After many long months of testing, abandoning their old QR design and buying new machines to manufacture the new ones, it’s finally time! André Eriksen, creator of Asetek, presents the new Asetek QR (Quick Release) and 3 new brands of partner steering wheels. These steering wheel attachment systems, available at the end of June, will finally enable owners of Asetek SimSports bases to enjoy their base with a ton of natively compatible steering wheels!
What is the new Asetek Invicta QR?
For those unfamiliar with the term, what is a Quick Release? Well, it’s the system that allows you to quickly attach and detach a steering wheel to the steering shaft of your SimRacing base (or to a car). In the world of simracing, it’s not uncommon for brands to use this very system to restrict the mixes that players might be tempted to make. Most of the time, the aim is to force players to buy a steering wheel of the same brand as their base.
Of course, if you’re a bit more of a tinkerer or a connoisseur, it’s always possible to bypass this kind of limitation. But the downside is that you always end up with a cable running directly from the steering wheel to the player’s PC, as the base unit will in any case be unable to communicate with the steering wheel. And everyone hates these cables, starting with real drivers who complain about them every chance they get, because on the track, too, you’re entitled to this inconvenience.
USB cables from your steering wheel to your PC are a thing of the past.
TheAsetek QR offers a Quick Release that can be placed on any steering wheel. But it also means that you can plug your steering wheel’s USB directly into the QR so that it can communicate directly with the base!
Of course, not all steering wheels are compatible with this system. For example, it’s a safe bet that Fanatec wheels won’t work on it. But Asetek is determined to do things right. Starting with the launch of a partnership with 11 steering wheel brands . These 11 brands have all agreed to offer their steering wheels with Asetek QRs, and to guarantee full compatibility with Danish bases.
André Eriksen wanted to offer as open an ecosystem as possible, and I think it’s safe to say he’s done just that!
What’s in the box?
The Asetek Invicta QR kit contains the Quick Release itself. In other words, the part that connects the steering wheel to the steering shaft. As a reminder, this model is based on the Simucube. But with a few improvements that make it the simplest and most efficient system I’ve tested to date. I talked about this in the Invicta base test, for example. So what does the kit actually contain?
- The Invicta Quick Release
- 80mm CNC aluminum extension
- 150mm CNC aluminum extension
- Also 200mm CNC aluminum extension
- Steering wheel hub adapter to match both standard center distances
- Screws and tools
André Eriksen also points out that the Asetek QR includes a safety system. It prevents your steering wheel from breaking your arms. But because of this, it’s not advisable to put an extension of more than 200mm between the steering wheel and the base.
The question I have is whether it will be possible to buy only part of the kit. Because if you don’t need the extension leads, for example, it’s a shame to get them anyway and leave them lying around in a cupboard. I imagine we’ll know more in the weeks to come.
How much does an Asetek Invicta QR cost?
You’ll need to pay €149.99 incl. VAT to buy one. Of course, if you buy a steering wheel directly from one of the 11 partner brands, you won’t need to pick up a QR separately, as it will already be installed on the wheel. So this is a purchase reserved for those who already have steering wheels they’d like to install on their Asetek base. Or for those who want to use the brand’s extension leads.
Note that if you buy 4 QR kits, you’ll receive a fifth free of charge. An offer that will delight the more fortunate among us who have a large collection of top-of-the-range steering wheels.
New brands of natively compatible steering wheels
Since the ADAC Simracing Expo 2022, we already knew about the first 8 brands that had agreed to work with Asetek. But now we’ve learned that 3 new brands have joined the list! You’ll soon be able to order steering wheels equipped with the Asetek QR directly from these brands.
- Ascher Racing
- Bavarian SimTec
- Cube Controls
- Delta Sim Tech
- GSI – Gomez Sim Industries
- Rexing
- SimCore
- Simline
- Soelpec
- Trak Racer
- VPG Sim
Apart from these brands, Asetek cannot guarantee that the wheels will be compatible. Their tests have shown that just about everything works as a steering wheel (apart from Fanatec). But bear in mind that only the 11 partner brands are officially natively compatible to date.
Ah, and for those who didn’t see this coming… This announcement just means that Asetek has officially become the brand with the most extensive ecosystem of natively compatible steering wheels in the SimRacing universe.
A superb victory for a brand which has only been around since 2020. And, which has always relied on top quality.
A great initiative for freer Simracers
I’m delighted to see that things are finally moving forward on the Quick Release issue. Asetek literally threw out all the old models they had prepared to make sure we got something really excellent. I can’t wait to test these new models in the field! See you in a few weeks for the first tests 🙂
