All Mt. Tiburon Testing Labs reports

Mt. Tiburon Testing Labs

The Logitech G25 Driving System and the BMW 320 E21 Mod for rFactor

By Ted Pollak

The Logitech G25 Racing System (Source: Logitech)

In a previous review we tested the Thrustmaster Rally GT Force Feedback Pro and it was an excellent performer for its price. With an enthusiast's amount of use almost any force feedback racing wheel will eventually fail in some way, and the Thrustmaster eventually lost the use of one of the paddle shifters. Still, based on the amount of abuse it took we will reiterate a big “thumbs up” for the Thrustmaster. The next step up in quality from the Rally GT Force Feedback Pro is the Logitech G25.

The G25 is a more than twice the price of the Thrustmaster but the increased quality is probably in line with this multiple. The company bills the G25 as the “world's first five-axis, three-pedal Force Feedback racing wheel and pedal set.” The wheel itself has a leather stitched cover and is made solidly of aluminum and stainless steel mounted on a plastic body. The mounting system is not as flexible as the Thrustmaster and potential purchasers should double check that the clamps can get around their desk or be willing to “customize” their desk. In my case a piece of wood did the trick. The G25 uses two force feedback motors, which increase the realistic feel of driving. Shifting is accomplished with either wheel mounted paddle shifters or by using the included shifter unit. There are fewer buttons on the wheel itself compared to the Thrustmaster but this is not much of an issue as Logitech chose to place the majority of buttons on the shifter unit. The shifter has a six speed gate with reverse gear, or can be changed to a sequential system which many race cars use today. Fifth gear can be tough to find but once you get used to it it's not a problem. The pedals have a satisfying, realistic resistance (i.e. light gas, heavy brake, medium clutch), and least one aftermarket company makes urethane inserts which can further customize the resistance levels of the G25 pedals.

So all in all; the Logitech G25 is probably the best mass market driving simulation peripheral system in the world. The only qualification I would add would be it's sturdiness through long time use. This system has only seen heavy use for about six months. At this stage, it still feels solid and promises years of more use. The system retails for $250 - $300.

The BMW 320 e21 Mod for rFactor

By Ted Pollak

Before computer managed engines, drive by wire controls, paddle shifters, and anti-lock braking systems, there was a time when racing was more raw and perhaps more authentic. In the late 1970's and early 1980's the BMW 320 E21 racing class was probably one of the final breeds in the era of non-wired motor sports. Known as the “flying brick” because of its boxy design this Beemer was powered by a Formula 2 engine tuned up to about 300 horsepower.

A mod maker know by the programming handle dmatzies has re-created this racing class in Image Space Incorporated's sim racing title rFactor and it is very nice work – giving sim drivers the immersive experience of piloting the “flying brick” on tracks around the world. Everything from the dashboard (See figure 3b) to the growling sound of the engine and fire spitting backfires are authentically reproduced. The mod has earned the coveted Hall of Fame rating on rfactorcentral.com and did so almost immediately after release.

BMW 320 E21 utilizes detailed models with high polygon counts despite the boxy design of the car's body. A good graphics solution is a must for this software to run smoothly on high settings but a two generation old enthusiast level AIB should do the trick for people running 1680 x 1050 and lower resolutions. At 1920 X 1200 I was able to maintain an “in-cockpit” average of 60 FPS using two Radeon X1950 XTX's in Crossfire configuration.

The G25 Driving system is a perfect mate for rFactor and there are many other mods and tracks being completed and released almost every month. So don't speed in the pits and if I see you out on the track….stay out of my way!

What do we think?

Thumbs up for the G25 and the BMW 320 E21 mod for rFactor

• Back to Top

• More Mt. Tiburon Testing Labs reports