The SimXPro GT is a compact aluminium-profile cockpit designed for beginner and mid-range hardware. For wheelbases up to 10 Nm, moderate load-cell pedals and a single-monitor setup, it can remain a suitable long-term rig rather than something that must be replaced quickly.

The SimXPro GT-RS becomes relevant when the equipment or planned upgrades exceed those limits. Its 40x80 mm profiles provide greater rigidity, support direct-drive wheelbases up to 20 Nm and allow configurations that the GT does not, including an optional front mount, integrated triple monitors and motion systems.

The upgrade therefore makes sense when the GT is becoming a technical limitation - not simply because the GT-RS is the larger model. This guide explains the clearest signs that it is time to move up and when keeping the GT remains the more sensible choice.

Table of Contents

• GT and GT-RS differences

• Wheelbase upgrades

• Pedals and braking forces

• Monitor and motion plans

• When to keep the GT

• When to consider a larger rig

What Changes Between the GT and GT-RS?

The GT uses compact 40x40 mm aluminium profiles, while the GT-RS is built around larger 40x80 mm profiles. This gives the GT-RS greater resistance to twisting around the wheel uprights and pedal area.

Despite the stronger construction, the GT-RS remains almost as compact as the GT. It therefore adds relatively little width while creating substantially more upgrade capacity.

Upgrade When Your Wheelbase Exceeds 10 Nm

The clearest reason to move from the GT to the GT-RS is a stronger direct-drive wheelbase.

The GT is designed for bottom-mounted wheelbases up to 10 Nm. If you are moving to hardware such as a 12 Nm, 15 Nm or 20 Nm wheelbase, the GT-RS is the appropriate platform.

Additional rigidity helps keep the wheel mount stable during fast corrections, impacts and sustained force-feedback loads. The GT-RS also supports an optional front mount, which is important for wheelbases designed around front mounting or for users who prefer that installation method.

There is no strong reason to upgrade purely for torque when your current wheelbase remains below 10 Nm and the GT feels stable.

Consider the GT-RS for Stronger Pedals

Pedals can create as much stress on a cockpit as the wheelbase.

The GT supports load-cell forces up to 150 kg, which is sufficient for many beginner and intermediate pedal sets. The GT-RS increases this capacity to 200 kg and uses the stronger 40x80 structure.

An upgrade becomes sensible when:

• The pedal deck moves under heavy braking.

• You are installing a much stiffer load-cell or hydraulic pedal set.

• You use high brake-force settings regularly.

• You want greater structural margin for future pedals.

Both cockpits include an adjustable profile pedal deck, so the difference is mainly the available rigidity and load capacity rather than basic adjustability.

Upgrade for Integrated Triple Monitors or Motion

The GT supports the dedicated GT-RS Single Monitor Mount, making it suitable for one monitor up to 32 inches or a 49-inch ultrawide.

However, the GT does not support an integrated triple-monitor mount. Triple screens can still be used with the freestanding SimXPro HEAVY Triple Screen Setup.

The GT-RS adds compatibility with the dedicated GT-RS Triple Monitor Mount, supporting three monitors up to 32 inches.

Motion compatibility is another clear dividing line. If a motion system is part of your realistic upgrade plan, the GT-RS provides the required platform, while the GT does not.

Keep the GT When It Still Matches the Setup

Upgrading is unnecessary when the GT already supports the complete simulator.

Keep the GT when:

• Your wheelbase remains at or below 10 Nm.

• Your pedals stay within its supported force range.

• You use a single monitor or freestanding display stand.

• Motion is not planned.

• Bottom mounting suits your wheelbase.

• The cockpit remains comfortable and stable.

The GT still provides a rigid aluminium frame, adjustable wheel and pedal positions, an included pedal deck and a shifter mounting profile. Replacing it without adding hardware that requires the GT-RS may provide little practical improvement.

Should You Skip the GT-RS for a Larger Cockpit?

The GT-RS is designed for wheelbases up to 20 Nm. If you already plan to use 25 Nm or 30 Nm+ hardware, very stiff professional pedals or a more advanced motion system, upgrading only to the GT-RS may create another limit later.

In that case, consider moving directly to the SimXPro XT120, XT160 or GT-PRO, depending on the required torque, adjustment range and cockpit design.

Conclusion

Move from the GT to the GT-RS when your wheelbase exceeds 10 Nm, your pedals require greater structural capacity, or you want an optional front mount, integrated triple monitors or motion compatibility.

Keep the GT when it remains stable and supports the equipment you actually use. The GT-RS is a meaningful technical upgrade, but it should solve a real limitation rather than replace a cockpit that already performs correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the GT-RS much larger than the GT?

No. Their frame footprints are approximately 125x51 cm and 125x50 cm respectively, excluding the seat.

Can I use triple monitors with the GT?

Yes, with a freestanding triple stand. The GT does not support the integrated GT-RS triple mount.

Is the GT-RS necessary for a 12 Nm wheelbase?

Yes. The GT is rated up to 10 Nm, while the GT-RS supports wheelbases up to 20 Nm.

Does the GT-RS include a pedal deck?

Yes. Both the GT and GT-RS include an adjustable profile pedal deck and shifter mounting profile.

Is the GT-RS suitable for motion?

Yes. The GT-RS is motion-compatible, while the GT is not.

Upgrade When Your Hardware Requires It

Choose the SimXPro GT-RS when you need more torque capacity, stronger pedal support, front mounting, integrated triples or motion compatibility. When your current setup remains within the limits of the SimXPro GT, there is no need to replace a cockpit that still provides the stability and adjustment you require.