Croydon, January 17th, 2002 — Since the launch of the Xbox video game system, Thrustmaster showed its technological advance in numerous occasions and is about to reiterate by releasing the 360 Modena® Force GT, the first wheel adding impressive force effects to the Xbox gamer.

“The strong power of Xbox is known by the entire gaming community so we wanted to offer a racing wheel with a power as incredible as Xbox’s one” says Jocelyn Denis, Product Development Manager, “The full range of features of the 360 Modena Force GT has been developed in order to bring the most astonishing driving experience on Xbox”.

In addition to be an exact replica of the 360 Modena wheel from Ferrari®, the 360 Modena Force GT produces powerful Force effects 100% compatible with all racing games. Its new Force mechanism will optimize the force feedback effects generated by Xbox games. The Force effects integrated into the game will be optimized, as never before, by this new Thrustmaster wheel. In fact, the gamer will have the possibility to choose between Force effects, vibration or no effect by turning the switch button. Gamers will not simply hear their engine roar, they will feel it too.

The choice between Force effects, vibration and no effect is the first example of a long series of programmable functions offered by the 360 Modena Force GT. Gamers will also be able to adjust the strength of the effects between powerful, optimized and realistic as well as the level of vibrations by simply pressing the rumble button on the wheel. Buttons mapping, wheel sensitivity and automatic back to center complete the variety of customizable features of the 360 Modena Force GT.

Its exclusive design with rubber texture and knee-top system will allow comfortable gameplay on a couch or a chair. The 360 Modena Force GT also includes two progressive wheel mounted levers to fully control acceleration and braking, 8 action buttons, an 8-way D-pad and sturdy analog foot pedals.

Availability
The 360 Modena® Force GT will be available at the start of February 2003 at a suggested retail price of £59.99.

Thrustmaster
Founded in 1992, Thrustmaster has earned a strong reputation for designing and developing the ultimate in flight and motor-sport simulation accessories. Thrustmaster’s technological and marketing expertise brings PC and console gamers perfectly adapted and innovative accessories as well as a complete range of products, including peripheral devices developed under the Xbox™ license.

Licensing agreements signed with prestigious brands such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™, Ferrari®, NASCAR®, Top Gun™, 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan™ and close cooperation with the US Air Force fortify Thrustmaster’s commitment to quality, excellence and industry-leading innovation. These qualities act as Thrustmaster’s guiding force in its quest to satisfy the international gaming community. Thrustmaster has been a division of Guillemot Corporation since 1999.

Guillemot Corporation designs and manufactures a complete range of PC hardware products and PC and gaming console accessories, under the Hercules and Thrustmaster brand names. With an active presence in 17 countries, the group currently distributes its products throughout 45 countries, in total. The Group’s mission is to provide innovative, high-quality products which increase the sensations and pleasure that gamers get from their games. Guillemot Corporation is listed on the Paris Stock Exchange, Sicovam code 6672. For further information, please visit our web site at http://www.thrustmaster.com.

© Guillemot Corporation 2002. Thrustmasterâ is registered trademarks of Guillemot Corporation SA. Ferrari® and 360 Modena® are trademarks of Ferrari S.p.A. Xbox™ is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved. Photos not binding. Contents, designs and specifications are subject to change without notice and may vary from one country to another.