Logitech, Kenwood, VF Engineering - Gear

Logitech, Kenwood, VF Engineering - GearProduct Spotlight Logitech Driving Force GT wheel*The Gran Turismo 5 Prologue driving simulator stands alone when it comes to realism. Polyphony Digital (the game's developer) and Logitech wanted to make sure players felt the same way about the Driving Force GT steering wheel. Like a real F1 wheel, it provides the user with unprecedented control over vehicle functions.Located in the middle of the steering wheel is a 24-position dial designed for instantaneous adjustment of vehicle brake bias, traction and damper settings. In addition to such advanced features, there's a functional horn button that can be used while playing online, to harass other drivers while passing them.The 11-inch rubber over-mold wheel features a realistic steering range of 2.5 turns lock-to-lock. Combined with anti-backlash gearing, this offers a smooth, realistic experience with no dead zones. The kit also includes full-sized gas and brake pedals. For those who have mastered GT5 Prologue in automatic mode and want to step it up and give the manual shifter a try, the Driving Force GT gives two options of using a sequential shift stick or wheel-mounted paddles.Compared to a standard controller, it takes some getting used to. It's a completely different experience and driving is much more challenging. When using the standard item, you're pretty much disconnected from the consequences of poor driving, but the Driving Force GT steering wheel-with its force feedback system-ensures that every mistake will be felt. GT5 Prologue can be enjoyed without the Driving Force GT racing wheel, but at that point it's just a game. The wheel turns it into a true simulator and gives the proper experience intended by its developers. $149.99-Anthony GelinasLogitech 800.231.7717 www.logitech.comWheel Of The MonthRusstec wheels are forged in the Russian Federation on a 10,000-ton press and finished in the USA and Italy. The process, along with precise CNC milling, creates wheels that are both strong and light. Pictured is the Russtec R26, available in a brushed aluminum, chrome, or black finish with an optional carbon fiber lip. All wheels are available in diameters ranging from 19 to 22 inches. From $1,350Russtec800.535.8473 www.russtecwheels.comStoner's Invisible Glass Reach & Clean Tool is engineered to help achieve that coveted 'invisible' glass clarity faster and easier than ever before. Its pivoting head and 14-inch extending foam handle can access hard-to-reach areas, and the handle's end-cap unscrews, enabling it to be paired with a standard extension pole. The kit also includes three cleaning 'bonnets': terry cloth for general-purpose cleaning, microfiber for optimal mirror cleaning, and nylon mesh to tackle insects and other hard-to-remove grime. $14.95Stoner 800.227.5538 www.invisibleglass.comWhile the 2.0T gets all the attention, VW's torque-rich 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine (available in the Rabbit and Jetta) often goes overlooked by enthusiasts. VF Engineering's new intake for this application shows a claimed increase of 10 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque at the wheels. The intake pipes are powder-coated steel and incorporate welded junctions for factory hoses. The factory MAF housing is retained to avoid throwing pesky 'check engine' lights. The short ram design virtually eliminates the chance of hydro-lock, while a steel shroud shields the open-element air filter from engine heat.VF Engineering714.528.0066 www.vf-engineering.comBecause a car is kept in a garage doesn't mean it's totally safe from contaminants and dust build-up. California Car Cover Company's Dustop and Customweave covers are designed specifically for cars stored indoors. They're lightweight, easy to handle and feature super-soft linings to pamper a vehicle's paint. Customweave features a Lycra and Spandex knit with an exceptionally soft and cushiony feel, plus enough bulk to protect against dings and dents. Dustop covers weigh about 75 percent less than traditional flannel covers (though they're also substantial enough to guard against accidental nicks and dings) and feature the same soft lining. Dustop from $169.99; Customweave from $309.99California Car Cover Company800.423.5525 www.calcarcover.comFor those with $28,000 lying around and a car to splash it on, Premier4509 has developed an aero enhancement package for the Lamborghini Murcilago. This kit is limited to a production run of 300 and each will display a numbered plaque. Components include a full front bumper with boxed support system, side pods, rear bumper and an optional adjustable rear spoiler, all made from carbon fiber and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) handcrafted by experienced technicians. $28,000Premier4509 www.premier4509.comKenwood has announced three new DVD-capable mobile audio receivers for this year. The DDX712 double-DIN unit, pictured, features a generous 6.95-inch touch-screen display with a customizable start-up screen, three user-programmable skin selections and an updated graphic user interface. Reverse tilt and angle adjustments are available to match the angle of a particular vehicle's console. An iPod Direct USB Control function allows full iPod audio and video control directly from the touch-screen. The unit is nav-ready and incorporates one AV input, one AV output and a dedicated rear-view camera input. $800Kenwood310.639.9000 www.kenwoodusa.com Photo Gallery: Gear - Logitech Driving Force - European Car MagazineRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us