Fanatec’s official Gran Turismo steering wheel starts at $700

Racing peripheral manufacturer Fanatec has revealed its official Gran Turismo 7 steering wheel, which costs more than the PS5 and game combined.

The Gran Turismo DD Pro is a ‘direct drive’ steering wheel, which means it uses next-generation force feedback technology to create more realistic resistance when racing.

Fanatec says that because the steering wheel is mounted directly to the motor shaft, “there’s no belt or gear drive to dilute the force feedback effects”.

This provides 5Nm of torque, which can be upgraded to 8Nm with a boost kit which is sold separately for $149.95.

Fanatec says the wheel was designed by Gran Turismo studio Polyphony Digital. It contains a white OLED display and RevLED strip to give the player visual information as well as four 5-way sticks on top of all the usual PlayStation buttons.

The wheel comes with two pedals built from steel, and players can upgrade to a load cell brake, which acts more like a real-life car.

While most brakes in steering wheel peripherals measure how far back the pedal has been pushed to judge how hard to brake, a load cell brake instead measures how much force the player is using to press down on it.

Pre-orders for the wheel start on the Fanatec website on November 26. It costs $699.95 / €699.95 for delivery in March 2022, but players can also buy it for $849.95 / €849.95 to get one of the first units sent via special air freight for delivery before Christmas.

There’s also a $969.85 / €969.85 package which includes the wheel, the boost kit and the load cell brake.

further reading

1

New Gran Turismo 7 video confirms there are over 400 cars in the game

Sony releases its latest behind the scenes trailer

Sony recently detailed Gran Turismo 7 pre-order items and the game’s 25th Anniversary Edition, which costs $90 / £90.

Those who pre-order the PS4 and PS5 racing game at participating retailers ahead of its March 4, 2022 release date will receive a selection of bonus in-game items.

The 25th Anniversary Edition includes a Toyota GR Yaris with a country specific livery.

Gran Turismo 7’s campaign mode, livery editor, Scapes photo mode, GT Café and GT Auto will all require players to be connected to the PlayStation Network.