Fanatec Forza Motorsport V2 Bundle

Our rating : 9.5/10

The German brand of sim-racing peripherals Fanatec has been in the game for over 20 years, and to say it has a wealth of experience would be an understatement. It was none other than Fanatec that brought the first Direct Drive bases to the general public, with its 5 and 8 nm torque CSL DDs. Prior to this, DD bases were reserved for a seasoned public, mainly racing drivers or experienced people with a substantial sim-racing budget.

CSL DDs represent the Go-To of sim-racing for those looking for a Direct Drive base. Their accessibility in terms of feel, feedback and price makes them perfect for many racers who are just starting out in the sim-racing adventure, or those who want to take their game to the next level.

There have been some big changes at Fanatec recently, and the most notable is certainly its forthcoming takeover by Corsair, the American gaming company. This new lease of life should be beneficial not only for the company, but also for pilots looking for high-performance products that are not excessively expensive and, above all, available. Speaking of products, today we’re going to talk about a bundle specifically for Xbox and PC: the Forza Motorsport V2.

Main and technical features of the bundle

• Complete package with CSL DD base, Forza Motorsport-specific steering wheel and CSL Pedals
• Direct Drive base with 5 nm maximum torque, but upgradeable with a boost kit to 8 nm (sold separately).
• ClubSport steering wheel with 33 cm diameter, flat bottom and premium leather finish
• ClubSport Universal Hub for Xbox with small screen and controls distributed along the sides of the wheel like a racing car
• Base compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem
• Xbox and PC compatible
• Available in QR1 or QR2 versions

Design

Let’s start with the Forza Motorsport V2 design. The steering wheel is rather minimalist, with a completely bare faceplate, apart from the Fanatec logo in the center, and the Forza Motorsport logo at the bottom of the wheel.

Both letterings are in white, and the stitching is also in the same color, with a band at the top of the steering wheel. As for the hub, it adds a racing touch to this steering wheel, reminding us of the steering wheels on Audi R8s, Porsche 911s and other Super Cars and racing cars.

As for the pedalboard, it’s the CSL Pedals we’re all very familiar with: simple design, but a choice of colors that leaves something to be desired as far as I’m concerned. As for the CSL DD (the base), it’s a black cylinder with Fanatec logos here and there.

Customized assembly

Given that the CSL DD only produces 5 nm of torque in this configuration, you can install it on furniture with the help of Fanatec’s Table Clamp without the slightest problem. You won’t experience any bending or movement, as long as the desk or table is thicker than a sheet of paper.

Of course, the CSL DD can be mounted on a cockpit or stand using side rails or from below, all via T. L’opération est très simple à réaliser, que vous utilisiez le Table Clamp ou bien un châssis pour monter la base.

As for the steering wheel, you can choose between the QR1 or QR2. Personally, I’d opt for the QR2 to have a more comfortable setup. future proof as the English say. And as for the CSL Pedals, the rubber pads provide a good grip on the floor (parquet, flagstone, carpet, etc.), but its design also allows it to be mounted on a chassis.

Manufacturing and finishing

This bundle uses metal for its entire structure, from the steering wheel and pedals to the base. The workmanship is excellent, worthy of Fanatec standards. And the same goes for the finish. I didn’t notice any defects, burrs or poorly assembled parts (especially on the ClubSport Hub) on any of the products in this bundle, and personally, I didn’t expect to find and/or see any. The peripherals in the Forza Motorsport V2 bundle are premiums.

Getting started with the bundle

With its 33 cm diameter and flat bottom, the ClubSport Forza steering wheel feels great in the hand, especially if you’re into GT racing. Controls are distributed along the sides of the faceplate, as found on racing cars and Super Cars. Of course, this configuration means you can quickly access the buttons in the middle of a race, without taking your eyes off the road. Admittedly, the ClubSport Hub has other buttons (16 in all) on its top, but you’re not going to use them that much once you’ve remapped the front ones.

At the rear of the hub, there are only 2 magnetic paddles, but they’re a good size. This may not be enough for some drivers, especially those looking for analog paddles, but it’s enough for almost 80% of sim-racers racing in this price bracket. What’s more, the paddles click very well, are magnetic and easily accessible in the middle of a race.

Sensations during play

The basis of this bundle is none other than the 5 nm CSL DD, which is very popular in its class. The force feedback is not bad for sim-racing enthusiasts and beginners, with a very good reproduction of the effects the car generates and undergoes. Of course, the CSL DD, in its 5 nm version, isn’t very powerful, and you’ll occasionally feel clipping as you push it to its limits.

Nevertheless, it’s up to you to set up the base (via Fanalab on the PC or the screen on the steering wheel) so as to keep a certain margin to minimize peripheral saturation, especially as the steering wheel and hub in this bundle weigh in at over 3 kg.

As for the pedalboard, the CSL Pedals are the very best in their class. Its magnetic (Hall) sensors provide excellent input registration (throttle and brake), with good linearity in pedal travel. It’s not a Load Cell pedalboard, and seasoned riders will notice this immediately, but frankly, it’s worth the price. Let’s not forget that this is an entry-level bundle.

Compatibility

Being officially licensed by Forza Motorsport, this bundle is PC and Xbox compatible, whether for the base or the wheel. The most important point with Fanatec products is the wheel’s compatibility with the console, since the brand’s bases are theoretically all functional on Playstation and Xbox.

Value for money

Normally sold at €730, this bundle is currently being exchanged for €50 less, i.e. €680. As far as I’m concerned, that’s fair enough, given that the base is a 5 nm torque version. Admittedly, the bundle’s peripherals are of excellent quality, but Fanatec’s asking price is a little high for my taste.

My verdict

Forza Motorsport V2 is a good bundle for sim-racing beginners. The steering wheel is magnificent, the CSL DD offers a good driving feel, and the pedalboard is relatively useful until you’ve experienced a Load Cell.

However, the weak point of this bundle is none other than its base. The CSL DD 5 nm is really not up to the task of handling the weight of the flywheel and hub. Weighing in at over 3 kg, it’s too much for the 5 nm of torque it develops, and clipping is much more prevalent than on the 8 nm variant.

In my opinion, if you can afford it, go straight to the 8 nm torque version, or opt for Forza Motorsport V2 and get the boost kit 180 to increase the power of the base. By doing so, you’ll get a much better feel for the game, especially if you’re planning to play titles like Assetto Corsa or Forza Motorsport.

It’s still a good bundle for beginners and Sunday enthusiasts, but the base will quickly show its limits in terms of driving feel, especially with such a heavy steering wheel.