A quick release system is supposed to do what it says on the tin – quickly release sim racing steering wheels from the wheel base, allowing for seamless swapping of devices.
Except, Thrustmaster’s prior system involved finding a screwdriver. In the meantime, other manufacturers invented ever-slicker ways to simply ‘pop’ wheels on and off.
This changed when in 2022, the American-French gaming peripheral creators released its first direct drive wheel base – the T818.
It was also the springboard for a new, screwdriver-less, quick release system, and came bundled with a Quick Release Adapter for existing wheels equipped with the old system. It wasn’t a permanent change, per se, but rather something that would mask the old style of affixation.
Since then, all subsequent new wheels launched – the Ferrari 488 GT3 and EVO Racing 32R wheel hub – have the new system built in.
Now, the Quick Release Upgrade has been announced. This small unit converts older wheels to be natively upgraded to the contermpoary quick release system.
This does not apply to every device Thrustmaster has ever made, but rather to the 10 listed below. Switching does require unscrewing old parts to be replaced by new ones.
This means there are two methods available. The existing Quick Release Adapter, for wheels such as the Ferrari F1-aping SF1000, covers the existing quick release system in something analogous to a shaft extension.
Or, the new Quick Release Upgrade which removes the old quick release system entirely from the wheel, and replaces it with the latest design.
This latest range addition is part two of the company’s so-called ‘new era’, following the unveiling of its Raceline Pedals. We recently tested a prototype direct drive wheel base, which we presume also uses this latest quick release system.
Wheels compatible with Thrustmaster Quick Release Upgrade
- T300 Ferrari Alcantarara Wheel
- TM Leather 28 GT Weel Add-ON
- TM Open Wheel
- Ferrari GTE Wheel Add-on Ferrari 458 Challenge Edition
- 599XX EVO 30 Wheel Add-On Alcantara Edition
- Rally Wheel Add-On Sparco R383 Mod
- TM Competition Wheel Add-On Sparco P310 Mod
- Ferrari 488 Challenge Wheel
- T500 RS Wheel
- TX Racing Wheel Leather
