E3 2003: Logitech's Debuts the Driving Force Pro
Sony and Logitech connect for a GT4-specialize steering wheel.
May 14, 2003 - Logitech officially announced its next-generation force feedback steering wheel today at E3. The Logitech Driving Force Pro, specifically designed to work with Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 4, wil debut at E3, and will be available at the game's launch.
"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."
Logitech's wheel is designed to mimic the dynamic turning radius of performance streetcars and so the company has developed it to seamlessly turn a full 900 degrees (2.5 turns, lock-to-lock). The Logitech Driving Force previously was only able to turn 300 degrees or less. The Logitech Driving Force Pro wheel is compatible with previous games, thanks to its automatic legacy mode (which reverts to 200 degrees of rotation).
Additionally, the force feedback is stronger and more true-to-life. The solid, 10-inch wheel is covered with leather-textured black rubber. The aluminum center hub of the wheel features the GT logo. The right-side shift knob follows a design inspired by Italian performance cars, and for Formula-style racing fans, the wheel offers paddle shifters on the backside of the wheel. The wheel hub offers eight buttons, an on-board D-pad, Start, Select, and a dual clamping system to attach it to solid objects for stability
