Thrusmaster’s new PC direct drive wheel base has been a long time coming. First announced last year, Thrustmaster’s first entry in the direct drive wheel market was originally due to arrive at the end of 2021.
Since then, the direct drive wheel market was shaken up by the Fanatec CSL DD, a wheel base offering smooth and precise direct drive technology at a relatively affordable price. After numerous teasers, the wait for Thrustmaster’s answer to the Fanatec CSL DD is nearly over.
New Thrustmaster direct drive to be revealed in November
On Twitter, Thrustmaster announced that the new direct drive wheel base will be revealed on 17 November during a special Twitch livestream presentation at 3pm BST/4pm CET.
No other details were revealed, but we should find out the all-important specifications, price, and release date during the presentation.
A teaser back in March revealed the full reveal and launch is planned for this year, giving us hope that it will start shipping in time for Christmas.
Bringing the fight to Fanatec
Not much is known about Thrustmaster’s new direct drive wheel base other than a few key details. Back in December last year, Thrustmaster confirmed the PC wheel base will be compatible with all prior add-ons. For now, Thrustmaster's direct drive wheel will be for PC only.
Another teaser revealed that Thrustmaster’s direct drive wheel base will feature a "next gen quick release with lock."
We’re looking forward to finally seeing Thrustmaster’s much-anticipated direct drive wheel in November. Fanatec has already set new standards for affordable direct drive wheels, so it will be interesting to see if it can undercut the fabled CSL DD, which retails for €699.95 with 5NM of torque.