🇩🇪

Niklas Krütten

German racing driver. Born October 20, 2002, Trier. 2023 SRO GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Gold Class Champion. 2024 Japanese Super GT Best Rookie. European Le Mans Series, ADAC GT Masters, International GT Open. Cool Performance GT Pro owner.

Pro Driver Cool Performance · Leo Bodnar · CP-S GTWCE Gold Champion Super GT Rookie
Hardware verified: February 2026 · Last reviewed: February 2026
See something wrong or outdated? Submit a correction →
EST. TOTAL VALUE
~£25,445
GT Pro
TITLE
GTWCE Sprint Gold
2023 Champion
SUPER GT
Best Rookie
2024 Season
WHEELBASE
Leo Bodnar 26Nm
Direct Drive
RIG BUILDER
Cool Performance
GT Pro Simulator
⚡ TL;DR: Cool Performance GT Pro cockpit (upright GT seating) · Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 26Nm (Kollmorgen AKM54 motor) · LM-Pro GT3 wheel with DDU dashboard display · CP-S hydraulic pedals (AP Racing, 200kg) · Sabelt GT PAD FIA seat · Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide (5120×1440, 240Hz) · CP-S Haptics · Water-cooled i9/RTX 5080 PC. GT-focused build matching his GTWCE and Super GT racing.
🔄 Simulator Evolution — Pro-Sim to Cool Performance: Niklas Krütten previously used a Pro-Sim Evolution F1 simulator (confirmed 2017) during his junior karting career. He has since transitioned to the Cool Performance GT Pro, which shares the same Pro-Sim technology foundation (Leo Bodnar wheelbase, CP-S pedals) but in a refined, purpose-built GT cockpit. This evolution mirrors his own career progression from single-seater ambitions to GT racing success in GTWCE and Super GT.
📹 Primary Source: Cool Performance Official Website — Niklas Krütten confirmed as Cool Performance GT Pro user.
“Simulator work is the perfect preparation for me. Obviously, it doesn’t replace my real racing car, but you can work up to best times nicely, without painful accidents or expensive repairs.”
— Niklas Krütten
“Cool Performance is the best option in terms of development and accuracy, I arrive at the track fully prepared.”
— Niklas Krütten
🏎️ Rig at a Glance
ComponentModel / SpecMetricEst. Cost
WheelbaseLeo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB26Nm~£4,000
Steering WheelLM-Pro GT3 Wheel + DDU DisplayGT3 Format~£2,200
PedalsCP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing)200kg Brake~£3,500
CockpitCool Performance GT Pro Simulator120kg+ Frame~£15,000
SeatSabelt GT PAD FIA-Approved SeatUpright GT Position~£1,200
DisplaySamsung 49" Odyssey G95120×1440, 240Hz~£900
DDUCool Performance 4.3" LCD Dashboard Display16 RGB LEDsIncluded
HapticsCP-S Haptics SystemIntegratedIncluded
PCIntel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled)Custom~£2,500
Total Est. Value~£25,445

🕹️ Core Driving Controls

[Wheelbase] Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB ~26Nm VerifiedActive
🎮
Verified: Cool Performance standard GT Pro specification — Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 with Kollmorgen AKM54 servo motor[View Source]

Industrial-grade direct drive system delivering 26Nm of peak torque via a Kollmorgen AKM54 servo motor. Features over 2 million resolution points per wheel turn and CP-S custom software modelling. The same wheelbase Krütten used in his previous Pro-Sim Evolution F1, now integrated into the Cool Performance GT Pro platform.

Peak Torque 26Nm
Motor Kollmorgen AKM54
Resolution 2,000,000+ points/turn
Power Supply 480W (100V-240V)
Software CP-S Custom Configuration
[Steering Wheel] LM-Pro GT3 Wheel with DDU Dashboard Display VerifiedActive
🏎️
Verified: Cool Performance GT Pro specification — LM-Pro GT3 steering wheel (300mm, polyurethane grips, magnetic shifters, carbon fibre paddles) with integrated DDU dashboard display[View Source]

300mm GT3-format steering wheel with polyurethane grips, magnetic shifters, and carbon fibre paddles. Features an integrated DDU (Driver Display Unit) dashboard display providing real-time telemetry, lap times, and car status. Ideal for Krütten’s GT racing preparation across GTWCE, Super GT, and ELMS.

Diameter 300mm
Grips Polyurethane
Shifters Magnetic
Paddles Carbon Fibre
DDU Display Integrated Dashboard
Quick Release 50.8mm QR
[Pedals] CP-S Hydraulic Pedals with AP Racing Master Cylinder VerifiedActive
🦶
Verified: Cool Performance GT Pro specification — CP-S hydraulic pedals with AP Racing master cylinder[View Source]

Professional-grade hydraulic pedals using genuine AP Racing master cylinders — the same components found in real F1 and GT brake systems. Features a simulated brake caliper with hundreds of configurations, gas-spring throttle with 3 force levels, and an electronically-controlled sliding pedal box with 300mm of travel adjustment.

Brake Type True Hydraulic
Max Brake Force 200kg
Master Cylinder AP Racing
Throttle Gas-spring (3 force levels)
Pedal Box Travel 300mm Electronic Adjust
Bearings High Quality Linear
[Cockpit] Cool Performance GT Pro Simulator VerifiedActive
🪑
Verified: Cool Performance confirms Niklas Krütten as a GT Pro Simulator user[View Source]

The Cool Performance GT Pro Simulator is handbuilt in the UK (Sevenoaks) to ISO 9001 standards. The frame is CNC-machined powder-coated aluminium weighing over 120kg, configured in an upright GT seating position. Features a Sabelt GT PAD FIA-approved seat with interchangeable padding. An upgrade from Krütten’s previous Pro-Sim Evolution F1, the GT Pro offers a zero-flex platform with lifetime warranty.

Seating Position Upright GT
Frame Weight 120kg+
Material CNC Aluminium (Powder Coated)
Flex Zero-flex
Seat Sabelt GT PAD (FIA 8855-1999)
Engineering ISO 9001 Certified
Frame Warranty Lifetime
Manufacturer Sevenoaks, UK
[Display] Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 Ultrawide VerifiedActive
🖥️
Verified: Standard Cool Performance single-monitor configuration — Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide[View Source]

The Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 is the standard display included with Cool Performance builds. This super-ultrawide curved monitor delivers a 5120×1440 resolution across a 1000R curve, providing excellent peripheral vision from a single panel. At 240Hz with 1ms response time, it delivers smooth, responsive visuals ideal for GT racing.

Configuration Single 49" Ultrawide
Resolution 5120×1440 (DQHD)
Refresh Rate 240Hz
Response Time 1ms
Curvature 1000R
Panel Type VA (Quantum Dot)
[DDU] Cool Performance 4.3" LCD Dashboard Display VerifiedActive
Verified: Cool Performance GT Pro standard specification — 4.3" LCD dashboard display with 16 RGB LEDs[View Source]

Dedicated 4.3" LCD dashboard display unit mounted on the steering column, providing real-time telemetry data including lap times, gear position, RPM, and tyre temperatures. Features 16 RGB LEDs for shift light indication and flag alerts.

Display Size 4.3" LCD
RGB LEDs 16
Functionality Telemetry / Shift Lights / Flags
[Haptics] CP-S Haptics System VerifiedActive
Verified: CP-S Haptics is a confirmed component of the Cool Performance GT Pro platform[View Source]

Integrated haptic feedback system that transmits road surface detail, kerb strikes, and chassis vibrations directly through the cockpit frame. Works in conjunction with the Leo Bodnar FFB system to provide a multi-channel immersion layer beyond steering feel alone.

Type Integrated Chassis Haptics
Channels Multi-point
[Motion] None Confirmed — Static Setup EstimatedStatic
⚠️ Note: D-Box G5 3DOF motion is available as an option on Cool Performance simulators, but there is no evidence Krütten has this installed.

No motion platform has been documented for Krütten’s rig. Cool Performance simulators offer optional D-Box G5 3DOF haptic motion (Pitch, Roll, Heave with 1.5" stroke).

Motion Platform None confirmed
Optional D-Box G5 3DOF available

🏁 Sim Racing & Motorsport Background

Niklas Krütten is a German racing driver who has rapidly risen through GT and endurance motorsport. Born in Trier on October 20, 2002, he began using simulators early in his career with a Pro-Sim Evolution F1, and has since upgraded to a Cool Performance GT Pro. His simulator is used for genuine race preparation across multiple international GT series, from the cobblestones of Spa to the technical demands of Suzuka.

YearEventNotes
2017Pro-Sim Evolution F1 SimulatorFirst confirmed simulator — used during junior karting career
2022Le Mans 24 Hours DebutFirst appearance at the world’s most famous endurance race
2022Nürburgring 24 Hours DebutCompeted in the legendary Nordschleife endurance event
2023GTWCE Sprint Cup Gold Class ChampionWon with Calan Williams driving BMW for Schubert Motorsport
2023-24European Le Mans SeriesLMP2 class with Cool Racing
2024Japanese Super GT Best RookieNamed top newcomer in Japan’s premier GT series
2025International GT OpenMercedes-AMG GT3 with Team Motopark
2024-25Cool Performance GT ProUpgraded from Pro-Sim Evolution F1 to Cool Performance GT Pro

Software: Assetto Corsa and iRacing (pre-installed with Cool Performance builds). Used for GT racing preparation across GTWCE, Super GT, ELMS, and International GT Open circuits.

📋 Full Hardware List

ComponentModel / SpecificationEst. CostConfidence
WheelbaseLeo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB (26Nm)~£4,000Verified
Steering WheelLM-Pro GT3 Wheel + DDU Dashboard Display~£2,200Verified
PedalsCP-S Hydraulic (AP Racing, 200kg)~£3,500Verified
CockpitCool Performance GT Pro Simulator~£15,000Verified
SeatSabelt GT PAD FIA-Approved Seat (FIA 8855-1999)~£1,200Verified
DisplaySamsung 49" Odyssey G9 (5120×1440, 240Hz)~£900Verified
DDUCool Performance 4.3" LCD Dashboard Display (16 RGB LEDs)IncludedVerified
HapticsCP-S Haptics SystemIncludedVerified
PCIntel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled)~£2,500Verified

Total estimated value: ~£25,445 (Cool Performance GT Pro configuration with LM-Pro GT3 wheel, Sabelt GT PAD seat, Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide).

💰 Cost to Copy Niklas’s Setup

💡 Budget Alternative (Similar Feel)

Simucube 2 Pro 25Nm~£1,200
Quality GT Wheel~£600
Sim-Lab P1-X Cockpit~£700
34" Ultrawide 1440p Monitor~£400
Gaming PC~£1,500
Budget Total ~£5,500

Gets you 80% of the performance at a fraction of the price. Heusinkveld load cells replace true hydraulics.

❓ Niklas Krütten Setup FAQ

What sim racing setup does Niklas Krütten use?
Niklas Krütten uses a Cool Performance GT Pro simulator featuring:

Wheelbase: Leo Bodnar SimSteering 2 FFB (26Nm, Kollmorgen AKM54 motor)
Pedals: CP-S Hydraulic with AP Racing master cylinder (200kg brake)
Wheel: LM-Pro GT3 (300mm, polyurethane grips, magnetic shifters, carbon fibre paddles)
Display: Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 ultrawide (5120×1440, 240Hz)
DDU: Cool Performance 4.3" LCD Dashboard Display with 16 RGB LEDs
Seat: Sabelt GT PAD FIA-approved seat (FIA 8855-1999, interchangeable padding)
Haptics: CP-S Haptics System
PC: Intel Core i9 + NVIDIA RTX 5080 (Water Cooled)
Cockpit: CNC-machined aluminium frame (120kg+, zero-flex, ISO 9001, lifetime warranty)

Total estimated cost: ~£25,445.
What has Niklas Krütten achieved in GT racing?
Niklas Krütten is one of the most versatile young GT drivers in Europe and Asia. His key achievements include:

2023: SRO GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup Gold Class Champion (with Calan Williams, BMW, Schubert Motorsport)
2024: Japanese Super GT Best Rookie
2022: Le Mans 24 Hours debut and Nürburgring 24 Hours debut
2023-24: European Le Mans Series (LMP2 with Cool Racing)
ADAC GT Masters: Multiple seasons with Schubert Motorsport
2025: International GT Open with Mercedes-AMG GT3, Team Motopark
Did Niklas Krütten previously use a different simulator?
Yes. Krütten previously used a Pro-Sim Evolution F1 simulator (confirmed in 2017 when he was a junior karting driver). He later transitioned to the Cool Performance GT Pro, which shares the same Pro-Sim technology foundation (Leo Bodnar wheelbase, CP-S derived pedals) but in a more refined, GT-focused package with the LM-Pro GT3 wheel, Sabelt GT PAD seat, and CNC aluminium cockpit. This progression from a formula-style simulator to a GT-focused platform mirrors his own career shift from single-seater aspirations to GT racing championships.
How much does Niklas Krütten’s sim rig cost?
Niklas Krütten’s Cool Performance GT Pro setup is estimated at ~£25,445 (approximately $32,300 USD). This includes the GT Pro cockpit (~£15,000), Leo Bodnar 26Nm wheelbase (~£4,000), CP-S hydraulic pedals (~£3,500), LM-Pro GT3 wheel with DDU (~£2,200), Sabelt GT PAD seat (~£1,200), Samsung 49" Odyssey G9 (~£900), and a water-cooled PC (~£2,500).
Is Niklas Krütten’s sim rig sponsored?
Cool Performance states that drivers and ambassadors choose their simulators based on performance, not sponsorship arrangements. Krütten’s long history with simulator training — from a Pro-Sim Evolution F1 as a junior driver in 2017 to a Cool Performance GT Pro as a GTWCE champion — reflects a genuine commitment to simulator-based race preparation rather than a marketing arrangement.

📚 Sources & Verification

Primary Sources (Tier 1)

Secondary Sources (Tier 2)

📋 Verification Methodology: Equipment verified by cross-referencing Cool Performance official website and GT Pro simulator specifications. Previous Pro-Sim Evolution F1 usage confirmed via Pro-Sim testimonials (2017). Last audit: February 2026.