Danish brand Asetek SimSports never ceases to amaze us. After innovation after innovation, they now present the fruit of their partnership with Pagani : the Asetek Pagani Huayra R pedalset.
This new simracing pedalset is soberly presented by Asetek CEO André Eriksen and Horacio Pagani, PDF of Pagani, no less! All this in a video released on the Asetek YouTube channel. So let’s take a look at this announcement and the features of this new (very) high-end model.
What is the Asetek Pagani Huayra R pedalset?
- Compatibility: PC
- Pedals : 2
- Throttlesensor: Magnetic (Hall), 16-bit resolution (65,535 values)
- Brake sensor: Patented Asetek T.H.O.R.P. system and Load Cell sensor, capacity 100 bars (180Kg)
- Vibration: No
- Connections: 1 USB to PC
- Weight: 3 Kg
Design and ergonomics
As far as design and finish are concerned, it’s simple: Asetek has respected as far as possible the shape and, above all, the design quality of the real Pagani Huayra R pedalboard.
Only the finest materials are used. Pedal plates, footrests, pedal arms… everything is made of anodized aluminum.
The Pagani-branded footplate also features a colored LED strip. An aesthetic accessory that has no real interest in racing, but which nonetheless provides a little visual pleasure. After all, we all like to have beautiful equipment in front of us, don’t we?
But all this visual effort would be futile without state-of-the-art technology. The result is a gas pedal with a 16-bit magnetic sensor and an arm capable of withstanding a pressure of 200Kg. And a brake pedal equipped with the T.H.O.R.P. system and a Load Cell sensor capable of withstanding 180Kg of pressure.
What exactly is the Asetek T.H.O.R.P. system?
It’s a two-stage braking system created by the Asetek teams which replicates the braking of a real racing car as closely as possible.
It has to be said, however, that this system is not universally acclaimed by simracers. Some drivers find it incredibly precise and realistic, while others criticize it for having an action race that’s too short and not adjustable enough. But it’s a clear choice on Asetek’s part. At least it’s clear: either you like it or you go elsewhere.
So here’s how the THORP system works:
The first phase is the first 20 to 25 millimeters. You compress the interchangeable elastomer to simulate the pressure build-up. 3 elastomers are supplied to modulate the pressure of this first phase. Then comes a mechanical stop and you’re left with a rock-hard pedal. At this point, it’s your muscle memory that takes over, giving you precisely the right braking pressure for each stop.
It takes some getting used to, as it’s a clear departure from the models we’re used to finding in simracing, and as I said before, you either love it or you hate it.
Installing and tuning the Asetek Pagani Huayra R
One of the great advantages of Asetek products is that you don’t need any tools to adjust them. Everything is done using the gold-plated knobs all around the pedals. You’ll find the usual Asetek settings, namely :
- Pedal tilt
- Pedal stroke length
- Hardness of the initial braking phase, thanks to the 3 elastomers supplied
Once you’ve found the ideal position, the pedalset connects directly to the PC, where you can make adjustments using the RaceHub software, where EVERYTHING can be configured at will. Calibration, maximum pressure, the curves of each pedal independently and, of course, the line of LEDs on the pedalset (you forgot about them, didn’t you? ^^)
Passion is priceless (they say)
The genuine Pagani Huayra R limited to 30 competition models.
So we’re almost certain never to see one with our own eyes. You can still get close to this dream with the pedal unit, but at what price?
I hope you’re sitting comfortably? €1,982.40. That’s how much it costs to buy the Asetek SimSports Pagani Huayra R pedalset. An exceptional price, you might say.
Personally, I’d be more inclined to go for the Asetek Invicta model, which offers much the same performance for €1,000 less. But then I’d have to mourn the loss of the Pagani design.
So I’m a bit on the fence, and I’d appreciate your opinion. After all, this is a limited series, the design is officially signed by Pagani, the construction is top quality and everything is built in Denmark. There’s also the THORP system, which is unique… All in all, it could be interesting for a real enthusiast with a cosseted portfolio.
We’ll be happy to discuss it in the comments, and I’ll continue to dream a little about this pedalset. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to test one one day (hope springs eternal, doesn’t it ^^). And if you’d like to find out more about this model, just click on the button below!
