NXT Gen Cup brings LRT NXT1 to RaceRoom in new sim racing collaboration
NXT Gen Cup has officially launched its all-electric race car, the LRT NXT1, in the popular racing simulator RaceRoom – marking a major step in bringing the championship closer to fans and aspiring drivers worldwide.
The LRT NXT1, based on the MINI Cooper SE and used in the 100% electric touring car series, is now available to download in RaceRoom.
Developed in close collaboration with RaceRoom, the project has focused on delivering a highly realistic virtual version of the car. NXT Gen Cup has contributed extensive technical expertise throughout the process, including input from engineers and test drivers, to ensure that the simulator experience reflects the real-life performance as closely as possible.
All key setup parameters available on the real car are also adjustable in the simulator, allowing drivers to explore the same engineering and driving tools used in the championship. The Hankook Ventus TD tyre, used in NXT Gen Cup, has been carefully recreated to mirror its real-world characteristics, including grip levels, degradation and overall performance.
The LRT NXT1 is the first car in RaceRoom fully recreated using physics-based rendering materials inside and out. This allows surfaces such as paint, carbon fiber, plastics and metals to react to light in a far more natural way, delivering a level of visual realism that significantly raises the bar for vehicle production in RaceRoom.
The virtual car also features authentic liveries from NXT Gen Cup partners, with 27 drivers from the first three seasons represented in the simulator.
“This is something we’ve been working on for a long time, and we’re incredibly proud and excited to finally launch it,” said Fredrik Lestrup, founder and manager of NXT Gen Cup. “The level of realism is outstanding, and we’ve had the opportunity to contribute a lot throughout the process. There has been a very open and productive collaboration between us and RaceRoom.”
“This project is a great example of what can be achieved when there is a close and passionate collaboration between all parties involved. The NXT Gen Cup team provided an exceptional level of detail and feedback throughout development, far beyond what we typically see. It allowed us to iterate very closely with them and really refine the car until it felt right,” says Jean-François Chardon, Head Of Studio at KW Studios, and continues:
“This kind of process is not always possible with larger organizations, where development can become more transactional. Here, it was driven by shared passion and a common goal of achieving the highest possible level of authenticity, and I think that clearly shows in the final result.”
With the LRT NXT1 now available in RaceRoom, NXT Gen Cup and RaceRoom are also planning a range of upcoming activities and virtual racing events to engage both existing fans, drivers and new audiences.
“This opens the door for anyone to experience our fantastic race car,” Lestrup added. “We’re really looking forward to activating this platform as much as possible – so stay tuned, there are exciting things to come.”
“From a driving perspective, I’m convinced this car will be great fun in RaceRoom, especially in online racing. The Push-to-Pass system adds an extra strategic layer that will create interesting race dynamics and, I believe, have a very positive impact on the community,” ends Jean-François Chardon.
The launch further strengthens NXT Gen Cup’s position as an innovative platform for driver development, combining real-world racing with digital accessibility and engagement.
Read more about the Q1 update for RaceRoom here >>
Read more about RaceRoom here >>
