I have long liked the Ferrari 488 GT3 steering wheel’s shape. With Thrustmaster’s replica, I mainly wanted to assess grip and integration with the T818 rather than repeat a complete wheelbase review. Its 31 cm diameter and large grips suit me very well. Some controls and LED support nevertheless leave reservations in the version tested.
Choosing and installing the connection
The kit provides two attachment systems: one for the T818 and another for Thrustmaster bases with the older screw-type connection. I install the T818 version here. The internal connectors and instructions identify the appropriate connection, then Torx screws secure it to the back of the wheel.
The back also exposes a USB port. In this presentation, it becomes the starting point for the adapter project shown at the end.
Closing the latch requires a firm push. On my example, I do not feel play between wheel and base. When I load the assembly, the cockpit support starts moving before that joint does, so the rigidity of the installation affects the final impression.
Large grips and well-placed controls
The glossy carbon front suits the replica’s appearance. The grip shape particularly convinces me. With my large hands, the wheel feels comfortable and natural to hold for longer sessions.
The eleven buttons are already labelled and adequately spaced. They are not backlit. The thumb encoders sit where my thumbs can operate them with little risk of accidental rotation during steering.
I would prefer more resistance from the two central rotary controls, whose detents feel light to me. For brake balance, I found a comfortable arrangement by separating decrease and increase across the two thumb controls rather than managing both directions with one.
Straightforward but enjoyable paddles
The magnetic shift paddles are adjustable. Their action feels precise and light, without significant resonance through the wheel body. Supplied pads reduce the sound; the video compares them before and after fitting.
There are no analogue clutch paddles. I usually enjoy controls that can be operated with one hand, but their absence did not particularly bother me in these races. The replica’s appeal and ergonomics take precedence over my usual preferences here.
Display information and the T818 experience
There is no built-in screen. I do not miss it when the car’s dashboard is already readable on my monitors. Four LEDs provide additional information, and their brightness and operating mode can be adjusted with the wheel controls.
Telemetry support is incomplete in the software used for this 2024 test, however. I particularly note the missing expected feedback in Assetto Corsa and rFactor 2. I do not treat a future update as guaranteed.
With the T818, I retain the precise, fairly organic force feedback I already enjoy. The new wheel mainly changes my physical contact with the car. As a bonus, I show an adapter I designed for a 70 mm connection and independent USB, tried on an Alpha Mini; the conversion details are left for another topic.
What we liked
- Generous grips, the replica’s shape and well-spaced controls.
- Precise adjustable paddles with supplied noise-reduction pads.
- No connection play observed on my T818.
What we liked less
- Rotary controls that feel too light to me.
- No clutch paddles and telemetry limitations at the time of testing.
