Next Level Racing

F-GT Lite 

The Next Level Racing F-GT Lite is the world’s first portable hybrid cockpit allowing users to switch between true ergonomic race positions for both Formula and GT Racing. The customer for the this product was a teenager or young professional who may not have the budget or dedicated space for permanent cockpit. The core challenge was to design a seating rig that could easily shape-shift from one driving mode to another without the use of tools. The design team knew that with the solving of the tool free adjustment, the additional challenges of minimised shipping volume and cost, ease of assembly and storage would also be solved.

CDG Scope of Work

Industrial design, manufacturing partner network facilitation.

About Next Level Racing

Founded in 2009, Next Level Racing is the world’s leading simulation brand. Their clear focus lies in innovation and quality to meet the demanding need of sim racers and gamers. Next Level Racing (NLR) has a strong presence and partners in the global gaming industry, and as a company NLR has pride in challenging the industry with world-class products, with a passionate and innovative global team that continues to push boundaries. The NLR range of products are sold in more than 40 countries and stocked by major retailers around the world.

A Hub Of Innovation

The breakthrough came with the development of the NLR Hubs. These sophisticated quick release hubs facilitate the ease of assembly, change driver position and optimised ergonomics whilst also locking ridged the cockpit frame to ensure platform stability and racing experience. 

Industrial Design Features

The form combination of tubular frames, fabrics and hubs all inform function without sacrificing customer perceptions of value and performance.

Adjustable Control Mounting 
Beyond the major driving positions the F-GT Lite also needed to facilitate adjustable mounting of wheels, gear shifters, pedal angle/positions for both left and right hand drivers. This was delivered through the connection of adapter mounting plates to the NLR Smart Hubs. 

Ergonomic Breathable Sports Seat 
Although you are not exposed to the real world G-Forces and engine heat that racing drivers are, it is surprising how much effort and strength is required to operate the advanced force feedback simulator control systems. As a result the Alcantara automotive racing seat integrates large panels of breathable synthetic mesh to avoid perspiration.  

Storage 
High density and shared living necessitated that the F-GT Lite fold up fully assembled and conveniently go into storage mode. When stored it can be hidden to the side of a room or put in a wardrobe. 

Quality + Control

High strength carbon steel tubes, double stitched performance grade technical fabrics and advanced glass filled engineering grade polymers have been integrated into a design two years in development that was focused on customer experience, performance and most importantly safety. 

Practical and simple design criteria such as, no sharp edges or finger traps, combined with advanced design validation tools such as Finite Element Analysis and real world sample testing to ensure the designs safety and fit for purpose. 

This testing and validation also considered, technical and non technical users as well as unintentional and incorrect use.

Customer Performance

The product has out performed and surpassed the client goals, expectations and design criteria briefing set. Customer reviews and satisfaction levels are overwhelmingly positive. 

The products ease of manufacture, compressed and cost effective shipping, ease of end user assembly, and ultimately the incredible game play experience hits the mark with both client and consumer.

Customers are also incredibly pleased that when the fun needs to stop for a while, the F-GT Lite’s quick release Hubs allow it to fold up and fold away fully assembled within minutes.