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E3 2003: The Logitech Driving Force Pro Announced For PS2

15th May 2003, 9:38pm
Logitech today announced and previewed its next-generation force feedback wheel for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system at the E3 tradeshow in Los Angeles.

The Logitech Driving Force Pro, specifically designed for use with Polyphony Digital's upcoming Gran Turismo 4 racing simulation game on PlayStation 2, will be available at the title's launch. Pricing is not yet available.

"Our goal is to deliver the best driving experience yet for any console, with realism from beginning to end and a premium fit and finish," said Fred Swan, Director of Marketing for Logitech's Audio and Interactive Entertainment Business Unit. "And once again, we're happy to be working closely with Sony Computer Entertainment and Polyphony Digital to create a full-featured force feedback wheel, designed from the ground up over a period of nearly two years, in order to enhance the driving experience in Gran Turismo 4. We believe that this tempting combination of high tech circuitry and eye popping graphics will have gamers reaching for a seatbelt."

900 Degrees of Rotation
The Logitech Driving Force Pro is the world's first force feedback steering wheel that mimics the dynamic turning radius of a real, performance-oriented streetcar. Previously, the degrees of rotation available in any gaming wheel were 300 degrees or less.

When put into action, the Logitech Driving Force Pro engages its advanced rack and pinion steering system and seamlessly turns a full 900 degrees (2.5 turns, lock-to-lock) in games that support this feature. With this unprecedented steering system, the Logitech Driving Force Pro duplicates the true-to-life steering dynamics of today's racecars - something that has never been seen before in a wheel for home use. Typical arcade racing systems that cost thousands of dollars offer infinite wheel rotation - and are neither realistic nor beneficial to the gamer.

For compatibility with older games, the Logitech Driving Force Pro wheel has an automatic legacy mode that reverts to 200 degrees of rotation. This allows gamers to play their existing force feedback games as they've been accustomed to and get the most out of new games with a single wheel.

There's More Under the Hood
Logitech has improved upon its state-of-the-art force feedback technology and added a host of other features to make Driving Force Pro a must-have for Gran Turismo 4 drivers. The force feedback is driven by stronger motors than others available for console, while the steering is given a smooth and solid feel by specially-designed steel bearings. This creates a much more true-to-life experience.

The solid, 10" wheel is covered in leather-textured black rubber molding that provides a comfortable grip and helps ensure precise steering. On the aluminum center hub of the wheel, the world-reknowned Gran Turismo "GT" logo is featured, reminding the gamer that this is the "one and only" wheel endorsed by Gran Turismo 4.

The Logitech Driving Force Pro also sports a right-side shift knob with precise sequential shifting action and a design inspired by Italian performance cars. For Formula-style racing fans, the wheel also features paddle shifters on the backside of the wheel. There are eight easy-to-reach, wheel-mounted action buttons on the wheel hub, and an on-board analog D-pad that controls car functions. Two other buttons -- "start" and "select" - are conveniently placed toward the bottom of the wheel and make game navigation simple. A dual clamping system locks to prevent the base of the wheel from coming loose during game play, and allows it to be secured to different surfaces, such as a table or countertop.

The weighted pedal base features large pedals with improved strength and stability. In addition, the wheel has Logitech's unique carpet grip system, which ensures that almost any amount of pressure on the gas or brake cannot push the pedals out of reach, and put the gamer out of action. To prevent slippage on hard surfaces, the bottom of the pedal base has non-slip pads as well.

About Logitech: Founded in 1981, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal interface products that enable people to effectively work, play, and communicate in the digital world. With corporate headquarters through its U.S. subsidiary in Fremont, California, and regional headquarters through local subsidiaries in Switzerland, Taiwan and Hong Kong, Logitech International is a Swiss public company traded in Switzerland on the Swiss Stock Exchange (LOGN) and in the U.S. on the Nasdaq National Market System (LOGI). The company has manufacturing facilities in Asia and offices in major cities in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific.
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by Damien