World’s First Racing Wheel with Ferrari and Xbox 360 Licences!
Xbox 360 paddocks, clear the way for a sweeping arrival – the Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel for Xbox 360 by Thrustmaster! While this new release doesn’t feature dual carburettors or overhead camshafts, it does boast two official licenses from Ferrari and Xbox 360 – an exclusive worldwide collaboration. A replica of the wheel equipping the Forza Motorsport 4 hero vehicle, the very official F458 Italia, this racing wheel provides the ideal combination to enjoy a truly immersive gaming experience – a must-have for true motor racing enthusiasts!
Hit the jump for the full details.
The outcome of a specific development process:
A new competitor on the crowded Xbox 360 track, which offers an increasing number of quality racing games, Thrustmaster boasts a motor home well-filled with established expertise and leadership in the field of racing wheels. To reach the pole position, a specific development process was initiated in close collaboration with Ferrari. The Maranello engineers’ latest flagship, the Ferrari 458 Italia, was chosen as a basis for the creation of this replica racing wheel – a logical choice indeed owing to this unique car’s design and character, on par with the Xbox 360’s specifications.
On one side, the Ferrari 458 Italia features an exclusive racing wheel with a large number of controls, while on the other, an Xbox 360 controller requires controls that are specific to this console. The Ferrari 458 Racing Wheel for Xbox 360 by Thrustmaster embodies the symbiosis of these two components, combining truly unique design with exceptional ergonomics. The different action buttons and controls are within easy reach of the user’s fingers – making it simple to customize settings while racing, or access the Xbox 360 interface. Most importantly, this lets gamers get comfortable with the controller incredibly quickly, and focus on immersing themselves in the pure pleasure of racing.
Aggressive and complete:
The racing wheel’s 28 cm diameter wheel and rubber-textured grip will enable drivers to improve their best lap times consistently, with optimum comfort. Gears are shifted up and down using the wheel’s built-in metal gear shifters. Unrivalled realism and detail are supported by the presence of a “Manettino®” dial enabling users to modify certain in-race settings (such as changing player views in Forza Motorsport® 4).
Extensive equipment is available out of the box with no less than 8 action buttons, an Engine Start D-pad, an Xbox 360 Guide button and a connector for the Xbox 360 headset and microphone.Under the bonnet dwells a “Bungee Cord” automatic centring system offering progressive resistance over a 270-degree angle, for a more immersive racing experience. The pedal base has not been neglected; it features a wide footrest, a long-stroke accelerator pedal and a resistant brake pedal, for more precision.
The Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel for Xbox 360 is designed to help you cross the finishing line before the competition does – its V8 is its price tag, which is every bit as aggressive as its looks!
The Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel for Xbox360 will be available in October.
THE TH8 RS BY THRUSTMASTER
To meet the expectations of numerous motor racing fans, Thrustmaster is launching the TH8 RS – a high-end, separate and versatile gearbox. The device’s two configurations – H-pattern and sequential – enable drivers to select their favorite driving style.
Realism and versatility:
Some virtual drivers cannot imagine shifting speeds otherwise than with a specific gearbox.With the TH8 RS, which boasts unrivalled technical innovations supported by pending patent applications, Thrustmaster now offers a device that is realistic enough to satisfy even the most demanding drivers.
At first glance, the TH8 RS looks realistic enough to be fitted to a real car. It features a 13 cm (5.12 in.) tall stick with a removable knob; the stick is compatible with real-life universal gear shift knobs. The TH8 RS includes two interchangeable shift plates, each suited to a specific configuration – “H-pattern” (7 gears plus 1 reverse gear) and “Sequential” (pull the lever towards the “+” mark to gear up, and push it towards the “–” mark to gear down).
Total adjustability:
To allow users to freely adjust the TH8 RS to their convenience, the position and the rotation angles of the shift plate and clamping system can be adjusted by 360 degrees. The removable clamping system, optimized for any type of support, is also open to customization: it is suited to both table tops and shelves (1 to 55 mm thick) and cockpits alike (built-in “screw threads” are located under the TH8 RS). Gear strokes can also be adjusted (via a downloadable PC application and the device’s internal memory), as well as the gear shift’s resistance.
Cutting-edge materials and technologies:
The internal mechanism, the lever, the outer housing and the clamping system are 100% metal. This robust design significantly contributes to the extremely realistic in-game sensations delivered by the TH8 RS.
Thrustmaster has also taken care to grace the TH8 RS with unrivalled precision, by including H.E.A.R.T (Hall Effect AccuRate Technology™) technology featuring magnetic sensors, without any potentiometer or tact switch – and therefore, without contacts –, for an unlimited product lifespan. In addition, the firmware can be upgraded to offer all foreseeable evolutions, assuring users that the TH8 RS is here to make a lasting impression.
The TH8 RS with USB connectivity is compatible with the T500 RS racing wheel on PlayStation®3 (a list of compatible games is available on the Thrustmaster support website) and with all currently available racing wheels for PC!
deeps
August 23, 2011 @ 3:36 am
can i buy this from Amazon??
Robert Strick
August 23, 2011 @ 9:13 am
We will be adding an Amazon store on the site very soon. I believe it is.