Logitech Gets [Formula One] Wheels.
The PC device manufacturer announced two new PC racing steering wheels, the WingMan Formula, and the force-feedback WingMan Formula Force
"...The WingMan Formula will offer a wheel with a textured rubber wheel with four programmable buttons on the front of the steering wheel that will let drivers set custom options and adapt them to each race or track.
The WingMan Formula Force racing system, which also will have the four programmable buttons, features a steel cable drive transmission based on I-FORCE a force feedback technology licensed from Immersion Corp. Logitech says this will give its wheel a more realistic feel and better precision than gear-based wheels.
Both systems provide the styling of an open wheel race car, as well as built-in dual clamps designed to hold the steering assembly firmly in place on any desk or table during races. Racers driving in manual transmission mode can change gears on the fly with the two wheel-mounted paddle shifters. In automatic mode, the paddle shifters act as programmable buttons.
Both wheels also come with a gas and brake pedal set, with springs in the pedals to provide feedback when pressed, and a dead pedal foot rest to let drivers keep their foot by the brake for fast stops. This pedal system was designed to be comfortable for drivers sitting in a normal desk chair.
"WingMan(R) Formula(TM) and WingMan Formula Force allow PC racers to choose from two high-precision driving systems, based on their level of driving experience, how they want to drive, and the simulations they are using," said Fred Swan, Logitech's director of marketing for entertainment. "WingMan Formula Force incorporates Immersion's award-winning I-FORCE(R) 2.0 technology, which was developed for high-end aerospace, medical and military simulations. We believe that our low-friction, high-fidelity Force Cable Drive technology takes drivers as close to a real racing experience as they can get on a PC today, and without taking expensive high-speed turns in the cockpit of a Formula One car."
Both wheels will have bundled software, too. F1 Racing Simulation from Ubisoft, and Motorhead from Gremlin will come with the wheel sets.
Both will be available in early fall from Logitech dealers and distributors, with WingMan Formula carrying a street price of approximately $100, while WingMan Formula Force will sell for about $180..."
© [August 24] 1998 NEXT GENERATION Online next-generation.com
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