Thrustmaster launches direct-drive steering wheels for racing simulator consoles.
Enhance your experience in Gran Turismo.
Thrustmaster has unveiled a new steering wheel base that introduces its direct drive technology to consoles, something unprecedented until now. This innovation features an electric motor design already used in high-end hybrid cars like the Ferrari SF90, enhancing the simulation experience with more compact and realistic hardware. The Thrustmaster T598 is available for pre-order starting today for $499.99, which includes a racing pedal set, and it will be available from October 19. While it is compatible with PC and consoles, its use is restricted to PlayStation 4 and 5.
Racing simulation enthusiasts prefer direct drive steering wheel bases since the wheel is directly connected to an electric motor, allowing for higher torque and producing more realistic feedback effects for the driver. Typically, these bases rely on radial flow motors, which, while effective, have certain drawbacks. Their design is often larger to dissipate the heat generated, and since the wheel axis rotates perpendicular to the magnetic field of the motor, it can generate resistance moments known as "cogging," making the wheel feel stuttery when turning.
The T598 addresses this issue by incorporating an axial flow motor, a concept that dates back to Michael Faraday's experiments in 1821. This new design allows the magnetic field to align parallel to the movement of the wheel axis, virtually eliminating cogging. Thus, the new steering wheel base is capable of delivering five newton-meters of constant torque, improving feedback and responsiveness.
In addition, the T598 steering wheel base features four buttons and a small screen that allows users to adjust settings and manage user profiles. When combined with the 11.8-inch steering wheel that includes magnetic paddles for gear shifting, more buttons, and no display, the screen can show game details such as speed or racer position.
A set of Raceline Pedals LTE (Long Term Evolution) is also included, which utilizes patented Hall effect magnetic sensors from the company to provide greater accuracy and durability. The firmness of the pedals can be adjusted with an additional set of springs that increase the tension.
