Last August, at Gamescom 2024, Thrustmaster presented a new DD base for PC and Playstation, but kept it well hidden from view so as not to dampen the hype. Today, the veil has been lifted, and Thrustmaster is finally giving us some news about its new base: the T598.

Thrustmaster’s new base: the T598

The T598 is Thrustmaster’s entry-level Direct Drive base, positioned below the T818. This base is part of a bundle including a new steering wheel and the Raceline LTE pedalboard, which we already saw at Gamescom 2024.

The T598 incorporates a new type of Direct Drive motor: the Direct Axial Drive. This is not exactly new technology, but it is making its debut in sim-racing. Traditionally, DD bases use a radial flux motor, where the magnetic field is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the electric motor. On an axial flux motor, the magnetic field is parallel to the axis of rotation. This technology has its advantages, such as better heat management, a smaller footprint, greater efficiency, less material used and also high responsiveness and the virtual elimination of cogging, or parasitic axis movements.

Technically speaking, the T598 spits out 10 nm of peak torque thanks to 100% engine overshoot. This means that the motor develops 5 nm of constant torque, and that’s a good thing, because the T598 finds itself rather alone in its segment against the competition. In fact, many brands now offer Direct Drive bases with constant rather than peak torque.

Overshoot is an undesirable effect of axial flux motors, and Thrustmaster exploits this to its advantage. Another negative aspect of its motors is the resonance effect, which is also exploited to provide additional feedback.

Sportcar Steering Wheel

With this bundle, Thrustmaster brings us a new steering wheel to go with it. It’s 30 cm in diameter, with magnetic paddles and a rubber and carbon-fiber finish on the faceplate. Honestly, the wheel looks good with its red accents. It’s not super flashy, and seems to be ergonomically designed with buttons on the outside of the faceplate.

Raceline Pedals LTE

We already talked about this pedalboard when it was presented at Gamescom last August. But to refresh memories, this is a brand-new device that will eventually replace Thrustmaster’s T3P series(T3PA, T3PM) and even the T-LCM, thanks to a modular kit architecture.

T598 price and availability

Let’s finish with price and availability. The T598 bundle is priced at €500, which is very attractive compared with the competition from Moza and Fanatec. As for availability, the bundle will be delivered at the end of November if you pre-order now. Attention: limited stock for Europe!