Ben-DutkaToday, Logitech has unveiled the Logitech Driving Force GT racing wheel at the Game Developers Conference. This super-slick device features "powerful force feedback, and an innovative 24-position real-time adjustment dial for on-the-fly control of brake bias, traction and damper settings." This will provide gamers with the "most accurate and authentic" PS3 racing experience, so says the press release.
“We’re excited to be working with Polyphony Digital again to deliver a wheel that will satisfy the needs of car enthusiasts, like me, around the world,” said Ruben Mookerjee, Logitech’s director of product marketing for gaming. “People who love the striking realism of the Gran Turismo racing series will discover that Logitech’s latest wheel will allow them to experience the cars the way they were meant to be driven. With the Logitech Driving Force GT, you’re not playing games anymore – you’re racing!”
If you're a racing enthusiast and you don't have this wheel when Gran Turismo 5: Prologue drops in April, you're going to miss out on the best possible virtual experience. Plain and simple. There's no comparison between this and the Sixaxis controller, especially when you're talking about a simulator.
“We have always designed the Gran Turismo series for driving enthusiasts. Realistic graphics, a technologically advanced physics engine and authentic sounds for every car in the game make Gran Turismo 5 Prologue a true driving simulator,” said Kazunori Yamauchi of Polyphony Digital. “Now, with the Logitech Driving Force GT wheel, drivers can have unparalleled control of their car, extending the realistic racing experience.”
This wheel has the capability of simulating understeer, oversteer, and traction loss with "frightening accuracy." The accessory also boasts full-size gas and brake pedals that provide the player with precise throttle and brake response. Players will further have the option of shifting via the sequential stick shift or the more advanced wheel-mounted paddles. The wheel turns 900 degrees lock-to-lock, thereby allowing us to negotiate hairpin turns with better accuracy, and this comes complete with anti-backlash gearing, so there is no slack in the steering response. Lastly, the Logitech Driving Force GT Wheel is compatible with both Gran Turismo 3 and Gran Turismo 4 on the PS2.
This fine piece of equipment is engineered specifically for use with Gran Turismo 5: Prologue , which arrives on both Blu-Ray disc and as a downloadable option from the PlayStation Store on April 17. It will hit Europe earlier (March 28), and the wheel will become available in both regions in May. The suggested retail price will be $149.99. It's one sweet unit!
