwhile upgrade, but not for the non-technical, and definitely would void any warranty.
Finally, the prices aren't actually as bad as they could have been, with the new QR2 Lite actually being £40 cheaper than the rubbish QR1 Lite. Of course, if you've got a bunch of wheels and want to fit £200 QR2 Pros to them all that's a different story.
Still, it's nice they've finally arrived after being touted for several years now.
Any news on the Bentley wheel?
 
Premium
Both the type M and type C base side connectors are metal. The type M (the podium version) is made from CNC Billet Aluminum. The type C (The CSL DD/DD Pro version) is made from cast Aluminum. Plastic only comes into play with the wheel side of the QR2Lite. It's made from Carbon Fiber-reinforced polyamide, as Fanatec calls it.

To replace the shaft, it should be pretty straight forward on the CSL DD. Loosen the Allen bolt, slide the QR1 shaft out, remove the U collar and replace with the 2 part "O" collar, slide the QR2 shaft in place, align gaps on the collar and the shaft, tighten collar's Allen bolts evenly, say hi to your uncle Robert. You might want to use his nickname.
 
Does it mean all the owners with their M4 GT3 wheel will finally get their QR2 adapter as promised back in 2021? So far no words from Fanatec on that yet...
 
Premium
Let me guess...
I cannot connect my 3 "old" Fanatec wheels to a upcoming wheelbase, without buying these new QRs?
This is the thing, I’ve got a DD1 and a couple of wheels and my QR1 is rock solid with no wobbling and no need to add a third party fix or putting the screw in. I don’t change wheels often enough to care about it taking 30 seconds to switch.

What will new wheels come with as standard, will they phase out the QR1 ? I get that this is an upgrade but it‘s not one I really need.

Be interesting to see what wider wheel/base product line looks like after this. I know Fanatec wheels are pretty modular but as far as I can work out you have to go all in on QR2 once you‘ve changed out the base side. Unless you have a really wobbly QR1 for a lot of people it won’t be worth it.
 
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I wonder does this mean that the Podium Hub will now come with QR2 instead of QR1. I am looking to maybe get the Cube Controls CSX3 and I will need the Podium Hub according to what I have read.
It would make sense to no longer have the QR1 as the device include in the Podium product.
Probably. There's a 2 years transitions period planned where you will be able to select the QR1 or QR2 when buying new stuff. Default will be QR2.
Second, no support for CSW bases isn't that surprising as they've not been available new for a couple of years, but disappointing, as there's quite a few still out there
Yeah the CSW shaft is well mounted inside the wheelbase. With the DD wheelbases, you can simply loosen the shaft clamp and take it out.
From what I can see so far there are two base-side adapters, the silver (metal?) Type-C and the black (plastic?) Type M. I think the connectors are podium = usb C and CSL/DD = twin cable Type M, but until the descriptions get added to the product page it's not clear.
Type C is for CSL DD, DD1/2 have the Molex connectors.
And there are three different wheel-side adapters, a cheap plastic Lite, the standard black metal QR2 and the gold Pro, which is £50 more, but again, not clear atm why.
Yep. Plastic, Die-Cast Aluminium and certified CNC for real racing.
Fourth, I haven't taken apart a CSL DD base - I'm guessing the Type-C podium base-side adapters should be fairly easy to fit, how much disassembly is required to fit a new shaft to the CSL bases?
As written above, loosen the shaft clam and pull it out. 2 minute job or even 0 minute job if your shaft comes loose during your next race ;)
Let me guess...
I cannot connect my 3 "old" Fanatec wheels to a upcoming wheelbase, without buying these new QRs?
How would you think this could be made possible? You will however be able to select the QR type for your next purchases for about 2 years from what I've read :)
What will new wheels come with as standard, will they phase out the QR1 ? I get that this is an upgrade but it‘s not one I really need.
Yep. Everything will come with the QR2 by default now. But you'll be able to select it to be QR1 for the next 2 years.
 
Premium
"Not exactly a cheap accessory"? Price wise its in line with the old QR1 and also in line with Simlabs and VRS's similarly styled quick releases. I don't get this one???
 
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And there are three different wheel-side adapters, a cheap plastic Lite, the standard black metal QR2 and the gold Pro, which is £50 more, but again, not clear atm why.
I don't want to sound rude but the product pages make it very clear what the differences between the 2 of them are if you actually read them:

QR2 Pro Wheel-Side
  • Meets FIA standards
  • Built for both real-world motorsport and sim racing
  • CNC-machined from aviation-grade billet aluminium
  • QR2 design
QR2 Wheel-Side
  • Motorsport-derived quick release (wheel-side)
  • Diecast aluminium with CNC-machined and black anodised finish
  • QR2 design
As we can see, the QR2 Pro is meant to be used in real world cars as it meets FIA standards (which makes everything more expensive) and sim racing. It is also made out of more expensive materials.

The regular QR2 is made out of a bit cheaper materials and you can't use it in a race car but it should serve as a middle ground for those that don't want the best of the best and it's accompanying price tag or most of us that don't care about mounting our wheels to real world cars.

And then there is QR2 lite which is made out of plastic and is meant for those on a budget
 
D
  • Deleted member 217114

It's sorta crazy. I've two rims. I've a DD1. So that's
QR2 Pro Wheel-Side: €199,95
QR2 Pro Bundle (Type M): €318,09
Sending costs 50-80?
That's a lot of money to reduce flex?

QR2 Bundle (Type M): €227,18
QR2 Wheel-Side: €99,95
Sending costs 50-80?
Is a bit cheaper, but still pricey.

So only flex and faster quick release?
 

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