Understanding Torque in Direct Drive Bases

When comparing Direct Drive wheel bases, torque figures are front and center. However, not all torque numbers are created equal. The term most frequently seen in product specifications is peak torque, which represents the highest force the motor can deliver for a very brief moment. What’s often missing from those same spec sheets is holding torque, which describes the motor’s ability to maintain that force over time.

In many Direct Drive designs, these two numbers are quite different. The holding torque is often significantly lower, because sustaining maximum output places immense thermal and mechanical stress on the motor and its supporting electronics. The ClubSport DD and DD+, however, stand apart: their holding torque is identical to their peak torque. Whether the base is delivering 12 Nm or 15 Nm, that power is fully sustainable without drop-off, thanks to efficient thermal management and control electronics.

When a motor is in a ‘stall’ condition (resisting motion while delivering torque), current flow is at its highest, which generates substantial heat. Many Direct Drive systems rely on short bursts of torque to achieve their published numbers, since maintaining that level for even half a second could cause overheating or premature wear.

This is why the distinction between holding and peak torque is so important. A base that can sustain its rated torque indefinitely provides a more consistent, realistic, and controllable driving experience. With the ClubSport DD and DD+, what you see is what you get. No fading, no misleading figures, and no performance compromises during long sessions.

Managing heat is central to sustaining true holding torque. Fanatec’s approach combines advanced motor design with intelligent thermal monitoring, ensuring that temperatures remain well within limits even under extended heavy loads.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Podium DD continues this philosophy, delivering a genuine holding torque of 25 Nm. It represents the next evolution in sustainable power, offering endurance-level consistency.

The sim racing industry lacks a unified torque measurement standard. Some manufacturers quote optimistic figures, even using brief overshoot spikes measured in milliseconds as headline specs. Fanatec’s philosophy is to quote real, measurable, and repeatable performance. Numbers that reflect what you’ll feel on track, lap after lap.

Of course, a single torque value does not tell the whole story. The differences between many direct drive bases with similar holding torque performance can be very subtle, and the motor control through firmware and the effectiveness of the available settings can have a much larger impact on the experience compared to physical differences in motor design. The magic happens through a combination of skilled hardware and software engineering.