RC - Essential (NLR-R016)

Product Overview:

The Next Level Racing® RC Essential Simulator Cockpit (RC E) brings serious sim racing performance to an accessible price point, combining strength, adjustability, and a proper full racing seat in one complete cockpit.

Engineered to handle Direct Drive wheelbases and load cell pedals, the RC E gives racers the confidence to push harder, brake later, and get more from their hardware without the premium price tag. Its compact GT-style design focuses on rigidity, connection strength, and long-term durability, making it ideal for racers upgrading from a basic setup or entering serious sim racing for the first time. Developed as an Official FIA Licensed Product, the RC Essential redefines what an affordable cockpit can deliver.

Leading Features:

At the core of the RC Essential is a high-strength frame design built to outperform other cockpits in its category. Reinforced connection points and a rigid structure ensure stability under aggressive racing inputs, eliminating flex where it matters most. Supporting Direct Drive wheelbases up to 13Nm**, the RC E is designed for modern sim racing hardware, giving users the confidence to run powerful setups without compromise.
The RC Essential is designed to suit a wide range of users with its fully adjustable wheel deck, advanced pedal system, and included seat slider for quick and precise positioning. With angle, forward/backward, and lateral pedal adjustments, along with adjustable wheel positioning, racers can fine-tune their setup for maximum control and comfort. Its ergonomic GT-style layout ensures an immersive and natural driving position, whether you're racing casually or competitively.
Built for home racing setups, the RC Essential features a space-efficient footprint without compromising on performance. The premium GT seat combines breathable SIMAERO Mesh, synthetic suede, and cold-moulded foam to deliver lasting comfort and support during long sessions. Designed for endurance and ease of use, the cockpit offers quick assembly and seamless integration into any sim racing environment.

Specifications:

Supported Height:130 cm – 200 cm or 4’3″ – 6’7″
Supported Max Weight: 150 kg or 331 lbs.
Tested Wheelbase Torque: Up to 13Nm**
Product Dimensions: (L) 153 cm x (W) 54 cm x (H) 102 cm / (L) 60.2 inches x W 21.3 inches x H 40.2 inches
Box Dimensions: 96 cm (L) × 56 cm (W) × 39 cm (H) / 37.8 in (L) × 22 in (W) × 15.4 in (H)
Product Weight: 25 kg or 55.1 lbs.
Boxed Weight: 29.8 kg or 65.7 lbs
Part Number – NLR-R016

** This product has been tested with wheelbases up to the stated Nm rating. Users may install higher-torque wheelbases based on their requirements; however, performance and stability may vary depending on wheelbase settings, mounting position, and usage conditions.

FAQ:

Q: What is the difference between the RC Essential and RC Foldable?

Both the RC Essential and RC Foldable are feature-packed cockpits designed to deliver exceptional performance and value within their class. The RC Essential focuses on strength, rigidity, adjustability and value in a compact dedicated GT cockpit, making it one of the strongest budget cockpits in its class. The RC Foldable takes this further for customers who need a space-saving solution, delivering the strength and performance of a dedicated cockpit while also being able to fold, move and store vertically. It is designed as the strongest foldable cockpit in its class. Both cockpits have been tested with Direct Drive wheelbases up to 13Nm.

Q: Does the RC Essential come with a racing seat?

Yes. The RC Essential comes complete with a dedicated GT-style racing seat featuring breathable SIMAERO Mesh, synthetic suede and cold-moulded foam for comfort and support during longer racing sessions. As an added value, the seat slider is also included, allowing you to quickly adjust your seating position and dial in your preferred driving setup.

Q: How much Direct Drive torque can the RC Essential handle?

The RC Essential has been tested with Direct Drive wheelbases up to 13Nm. Higher-torque wheelbases may be installed depending on your requirements; however, performance and stability can vary depending on wheelbase settings, mounting position and usage conditions.

Compatibility:

Wheelbases:

Asetek La Prima / Forte / Invicta
Cammus C5 / C12
Fanatec CSL DD
Fanatec Gran Turismo DD Pro
Fanatec CS DD
Fanatec DD1 (Legacy) / DD2 (Legacy)
Fanatec Podium DD1 /DD2
Fanatec Podium DD
HORI Nintendo / PS5 / Xbox
Logitech RS50
Logitech G25 (Legacy) / G27 (Legacy)
Logitech G29 / G920 / G923
Logitech G Pro
Moza R3 / R5 / R9 / R12 / R16 / R21
Moza R21 Ultra / R25 Ultra
PXN VD4 / VD6 / VD10
Simagic Alpha EVO / Sport / Pro
Simagic Alpha Mini
Simagic Alpha
Simagic M10
SimXperience AccuForce Pro V2
Simucube 3 Sport / Pro / Ultimate
Thrustmaster T-598
Thrustmaster T-818
Thrustmaster T248
Thrustmaster T300 (Legacy)
Thrustmaster TX (Legacy)
Thrustmaster T-GT (Legacy)
Thrustmaster T-GT II
Thrustmaster TS-PC (Legacy)
Turtle Beach VelocityOne
Turtle Beach KD3
VNM Premier
VRS Racing DFP15
Legacy = No longer in production

Pedals:

Asetek La Prima / Forte / Invicta
Fanatec CSL
Fanatec CSL Elite V2
Fanatec ClubSport V3
Heusinkveld Sprint
Heusinkveld Ultimate
Logitech G RS
Logitech G Series
Logitech G G Pro
Moza SR-P Lite
Moza SR-P
Moza SR-P 2
Moza CR-P
Moza CR-P 2
PXN A3
PXN V99
Simagic P500
Thrustmaster Raceline Pedals III
Thrustmaster Raceline Pedals LTE
Thrustmaster T3PA
Thrustmaster T300RS
Thrustmaster TLCM
Thrustmaster T3PM
Turtle Beach VelocityOne
Turtle Beach KD3
VNM Lite
VNM V1 (2 Pedals)
VNM V1 (3 Pedals)
VRS Direct Force Pro (2 Pedals)

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

Instructions Guide & Video Links:

Instructions guide: [PDF Version]
Assembly Video:

Purchase Links USA, UK, Canada and Germany:

HERE