A few years ago, Simlab acquired Grid Engineering, adding a new string to its bow. For a long time Simlab has focused on quality chassis, but with prices that can be affordable if you configure them intelligently.

And today, at SimRacing Expo 2025, we get to see Simlab’s “big picture”. The Dutch firm has just unveiled its first range of Direct Drive bases, the DDX TorqueSync. Simlab intends to compete with industry heavyweights such as Fanatec, Simagic, Simucube and Asetek, when it comes to DD bases developing more than 20 nm of torque.

On the menu for this new range are the DDX26 and DDX39, with 26 and 39 nm of peak torque respectively, making the DDX39 the most powerful on the market today.

According to Simlab, the company has invested heavily in R&D to achieve the perfect balance between performance, quality, materials and, above all, feel. Everything has been studied and designed to offer maximum feedback to riders, as well as a design that I think is a success.

The electric motor operates on a 350 V bus, with a 24-bit encoder. This allows the DDX TorqueSync to ramp up and down very quickly, limiting peripheral lag and hesitation. Simlab promises excellent sim-racing performance, with a high degree of immersion in racing.

When you say base, you also say flywheel ecosystem. At present, Simlab offers 3 flywheels in its catalog, mainly developed by Grid, which have a hub on the back and not a QR as such. However, with the arrival of DDX, this will change. Simlab has inaugurated a brand new Quick Release for its Direct Drive bases called Xero-Play. It’s inspired by motor racing, and will provide a steel connection to the base, as well as expanding the brand’s catalog of steering wheels.

Now let’s talk about availability and pricing. Simlab is announcing pre-orders starting later this year, with the first deliveries due in March 2026. As for pricing, I think the brand is hitting the nail on the head. If you pre-order the DDX26, it will cost you €1,399, and €1,499 if you miss this period. The DDX39 is priced at €1999, which puts it below the Simucube 3 Ultimate, but 4 nm more powerful.

All we have to do now is wait for deliveries of these new DDX bases before we can give you a full test.