Thrustmaster announces Ferrari F1 replica racing wheel
Fernando Alonso and Fellipe Massa compared the Thrustmaster wheel (top) to the real deal (bottom).
The wheel is aimed at hard core F1-sim racers, and is closely modelled on the actual steering wheel used in the Ferrari F1 cars; a feature which Thrustmaster hopes will make it the de-facto choice for use with the eagerly awaited F1 2011 game that launches later this year.
The wheel boasts full integration with the forthcoming title, including fully functional KERS, DRS and pit lane limiter buttons located on the wheel.
Meanwhile, the other switches around the wheel can be used to perform all sorts of tasks from adjusting the brake balance to tweaking the fuel mix, just like a real F1 steering wheel. Our only gripe when we tried it out was that, despite their realistic appearance, the rotary switches in the centre of the wheel can’t actually be turned.
The Ferrari F1 T500 Integral is based on the T500 RS steering wheel that Thrustmaster released earlier this year, meaning that it sports the same replaceable drive belt, high torque motor and 1080° of rotational movement (three full turns).
Unsurprisingly, the new racing wheel isn't cheap, though. There's no word on UK pricing yet, but anyone interested in purchasing the Ferrari F1 T500 Integral can expect to stump up around €599 (£517) for the privilege of owning one. However, for those who already own the T500 RS, Thrustmaster will be selling the Ferrari F1 steering wheel attachment separately for an RRP of €149 (£129).
Are you looking forward to the release of F1 2011? Are you on the lookout for a new racing steering wheel? Let us know your thoughts in the forums.
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14 Comments
Discuss in the forums ReplyThe wheel sounds good, but 600? I'm afraid there is where they'll fall down - no way could I justify that much to myself, let alone anyone else...
I'm not going to buy it now, bought 2010 and had fun, but Codies could give better support, I agree with u. If I'm ever going to buy this, I'm going to buy it in Christmas or something, in steam sales :D
Oh and GFWL is... well... pidgeons poo... If I save a car config in the game, when I go to get it it's gone...
I already have a Thrustmaster F430, that is enough, when the father of my GF plays Dirt2 or Dirt3 he almost rips the table of the ground, there are lots of times that he pulls and stays with the steering wheel in his hands.
Everytime he plays I go to another room, and put ear plugs :D So I will never buy one of those :P
Thats a hell of a lot of cash, they could have gone the whole hog.
http://www.konixmultisystem.co.uk/index.php?id=whatisit
They're not going to claim its 1080p ready or something are they? Hence the expensive price, :D :D
WTF...! When do F1 drivers ever, ever, EVER turn their steering wheels more than 180°, let alone 1080°!!!! How completely ridiculous.
+1
From what I read, the steering wheel is a T500 RS with a fancy wheel instead of the usual round one. The standard one can turn 1080 for use with games other than F1 games.
But why have 1080 degrees in any steering wheel. Maybe they think people will see its got a bigger number and think its better, :D
The maximum I'm aware of in normal cars is 900 degrees. And I barely ever use the 900 degrees on my G25 as it never feels right.