Review: Thrustmaster Ferrari Vibration GT Cockpit 458

Posted by: 2/22/2013

Thrustmaster GT Cockpit 3

Thrustmaster is known for making extremely well build and functional gaming accessories and peripherals – especially for racing games – and the Thrustmaster Ferrari Vibration GT Cockpit 458 Italia Edition is no different.

If you are into racing simulations or even arcade racers, you have probably played with the idea of getting a racing wheel for your desk or even to build a fully functioning cockpit for the game room or basement. In the past it has been sort of a hassle or chore to get the wheel and pedals and set it up wherever, especially for those of us who have busy lives or want to keep a neat living space.

Thrustmaster GT Cockpit 2

Thrustmasters has finally delivered a product that can fill exactly that requirement as it delivers a fully functioning and quality racing wheel and pedal setup combo that can easily be stored away as it is one adjustable unit.

The GT Cockpit comes with a base that includes the gas and break pedals, an adjustable wheel shaft and of course the 458 replica steering wheel with pedal shifters and the very cool Manettino dial which can be set up to allow for adjustments on the fly during a race.

There are vibration mechanisms in the base as well as the wheel which allow for a more immersion when playing games like DIRT 3, Formula 1 2012, Forza Horizon or PC Simulations like iRacing or rFactor. The wheel is compatible with the Xbox 360 and the PC but does not include PS3 support. The other missing things we would like to see in a wheel like this are a clutch and manual shifter but it just doesn’t fit with the concept of the Thrustmaster GT Cockpit being a convenient solution for the serious racing fan.

Thrustmaster GT Cockpit 4

The one other missing feature and possible downside to the GT Cockpit can be the missing force feedback but it certainly isn’t a reason to stay away from this wheel setup. Thrustmaster always has a certain level of quality in its products and it shows with the GT Cockpit. The base is heavy and sturdy enough to keep the wheel-stand combo in place even during aggressive driving sessions and provides nice vibration feedback to enhance the racing experience.

Thrustmaster GT Cockpit 1

The wheel itself is a 7/10 replica of the Ferrari F458 and feels nice to the touch and grip is never lost even with the unwanted ‘sweaty palms’ due to the added rubber surface. The wheel is sturdy and provides a good level of resistance even though the force feedback is missing. The buttons are functional and not overly flashy – the same goes for the Manettino dial and the pedal shifters.

Since this is a base, stand and wheel package it needed to have a stable and adjustable wheel-stand to connect the base to the actual wheel and Thrustmaster has done a good job here as well. I was able to tilt the stand and also adjust the length which allowed for a perfect fit no-matter if I sat on the couch or a chair.

Overall the Thrustmaster Ferrari Vibration GT Cockpit 458 Italia Edition is the nearly perfect fit for a mature gamer that doesn’t have the dedicated space for a racing wheel setup or wants to keep the living room clutter free as the GT Cockpit can easily be set up, stowed away or moved around without compromising on quality or functionality. The fit and finish is excellent with some visual touches to remind of the Ferrari 458.

Score: 8.5 / 10

The  Thrustmaster Ferrari Vibration GT Cockpit 458 Italia Edition was developed by Thrustmaster for Xbox 360 and PC. The final retail build was provided to us by Thrustmaster for reviewing purposes.

Images PC Reviews Videos Xbox