Gran Turismo fans probably already use one of Logitech’s racing wheels with the newest installation of the series, Gran Turismo 5.  After all, the Logitech Driving Force GT wheel has been the official racing wheel of Gran Turismo 5 since Gran Turismo 5 Prologue released almost 3 years ago.  A few months ago, Thrustmaster announced that it was tapped by Polyphony Digital to make a new flagship peripheral for Gran Turismo 5.  The new wheel by Thrustmaster features a powerful motor for strong and realistic force feedback, large metal paddle shifters, and the addition of a dedicated clutch pedal.  Strangely, the horn button at the center of the wheel and the real time adjustment knob and buttons have been removed.

The quality is top notch; I tried the wheel out on one of the game’s rally circuits.  The demo was set with a strong centering force so turning the wheel to quite some effort.  Every rock on the dirt road could be felt through the wheel.  I don’t think the motor in the Logitech Driving Force GT could twist the wheel out of my hands like this one could.

The pedals are also metal and have a very realistic response and feel.  The pedals can be used in either a suspended GT style or a floor mounted F1 style.  Thrustmaster did not have the optional stick shift attachment for the wheel at CES because Gran Turismo 5 does not support clutch pedals just yet.  Thrustmaster confirmed that an update for clutch pedal and stick shift peripherals is on the way.  The wheel is scheduled to launch later this year with a price of approximately $600 without the stick shift attachment.  The Logitech Driving Force GT remains to be supported and recommended for Gran Turismo 5 but for those seeking the very best driving simulation money can buy in the gaming market, the Thrustmaster T500RS is a good place to look.