For nearly two years, Carlos Sainz’s name lingered among Ferrari enthusiasts, tied to a unique record. His achievement was eventually eclipsed by Lewis Hamilton’s strategic victory in Barcelona, marking Ferrari’s return to Grand Prix glory. To celebrate a different Ferrari triumph—its 2023 Le Mans victory—Thrustmaster unveils the Ferrari 499P Centenary Winner Edition wheel, an exact replica of the ground-breaking car’s controls. Limited to 499 pieces and priced at €851, this wheel is both a functional racing simulator and a historical artifact.
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This 1:1 replica doesn’t just pay homage to Ferrari’s legacy; it encapsulates the anticipation that surrounds the iconic marque. The wheel features seven programmable encoders, a live telemetry display, and a carbon fiber backplate, setting a high standard for design and performance. It stands as a testament to Ferrari’s penchant for dramatic comebacks.
A Technical Marvel
The center of the wheel boasts a 4.3-inch display that brings 140 telemetry parameters to your fingertips. This is flanked by LEDs for RPM and flag status, mirroring the real Ferrari 499P dashboard. The iconic yellow engine map dial, emblazoned with the emblematic Prancing Horse, serves as a focal point. This complex arrangement includes controls for brake bias, fuel strategy, and traction control, each meticulously designed to echo the needs of a professional driver.
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Behind the Wheel
Flip the wheel, and the hand-applied carbon fiber backplate reveals six paddles—two carbon fiber shifters and four metal units that emulate the 499P layout. These components provide mechanical resistance, emphasizing quality over a toy-like experience. This attention to detail, down to the matching screws, embodies the craftsmanship expected from a team celebrated for its Le Mans achievements.
Each unit comes on a steel display stand, engraved with the 499P and Le Mans centenary logos, signaling its dual purpose as both a display piece and a functional accessory. Included are two A3 posters—one an official Le Mans print, the other a technical blueprint of the wheel. Thrustmaster further embellishes the package with the Le Mans Ultimate game, bringing digital excitement to Ferrari fans at home.
Thrustmaster’s latest creation arrived right as Ferrari enjoyed an on-track renaissance, cementing its legacy of overcoming self-imposed droughts with style and resilience. Whether it’s for a gaming rig or a collector’s showcase, this piece is a tangible yet nostalgic fragment of Ferrari’s storied history, poised for more victories in the near future.
Source: yankodesign.com