There are those that take modding to the extreme. Take for instance case modding. Search around the internet for “PC Case Mods” and you’ll get all kinds of extreme mod cases from Doom III-inspired cases to PC innards submerged in mineral oil for noise-less cooling. This is the same with game controllers, specifically when it comes to racing wheels [video] and flight controllers. Again, a simple search on the internet shows you how extreme people will to to just get a fully immersive experience.
These mods are not exclusive to PCs. As is the one we are featuring. This Mitsubishi Evolution X mod is courtesy of Mitsubishi as it is on display at the Mitsubishi Expo in SM Mall of Asia. This Evolution X has been gutted into a full racing wheel “cockpit” for the PlayStation 3 to play Gran Turismo 5. The engine has been removed and in its place are two PS3s; one for English-speaking countries while another for those that primarily speak Chinese. Also under the hood is a separate steering wheel that is connected to the front wheels which helps in moving the Evo X to position. At the trunk are two transformers for the different wattages so that the car can be powered from any country.
Inside the cabin, there isn’t anything suspiciously out of place. To the casual observer, it looks like a normal sedan cabin. Even in the Driver’s seat, it feels very ordinary, except for the big LCD TV displaying Gran Turismo 5. Since I was already in the driver’s seat, it was only natural to give the Evo X controller a go. As Arlan Reyes of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation points out, the gear stick doesn’t work, instead gear changes are handled by the shift pedals behind the steering wheel. As for foot pedals, they work as the acceleration and brakes for the game. The actually feel natural, which is pretty obvious since they are from the real Evo X. The steering wheel is also the actual wheel of the Evo X. both wheel and pedals are connected to a box under the hood that translates the inputs to the PS3. The box also controls the feedback to the steering wheel.
While the game is being displayed on the LCD TV in front of the car, the sounds are actually being pumped through the Evo X’s entertainment system. Playing the game is a very meta experience especially for someone who has driven for most of his life. I know that I am playing a game, but using the Evo X as a “controller” brings it that much closer to reality without the dangers of having an actual accident.
As you might surmise, this Mitsubishi Evolution X is being displayed around the world for Mitsubishi. For the meantime, this ultimate driving controller is at the Mitsubishi Expo at the SM Mall of Asia near the SM Science and Discovery Center. Also on display at the Mitsubishi Expo are the manufacturer’s latest offerings including the ASX, Montero Sport, Lancer GT-A, and more including a replica of the Rally Truck used by the Mitsubishi Motorsports at the Dakar Rally. Get a hands on this over the top racing wheel before the Expo ends on Sunday, May 15.
*Special thanks to Arlan Reyes of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. for a tour of this one of a kind racing wheel.
