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When Sim-Lab announced its entry into the direct drive market, it marked a major step forward for the brand. Known primarily for its cockpits and sim racing hardware ecosystem, Sim-Lab expands its lineup with the DDS TorqueSync wheelbases, aiming to deliver a fully integrated, high-performance solution for serious sim racers.
With pre-orders set to open in April 2026, now is the perfect time to revisit what the DD26 and DD39 bring to the table.
Sim-Lab designed the DDS TorqueSync lineup with one clear goal: complete ecosystem integration. The wheelbases were built to fit seamlessly into existing Sim-Lab rigs without the need for adapters or modifications.
Mounting points align directly with the company’s cockpits, and the overall design follows the same clean, industrial aesthetic. The result is a setup that not only looks cohesive but also delivers maximum rigidity and ease of installation.
At launch, Sim-Lab confirmed two wheelbase options:
Both models target the high-end segment, offering strong torque figures combined with a focus on precision and consistency.
At the core of both wheelbases is Sim-Lab’s patented TorqueSync technology. Instead of relying on a single standout component, the system was engineered as a complete package, combining motor architecture, electronics, and power delivery into a unified design.
SimLab states, that this approach resulted in:
On track, this translates into a more natural and confidence-inspiring driving experience. Drivers will be able to feel tire load more clearly, detect grip changes earlier, and react more precisely when pushing at the limit.
One of the standout technical aspects of the DDS lineup is its 350V internal operating voltage, which significantly exceeds the typical 48V systems found in many direct drive bases.
This higher voltage allowes for faster motor response times, higher current slew rates, sharper and more detailed force feedback, and improved control in high-load situations.
In practice, this means more precise turn-in, clearer surface detail, and more controlled corrections when the car becomes unstable.
The DDS wheelbases utilize industrial-grade, hand-built servo motors featuring harmonized magnet pairs and distributed-wound stator cores.
According to SimLab, this design minimizes torque ripple and ensures smooth, consistent force delivery across the entire range. The result is a more natural steering feel, without unwanted vibration or inconsistency.
Sim-Lab integrated a 1500W power supply directly into the wheelbase, removing the need for an external power brick.
This brings several advantages, such as:
With peak torque events capable of exceeding 1000W, the additional capacity ensures consistent performance during long and demanding sessions, but only if you can pay for the electricity.
Each wheelbase features a 24-bit encoder with 16.7 million counts per revolution.
This high-resolution feedback system improved: This high-resolution feedback system is supposed to ensure position accuracy, smoothness of force delivery, reduction of cogging effects, and overall fidelity of force feedback.
Sim-Lab positions the DDS lineup as an open ecosystem, supporting a wide range of steering wheels across different brands.
The USB3.0 interface ensures for high-speed data transfer besides the USB2.0 passthrough for wheel integration for any third-party wheel.
A dedicated 5V / 2A power line inside the quick-release system is implemented for high-demand peripherals, and additional user-assignable I/O channels are available for advanced integrations.
This ensures compatibility with current hardware while also preparing for future developments.
The DDS lineup introduced the Xero-Play quick-release system, designed with a focus on both performance and long-term usability.
Sim-Lab’s move into the direct drive segment is a significant milestone for the company. By focusing on system-wide engineering, high-voltage performance, and ecosystem integration, the DDS TorqueSync wheelbases position themselves as strong contenders in the premium sim racing space.
With pre-orders just around the corner, the DD26 and DD39 are two strongly anticipated releases in sim racing hardware, especially for users already invested in the Sim-Lab ecosystem or those looking for a clean, future-proof setup.
