German sim-racing giant Fanatec has just unveiled the latest version of its bundle (steering wheel + base only this time) developed for fans of the Gran Turismo saga: the GT DD Extreme, and let me tell you, it’s a doozy.

For some time now, Fanatec has been offering high-performance bases for seasoned racers in the form of Podium DD1 and DD2but also bases for beginners and amateurs in the form of CSL DD. For those who have no information on Fanatec products, the German brand offers bases developing 5, 8, 20 and 25 nm of torque. For pros and beginners alike, this is the perfect combination. But for riders looking for the sweet spot, i.e. bases delivering between 12 and 17 nm of torque, Fanatec has long been absent from this market, until recently with the release of its ClubSport DD and DD+, developing 13 and 15 nm of torque respectively, and in constant and non-peak mode.

For the GT DD Extreme bundle, Fanatec has once again collaborated with Polyphony Digital, the studio behind the Gran Turismo saga, to develop the steering wheel for this bundle, since the base is none other than the ClubSport DD+. In what follows, I’ll introduce you to this bundle and tell you what I think of it in the end.

Main and technical features of the steering wheel

• Base developing 15 nm of torque
• Gran Turismo-specific leatherette steering wheel, 30 cm in diameter
• Compatible with PS5, PS4 and PC
• 4 rear paddles
• 2.7-inch display on faceplate
• Compatible with the entire Fanatec ecosystem
• Various directional controls, funky switches and steering wheel buttons
• Rotation angle over 2500°, but limited by software

GT DD Extreme design

If you’ve already seen Fanatec’s GT DD Pro, the officially licensed Gran Turismo steering wheel, the GT DD Extreme doesn’t change all that much. The design is broadly similar, with the wheel shape changing slightly to become entirely round.

The faceplate features the Gran Turismo logo in the center, with a 2.7″ screen on top, as well as a RevLED. There are also funky chrome switches and directional controls, most of which are backlit. For the wheel, we’re treated to vegan leather (imitation leather) this time, which makes a drastic change from the rubber of the old bundle, allowing this new product to move upmarket, even if plastic still dominates the build.

For the base, it’s a ClubSport DD+ with a design that resembles the CSL DD (X-shaped), very handsome and all black.

Customized assembly

Although it’s technically possible to mount this base on furniture thanks to the ClubSport DD Table Clamp and ClubSport Table Clamp V2, which are not included in the bundle of course, it’s highly inadvisable to do so, and the reason is quite simple: the base puts out 15 nm of constant torque, and that’s enough to damage any furniture.

Fanatec is clearly targeting an audience for this bundle, and that’s those with a cockpit or, in a pinch, a steering wheel stand. If you have one of these two pieces of equipment at home, the ClubSport DD+ can be mounted from the bottom or from the sides, using the specific hardware included in the kit of course. This operation is not only easy to perform, but also very quick. In addition, the T-Nut rail system makes the base highly adjustable once in place.

Manufacture and finishing of steering wheel and base

For the ClubSport DD+, it’s die-cast aluminum, machined with CNC machines, which means the finish is exemplary. I didn’t notice any burrs, manufacturing or casting defects, or anything else. It’s just perfect, in every way.

The aluminum also acts as a radiator for the motor and its on-board electronics, as the DD+ has no cooling fan. By the way, the base doesn’t feel that hot to the touch, which is a good thing.

As for the steering wheel, the only notable change is in the material used around the wheel: it goes from very cheap rubber to vegan leather. It looks great, especially with the black stitching, which is also subtle. However, the structure is still plastic, but better finished. It’s sturdier than before, and the impression of having a toy in your hands is less obvious at first glance.

Getting started with the bundle

Let’s move on to handling the wheel. The wheel is brand new, although the faceplate is more or less identical to the old one. We now have an entirely round steering wheel, 30 cm in diameter, with a fairly good thickness, which improves grip.

As for the controls and their ergonomics, the story is not the same. Close to your hands, you have directional controls that are very blurred to use, and ultimately of little use in racing. The only buttons that will be of any use on the track are far from your fingers, giving this new steering wheel rather mediocre ergonomics.

Fortunately, Fanatec has made up for this with 4 rear paddles, 2 magnetic and 2 analog, and these are made of aluminum rather than plastic. As a result, the grip on the steering wheel is mixed: the wheel is ergonomic, but the controls are far from useful for racing.

Sensations during play

I’m starting to get the feel of this GT DD Extreme. As a reminder, the ClubSport DD+ develops 15 nm of constant torque, which is quite a change from the competition from Moza and Simagic. In terms of feedback, this base is a pure joy, in every respect.

You do, however, need to take the time to set it up properly, especially on the PC, where you’ll be able to get the most out of its performance. Torque is delivered in a linear fashion, with no jerking or blurring transmitted to the drive shaft. Even if you push the drivetrain to its limits on Playstation or PC titles, it doesn’t saturate at all. On the contrary, you can feel that the engine and its electronics are perfectly in control of the situation and feedback, providing you with a wealth of details about what the car is doing.

In a curve, for example, when you’re behind the wheel of a fairly heavy car, you’ll feel the point at which the front wheels lose grip, resulting in understeer just like on a real car. And the same goes for oversteer, body movements, mass transfers and so on. I really, really loved the hours I spent with this base, even if the ergonomics of the steering wheel leave something to be desired.

Steering wheel compatibility

On paper, the ClubSport DD+ is compatible with Playstation and PC, but you can also use it on an Xbox Series S/X by swapping the steering wheel. However, you should be aware that in terms of feel and sensation, it’s not the same as on PS5 or PC. The software that supports Xboxes lags behind that of Playstations, but it’s still possible to use this bundle on Microsoft’s console.

As far as the ecosystem is concerned, the QR2 allows virtually all Fanatec flywheels to be mounted on the base, and it’s the same story for the rest of the German manufacturer’s peripherals.

Value for money

Currently on pre-order, the bundle will be available on February 29, 2024 for a price of €1,300. As far as I’m concerned, that’s still a bit steep, especially as there’s no pedalboard in the bundle, and this peripheral will have to be purchased separately. Nonetheless, the ClubSport DD+ base is a killer, and erases virtually all the bundle’s shortcomings.

My verdict on Gran Turismo DD Extreme

If you’re looking for a high-performance base and a beautiful steering wheel, all for playing sim-racing titles on PS4, PS5 and PC, I highly recommend the GT DD Extreme. The base will more than make up for the shortcomings and compromises made on the steering wheel in this bundle.

Clearly, Fanatec is determined to get back into the fight with the competition, and the GT DD Extreme is part of the first wave that will serve to destabilize the other brands. It’s an expensive product, certainly, but it’s so high-performance that you’ll forget its price once you’ve done a few laps around the track.