Margin Makers: Guide to racing wheels and accessories

Project CARS, The Crew, DriveClub, Forza, F1: the grid is currently packed with driving titles revving for attention. MCV puts pedal to the metal in hot pursuit of the best racing wheels

The last six months have been full of innovative driving titles vying for players’ money, and the next year looks to be shifting things up a gear once again.

Long-awaited PlayStation 4 exclusive DriveClub was crowned the best-selling single-platform exclusive of last year, despite some early launch issues.Part of the game’s popularity stemmed from its common inclusion in PS4 bundles, leading to a 999 per cent increase in sales during Black Friday week in November.The title outsold racing rivals such as The Crew, Forza Horizon 2 and Forza Motorsport 5.

Xbox exclusive Forza Horizon 2 established itself as DriveClub’s main competitor of last year.The game recently received a Fast and Furious 7 spin-off on Xbox to tie in with the new rubber-burning film – meaning motor fanatics are likely to have returned to the game, and will be on the lookout for accessories.

Nintendo’s flagship racing series, Mario Kart, made its debut on Wii U last year.Mario Kart 8 became the fastest-selling Wii U title at the time, and re-ignited consumer interest in the console, influencing a 666 per cent rise in hardware sales. In January of this year, it was crowned the best-selling Wii U title to date.

This month finally sees the release of long-anticipated driving title Project CARS, after three delays.The simulation game has already catalysed interest in fans thanks to its graphical prowess and support for 12K resolutions on PC.

Racing fans will then be treated to the return of the realistic F1 franchise, with F1 2015 launching in early June.

Later in 2015, Need For Speed will make a return after last year saw the series take a break from new releases.

Beyond that, EA has already teased a new title from Burnout creator Criterion Games, which may resurface at E3.

Ferrari 458 Spider Racing Wheel

This 28cm wheel is an officially licensed 7:10 replica of the Ferrari 458 Spider’s racing wheel for Xbox One. The peripheral features comprehensive equipment for a variety of racing situations, including two paddle shifters, nine action buttons, one replica Ferrari Manettino dial, a D-Pad, the Xbox Guide button and a pairing detection LED for Kinect.

SRP: 79.99

Manufacturer: Thrustmaster

Distributor: Entatech

Contact: 0333 101 1000

T80 Racing Wheel

Fully compatible with both PS4 and PS3 thanks to a sliding switch, this wheel is coated with a rubber textured grip for better control. Accompanying the wheel is a large optimised pedal set with an adjustable angle of inclination for each pedal – the brake pedal also has progressive resistance. Players can fully program the wheel’s functions across its pedal set, two sequential levers, 11 action buttons and D-Pad.

SRP: 79.99

Manufacturer: Thrustmaster

Distributor: Entatech

Contact: 0333 101 1000

Simraceway SRW-S1Steering Wheel

Laden with buttons, toggles and switches, this is the ideal PC controller for racing simulation enthusiasts.

SRP: 99.99

Manufacturer: SteelSeries

Distributor: Exertis

Contact: 01279 822 822

Mad Catz Pro Racing ForceFeedback Wheel and Pedals

This robust wheel and pedal set for Xbox One is finished in premium leather and aluminium.

SRP: 349.99

Manufacturer: Mad Catz

Distributor: Mad Catz

Contact: reseller@madcatz.com

PS4 Officially Licensed Compact Racing Wheel

This minimalist controller add-on boosts immersion without the need for a bulky steering wheel peripheral.

SRP: 9.99

Manufacturer: 4Gamers

Distributor: A4T

Contact: 01204 369 230

Steering Wheel Stand

Compatible with most third-party wheels and pedals, this versatile stand is fully adjustable.

SRP: 49.99

Manufacturer: Wheel Stand Racing

Distributor: Wheel Stand Racing

Contact: wheelstandracing.com

Mario Kart 8 Racing Wheel

With room for a Wii Remote, this Mario-branded wheel can be used on both Wii and Wii U.

SRP: 9.99

Manufacturer: PowerA

Distributor: ILT Distribution

Contact: 0845 519 7053

Playseat Evolution Black

Modelled on a real racing cradle, the Playseat offers a more immersive experience for driving game fans on PC and console.

SRP: 229

Manufacturer: Playseats

Distributor: Playseats

Contact: playseat.com