At a time when racing video games are constantly evolving and offering us more and more realistic sensations, who hasn’t dreamed of swapping their controller for a steering wheel ?

This gaming accessory has become almost indispensable and allows players to fully immerse themselves in the race and to get into the shoes of a professional driver.

There are an incredible number of different steering wheel models, but the brand Thrustmaster brand is one of the most prominent on the market for its quality products.

Today we decided to test the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel, the new version of the T-GT model that accompanied the release of Gran Turismo Sport in 2017.

In this article we will present the characteristics of this second version, its advantages and disadvantages, we will tell you which type of player it is best suited for, how much it costs and where you can find it for sale.

The characteristics of the Thrustmaster T-GT 2

After releasing the first version of their Thrustmaster T-GT I steering wheel in 2017, after a few years the brand had to present us with version 2. It’s now done with this PS5 steering wheel.

Here is a list of its main features:

• The wheel of the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel has a diameter of 28 cm and a rotation angle of 1080 degrees.
• This model is officially licensed for PlayStation 5 and Gran Turismo. It is therefore compatible with Playstation 5, Playstation 4 and PC.
• The steering wheel is leather-wrapped and has 25 action buttons, including a directional cross, 9 buttons reminiscent of the PS4 controller, as well as 4 rotary selectors designed for GT (they allow you to adjust the differential, traction control, fuel, etc.).
• The Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel is equipped with a Brushless motor, with a power of 40 watts. The force feedback is fast with a very high torque capacity.
• The internal components of this model are from the European automotive industry (AEC-Q), so their quality and longevity are maximum.
• This steering wheel model features a dual belt system that allows for smooth play and no dead spots.
• The Thrustmaster T-GT 2 features the following patented technologies: T-AEC-Q, T-DCC, T-RTF, T-LIN, T40-VE, T-DFB, T-F.O.C, T-M.C.E and T-TURBO. It is also equipped with the patent pending H.E.A.R.T. (Halleffect Accurate Technology) for unlimited life and optimum accuracy.
• The steering wheel change system is both simple and fast. This allows you to use different types of steering wheels (Rally, F1, etc.) that are sold separately.
• The Thrustmaster T-GT 2 includes a T3PA GT II 3-pedal pedal board The T-GT 2 includes a T-LCM Pedalboard, but it is also compatible with the T-LCM Pedals which are sold separately. In addition, it is compatible with Thrustmaster TH8A and TSS Hand brake shifters and handbrakes which are also sold separately.
• Dimensions: 38 x 52.5 x 31 cm
• Weight: 13,150 kg

For what type of person?

This officially licensed Thrustmaster Gran Turismo steering wheel is obviously a model designed for GT enthusiasts. It is indeed a pity that all the features of this wheel cannot always be used with other games than Gran Turismo.

But with all the qualities and advantages that the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel has to offer, there’s plenty to do, whether you’re a rally, F1 or even truck fan.

Even though it’s aimed more at PlayStation users, this model of steering wheel is suitable for beginners in the general public, but also for experienced drivers, since it has an interchangeable wheel.

Its advantages

With the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel, the brand has not skimped on new technologies. And having tested it, we can confirm that this is, above all, the strength of this model.

Indeed, this steering wheel offers us three new technologies: T-DCC, T-RTF and T-AEC-Q. Complex terms that, in practice, aim to improve the precision, responsiveness, power and longevity of the steering wheel.

With its silent brushless motor, the force feedback gives you great power control and long-term stability. Even after long gaming sessions, thanks to the built-in cooling system, we didn’t notice any significant warming up and the engine performance remained constant. The steering wheel thus offers optimized heat performance.

Another of the advantages of the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 is the excellent feeling it provides during play. This model offers incredible vibration accuracy. The addition of the independent vibration feature is great and really makes a difference in game, even if it is still exclusive to Gran Turismo for now. The hardness and sensitivity of the buttons are super well adjusted, the immersion in the race is even more realistic.

We found the pedal board included with the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel to be very good. It is very similar to the T3PA pedalboard which is sold with the T300 RS GT Edition model of the same brand. It has 3 pedals for acceleration, clutch and braking, whose height and inclination are adjustable. It is made of metal plates which gives it a certain robustness and a better stability. The brake pedal system is made of rubber, which allows you to feel some resistance when braking hard or when you are at the end of your stroke.

The wheel of the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel is interchangeable, which we think is a real asset. You have the possibility to customize your configuration according to your favorite types of races. This model is compatible with Thrustmaster extensions, which gives you a wide choice.

Its disadvantages

On the downside, we have to admit that the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel has very little difference from its predecessor, the T-GT 1. But this model has, in our opinion, other drawbacks.

We found the paddles to be quite noisy and a little soft. We were unpleasantly surprised to discover that they were of a rather low quality. Their lack of response and noise seem to come from a lack of spring.

We briefly mentioned it before, the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 steering wheel has a vibration option that is unfortunately only available on Gran Turismo. We think it’s a shame to have developed an option that can’t be used for other games.

Especially since the T-GT 2 steering wheel from Thrustmaster is not cheap. With a starting price of €749, this very high cost may dissuade many from buying it, as one must be able to afford to spend such a large budget.

Moreover, for this price, we really regret the absence of a Load Cell brake pedal. For a perfect gaming experience, we would have preferred another model of better quality, like the Thrustmaster T-LCM for example.

Where and for how much to get it?

Like almost all other models of the brand, you can find all the information about the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 on their official website. It is listed at a price of € 749.99, but it is currently out of stock.

However, you can sometimes find it on special offer on theAmazon.fr website.

 

You can take a look at the second-hand buying and selling sites, where you can regularly find steering wheels at interesting prices. However, beware of overly attractive offers that could be scams and pay attention to the conditions of the product before you decide to buy it.

Conclusion

We found the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 to be a very good quality wheel that offers a great gaming feel, even though it’s not that different from its predecessor.

We regret that it does not include a Load Cell pedalboard and that the rear transducer is again reserved for Gran Turismo.

But the Thrustmaster T-GT 2 is a top-of-the-line model, comfortable, with incredible precision and which will offer you long hours of play. Right now, we challenge you to find a better belt-driven flywheel on the market. That’s why we recommend it with your eyes closed.