MOZA Direct Drive Wheelbases
Explore MOZA direct drive wheelbases at UPSHIFT UK, including the R12 V2 and R16 Ultra. Compare force feedback, torque and compatibility to choose the right base for your sim racing setup.
MOZA direct drive wheelbases: R12 V2 versus R16 Ultra
Torque is only one part of a good direct drive wheelbase. Motor smoothness, encoder resolution, force-feedback processing, mounting rigidity and the steering wheel you attach all influence how the car feels. The two MOZA bases in the UPSHIFT range are aimed at drivers seeking substantial direct drive performance without an extreme-torque setup.
MOZA R12 V2 — £399: a strong all-round upgrade
The R12 V2 produces 12Nm peak torque, uses a 21-bit magnetic encoder and supports MOZA's NexGen 4.0 force feedback and native iRacing 360Hz updates in supported configurations. That level of torque provides useful headroom for GT and formula racing, while the compact construction makes it a sensible choice for drivers moving beyond smaller entry-level bases. The peak rating should not be confused with continuously sustained output.
MOZA R16 Ultra — £499: extra sustained torque and headroom
The R16 Ultra is rated for 16Nm sustained torque and offers a software-enabled boost up to 18Nm peak, rather than 18Nm sustained. Its greater output can be valuable when stronger steering loads are needed, particularly in cars with substantial steering forces or when using a larger-diameter rim. It is not necessarily better to race at the maximum setting: excessively high forces can be tiring and may obscure smaller feedback details.
Which should you buy?
For a broadly capable cockpit and a more contained budget, the R12 V2 is likely to be the sweet spot. Choose the R16 Ultra when you want additional sustained torque headroom and have a sufficiently rigid mounting solution. The price difference is £100, so compare that upgrade against spending more on pedals or your preferred steering wheel rather than assuming the higher number is automatically the better investment.
Will either wheelbase fit an aluminium-profile sim rig?
Both suit properly engineered aluminium-profile rigs, but mounting patterns and cockpit rigidity matter. The UPSHIFT R-PRO is a good starting point for the R12 V2. For higher output, consider appropriate bracing or a heavier platform such as the UPSHIFT R-MAX. Confirm bolt locations, clearance and plate stiffness for your exact combination before purchasing; direct drive suitability is not determined by the wheelbase's weight alone.
What about Xbox, steering wheels and pedals?
MOZA wheelbases are principally PC products. To use a supported MOZA base with Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, you need the officially licensed MOZA ESX wheel, compatible firmware and a supported game. UPSHIFT's maximum recommended ESX pairing is the R16 Ultra because the ESX is only 280mm in diameter, even if more powerful bases are technically recognised. The MOZA steering-wheel collection also contains the KS Pro formula-style and CS Pro round wheels for PC setups.
Practical buying tip: choose a securely mounted wheelbase and wheel rim together, then set sensible torque and damping in MOZA Pit House for the cars you race. Ensure pedal mounting and platform compatibility are also checked before ordering a complete system.