Gentlemen, start your engines

Edvarcl Heng | Oct 19, 2007

Have you ever pulled off a perfect drift? One that hugs the corner as tight as a baby monkey gripping its mama while the world spins past.

No? We don't blame you. After all, not everyone has the cash to pump into a real racing car, nor the skill to execute such a driving technique. But if you do feel the need for speed, then it's time to take a seat--in the D-Box GP-200.

However, this is not a car. It's a bucket seat that's been mod with five speakers and three hydraulic jacks. It simulates racing action onscreen, but the term is a misnomer. Pair it with a PC game like rFactor and you can almost feel the wind in your hair when you go full throttle.

Yet, for all the promised heart-pounding action, its price tag isn't for the faint-hearted. The S$24,000 sticker price means deep pockets are required. And don't even think of buying it as an expensive accessory for your game console. However, according to the Singapore distributor, there are cheaper options available (S$8,000 and S$12,000).

As of press time, there are only a few games that support the GP-200, such as the aforementioned rFactor and Microsoft's Flight Simulator X. However, as the chair is relatively new, it could be a matter of time before more games support motion output to the GP-200.