Racing simulation specialist Thrustmaster has announced its return as an official partner of the Gran Turismo World Series, unveiling the T-GT III, its fifth officially licensed Gran Turismo steering wheel.

Developed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, the new racing wheel introduces direct-drive technology, advanced haptic feedback and a load-cell pedal set designed to bring virtual driving closer to the real thing.

The announcement marks another milestone in Thrustmaster’s 16-year collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the developer behind the iconic Gran Turismo franchise.

At the heart of the T-GT III is Thrustmaster’s Direct Axial Drive architecture, designed to deliver more precise and responsive force feedback.

The system produces a constant 5 Nm of torque, with peak output reaching 10 Nm, allowing drivers to experience subtle changes in road surfaces, vehicle handling and racing conditions.

Thrustmaster has also introduced its Harmony technology, which adds high-frequency haptic effects intended to reproduce sensations beyond traditional steering resistance.

Two new features are designed specifically for the Gran Turismo experience:

• GEAR JOLT: Simulates the physical sensation of individual gear changes.
• ENGINE ROAR: Reproduces engine vibrations that respond dynamically to RPM changes.

Together, these technologies aim to make the experience of driving a virtual racing car feel considerably more convincing.

Designed for serious sim racers

The T-GT III package includes a leather-finished steering wheel with four rotary encoders mapped directly to Gran Turismo controls.

It also introduces the first native load-cell pedal set in Thrustmaster’s Gran Turismo racing wheel range, providing braking feedback based on applied pressure rather than pedal travel alone.

This approach is particularly valuable for competitive sim racers, where consistent braking and precise control can make the difference between winning and losing.

Thrustmaster says the system will continue evolving through firmware and software updates, keeping pace with future Gran Turismo 7 developments.

A partnership spanning 16 years

Thrustmaster and Polyphony Digital have collaborated on racing simulation hardware since 2010, producing several generations of officially licensed steering wheels.

Previous milestones include the T500RS GT Edition in 2011, the T300RS GT Edition in 2016 and the original T-GT series in 2017.

The companies also worked together during Thrustmaster’s previous tenure as official hardware partner of the Gran Turismo World Series between 2018 and 2020, as well as the Olympic Esports Series in Singapore in 2023.

Kazunori Yamauchi, producer of the Gran Turismo series, welcomed the renewed partnership:

“We are delighted to welcome them as partners of Gran Turismo World Series.”

For Thrustmaster, the announcement represents an opportunity to build on that history while introducing technologies designed for increasingly sophisticated racing simulations.

Pricing and availability

The Thrustmaster T-GT III bundle will launch on December 3, 2026, with worldwide availability expected before Christmas.

Recommended retail prices are:

• United States: $749.99
• United Kingdom: £649.99
• Europe: €699.99
• Japan: ¥119,000

The launch also coincides with Gran Turismo 7’s upcoming Spec IV update, scheduled for release in two stages during October and December 2026.

As racing simulators continue to blur the boundaries between gaming and motorsport, the T-GT III demonstrates how increasingly sophisticated hardware is helping bring professional-grade driving experiences into the home.

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