We’ve suspected it ever since Polyphony Digital(Gran Turismo) announced its partnership with Fanatec. The German simracing brand is preparing the release of the GT DD Pro. A PS5-compatible Direct Drive steering wheel under Gran Turismo license! An opportunity to shine a spotlight on Fanatec before the imminent release of Gran Turismo 7.
On the other hand, it’s a major blow for Thrustmaster, which had just released its new Gran Turismo-licensed T-GT 2. This evolution of the original T-GT failed to attract massive public interest. Already overshadowed by the announcement of pre-orders for the Fanatec CSL DD, it is now in direct competition with Fanatec on the consumer market.
So, what can we expect from this new Fanatec base? That’s what we’re going to try and decipher together, thanks to a new leak, this time revealing a photo of the steering wheel!
Fanatec GT DD Pro in brief Best Seller
What we already know about the Fanatec GT DD Pro
First of all, I’d like to point out that Fanatec has not yet publicly communicated on this new steering wheel. They quickly deleted the images leaked on the networks. This is obviously a waste of time in the Internet world, where everything can be traced.
So I’m pleased to share with you the first known photo of the GT Dd Pro! I’ll even compare it with the photo of the CSL DD.
There’s no doubt that it’s pretty much the same product, even if a few aesthetic details have been modified for the occasion. On this photo I can see some interesting things.
Firstly, the base chassis is slightly different from that of the standard CSL DD. The GT DD Pro looks more rounded on the front. The steering wheel features a small LED display that will probably be used for base settings.
Finally, between the wheel and the base, there’s a blue circular section that’s probably the wheel’s Quick Release system.
The CSL pedalset
On the box, you can see quite clearly that the package will include the CSL pedalset. This is Fanatec’s brand-new entry-level model.
Built entirely in metal, its basic version includes neither clutch nor Load Cell on the brake pedal. But you can upgrade it easily and inex pensively, thanks to the options available on the Fanatec website.
How much does the GT DD Pro cost?
It’s hard to say at the moment. In any case, we can give you a rough estimate. The standard CSL DD base costs 350€. The CSL Pedals are available for 80€, and even if you add 250€ for the wheel and the Playstation 5 license, you’re looking at 680€ for the complete setup.
This price, which seems to me coherent and justified, would nip Thrustmaster’s belt-driven T-GT 2 in the bud. What driver in his right mind would pay €750 for a belt-driven steering wheel when he can have a far more upgradeable Direct Drive thanks to the Fanatec ecosystem for less!
You can find the T-GT 2 test here.
Fanatec should make its official announcement in a few days’ time, and I’ll be sure to share all the news with you in real time !
Until then, happy shopping 🙂
