Thrustmaster has unveiled the T-GT III, a premium racing-wheel bundle built specifically for Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. The complete package goes on sale December 3 for $749.99 in the United States, with worldwide availability expected before Christmas.
The bundle combines a Gran Turismo-branded leather steering wheel, a Direct Axial Drive force-feedback base and a pedal set with a load-cell brake. That last component is important: unlike basic pedals that measure how far the pedal moves, a load cell measures braking force, which can make consistent threshold braking easier once it is properly adjusted.
What comes in the T-GT III bundle
Thrustmaster describes the T-GT III as its first Direct Axial Drive bundle designed for Gran Turismo and its first Gran Turismo package to include load-cell pedals as standard. It is officially licensed for Gran Turismo 7 and works with both PS5 and PS4 consoles.
The wheel has a leather finish and four rotary encoders mapped to settings inside Gran Turismo. Those controls should let drivers change items such as traction or vehicle settings without reaching for a controller, although the precise mapping may depend on the game and future software.
Specialist publication GTPlanet reports that the underlying hardware closely resembles Thrustmaster’s existing T598 system, paired here with an upgraded Gran Turismo wheel and load-cell brake. Thrustmaster itself does not identify the base or pedal model by those names in the announcement, so that hardware comparison should be treated as informed analysis rather than an official component list.
Five newton-meters of constant torque
The Direct Axial Drive base delivers a claimed 5 Nm of constant torque, with short overshoot peaks of up to 10 Nm. Torque is the turning force the motor can apply through the wheel. More usable torque can communicate steering load and loss of grip more clearly, but the 10 Nm figure is not a continuous output rating.
Thrustmaster says the extra headroom helps prevent the force-feedback signal from saturating during sudden events. That is a manufacturer claim; independent testing will be needed to establish how the wheel handles sustained forces, heat, noise and rapid direction changes.
The base also uses the company’s Harmony high-frequency system for two Gran Turismo-specific haptic effects. “Gear Jolt” is intended to produce a kick during shifts, while “Engine Roar” sends engine-speed vibrations through the wheel and chassis. GTPlanet found the existing Gear Jolt implementation on the T598 aggressive even at its lowest setting, so adjustment range will be worth watching in reviews of the final bundle.
Why the load-cell brake matters
A load-cell brake is one of the most practical upgrades in a sim-racing setup. Entry-level pedals commonly use position sensors, meaning a driver must repeat a pedal travel distance. Load cells instead register pressure, closer to the way drivers build braking muscle memory in a real car.
That does not automatically make the T-GT III faster or easier to use. Load-cell pedals generally benefit from a solid mounting surface, and stronger brake settings may cause a lightweight stand or office chair to move. Buyers should account for the possible cost of a rigid wheel stand or cockpit if they do not already own one.
The product image shows three pedals, but Thrustmaster has not yet published every adjustment specification, mounting measurement or included-accessory detail. More information is promised before release.
Price and December 3 release date
The T-GT III carries recommended prices of $749.99 in the US, €699.99 in Europe, £649.99 in the UK and ¥136,400 in Japan. Retail prices can vary. Sales begin December 3, and Thrustmaster expects global availability before Christmas, which leaves room for some markets to receive stock later than launch day.
For context, GTPlanet notes that the T598 launched at $499, the separate GT Wheel Add-On costs $299.99 and the load-cell brake upgrade is another $179.99. Those items are not necessarily a perfect one-for-one match, but the comparison shows why a complete $749.99 package may appeal to Gran Turismo players who would otherwise assemble a system piece by piece.
Software support is part of the pitch
Thrustmaster says it will update the T-GT III through firmware and software as Gran Turismo’s “Spec” updates evolve. The company ties the bundle to Gran Turismo 7’s Spec IV update, which is scheduled to arrive in two parts: one in October and another in December.
Long-term updates could be valuable because game-specific haptics depend on cooperation between hardware and software. However, the announcement does not state a minimum support period, and buyers should not assume compatibility with unannounced games or platforms.
Who should consider the T-GT III
The bundle is aimed at PlayStation racers who mainly play Gran Turismo 7 and want a more serious setup without selecting a base, wheel rim and pedals separately. Existing T-GT II or T598 owners should wait for detailed compatibility information before upgrading, particularly if they already own a load-cell pedal set.
PC compatibility is not confirmed in the initial T-GT III announcement, which specifically lists PS4 and PS5. Xbox support is also not listed. Anyone buying for a platform other than PlayStation should wait for the final product page and official support documentation.
What remains unknown
Thrustmaster has not yet published full dimensions, mounting patterns, cable details, pedal adjustment ranges or a complete compatibility chart. Independent reviews will also need to examine force-feedback smoothness, latency, thermal behavior, connector durability and noise.
Gadget N Widget has not tested the T-GT III, so this article does not offer a performance verdict. On confirmed specifications alone, the bundle’s combination of direct-drive feedback, a Gran Turismo-focused control layout and load-cell braking is compelling. Whether it is worth $749.99 will depend on final hardware details and how well those features perform outside the announcement.
Sources
- Thrustmaster: T-GT III announcement, specifications and regional pricing
- Gran Turismo: official partnership and T-GT III announcement
- GTPlanet: hardware context and component-price comparison
Featured image: official Thrustmaster product artwork.