The latest addition to the Thrustmaster and Polyphony Digital family of Gran Turismo development studios! The Thrustmaster T-GT 2 is set to conquer cockpits the world over.
While the first T-GT left simracers with mixed feelings, will this new version stand out from the crowd? At a time when Logitech is content to release increasingly similar products such as the G923, and Fanatec is taking the consumer market by storm with the release of the CSL DD…
Who is the T-GT 2 aimed at? Will it live up to riders’ new expectations? Let’s find out in this uncompromising test!
The Thurstmaster T-GT 2 from a technical point of view
- Compatibility: PC, PS4, PS5
- Force feedback: Yes
- Wheel diameter: 28cm
- Pedals: 3 (T3PA GT II pedalset)
- Customizable buttons: 25, 1 push, 4 selectors (compatible with Gran Turismo games)
- Shifting: movable paddles, ( Thrustmaster TH8a shifter optional)
- Turning range: 1080
- Motor: Dual-belt brushless
- Connections: 1 outgoing USB to console, 1 incoming power supply, 1 pedalboard connection to base, 1 connection for shifter or handbrake
Thrustmaster T-GT 2 in brief
Design and ergonomics
Okay, in the box we find the wheel , which is strictly identical to that of the first T-GT. The T-Turbo power supply, also identical to its predecessor. The baseplate, which from an external point of view is very similar to its predecessor, apart from a few cosmetic details such as the logo and the gray plastic center instead of the old black plastic.
Externally, we’re looking at two products that seem to have come out of exactly the same molds.
The wheel is a mixture of plastic and genuine leather. The wide, mobile paddles are still sturdy and pleasant to the touch. Those who loved the first T-GT should be delighted. As for those who complained about the 28cm diameter steering wheel, well, they’ll have to buy another one.
The T3PA GT II pedalset
The new T3PA GT II pedalset doesn’t benefit from a particularly meticulous design. The base is plastic, with adjustable metal pedals for greater comfort. I’m also left a little disappointed by a pedalset that still doesn’t include a Load Cell on its brake pedal.
If you want more precision and realism, you’ll have to buy a T-LCM pedalset.
Incidentally, I find it surprising that Thrustmaster hasn’t directly integrated the T-LCM into its package. After all, the T-GT 2 is supposed to be the brand’s new flagship!
But I suppose that from a purely financial point of view, it’s better to sell a “basic” pedalboard and then make customers pay a second time to optimize their setups.
Note, however, that a simple press on the Mode button on the base allows you to reverse the gas pedal and clutch pedals. So, with a little DIY, you can put your pedalboard upright to get GT-style pedals.
Installing the Thrustmaster T-GT 2
Everything happens exactly as on the first T-GT. That is, with great simplicity and efficiency. The desk clamp is as practical as ever. The pedalboard’s grip on the floor is satisfactory, but if you’re on wooden floors, it’s best to prop it up against a wall to avoid having the pedals fly across the room at the first big brake stroke!
Console compatibility
The T-GT 2 boasts the distinction of being the first Thrustmaster steering wheel with an official Playstation 5 license. However, I’d like to reassure T-GT owners that your old steering wheel is also compatible with Sony’s latest console. You’ll also be able to use your steering wheel on PS4 and PC.
Comfort and feel
It’s time to see if the 23,000 hours of development time announced by the brand will make a difference… Or not!
After all, even if there’s virtually no difference between the old and new T-GTs, what counts are sensations and performance. And in this area, Thrustmaster has promised us a great deal, using abbreviations and cleverly marketed images.
T-LIN, T-F.O.C., T-MCE, T-Turbo, T-40VE… We already mentioned some abbreviations and their meanings in a previous article on the T-GT 2, but I’ll give you their descriptions right here:
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| T-40VE | Brushless belt-driven motor. |
| T-AEC-Q | Certified electronic circuits for theautomotive industry to extend component durability. |
| T-DCC | Real-time calculation of the force feedback curve to maintain steering wheel and car responsiveness whatever happens. |
| T-F.O.C | The engine reacts “dynamically” and quickly to torque increases while reducing power losses. |
| T-LIN | Transmits the force felt by the player as smoothly as possible in relation to that sent by the game. |
| T-MCE | Cooling system that manages torque increases while reducing power losses. |
| T-RTF | System that shortens force feedback calculation time to eliminate dead zones and latencies. |
| T-TURBO | Base power supply for 400-watt peak power. |
But what does this mean on the road?
Given that we’re dealing with the new official Gran Turismo steering wheel with features that are reserved for this game, all that’s left is to test the T-GT 2 in its natural element with Gran Turismo Sport!
Activating GT mode on the base activates the famous exclusive functions. As with the first T-GT, you can feel the grip of the tires and the quality of the road. I was unable to feel any noticeable difference brought about by the T-DCC module, which is supposed to improve steering wheel responsiveness. As for the T-RTF, there’s a slight improvement in force feedback calculation time. Again, nothing epic in itself, but the improvement is slightly noticeable.
Paradoxically, thereal difference is felt when GT mode is deactivated and you switch to another simulation. My test on Assetto Corsa (first of its kind) proved to me that Thrustmaster had indeed improved its base. Road roughness, mass transfer and grip are felt with much greater finesse than on the T-GT.
Customizing the Thrustmaster T-GT 2
When it comes to customization, the Thrustmaster ecosystem offers a wide range of choices.
First of all, a clutch pedal means a shifter. Buying a Thrustmaster Th8A box is a must.
Those who want to improve their sensations and their lap times can also take a look at the T-LCM pedalset with its Load Cell brake pedal. And let’s not forget the TSS Handbrake!
You can also change your steering wheel to a Formula Wheel Ferrari SF1000 Edition. The quality/price ratio of Thrustmaster wheels is always worth it, and allows you to vary your pleasures without alarming your banker.
Evolution or revolution?
The T-GT 2 is positioned as an evolution of its predecessor. It doesn’t bring any major changes in driving sensations, but it does offer a nice evolution in certain simus.
Clearly, if you already own a previous-generation T-GT, don’t bother. It will be more interesting to switch directly to a Direct Drive like the Fanatec CSL DD. The difference will be much more noticeable for a slightly lower price.
Where Thrustmaster seems to have spent a lot of time is on the durability and reliability of the steering wheel. The automotive-certified circuit boards(T-AEC-Q) attest to this commitment to creating a robust, reliable base. Unfortunately, we won’t know until several years from now whether this evolution has borne fruit!
My verdict on the Thrustmaster T-GT 2
