Logitech’s new Driving Force GT wheel for Gran Turismo

Feb. 21, 2008

Today at the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, Logitech the world’s leading developer of force feedback gaming wheels, announced the Logitech Driving Force GT racing wheel, the official wheel of Gran Turismo. Featuring powerful force feedback and an innovative 24-position realtime adjustment dial for on-the-fly control of brake bias, traction and damper settings, the Logitech Driving Force GT gives gamers the most accurate and authentic PlayStation 3 (PS3) racing experience.

Logitech’s latest racing wheel was designed by Logitech and Polyphony Digital, Inc., the developer of the Gran Turismo series. The companies worked together to add the unique realtime adjustment dial, a first for force feedback wheels, allowing people to fine tune the car’s balance by adjusting the brake bias, traction control and damper settings. Now Gran Turismo drivers can have precise control over the car’s setup to achieve maximum performance.

Logitech’s newest force feedback wheel simulates understeer, oversteer, and traction loss with frightening accuracy. While the full-size gas and brake pedals deliver precise throttle and brake response, racers can use either the sequential stick shift or the wheel-mounted paddles to race through gears. The wheel also features a large 11-inch wheel with rubber-overmold rim, providing exceptional comfort and control.

The Logitech Driving Force GT turns 900 degrees lock-to-lock allowing drivers to navigate hairpin turns with greater accuracy. And with anti-backlash gearing, there is no slack in the steering response, making any race a smooth, realistic experience. In the center of the 11-inch wheel, the Driving Force GT features an illuminated horn button with the official Gran Turismo logo. Using the authentic sounds of the car being driven, racers can quickly alert other cars when they are approaching fast. Or when playing online, people can simply use the horn to taunt other players as they speed by.

The Logitech Driving Force GT wheel is engineered for use with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on PS3, which will be available on Blu-ray Disc (BD) and as a download on the PlayStation Network in Australia towards the end of April. The Logitech Driving Force GT wheel is also compatible with Gran Turismo 3 and Gran Turismo 4 on the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system.

Pricing and availability

The Logitech Driving Force GT wheel is expected to be available in the Australia beginning in May. The suggested retail price is $249 (AUD).

Source: Logitech