Fanatec Podium Series and Assetto Corsa Rally: Big Reveals at Sim Racing Expo 2025ec is back? Assetto Corsa Rally soon! EVO 0.4 brings Nordschleife
Introduction
The 2025 Sim Racing Expo brought several major announcements that will shape next year’s sim racing landscape. Fanatec officially unveiled its long-awaited Podium DD wheelbase and Podium Pedals, while Kunos Simulazioni confirmed new developments for Assetto Corsa Evo and the unexpected reveal of Assetto Corsa Rally.
Here’s a closer look at what’s coming, how it all fits into the current sim racing ecosystem, and what it might mean for players and hardware enthusiasts alike.
Fanatec’s Podium DD: More Torque, Familiar Shell
Fanatec’s new Podium DD wheelbase is set to replace the existing DD2, launching in early 2026. It delivers a sustained 25 Nm of holding torque with peaks up to 33 Nm—a clear step forward in performance.
Physically, it retains the familiar ClubSport DD shell, likely for cost-saving reasons. While it’s disappointing to see the LED display removed, Fanatec seems focused on improving thermal management and internal durability instead.
The new model reportedly includes additional heat sinks, a reinforced aluminum shaft, and improved PCB cooling to handle the extra torque. It also features a new custom servo motor, developed in Germany, with optimized rotor magnets designed to reduce cogging—similar to technology seen in Conspit’s recent wheelbases.
Fanatec continues to refine its FullForce feedback system, which remains limited to iRacing for now, though it’s likely to appear in future Assetto Corsa titles. Optional accessories like a 10 cm shaft extension will also be available, appealing to users who prefer deeper mounting setups.
Podium Pedals: Modularity and Precision
Perhaps the more anticipated reveal is Fanatec’s Podium Pedals, arriving in both two-pedal (Formula) and three-pedal (standard) configurations. Designed and manufactured in Germany, these sets use CNC-machined aluminum, Hall sensors, and a 200 kg load cell rated for 150 kg of calibrated braking force.
Fanatec claims an “industry-first forged aluminum brake pedal,” though similar materials have appeared in smaller brands before. The company also introduces a patented elastomer compression control system designed to maintain consistent braking force without overstressing the elastomers—a concept already implemented successfully by pedals like the ImSim Talento.
Each pedal offers tool-free adjustment for travel, resistance, and bite point, with independent mounting options. Users can install each pedal separately, invert the setup, or skip components like the heel plate entirely. Carbon fiber faceplates and heel rests add to the premium aesthetic.
Overall, the design language shows a clear evolution: closer to the Heusinkveld / Asetek style but still distinctly Fanatec. Pricing remains unknown, and depending on where it lands, these could either challenge high-end competitors—or risk being priced too close to established boutique brands.
Assetto Corsa Evo 0.4: Major Content Expansion
On the software side, Assetto Corsa Evo version 0.4 is nearing release, and Kunos previewed the build at Sim Racing Expo.
The update brings several major tracks, including:
Nürburgring (full layouts, including 24H and GP; no free roam yet)
Oulton Park
Road Atlanta
New cars are also confirmed:
Ferrari F40 LM
BMW M3 CSL (E46)
Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS
Mini John Cooper S (B16 conversion)
Ferrari Daytona SP3
Toyota Supra MkV (including drift variant)
It’s a solid lineup that adds both nostalgia and variety. The update will also be playable at the Expo, with public release expected shortly after.
Assetto Corsa Rally: A New Direction
The biggest surprise came from Assetto Corsa Rally, a standalone rally simulator developed in partnership between Kunos Simulazioni and Supernova Games (part of Digital Bros).
Launching in Early Access on November 13, 2025, the title aims to deliver a true-to-life rally experience—potentially filling the gap left by EA’s more arcade-style WRC approach. The initial release includes:
4 special stages with 18 variants (set in Wales)
10 cars (mix of Group B, Rally2, and WRC classes)
33 km of total stage length
The full version is planned to feature:
120 km of laser-scanned rally stages
30+ cars
Career mode and rally school
Triple screen & VR support
Advanced damage system and authentic co-driver pace notes
If executed well, this could be the most serious rally simulation since Richard Burns Rally, with potential to rival Dirt Rally 2.0 for realism.
Final Thoughts
Between Fanatec’s hardware evolution and Kunos’ software expansion, 2026 is shaping up to be an important year for sim racing. Fanatec’s push toward modularity and refinement suggests maturity rather than revolution, while Kunos’ rally announcement introduces a bold new frontier for their engine and physics model.
Whether these new products and games live up to the hype will depend on pricing, optimization, and long-term support—but it’s an exciting time to be part of the sim racing community.
