Logitech busts out $150 Driving Force GT wheel for Gran Turismo 5

If you or somebody you love owns a PS3, there's a decent chance Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will prove irresistible upon its April 17th launch, and kidnap you forcibly from reality for a life spent in darkness racing cars around hyper realistic tracks. So why not do it in style? Logitech has just announced the official racing wheel for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, the Driving Force GT. The $150 wheel, which is PS2 and PS3 compatible, includes force feedback, along with a 24-position adjustment dial for screwing with things like brake bias in real time. We don't know what brake bias is, but we know we'd be suckers not to be tweaking it in real time by the time April rolls around. Unfortunately, this wheel isn't due until May.

[matt @ Feb 20th 2008 4:56PM]

looks better than the wheel and gears on my real car..

[Curtis the Claw Game Master @ Feb 20th 2008 5:01PM]

but does it look better then mahalo dailies Veronica Belmont?

[Aguiluz @ Feb 20th 2008 5:15PM]

Nothing compared to this guy here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-ZX8uq6myU

[Cameron @ Feb 20th 2008 4:57PM]

Adjusting the brake bias would be varying the proportion of braking force sent to the front brakes or rear brakes.

[Seoultrain @ Feb 20th 2008 4:59PM]

Is there any car that can do that on-the-fly in real life?? seems like too much of a gimmick..

[thebigDallas @ Feb 20th 2008 5:01PM]

You beat me to it.

[thebigDallas @ Feb 20th 2008 5:05PM]

Yes race cars, formula 1 cars, rally cars all can adjust on the fly

[Zak @ Feb 20th 2008 5:04PM]

I imagine you'd use that feature to fine tune your car while driving around a test track to save time, rather than doing it in the middle of a race. Otherwise you have to adjust brake bias, leave setting screen, go to a test track, enter, start race, test the car, go back to settings, readjust brake bias, go back to race... etc. Adjusting it while driving is much nicer for tuning purposes, even if it's not realistic.

[apeguero @ Feb 20th 2008 5:57PM]

@Zack:

You've obviously never seen an F1 race or even Michael Schumacher at work. The guy used to constantly turn the knobs on his Ferrari wheel all race long before and after almost every turn. Actually, I think he was one of the pioneers of this act. Google the guy and try and find a picture of the Ferrari F1 wheel and you'll see what I'm talking about. I couldn't quickly find a picture for you but found this link of some talking on the subject: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080116194348AADSoPT

[KC @ Feb 20th 2008 7:04PM]

Yep. MS used different brake bias for going into different corners. It all depends on how he wanted to attack the corner.

If there's a newer release of the F1 game for the PS3 that uses the PSP as the side mirrors, I would get this steering wheel and the game in a heartbeat.

[why not the LS2/LS7? @ Feb 20th 2008 10:11PM]

Race cars can do it, modern street cars don't need to do it. With 4-channel ABS, you get perfect bias in every condition. Since ABS is banned on (most) race cars, they still need an adjustment.

[Panodraa @ Feb 20th 2008 5:01PM]

I want to see the pedals, and is there a pedal for a clutch?

[Homeboy @ Feb 20th 2008 5:10PM]

For 150 I doubt it comes with a clutch. If you want a clutch then you will have to buy their top of line model which retails for $300. Porsche also have a wheel for PC/PS3 with the same specs.

[Adrian @ Feb 20th 2008 5:11PM]

If you hit the read link it takes you to where there are more photos and no it doesn't include a clutch pedal

[TomTom2007 @ Feb 20th 2008 5:11PM]

doubt it... for $150, probably not.
though if you really want a great wheel, for cheap, check the MOMO ForceBack:

http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Force-Feedback-Racing-Wheel/dp/B00006HYLN/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1203545123&sr=8-2

pretty good for $80, also works on PS3.

[thebigDallas @ Feb 20th 2008 5:11PM]

here is a picture of the pedals.
http://www.joystiq.com/photos/logitech-driving-force-gt-wheel/652591/

[Seoultrain @ Feb 20th 2008 5:01PM]

A cool feature would be LEDs on the top of the wheel that are sync'd with the tach in the game.

[Chris72b9 @ Feb 20th 2008 5:11PM]

Damn. Logitech makes some top quality racing wheels.

Brake bias on the fly? Nice.

[Evan Travers @ Feb 20th 2008 5:24PM]

Will it work on PC?

[Galley @ Feb 20th 2008 5:50PM]

All other Logitech wheels do.

[Homan @ Mar 12th 2008 11:41PM]

I find that statement ironic considering your avatar

[bo sneb @ Feb 20th 2008 5:28PM]

this wheel is probably good, given logitech's track record, but if you want a clutch you may have to go with the g25. my friend has it hooked up running the japanese release of prologue, with full clutch and H shifter support (commendation to sony for programming the game to use it!). so 150 for this, or 300 for a clutch and stick shifter. well, i already have the g25 so not much of a desicion on my part, but dang they need to release that game in america!

[vcx @ Feb 20th 2008 9:04PM]

How/Where did he get the japanese version of prologue???? Thanks.

[anthony6151 @ Feb 20th 2008 10:37PM]

You can sign up for a Japanese account on Playstation Network even if you are living in America like me, and download it from there. Translating is the hard part so I just found A guide on how to do it

Here's the Link:http://blogs.ign.com/xheavenxsentx/2006/12/09/39684/

[JohnDoe303 @ Feb 20th 2008 5:33PM]

Considering all the demos supported the G25 in some way this is a disappointment IMO. I'm very pleased with the new inputs however the wheel itself is no G25. I hope there is an update for the G25 in the works otherwise I'm more then happy with the wheel I have now.

[Wolfticket @ Feb 20th 2008 6:25PM]

This would also be nice for a serious simulation. Like Simbin Make. For PCs. :P
As long as it has a clutch pedal.

[Darrell @ Feb 20th 2008 6:33PM]

I was looking through Logitech's page and they have a awesome steering wheel with a third pedal, leather steering wheel and a changeable 6-speed/manumatic shifter! Too bad its $300. here's a link:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/gaming/pc_gaming/wheels/devices/131&cl=us,en

[Esat @ Feb 20th 2008 6:36PM]

ill say here exactly what I said on joystiq:

That red wheel offends my retinas

That is all.

[Wez @ Feb 20th 2008 8:24PM]

Soon after buying my PS3 and 1080p TV for the living room, I bought the Driving Force Pro (This wheel's predecessor I think) to play the GT5 demo and other games with. It seems a great wheel, BUT these things are designed for use on a desk. I've tried a lap attachment and developed thighs of a female russian shot putter! I've tried the coffee table, which was just too low. I tried just holding it but the force feedback strength made that impossible. I even attached the thing to a mini step ladder to get it at the right height, but realised after 10 minutes of playing that I looked like a complete tool and would never ever get another girlfriend if I continued. So it now sits behind the TV gathering dust and I've gone back to the six-Axis.

[LT73 @ Feb 20th 2008 11:27PM]

"I've tried a lap attachment and developed thighs of a female russian shot putter!"

Too funny Wez...

[chilicoke @ Feb 20th 2008 9:23PM]

GT5 Prologue already fully supports Logitech G25 wheel, including its gated shifter (with reverse) and clutch.

[obs1dian @ Feb 20th 2008 9:33PM]

I just got back from GDC and played with the wheel. It's VERY solid. I currently own the Logitech Driving Force Pro wheel which is pretty impressive in and of itself. The GT largely feels very similar, but honestly I think that if you had to make the decision between a gated shifter and a clutch, versus the in-game adjustments, you would really want to choose the in-game adjustments as Polyphony Digital has done as amazing a job of modeling these as they've done with anything else. While I'm on the subject GT5 Prologue was available in an American Alpha edition (whatever that means) and was very impressive. The graphics were something that had to be seen to be believed, particularly the in-car view with instrumentation, steering wheel, and hands. So, to summarize, GT5 is amazing, in-game adjustments (Driving Force GT) are better than gated shifter and clutch (G25) (clearly this changes when the G25 is updated with the up-down buttons and wheel of the Driving Force GT).

Additionally, in response to Wez, I do agree that you have to work pretty hard to find a working and comfortable setup for the steering wheel and pedals, but once you do the experience is unlike anything else. And quite the contrary to you, I've actually had quite the fun watching girls play the game and realize just how much fun it is (after laughing at me looking like a tool setting it up in my dorm room).

[bo sneb @ Feb 20th 2008 10:45PM]

in game adjustments are better than clutch+stick shifter?!?! with all due respect, you, my friend, are smoking rock! but to each their own.

personally i'd take clutch and stick shifter options over in game adjustments any and every day. all the same this wheel will probably be good, and is half the price of the g25.

[obs1dian @ Feb 20th 2008 9:35PM]

I just got back from GDC and played with the wheel. It's VERY solid. I currently own the Logitech Driving Force Pro wheel which is pretty impressive in and of itself. The GT largely feels very similar, but honestly I think that if you had to make the decision between a gated shifter and a clutch, versus the in-game adjustments, you would really want to choose the in-game adjustments as Polyphony Digital has done as amazing a job of modeling these as they've done with anything else. While I'm on the subject GT5 Prologue was available in an American Alpha edition (whatever that means) and was very impressive. The graphics were something that had to be seen to be believed, particularly the in-car view with instrumentation, steering wheel, and hands. So, to summarize, GT5 is amazing, in-game adjustments (Driving Force GT) are better than gated shifter and clutch (G25) (clearly this changes when the G25 is updated with the up-down buttons and wheel of the Driving Force GT).

Additionally, in response to Wez, I do agree that you have to work pretty hard to find a working and comfortable setup for the steering wheel and pedals, but once you do the experience is unlike anything else. And quite the contrary to you, I've actually had quite the fun watching girls play the game and realize just how much fun it is (after laughing at me looking like a tool setting it up in my dorm room).

[why not the LS2/LS7? @ Feb 21st 2008 12:13AM]

I'm sure the adjustments are awesome. I wish the GT25 had more controls, even just an accessible view hat would be enough.

But having a GT-Force and GT25 already, I'm gonna try to sit out GT5P using my existing equipment and see if an improved GT25 comes out by the time real GT5 comes out.

Thanks for the info.

[ck @ Feb 21st 2008 2:33AM]

Aside from the adjustments, is this any better than the Driving Force Pro? I suspect not. I already have a DFP and there's no way I'm upgrading just to get an extra knob.

The G25 on the other hand is a completely different matter. The only thing stopping me from getting one of those was waiting for this announcement.

[fanslut @ Feb 20th 2008 11:54PM]

Will this work with Mario Kart Wii?

[Loban @ Feb 21st 2008 10:49AM]

This is literally the one and only game that I am and will ever be interested in on the PS3. I have an Xbox 360 along with the Microsoft Racing Wheel and of course Forza 2 and I LOVE IT!!! That game is amazing, the only thing it's really missing is the car interior view like PGR4 has. That game does a great job with the car interior perspective (looks and sound), and I'm sure GT5 will do an even better job. I'm really really hoping and praying for Forza 3 as I'm unwilling to give Sony money to get a PS3 and GT5.

It's too bad this thing doesn't have a "lap mount" option like the Microsoft wheel. I simply don't have anything to mount a wheel to in my house and I'm unwilling to buy a racing chair or wheel stand as they're too expensive. Don't believe any negative press on the "lap mount" option on the Microsoft wheel, it's actually really really nice.

[waykbew @ Jul 15th 2008 2:32PM]

Wez and all, if you spent that much on a PS3 and a 1080p TV, as well as a wheel, you may as well get something like the Playseats Evolution. I just got one (used to have the Playseats classic with my GT Pro), and it's a great experience for the price (there are much more expensive racing chassis, but this is the best for the buck and not to mention you can fold-down for storage). Also, G25 wheel is much better than Pro and GT wheel. If you want less wires, there's also the Fanatec Porsche wheel.

[kimifan @ Apr 13th 2008 11:10AM]

why not the LS2LS7?

[Smoothbassman @ Apr 21st 2008 4:38PM]

This wheel ROCKS! I scooped it from my local Game stop on Pre-Release, a week ago.

The on the fly adjustments are so sweet. Adjusting my brakes and traction control in GT-5 on the fly is so nice. You can actually feel the differences in your car with just small adjustments.

Just about all types of real racing have on the fly controls that you can change, its about time a game allowed that same experience.

This is a must have for any serious car driving gamer.

[racer27 @ May 6th 2008 4:59AM]

just picked this wheel up the other day. def. worth the money. dissapointed that there was no clutch but the on the fly controls are a big plus. feels a whole lot better than the dfp. if you are lookin for a wheel and dont want to spend 300 then go with this one