This caught my attention because it’s Fanatec’s first true “we’re back” statement since the CORSAIR acquisition. At SimRacing Expo 2025, they previewed the Podium DD wheel base (the DD2 successor) and the long-teased Podium Pedals, both aiming at a Q1 2026 launch. On paper, it’s exactly what high-end sim racers have been waiting for: 25 Nm holding torque, sturdier construction, and a forged-aluminum brake pedal paired with a 200 kg load cell. But it’s also 2026 hardware with no price yet, and that matters just as much as the specs.
Fanatec says the Podium DD replaces the DD2 with 25 Nm of “genuine holding torque,” revised electronics, and an all-aluminum internal and external structure. That 25 Nm number is meaningful: it matches the class leaders many pros use, and importantly it’s described as holding torque, not a fleeting peak. Translation: sustained forces should be strong and stable, which matters for long stints and consistency.
But if you’ve spent time across multiple direct-drive bases, you know torque isn’t everything. Motor smoothness, slew rate, filtering, encoder resolution, and thermal behavior define how “connected” a car feels more than raw numbers do. Fanatec’s “revised electronics” claims suggest a new drive stage and possibly better signal clarity. If that means cleaner detail with less grain and less reliance on heavy filters, great-because the best DD experiences hide the tech and let the tire talk.
FullForce is the wildcard. The protocol can add high-frequency texture separate from force feedback, but adoption has been limited. Fanatec is promising more fidelity thanks to stronger internals and wider dynamic range; that’s nice, yet it lives or dies on developer support. If Kunos, iRacing, and the WRC/ACC crowd go deeper with FullForce hooks, the Podium DD could legitimately feel different, not just stronger.
The new Podium Pedals lead with an “industry-first” forged-aluminum brake pedal tied to a 200 kg load cell and an elastomer compression control system. Here’s the practical angle: forging should mean fewer flex points under heavy braking, and the oversized load cell isn’t about pressing 200 kg with your leg; it’s about headroom and linearity so the signal stays consistent, lap after lap. The elastomer stack controlling travel is the familiar high-end recipe, but Fanatec’s note about keeping components within safe stress limits is a subtle nod to durability—something high-torque drivers care about after long races.
There’s also a Podium Pedals “Formula” variant as a two-pedal set with carbon faces and heel cups. It’s a clean play for open-wheel and GT setups, but I’m curious about modularity: clutch options, adjustability range, and serviceability are what separate great pedal sets from expensive ones. Fanatec didn’t detail those yet—worth watching before you budget.
In the last two years, the direct-drive arms race has gone from “11 Nm is plenty” to “25+ or bust.” Simucube, Asetek, Moza, and Simagic all have credible heavy hitters, and many are shipping today. Fanatec hitting 25 Nm is table stakes rather than a mic drop, which is fine—what matters is execution. If the Podium DD delivers cleaner micro detail than the ClubSport DD/DD+, and the pedals avoid long-term drift or elastomer wear, Fanatec reclaims serious mindshare at the top of the market.
One more practical note: running 25 Nm safely needs a rigid rig, decent seat, and strong mounting. If you’re on a wheel stand or desk, you won’t unlock the value here—and you might be miserable. This base is for aluminum profiles and braced cockpits, not the kitchen table.
Fanatec brought friends to the booth—Kunos used their stage to reveal Assetto Corsa Rally, Oracle Red Bull Sim Racing showed face, Trophi.ai demoed its growing integration with the Fanatec App, and iRacing projects were on display. The signal here isn’t subtle: Fanatec wants to make FullForce and its software stack part of the default sim racing experience. If the app starts surfacing useful telemetry-driven tuning or AI coaching that actually informs force tuning and pedal setup, that’s more compelling than another spec sheet notch.
We’re looking at a Q1 2026 target with pricing “later.” That’s a long runway, and Fanatec’s recent history makes timelines and logistics fair questions. The 3-year warranty is standard and welcome, but I wouldn’t lock in anything until independent reviews hit and console compatibility is clarified. Will there be PlayStation-licensed variants? How seamless is wheel rim compatibility across older and newer QR systems? What’s the real FullForce game list at launch? These details will decide whether the Podium DD and Pedals are must-buys or wait-and-see.
My read: the hardware ambitions are right. 25 Nm holding torque, sturdier construction, and a serious pedal set could put Fanatec back in the conversation with the heavyweights. Now they need to nail software polish, game support, clear console messaging, and—crucially—pricing that doesn’t read like a luxury tax.
Fanatec’s next-gen Podium DD and Podium Pedals look legit on specs and materials, targeting true high-end rigs. But with a 2026 window and no price, the smart move is to wait for reviews and details on compatibility and FullForce support. If Fanatec executes, this could be a real return to form.
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