The recent launch of the F-GT Elite once again demonstrated Next Level Racing’s uncanny ability to innovate in the sim racing space. While it was the brand’s first foray into the world of extruded aluminum profile, the team delivered a true masterpiece (see my recent review).
Among the F-GT Elite’s many unique features, its full compatibility with NLR’s motion ecosystem stands out. For the Motion Platform V3, you get a set of adapter plates in the box, and the base profile has been pre-machined, with all the necessary mounting points, to fit the Traction Plus Platform.
Combined, this makes for one of the most immersive sim racing setups you can run in your own home. The Traction Plus allows sim racers to feel understeer, oversteer and traction loss, while the Motion Platform V3 provides pitch, heave, roll and bump dynamics. In fact, Next Level Racing’s motion platforms are so good, even NASA utilises them in training simulators.
There is one big limitation, however; the Motion Platform V3 only provides motion feedback through the seat. For full-cockpit movement, sim racers have turned to industrial or adapted actuator solutions. But that could be about to change with the launch of the Motion Plus.
Next Level Racing Motion Plus platform
Developed from the ground up specifically for motion simulation, the Motion Plus platform delivers full cockpit movement in one compact package. With a retail price of £2999 (UK) / $3499 (US), the base configuration combines one actuator system, installed at one end of the cockpit, with a ‘balance foot’ (for lack of a better term), bolted to the other.
Next Level Racing states that “the platform can deliver precise and accurate movement and vibrations, allowing drivers to feel road textures, cambers and chassis dynamics.”
For an even more immersive experience, the ‘balance foot’ can be replaced with a second Motion Plus platform to provide pitch, heave, roll and bump dynamics to both the front and rear of the cockpit. This can then be mounted directly onto the Traction Plus for the ultimate sim racing and flight simulation motion experience.
Here’s what Hess Ghah, CEO of Next Level Racing, had to say about the Motion Plus:
After years of extensive feedback from our incredible motion community around the world, we are proud to introduce the Motion Plus platform, further merging reality and simulation. We’ve integrated the most advanced manufacturing and software technology to create a fully bespoke motion solution, unlike anything else on the market. With the Motion Plus solution, racers and flight enthusiasts will be able to immerse themselves in their virtual reality like never before.
For the less tech-savvy, click-and-play software has been developed to work specifically with the Motion Plus. So, you should be able to get everything set up fairly swiftly.
I, for one, am pretty excited about this new release. The compact form-factor is small-space friendly and the ease of use is another big plus. But, let me know what you think in the comments below.
Featured image: Next Level Racing
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