Logitech G27 Racing Wheel

When money’s tight, it can be hard to justify splashing out on a track day. But now you can get your driving thrills in the comfort of your own home, using the new Logitech G27 Racing Wheel.

It’s designed to work with driving games on the PC or Sony PlayStation 2 or 3, and promises to provide all the excitement of a real car. The wheel comes with a feedback motor, which mimics the forces you would feel as you race around your favourite track – whether that’s powersliding around a gravelly rally curve or screaming through the streets of Monaco in a Formula One racer.

Logitech has optimised the G27 for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue on the PlayStation 3, although it’s claimed to work equally well on any system.

It comprises a hand-stitched leather wheel, coupled to a six-speed gated gearshifter (with a push-down reverse function). But the three units are separate, so you can set up your virtual cockpit as you want.

The device also claims to deliver quiet steering action, as well as minimal noise and vibration. Small LEDs function as RPM indicators, telling you when you need to change up or down for that vital turn and maximum torque. Professional-style heel-and-toe gearchanges are even possible using the precise three-pedal unit.

 * Contact: www.logitech.com

 * Maker’s claim: “Hook up this comprehensive set, and you’ll feel traction loss, weight shift and the surface of the road with any compatible driving game.”