Thrustmaster T500RS – The New Official GT5 Steering Wheel?

Accessories Gran Turismo 5 December 1st, 2010 by Jordan

A brand new steering wheel, the Thrustmaster T500 RS, first popped up in the game’s settings, as noted by TomN here in our forums. Today, Tom also discovered this teaser animation on Thrustmaster’s website, revealing the T500 RS’ new logo alongside official GT5 branding. The teaser provides us with our first peek at the new wheel (aside from the in-game icon), though many details remain unknown. What we do know, however, is that the T500 RS will feature “unmatched steering accuracy, thanks to the built-in H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology)” and “16-bit resolution with 65,536 values in the wheel’s rotation”.

Until we know more about the wheel’s specific features, its most notable attribute is what appears to be its official endorsement by Polyphony Digital. Only the Logitech Driving Force GT wheel has carried the GT logo since its release back in 2008, and Logitech’s loss of branding could mark a significant change in the balance of power in the sim racing accessory market. Thanks, once again, to TomN for digging this information up – stay tuned for more developments.

UPDATE: Kazunori Yamauchi has now also commented about the T500 RS, via Google Translator: “T500RS has great potential.I can not wait to launch the device.” (thanks, matteo!).

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115 Comments

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  1. December 1st, 2010 at 11:12 pm - #
    Michael

    Here’s hoping for the wheel plate thingy to be metal and not plastic

  2. December 1st, 2010 at 11:05 pm - #
    brettjr25

    I don’t get what people are saying? Are some people saying that the G25/G27 don’t work because of some firmware? But the old PS2 DF wheel works… and why are some people saying the G27 does work?

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 10:36 am - #
      speedthrill

      G25 works flawless, shift works, cluthc works, it all works.

      I don’t know why some people here say that….

  3. December 1st, 2010 at 8:55 pm - #
    Sertsa

    Is there a way you can sit next to it and yell out how to drive? You know, for B-Spec?

    • December 1st, 2010 at 11:06 pm - #
      brettjr25

      You have to buy the thrustmaster passenger seat. I sells for $500 and comes with a voice activated speaker on the left side of it.

  4. December 1st, 2010 at 8:42 pm - #
    Andrew R.

    Damn, it better not be better than the G27. I just bought it for GT5. Release an “official” wheel at the same time as a game release or before. Also, make everyone aware of it. Hardcore people to buy the game on the release date will have a wheel all ready to race on day one. This is irritating…

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 10:35 am - #
      speedthrill

      True, but you bought the best wheel form logitech, why would you even be pissed. You have a better wheel now anyway. The feeling is uncomparable, btw, there’s no deadzone on the wheels G25/27… So, go figure… Why even more money for a brand not trusted (thrustmaster)…

  5. December 1st, 2010 at 8:39 pm - #
    BubbleBelly542

    I’m guessing $850+

    • December 1st, 2010 at 10:51 pm - #
      TruenoGuy86

      hmmm i guess that too, i see why this wheel might have potential due to H.E.A.R.T (HallEffect AccuRate Technology)” halleffect is a kind of sensor that used to messure the crank/cam angles and sometimes speed, implementing such technology in a video game wheel is ought to be expensive.

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 4:01 am - #
      Dave-o

      @Trueno

      I hate all these buzz words. Hall effect is simply the generation of a voltage in a conductor due to the presence of a magnetic field. It’s like turning the shaft of an electric motor to get a voltage genrated.

      What is it good for? I know that brushless motor speed controllers often use the hall effect (voltage generated in the de-energised coils of the motor) to figure out where the rotor is so they can energise the right coil at the right time.

      How can this be applied to a wheel? I guess you could use it to provide feedback to controller as to the position of the wheel, or speed of the wheel, as you say. Is it the smartest and best way to do it? Who knows. I would have thought an optical device (like on you mouse) would have been better.

  6. December 1st, 2010 at 8:35 pm - #
    Michael

    I remember reading a long while back that a new wheel would be released alongside GT5 so this doesn’t surprise me.

  7. December 1st, 2010 at 8:24 pm - #
    terminator363

    I got a DFGT like 3 months ago, wow.

  8. December 1st, 2010 at 7:57 pm - #
    Zuel

    When I seen the news on the thread I was very disappointed due to I’ve bout the Force Feed back wheel for GT5. Now I’m going to have to buy a new wheel.

  9. December 1st, 2010 at 7:40 pm - #
    dave

    yikes i wonder if this will be better than fanatec… i just put all my eggs w/ fanatec products the weeks leading upt to GT5 release.

  10. December 1st, 2010 at 7:11 pm - #
    BlakeC

    Those are some enormous paddle shifters on that bad boy, but like others have said my DFGT will do the trick

    • December 1st, 2010 at 7:30 pm - #
      Adavicro

      Oooooh, exciting! Too bad I literally just got a DFGT, but at least theres something new to look forward to on the horizon. I’m hoping for clutch, H-shifter and some form of an e-brake.

  11. December 1st, 2010 at 7:10 pm - #
    binici

    Let us remain calm and not jump the gun! G25/27 will not be forgotten because many of us have it.

    The new wheel hasn’t even been shown off yet, so relax everyone.

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 10:32 am - #
      speedthrill

      This, plus i can’t see a brand lik thrustmaster be better then a G25. The G25 is imo the best wheel for gt5, i seriously can’t see why not. It let’s you feel what yr tyres drive over on the” surface without even steering a bit, the diameter off the wheel itself is perfect, balance is perfect, ffb is too. It turns quick enough to center.

      Clutch works just like that… What are you guys whining over????

      Let this be the new branded wheel, like the one above, i’m gonna stay with the G25, it is that good!!!!

  12. December 1st, 2010 at 6:33 pm - #
    jay-KIRB

    The DFGT wheel is great. Its hooked up to my cheap $20 Wal-mart table/comp desk. Mine broke after 2 months of drifting and Logitech took care of it and replaced my bad one. Ive always been a fan of Logitech.

  13. December 1st, 2010 at 6:29 pm - #
    Lilee

    Well this is just great! I just spent $440 buying a G27 (yes we get ripped off here in Australia even though our dollar is strong) and now there’s yet another wheel? I sincerely hope that this new wheel is crap so I don’t have to sell my G27!

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 5:36 pm - #
      what

      Just because another wheel exists doesn’t mean you have to buy it.

  14. December 1st, 2010 at 6:18 pm - #
    GTfan

    typical of “big name” companys these days. witch PD is now. Why worrie about all the problems with the product they have now when they can make more money pushing other things on the masses. witch they know will buy it just because it has there name on it.I wont be suprised if we see hardly any of the problems with gt5 fixed. Why would they when they can start on gt6 and well just buy that, hopping it will be what we all hopped gt5 would be.

    • December 1st, 2010 at 11:37 pm - #
      GranTurismo Disciple

      IMO these bugs shouldn’t have been in the game in the first place especialy after 5 year dev time, don’t get me wrong the game is i think awesome and very addictive and the little shadows etc don’t bug me that much or standard cars for that matter its the TERRIBLE AI that really bothers me its worse than prologue. Where is all the AI that defends their line and tries to take their position back like we saw in them trailers and gameplay vids?!. Give naughty dog 5 years to make the next uncharted and i bet we couldn’t pick a single fault with that it would be perfect.
      P.S i still love GT5 i just make sure i have a mega powerful car to escape the road rash AI lol, sorry about all this

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 5:37 am - #
      juhaniman

      Seriously? Have you guys ever played the game sober? Honestly, there may be some minor bugs (as with every game) but I’ve encountered nothing game-breaking so far (I’m lvl 20 or 21, not sure). G25 works as it should etc, shadows aren’t that bad at all, I’ve seen worse in games. The shadows in Forza are not even nearly as accurate as in GT even although they’re smooth (too smooth in cockpits and thus look pretty unrealistic).

      The AI is pretty good actually, blocking you and trying to pass, making mistakes and all that. They’re not just sticking to their pre-designated driving line or whatever and they won’t intentionally ram you unless you do some ridiculously stupid or erratic manouvers when trying to pass them or approaching a corner etc. Drive cleanly or may get PIT’ed if you’re not careful (some people have been complaining getting PIT’ed by the AI).

      For some of you: This game is not feature-complete! PD removed some features due to technical reasons before launch but GT5 WILL BE updated numeral times and features will be added.

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 4:43 pm - #
      CaliBoy1990

      @GTfan: I wouldn’t count on GT6 for another few years, buddy…………=p

      @juhaniman: Don’t have the game yet, but I definitely agree with you. PD does seem like they’re doing their absolute best to fix things.

  15. December 1st, 2010 at 6:10 pm - #
    scooter1265

    And my Driving Force GT gets here tomorrow :(

    Oh well, I’ll be happy with it, hopefully.

    • December 1st, 2010 at 6:14 pm - #
      GranTurismo Disciple

      U will be happy with it, you will think the game sucks donkey balls with a controller after you have tried the wheel.

    • December 1st, 2010 at 6:18 pm - #
      FlareKR

      Trust me, the DFGT is the best deal for a wheel you (yeah stupid rhyme) that you can get. I’ve had mine for almost a year (it’ll be a year on the 25th) and it’s been good in every single game compatible without (except GRID).

    • December 2nd, 2010 at 4:39 pm - #
      DFGT=GTAcademy wheel

      The DFGT is a great wheel for this game, I’d buy another one without a seconds hesitation. The pedals leave a little to be desired in comparison to the G27 but overall the experience really is quite good.

      Interesting hearing this news though as I recently read through the rules for GT Academy, and it states the DFGT as the wheel they’ll be giving away as prizes and the wheel that they’d be using in the national finals as well.

      http://us.gran-turismo.com/us/academy/rules

      Bam.

  16. December 1st, 2010 at 5:56 pm - #
    BubbaLsL

    I am waiting for G27 support. With 5 years of development time and the G25 being around for awhile they should have had support right from the beginning.

    • December 1st, 2010 at 6:38 pm - #
      Skiddy

      There will be no update for the wheel. Logitech failed to make modifications to their wheels (firmware i guess) that Kaz asked for. PD is blaiming Logitech, so I guess Logitech and PD ae filing for divorce right now.

  17. December 1st, 2010 at 5:53 pm - #
    rebla47

    “Thanks, once again, to TomN for digging this information up”

    there´s nothing…

    http://www.gtplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?t=134179

    three days early (the wheel comes with the 1.01 update).

  19. December 1st, 2010 at 5:46 pm - #
    RADracing

    Its all about PD/Sony getting a cut in proceeds from sale of wheels. Seem Logitech maybe did not want to share with G25 & G27. So they went with Thurstmaster. I’m hoping it will have a H-shifter with handbrake and a heavy duty pedal set. Plus all the buttons, dials & switches we can use to tweak the car on the fly.

  20. December 1st, 2010 at 5:46 pm - #
    Codename6

    Thrustmaster ….sounds so dirty. :P