Fanatec Releases Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2 Wheel For Playstation3 and PC

Even though we don’t have high hopes of Gran Turismo 5 hitting the shelves anytime soon, we’re a tad bit thrilled to see that Fanatec has upgraded their Porsche 911 GT3 RS steering wheel to accompany Gran Turismo 5 and other future-gen games.

We actually have our own Porsche 911 GT3 RS unit sitting here at the office that keeps us entertained from time to time. It’s probably the highest quality steering wheel/shifter/pedal combination out in the market. For those not in the know, Fanatec’s products are also cross-platform allowing you to use it on the Sony Playstation3 and PC. Oddly enough, the original GT3 RS we have works on the Xbox360 as well, but this release is confined to the PS3 and PC. We might have to do some digging to see if the V2 works for Microsoft’s console as well.

But regardless of compatibility, Fanatec’s products boast legitimate Porsche licensing with even a Porsche-styled USB key in the package. The aluminum ClubSport pedals feature a pressure-sensitive brake sensor and ABS-simulated vibration under braking. And since we’ve had a chance to experience it first hand, we’ll be more than glad to tell you all how realistic the experience is.

So if you’re looking for the best substitute to racing out on the track, Fanatec offers the wheel alone for $179.95, while the package including the aluminum ClubSport pedals is $319.95. We highly recommend upgrading to the aluminum pedal option, it’s definitely worth every penny. And for those with the V1 of the 911 GT3 RS wheel, like us, Fanatec is offering an upgrade kit for $40. But there’s a lot of DIY involved with the $40 kit, and since we just want to play, we’ll pay the extra $30 to have it done by Fanatec themselves. Grand total of $70 and we’re set for GT5 and the future!

The official press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2

FANATEC® INTRODUCES PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS V2 FOR PLAYSTATION 3 AND PC

Wheel Available in Two Versions with Immediate Delivery

(Landshut, Germany) – June 8th, 2010 – Fanatec®, a leading brand of high-end input devices for game consoles and PCs, today announced a major upgrade on it’s Porsche 911 GT3 RS racing wheel. The completely revised “V2” version is available now at www.fanatec.com as stand alone wheel or in combination with the famous ClubSport pedals.

The version 2 is now fully compatible to PlayStation 3 racing games which support Force Feedback and the new features especially support the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 racing game for PlayStation 3.

You can now chose between 3 different styles of paddle shifters including the new ClubSport paddle shifter made of aluminum. The electronics are completely new and are now based on the more powerful and precise electronics of the 911 Turbo S wheel. The TUNING function will offer more features like the unique adjustable ABS vibration function for brake pedal and wheel which works with any game.

The wheel is sold separately and can be operated with G25 pedals (adapter optional) at a MSRP of 179,95 USD / EURO and the Clubsport edition with ClubSport pedals is available for 319,95 USD / EURO.

As a special service for existing owners of a GT3 RS wheel it is even possible to upgrade existing wheels for just 40 USD / EURO. Details can be found on www.911wheel.com.

NEW features include:

For detailed information, images and pricing on all three wheels, go to http://www.fanatec.de/html/index.php?id=230&lang=en

About Fanatec

Fanatec is a leading brand of high-end input devices for game consoles (PlayStation® 2/PlayStation® 3/Xbox®/Xbox® 360™) and PCs. Designed and manufactured by parent company ENDOR AG, the brand’s focus is centered solely on offering highly innovative and highly functional products designed to enhance and maximize the gaming experience. The brand is sold in Asia, Australia and Europe through distributors and in the U.S. directly through its ENDOR AG USA LLC subsidiary. Headquartered in Landshut, Germany, ENDOR AG was founded in 1997. To learn more about the Fanatec lineup of products, visit www.fanatec.com or visit the community website at www.911wheel.com