Fanatec Announcements: CSW V2 Reviews Out

[Caz]

Will you stop being so brilliantly observant........

Please....

Lol

 

[sandboxgod]

The base of CSR E and CSE is identical and I have more surprises to come.

Watch out for the next ISR episodes.

Problem with ISR they take forever to make their videos and when they finally do release them it's weeks behind major conventions, etc. Plus now that they are no longer neutral (their CEO works for Fanatec) I don't see the point of only giving them exclusive material. How far away is November- like 1.5 months and we still know very little still....

Trying to decide on this CSR wheel... Want to see how it differs from the GT2. Plus honestly I'm tired of all the guessing. FM 4 will get here fast and so will your wheel supplies no doubt

 

[PzR Slim]

+1

I'm definitely interested in the CSR Elite (for FM4) but would also like to have quick release feature of CSW for different rims since I use my wheel for PC and PS3 also.

The new Wheels look fantastic Thomas! I can't thank you enough for pioneering the R&D effort to give us the only high end wheels that include XBOX 360 compatibility!

Looks like I will be adding another Fanatec Wheel to my collection soon! 👍

I'll add my own +1. I need info as soon as possible as I'm desperate for a quick release wheel with xbox compatibility. Don't want to have to buy two new wheels.

 

[Spagetti69]

Don't want to have to buy two new wheels.

Fully agree with you.
I am sure the people who make them would be delighted for you to buy 2 new wheels though.

I wonder how many people are going to buy the 2.

 

[Crispy]

Eh, not me. I mean, sure, the Quick Release function is pretty kick ass, and I'd love it if the CSR Elite had it, but what I want is Xbox Compatibility with the most precise wheel out there. That's why I want the CSR Elite. Plus with Luminis's review of the FM4 and mini Review of the CSR Elite, I think I'm pretty happy.

EDIT: Just to clarify, Fanatec Customer Support for getting a replacement product is e-support@fanatec.com right?

 

[BLACK86]

I think if I recall correctly that Thomas said the Xbox license is very specific: something about no buttons on the controller other than those standard approved Xbox buttons?

so they could just have a xbox wheel on the csw? then you could switch wheels to the f1 or gt

 

[Mr Latte]

Looking over things again, it is clearly evident the Elite wheel has the "Microsoft X" logo button on the bottom right while this is just a red button on the CSW. The CSW does not seem to have the Microsoft hardware internals.

CSW - NOT X360
Thomas also said on the video it is PC/PS3 platform only. The Elite looks to be the only solution for full works options guys. Of course it is all depending on this issue regards the FM4 wheel rim and quick release compatibility.

CSW - Quick Release
The quick release mechanisim itself looks to be attached to the wheel rims stem. Threaded on, so in theory can screw off? Im assuming it could be removed and put on an alternative rim easily. It has not been confirmed if new rims will each have their own quick release mechanisims. Perhaps it will be purchased seperately or will be possible to buy a quick release mechanisim for each wheel rim if desired? Then having different colours as an option? (colour matched to CSP pedals options would be nice).

Just a theory but I want Fanatec to confirm this soon as it would be appreciated and clear up the confusion and to me it makes sense to have the Elite be adaptable for the additional rims and PC/PS3.

Edit Update:
Here we see the Elite Wheel uses 2x screws that attach top/bottom on the wheel stem.
If these are removed the wheel will detach and with some luck it uses the "Hot Switching" contacts for the the wheel rims buttons/controls. It will then also need the required holes in the Elites steering column for the quick release mechanisim to latch onto.

CSR Elite (Top Bottom Fixing Only)

Quick Release
The Quick release system uses 4x holes for fastening. If a clock imagine approx 2,4,8,10 oclock as can be seen below.

Thomas said "Other surprises to come", anyone got ideas?

 

[Crispy]

One thing I want to know is, if we so desired, could we place one of the wheel rims in say, I don't know, a real car? 💡

 

[BLACK86]

lol im getting confused, i thought the csr elite was a completely different wheel

 

[Spagetti69]

One thing I want to know is, if we so desired, could we place one of the wheel rims in say, I don't know, a real car? 💡

Do they come with air bags then?

 

[bumer]

One thing I would like to know is the mounting holes. Is the placement the same as current wheels.

 

[Crispy]

Do they come with air bags then?

No, but a Go-kart could work.

 

[fatkrakr]

Id like to know if Fanatec is using the same manufacturer for these new wheels? If so what has been done about QA. These wheels are expensive and Id like to now something has been done about the quality coming from the factory. Last thing I want to worry about after spending $1000 for wheel, rim, shifter,handbrake and pedals is if it will work out of the box or will it work in 6 months. Id like to upgrade but want to get the quality Im paying for. Thanks in advance Ray.

 

[bevo]

Id like to know if Fanatec is using the same manufacturer for these new wheels? If so what has been done about QA. These wheels are expensive and Id like to now something has been done about the quality coming from the factory. Last thing I want to worry about after spending $1000 for wheel, rim, shifter,handbrake and pedals is if it will work out of the box or will it work in 6 months. Id like to upgrade but want to get the quality Im paying for. Thanks in advance Ray.

That's the same thing I'm wondering. I would also like to know that If I upgrade to the new wheel, will I be able to call a customer support line, and not have to deal with emails to get something done. My wife and sister have had their emails hacked in the last week, and I want another way to get support from fanatec.

 

[sandboxgod]

Thomas said "Other surprises to come", anyone got ideas?

Yep, someone asked this at virtualr:

I wonder will Fanatec ever create a pedal set with just two pedals? I never use the clutch in games , because I havent played a sim that simulates the clutch properly. So I play with left foot braking and my G25 brake pedal istoo close to the accelerator pedal.

Thomas replies:

Done. Please watch my next introduction videos.

So looks like very soon he'll be showing off some budget stuff.

Disclaimer: I'm not trying to stalk Mr. T! I happen to be major a pc sim fan so I always haunt virtualr

 

[Pdreams]

Has anyone asked about the feel of the new CSR Elite gear shifter. Review has mentioned that the gear shaft and knob is now made out of metal. If that is the case, the shift should be more 'solid' or does it still feels like the usual Carrera manual shifter which is rather 'plasticky'.

As there is as yet no news on the CSS, FM4 crowd like myself keen on manual might have to get the CSR E shifter for the time being.

 

[ZSPaulus]

I was also thinking Fanatec could just make an "Xbox rim" for the CSW. They could then make a package deal: A CSW with xbox rim and xbox compatibility.. Cash cow right there..

But i agree with everyone; we're all wanting to buy this new wheel (which ever one) to play FM4, so we want to know more about it before FM4 comes out.. We want to have the wheel when FM4 arrives at out doorstep. As i'm a drifter; i;m anxiously awaiting the CSEbrake

 

[Spagetti69]

We want to have the wheel when FM4 arrives at out doorstep. As i'm a drifter; i;m anxiously awaiting the CSEbrake

In an ideal world yes I agree.
However if Thomas's crew are testing the wheel, I would rather a delayed tested product than a faulty rushed to the Market one.

 

[jabofu]

Fanatec must have joined by some major investors or they had a really success with the Porsche Wheels. It is kind of amazing, when you would have seen their financial struggling around the Turbo S release. And now they are showing one great project after another.

It is really great to see this wheel market growing and more and more people get into serious racing games on pc and consoles.

I am so pumped up by waiting to see all their projects. Just waiting to see what will be in store for the xbox by fanatec. I think I would take a CSW with xbox support.

 

[Crispy]

I personally feel the CSR line will be released around November or December. It's closest for the holidays so I would imagine Thomas see's a good money gain in that area.

 

[Grayfox117]

Thomas I would like to know if PC /PS3 compatible means Logitech G25/27 compatible but not 100 % supported ? Are you planning or have you already consulted with Polyphony Digital about full support in GT5 for your wheels ? It would suck to have all these great features (RPM LED's, buttons, joystick, Quick release etc) but not be able to use them. I know it's not cheap but that would make your wheels more competitive .

 

[mykem]

VirtualR posted the official feature list for the CSW as well as the difference between the PC and PS3's CSW and PC/PS3/360's CSR Elite: http://tiny.cc/cs0kh

From the post here's the difference between CSW and CSR Elite:

ClubSport wheel (CSW)

- about 450 USD without rim
- different rims will be available from 150 USD upwards
- metal base as seen in video
- PC and PS3 only
- QR system with many more wheel rims to come (Fanatec system)
- supports additional axis, encoder switches etc.
- rev indicator bar
Forza Motorsport CSR Elite wheel (CSR E)
- 500 USD incl wheel rim
- same metal base as the CSW
- PC, PS3 and X360
- No QR but wheel rims can be easily replaced if you prefer a different rim style
- Amount of buttons and axis are limited to what the gaming consoles support
- no rev indicator bar

 

[Mr Latte]

Nice to get some of the points answered.

"More Surprises To Come" is ringing in my ears.

I wonder if any developers will utilise the the REV meter on the PS3.
Like what are the chances of the PS3 version of F1 2011 using that?
I assume it was PC version that was demonstrated?

 

[mykem]

Nice to get some of the points answered.

"More Surprises To Come" is ringing in my ears.

I wonder if any developers will utilise the the REV meter on the PS3.
Like what are the chances of the PS3 version of F1 2011 using that?
I assume it was PC version that was demonstrated?

Does the rev meter on the G27 work on the PS3's version of F2010? I know it works with GT5 so we know that at least one game would support rev counter.

Personally, I think it's a good compromise especially considering the pricing. I don't plan to get an xbox so I know which of the two I'll be going for.

I remember bringing up the QR solution when Thomas was (quoted as) saying, "At the moment I am very happy with the line up we have and I don't feel that it would make a lot of sense to make more branded sports car wheels. More people have asked me to do a neutral wheel or special wheels for F1, Nascar etc."

I'm happy that Fanatec is going the QR route especially considering that I'll never be able to afford a Frex (despite trying very hard to save money for it). And the $150 for each rims is one heck of a deal.

 

[Jump_Ace]

I'm kind of glad there are two really high end wheels coming, keeps the attention off the CSR wheel, which I plan on getting the CSR wheel for my multi-platform cravings. Hopefully they won't sell out before I can order one

Jerome

 

[phil-t]

I am so pumped up by waiting to see all their projects. Just waiting to see what will be in store for the xbox by fanatec. I think I would take a CSW with xbox support.

Me too!

loving the new base, but would only upgrade my PWTS for the new base + quick release wheel + 360 support.

In fact, I'm going to be gutted if you cant get the full Monty, but such is life sometimes!

 

[bumer]

Me too!

loving the new base, but would only upgrade my PWTS for the new base + quick release wheel + 360 support.

In fact, I'm going to be gutted if you cant get the full Monty, but such is life sometimes!

Thomas wrote:

We will make the rim exchangeable on the CSR E as well although it has no quick release.

So although no quick release, it is possible to use different wheel rims. Although it isn't as convenient as QR, it's still good.

 

[12thgear]

Savoury on the 911 Wheel Blog quoted Thomas' YouTube comment: "We will make the rim exchangeable on the CSR E as well although it has no quick release. But it has the same base as the CSW, is PC, Xbox and PC compatible and even costs less than the CSW."

That's very exciting to me. I can sacrifice a quick-release, but would still love the option of exchanging wheel rims. I think a CSR Elite is in my future.

 

[phil-t]

Thomas wrote:

Sorry, I just quicklly edited, I want QR so I can jump between platforms / games quickly..

 

[rebla47]

After to see the T500 RS construction quality (and the Thrustmaster repairment service), and how boring the GT5 is, I´m considering to sell my T500 RS and to buy a CSR Standart with Clubsport pedals.

CSW and CSR Elite looks great, but I advert a pair of fails in the desing: the base seems made to fit in cockpits with screws only, and with an angle between wheel rim and the ground of 90º (not ideal for GT, rally and Nascar style playing).