Asetek will begin sales of its Initium DD10 direct-drive base on October 27 at 11 a.m. It comes with 10 Nm of torque, and a separately sold kit will increase that to 14 Nm without changing the base. Expect to pay around €500, which is €250 less than the 12 Nm La Prima.

Initium DD10: 10 Nm standard, 14 Nm with a kit

The DD10 delivers 10 Nm as standard. Asetek plans to offerthe Asetek Racing Wheelbase Boost Kit for it—a separately sold module that plugs into the base and increases the torque to 14 Nm; the price has yet to be announced. To upgrade to 14 Nm, you keep the same base and the same mounting on the chassis—only this module is added.

In July, Asetek only provided torque and platform specifications; the technical data sheet is now complete. The absolute encoder remains 14-bit, or 16,384 steps per revolution, just like on the entry-level Initium: the DD10’s main improvement is in power. Asetek calls its enhanced force feedback “GripSense” and says it was designed to convey changes in grip directly to the user’s hands. The base weighs 7.92 kg, is configurable in RaceHub—the company’s proprietary software—and connects to the PC via USB-C.

A quick-release system that also accommodates steering wheels from other brands

The DD10’s quick-release mount, announced by Asetek as having zero play, includes a USB port: the steering wheel connects directly via the mount. It is compatible with the entire Asetek Racing steering wheel lineup, and the brand also plans to support steering wheels from other manufacturers. Its five rear connectors accommodate a pedal set, a gearshift, or a handbrake from the brand, which can then be configured in RaceHub along with the system.

Available on PC upon release, and on Xbox with an Asetek steering wheel

On PC, the DD10 will work with all Asetek steering wheels starting October 27. Xbox compatibility, which the brand has been highlighting since the announcement, depends on the specific steering wheel, however: it must be paired with an Asetek Racing steering wheel licensed for Xbox. Asetek states that the base unit is ready for its future console-compatible steering wheels, but its online store does not yet offer any such models on the eve of the release. PlayStation is not among the announced platforms.

Between the Initium and the La Prima, both come with a five-year warranty

Priced at around €500, the DD10 fits between two models in the Asetek catalog: the 5.5 Nm Initium, which sells for around €350, and the 12 Nm La Prima, which sells for around €750. With its kit, it even claims 14 Nm—more than the La Prima’s 12 Nm. Outside of Asetek’s lineup, its 10 Nm places it between the MOZA R9 (9 Nm) and the R12 (12 Nm) in the mid-range direct-drive base segment.

The DD10 will be available for purchase on Asetek’s official store starting October 27 at 11 a.m. It comes with the brand’s new five-year warranty, which applies to all products purchased on or after October 16.