The first DD Asetek base model looks set to directly overshadow the Fanatec and Simucube models. After showing what they’re capable of with their top-quality pedalboards, the Danes now treat us to their new ecosystem. Get your chassis ready, the Asetek Invicta Direct Drive is on its way, and it’s no joke.
We take a look at everything we’ve learned so far about this ambitious model from the Danish brand.
What does the Asetek Invicta Direct Drive look like in technical terms?
- Compatibility: PC (talks are underway for console compatibility)
- Dimensions: NC
- Motor: Direct Drive (Mige)
- Torque: 27Nm
- Steering amplitude : Adjustable via Race Hub application
- Connectors: 1 power supply, 1 USB to PC, 1 connector for Asetek button boxes, 5 USB-C to connect the rest of your Asetek ecosystem
- Wheel attachment: Asetek Quick Release
Design and ergonomics
As ever, Asetek’s design is unmistakably Asetek. Some people love it, others hate it. In any case, it’s not yet another copy of another brand, and that’s a credit to them.
The Direct Drive currently on show, which is a pre-production model whose design may change slightly, looks relatively compact. In the few images and videos we’ve been able to discover, we can see that the base seems to be about the same size as the Asetek Forte steering wheel. That would put it at just under 30cm long. A size equivalent to a Simagic Alpha Ultimate base, for example.
In terms of power, it competes directly with top-of-the-range models with 27Nm of torque. The sides and top of the base are equipped with LED strips that light up in different colors. Perhaps flag indicators? Note also that there are no buttons directly on the base, so there’s no risk of breakage or wear here.
Asetek Invicta Direct Drive connectors
At the rear, you’ll find all the connectors. All connections are made via USB-C cables. This is good news, as it shows us once again that André Eriksen isn’t lying when he says he doesn’t want to lock gamers into an ecosystem.
In the same vein, he has proposed to several steering wheel manufacturers that they create adapters to make their steering wheel wheels easily compatible with Asetek bases. It remains to be seen who will accept the deal!
A few lines earlier, I told you that there are no buttons on the Invicta DD base. In fact, the ignition button is deported to a dedicated box that you can mount anywhere on your cockpit. But that’s not all, since every Asetek base also comes with a force feedback cut-off button.
Chassis installation
For Hard Mounting on your chassis, the Danes have opted for 4 T-nuts that allow you to fix your base as close as possible to your riding position.
The aim is to keep the distance between the flywheel and the motor as short as possible, to make it as durable as possible and prevent any play from developing over the years.
With the 4 T-nuts, you can opt for installation directly on your chassis. But there are also three optional Asetek mounting plates. The first allows you to attach the base from below. The second allows the base to be mounted from the side, and the last is a tiltable plate for mounting from below.
And if you’re wondering whether your chassis is compatible, Asetek has chosen to use exactly the same dimensions as Fanatec. All Fanatec-compatible cockpits will therefore be Asetek-compatible.
Console compatibility pending..
Console gamers will be delighted to learn that André Eriksen has thought of them and that the company is negotiating for their bases to be compatible with home consoles. Unfortunately, the problem at the moment remains the shortage of chips. Console manufacturers are already struggling to supply their partner brands such as Thrustmaster, Fanatec or even Logitech, so they are currently unable to take on a new brand.
Questions about the new DD
Obviously, there’s still a lot to find out about this new Direct Drive. How much will the Invicta model cost? For 27Nm I wouldn’t be surprised to see it come out at around €1,800 to €2,000, but Asetek may surprise us.
When will we finally be able to get our hands on it, or at least pre-order it? Like everyone else, Asetek is facing a shortage of chip supplies, and the release initially hoped for the end of the year could well be mid-2023.
In any case, I can’t wait to get my hands on the Asetek Invicta DD and give you a full review. In the meantime, you can (re)discover the Asetek ecosystem right here 🙂
