Rennes, May 2, 2013 — Thrustmaster is pleased to unveil its new add-on for the base of the famous T500RS* and the Ferrari F1 Wheel Integral T500*: the Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-On Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition, a detachable replica wheel of the world renowned car.
The Thrustmaster Racing ecosystem continues to expand:
The launch of this brand-new wheel is directly related to Thrustmaster’s initiative for developing a genuine racing ecosystem for hardcore fans: the heart of this unique environment revolves around the T500RS. The product range that Thrustmaster has consistently built up over time is composed of the Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On, the TH8 RS and now the Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-On Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition.
Choosing the Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition didn’t happen by accident: it was important to Thrustmaster’s development team to offer a realistic Ferrari GT wheel. With the 458 Challenge, equipped with a mid-rear V8 engine, Ferrari provides its sports-oriented, professional and “Sophisticated Driver” customers with an exhilarating combination of extreme performance, maximum driving enjoyment and powerful driving sensation. In creating this replica, Thrustmaster not only offers its drivers a new wheel, but also provides them with access to a truly versatile style of driving.
For Maximum Driving Realism:
This add-on is detachable and features the “Thrustmaster Quick Release” system, allowing users to quickly switch from one wheel to another* (between the “Ferrari F1” wheel, the “Ferrari 458 Challenge” wheel and the “GT” wheel). The wheel measures 28 cm in diameter, and features reinforced textured rubber over its entire circumference. In the middle of the wheel are 2 mm-thick central spokes crafted of brushed metal and clad in metallic paint. The wheel weighs in at more than 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg, allowing it to faithfully reproduce ultra-realistic inertia and Force Feedback sensations.
The Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-On Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition also features 2 large wheel-mounted sequential paddle shifters, which move along with the wheel: they are 13 cm tall and made of 2 mm-thick, metallic paint-clad brushed metal. The paddle shifters’ tact switches are of high-quality construction, with a guaranteed lifespan of more than 10 million activations.
In addition, the wheel also features 6 action buttons which are easy to access and clearly identified, a 3-position Manettino® dial with a “push” function in the center, and a multidirectional D-pad.
(*) Sold separately.
The Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-On Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition will be available from early May 2013, at a suggested retail price of $129.99.
