Thrustmaster T500 RS

Thrustmaster has launched a new racing wheel for the PlayStation 3 and the PC, the Thrustmaster T500 RS.

The sequential gear levers mounted on the base feature large 17cm levers that are constantly accessible without letting go of the wheel. The wheel can be rotated to 1080°. Metal Pedal Set is made from 100% metal pedal set with fully adjustable and accommodate individual driving preferences by offering 2 positions “floor-mounted” F1 style, or “suspended” GT style.

The T500 RS employs the same technology developed for the world’s latest benchmark flight stick, the HOTAS WARTHOG™. The magnetic sensor-based H.E.A.R.T HallEffect AccuRate Technology™ is incorporated into the wheel’s steering mechanism.

Thrustmaster T500 RS will be available on January 5 in North America and Europe and on January 25 in Japan, at a suggested retail price of $599.99 / £449.99 / €499.99

World Super GT 2 – WIP video

Team RMT has released a new preview video of World Super GT 2 mod for rFactor 2. Video is showing modern cars from 2010 series Super GT GT500 and also legendary GT cars from 90's.

rFactor - Targa Florio new preview video

6e66o has released preview video of legendary race track Targa Florio made for rFactor. This was a practice lap on testday, race session obviously has all the spectators on the side of the road.

Track located on Italian island of Sicily has 72 km, so 6e66o had to split the video into 3 parts. It was originally created for Grand Prix Legends, but the Targa Florio Conversion Team is working on bringing the legendary Italian track to rFactor.

(part 1, part 2, part 3)

netKar PRO - Preview Trento-Bondone

Kunos Simulazioni has released new preview screenshots of the new hillclimb track Trento-Bondone for their netKar Pro simulation.

Trento-Bondone and the Osella Osella PA-21 hillclimb car will be available in a few days. Licence for netKar PRO will costs €14.90.

InsideSimRacing.tv - KOR-FX and Perfect Pedal for G27

InsideSimRacing.tv presents a short video about a new audio device called the KOR-FX. This is something that attaches to your neck and sends sounds waves into your "core". Shaun interviews the inventor Shahriar Afshar about how he came up with the idea, how it works and when it will be available.

InsideSimRacing.tv  also presents a short video of the Perfect Pedal. Shaun got one, installed and put it on the revs scale along with some Pros & Cons. Check out what Shaun thought and if it's worth the expense to upgrade.

Live for Speed - Progress report

Live for Speed developer Scawen Roberts has released the progress of Live for Speed’s upcoming new tyre model:

Dear LFS Racers,

We hope you have had a good year.

The stable Z28 has been the latest version for a long time now, while we have been working on things for the long term future of LFS. As many of you know, the tyre physics system is being updated so all the cars will behave that bit closer to reality. It has proved to be a challenging and unpredictable project, involving a lot of studying, mathematics, testing and rewriting.

Read more at www.lfs.net

iRacing.com - Real vs. Virtual - Spa-Francorschamps

EvilSamiad has released the comparison video of real and virtual Spa-Francorschamps race track in iRacing.com simulation. It is a showcase of the amazingly accurate iRacing tracks with real world photography.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most famous and beautiful race tracks in the world. The 7km long circuit is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is considered to be one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 - Diary Part I: The Road to Ibiza

Atari has released a developer diary video of their upcoming Test Drive Unlimited 2 racing game. A look at some of the licensed cars in the game and the open online world, along with what makes TDU2 different from the original.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is set on the island of Ibiza. The developers at Eden Studios used actual topographic information to design the environment and recreated a number of the island's towns in detail. All the road networks are designed to be as true to life as possible, so players will feel like they're really racing on Ibiza itself. The island has a full day/night cycle (and weather effects!) which spans approximately two hours, so players will be driving their cars of choice through rainy nights and brilliant sunsets.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is scheduled for release on February 8th, 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

DiRT 3 - Gymkhana Trailer Video

See DiRT 3's incredible all-new Gymkhana game mode in action in the stunning DC Compound Gymkhana Trailer video, captured entirely from in-game footage. In the video Ken Block's Gymkhana THREE Ford Fiesta powerslides under lorries, crashes through boxes and leaps across huge jumps in a breathtaking, tyre-shredding masterclass of car control.

Inspired by the 90 million plus views video series inspired by Ken Block, DiRT 3 Technical Consultant, the gymkhana mode lets you unleash your inner hoonigan as you perform stunts and jumps in purpose built arenas. Express yourself in freestyle sessions or complete courses by performing spectacular stunts, racking up combos and chaining style points. You can also play or compete in online multiplayer and become a gymkhana stars by uploading your most spectacular runs direct to YouTube. Welcome to Gymkhana - a new kind of awesome.

iRacing.com - World's Fastest Alien

iRacing member and 2010 Drivers World Champion, Gregger Huttu, test drives a Skip Barber F2000 and a Star Mazda. Leading up to the test day at Road Atlanta, Gregger had never left his home in Finland or ever driven a racecar. Watch Gregger's amazing story, captured in two parts right here on Youtube. Visit iRacing.com and join the fastest growing live, online, internet racing game. Maybe you will be next year's world fastest alien.

Game of the Year Awards 2010 - Best Racing Game

GameTrailers.com has released a video showing a Game of the Year Awards 2010.

This year saw the release of several long-awaited franchise updates as well as some newcomers jumping into the fray, but there can only be one winner! Find out which game takes the gold in the GameTrailers Game of the Year Award for Best Racing Game!

Test Drive Unlimited 2 - Houses and Audi Trailer

Atari has released new trailers of their upcoming racing game Test Drive Unlimited 2 showing some exotic houses and Audi cars.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is set on the island of Ibiza. The developers at Eden Studios used actual topographic information to design the environment and recreated a number of the island's towns in detail. All the road networks are designed to be as true to life as possible, so players will feel like they're really racing on Ibiza itself. The island has a full day/night cycle (and weather effects!) which spans approximately two hours, so players will be driving their cars of choice through rainy nights and brilliant sunsets.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is scheduled for release on February 8th, 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

iRacing.com - Spa-Francorchamps Preview Video

iRacing.com has released a preview video of the Belgian race track Spa-Francorchamps for their simulation. It will be available for purchase on December 23rd, 2010.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most famous and beautiful race tracks in the world. The 7km long circuit is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is considered to be one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans.

Colin McRae DiRT 3 - Gymkhana Developer Diary

A new developer diary video spoted about DiRT 3 the well known Rally and racing game showing us Ken block talk about the new Gymkhana mode. Ken Block talks about his love of Gymkhana in this behind-the-scenes look at DiRT 3.

DiRT 3 will feature over 50 cars that can be raced on over 100 stages. It will also offer the '70s cars such as the Lancia Stratos, the famously fierce Group B cars of the mid-80s are represented by Quattro S1, RS2000 and Peugeot 205 among others. The '90s gives us the Toyota Celica, the Lancia Delta Integrale or Colin McRae's Subaru Impreza.

Colin McRae DiRT 3 is scheduled for release in 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

iRacing.com - Spa-Francorchamps Preview Images

iRacing.com has released a preview screenshots of the Belgian race track Spa-Francorchamps for their simulation. It will be available for purchase on next week.

Spa-Francorchamps is one of the most famous and beautiful race tracks in the world. The 7km long circuit is the venue of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix and the Spa 24 Hours endurance race. It is considered to be one of the most challenging race tracks in the world, mainly due to its fast, hilly and twisty nature. Spa is a favourite circuit of many racing drivers and fans.

iRacing.com - Extra Credit

Just in time for the holidays iRacing is offering extra credits when you purchase $20 or $75 worth of credits.
 

Save 25% - Buy $20 of iRacing Dollars and you will get $5 in bonus iRacing credits – Promo Code PR-FREECREDIT5

Or

Save 33% - Buy $75 of iRacing Dollars and you will get $25 in bonus iRacing credits – Promo Code PR-FREECREDIT25

To take advantage of these offers all you need to do is:

1. Click on ‘View Cart’ on the iRacing.com member site
2. Enter promo code PR-FREECREDIT5 or PR-FREECREDIT25 and click ‘Apply’
3. Follow the rest of the check out instructions and your account will be credited with the appropriate iRacing Dollars and iRacing Credits

Offer valid through 12.31.10. Member may use each promo code only once.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 - Exclusive Multiplayer Modes Trailer

Atari has released a new trailer of their upcoming racing game Test Drive Unlimited 2 highlighting the game’s multiplayer features.

Pit yourself or your club against others in the multiplayer modes of Test Drive Unlimited 2!

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is set on the island of Ibiza. The developers at Eden Studios used actual topographic information to design the environment and recreated a number of the island's towns in detail. All the road networks are designed to be as true to life as possible, so players will feel like they're really racing on Ibiza itself. The island has a full day/night cycle (and weather effects!) which spans approximately two hours, so players will be driving their cars of choice through rainy nights and brilliant sunsets.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is scheduled for release on February 8th 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Gran Turismo 5 - Features Trailer

Check out this trailer for the newest features to be found in Gran Turismo 5, the latest installment in the best-selling racing franchise exclusively for Playstation 3.

Gran Turismo returns with the most realistic and complete racing experience. An unprecedented collection of over 1,000 meticulously detailed cars, complete with robust online racing and community features, and just about every style of racing imaginable, including road, rally, drift, kart, and select NASCAR cars--all in Gran Turismo's signature cutting-edge graphics.

InsideSimRacing: Episode 92

InsideSimRacing.tv has released a new episode 92.  This show includes a first look at the full release version of Gran Turismo 5. Tom Haake takes you on a tour of the features, while Darin and Shaun point out the good the bad and the ugly. They also cover what wheel work and what wheels wont. They also have "The Pit Stop" with Jessica Lopez with the latest sim racing news. And to top things off Top Sim Cars will add 2 cars from GT5 to the list.

Forza Motorsport 4 - Exclusive Debut Trailer

Microsoft and Turn 10 have released the first trailer for Forza Motorsport 4 which will launch on Xbox 360 in fall 2011, 2 years after Forza Motorsport 3 was released. The next installment in the Forza Motorsport series will feature support for Kinect.

iRacing.com - Preview video Street Stock

iRacing.com has released a preview video of the upcoming racing car Street Stock. The It will be available to all members for free on December 23rd, 2010. To race the Street Stock online against your friends, go to www.iracing.com to learn more about iRacing!

iRacing.com - NASCAR Promotion

iRacing.com is offering 3-Months Membership + Chevy Impala SS + Daytona International Speedway + Talladega Superspeedway for only $35 or 12-Months Membership + Chevy Impala SS + Daytona International Speedway + Talladega Superspeedway for only $75! That’s a savings of 50%! Also included in the membership:

* Unlimited head-to-head racing and open practice 24/7 in the world’s premier online sim racing service
* 5 Cars and 8 tracks with 15 configurations modeled flawlessly after their real-world counterparts
* Rookie road and oval licenses to start your online racing career
* Customizable race leagues or fun race sessions for you and your friends, using any car and track combination
* Our interactive iRacing video driving school

For the activation of the 3-Months Membership use this link or enter “PR-CarbCup3” on the Subscription page. For the activation of the 12-Months Membership use this link or enter “PR-CarbCup12” on the Subscription page.Offer valid for new accounts only. It expires 06/30/2011.

Raceroom The Game - Released

SimBin has released their new racing game RaceRoom The Game. The game is free of charge and only requires you to register as a member on RaceRoom.net Online to play.

The game contains three different variations of one of world’s most famous racing circuit - Hockenheim. Drivers will be able to race two exiting and very different cars. The Formula RaceRoom which is the fastest ever formula car from SimBin, and solid “American Muscle” in the form of the powerful Chevrolet Camaro.

iRacing Today – Episode 19

Trevor: "This week I was lucky enough to have the chance to talk with Landon Cassill about the upcoming qualifying challenge that he is running.  It was a great look at how an up and coming racer is using iRacing to hone his craft.  I hope you enjoy it."

Listen the episode 19 at iracingtoday.com

Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit - Super Cars Pack Trailer

EA Games have released a new trailer to announce the forthcoming Need For Speed Hot Pursuit premium Super Sports Pack. This DLC pack expands the Need For Speed world to include new events, new trophies and achievements and perhaps most importantly, some very sexy new cars – Bugatti Veyron SS, Porsche 911 GT2 and Gumpert Apollo.

From Criterion, the award-winning studio behind the Burnout series, Hot Pursuit will redefine racing games for a whole new generation. You'll experience stunning speeds, takedowns, and getaways as you battle your friends in the most connected Need for Speed game ever. Through Need for Speed Autolog and its innovative approach to connected social competition, your Hot Pursuit experience will extend beyond the console onto the web, constantly moving your gameplay in new and unique directions.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 - World Trailer

Atari has released a new trailer of their upcoming racing game Test Drive Unlimited 2 showing the large world where drivers will race their cars and bikes.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is set on the island of Ibiza. The developers at Eden Studios used actual topographic information to design the environment and recreated a number of the island's towns in detail. All the road networks are designed to be as true to life as possible, so players will feel like they're really racing on Ibiza itself. The island has a full day/night cycle (and weather effects!) which spans approximately two hours, so players will be driving their cars of choice through rainy nights and brilliant sunsets.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 is scheduled for release in early 2011 for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

FANATEC Porsche 911 GT2 Wheel

FANATEC has launched a new wheel Porsche 911 GT2 for the XBox360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Features
- Original Porsche 911 GT2 steering wheel design
- Licensed by Porsche Lizenz- und Handelsgesellschaft mbH
- Authentic metal Porsche logo on wheel
- Wheel rim wrapped in genuine Alcantara® from Italy which is 100% the same material as used in the real cars.
- Compatible with Xbox 360, PC and PlayStation 3
- Big diameter of steering wheel with 300 millimeters
- Gear sticks are interchangeable and can be mounted on the left or right side
- Big ClubSport Shifter paddles made of aluminum included
- TUNING functions with LED display
- Saves up to 5 wheel set-ups
- Adjust ForceFeedback strength during game play
- Adjust sensitivity independent from the game. Turning angle can be adjusted in the wheel to from 90° to 900°
- ABS vibration in the wheel and on the (optional) Clubsport pedals for all games
- Change the linearity in the steering axis to get the precision of a 900° wheel and the fast movement of a 270° wheel
- Add some artificial Dead Zone to avoid shaking on straights if needed
- Customize the Force Feedback sensations by changing the spring and dampening forces
- Activate the drift mode to let the wheel spin faster
- Illuminated buttons switch automatically between Xbox and PlayStation symbols
- Powerful Mabuchi RS 550 Motor as used in RC cars delivers extra strong Force Feedback effects.
- Additional 2 Force Feedback actuators in the wheel simulates motor vibrations.
- Extra smooth and silent belt drive with minimized mechanical dead zone.
- High resolution wheel sensor.
- Play with table/cockpit: Strong table clamps with quick release keeps everything in place. Integrated screw inserts allows a strong fixation on a gaming cockpit.
- Play without table: Fully compatible with the RennSport Wheel Stand which is available optional

The 911 GT2 is available as wheel-only option coming with a Logitech G25/27 pedal adapter or in combination with the aluminum Fanatec Porsche Clubsport pedals. The wheel sells for 249 Euros/Dollars with the Clubsport combo being available for 499 Euros/Dollars.

Gran Turismo 5 - Forza 3 Graphics Comparison

GameTrailers.com has released a comparison video showing a graphics differences between Gran Turismo 5 and Forza 3.

Two racing franchises go head-to-head with the Pagani Zonda R! Which game best masters the look and feel of Pagani's powerhouse? You decide!

netKar PRO - Osella Preview Video

YouTube user markus72000 has posted a new preview video from the netKar PRO simulation showing the new car Osella PA21S on the Trento Bondone hillclimb track during a thunderstorm. Both addons will be available as a new patch in December 2010.

Gran Turismo 5 - Vehicle Damage Gameplay

GameTrailers.com has released a gameplay video from Gran Turismo 5 showing a damage model of the premium cars. Premium cars take minor damage, Racing cars take the most!

Gran Turismo 5 features more than 1000 licensed cars from the world's top manufacturers and more than 20 tracks with more than 70 variations, including famous world circuits, city courses, and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and modes to suit newcomers, automotive enthusiasts, and seasoned fans, Gran Turismo 5 raises the bar on the franchise's depth of content and unparalleled visuals including lifelike graphics that are difficult to distinguish from a live race. Further reflecting this realism, cars will feature real-time visual damage with adaptive and accurate car deformation based on point of impact and velocity.

iRacing TV - Episode 6

iRacing TV Episode 6 is available for you to watch here: www.iracingtv.com

In this episode you will see an exclusive preview of the new cars and tracks; get the latest  updates from teh upcoming 2011 iRacing Drivers World Championship; Richard Towler  is awarded  in Homestead Florida.

Gran Turismo 5 - Review by GameTrailers.com

GameTrailers.com has released a video review of the Gran Turismo 5 developed by Polyphony Digital.

Gran Turismo 5 features more than 1000 licensed cars from the world's top manufacturers and more than 20 tracks with more than 70 variations, including famous world circuits, city courses, and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and modes to suit newcomers, automotive enthusiasts, and seasoned fans, Gran Turismo 5 raises the bar on the franchise's depth of content and unparalleled visuals including lifelike graphics that are difficult to distinguish from a live race. Further reflecting this realism, cars will feature real-time visual damage with adaptive and accurate car deformation based on point of impact and velocity.

Additionally for the first time, Gran Turismo 5 will feature an extremely deep online and community feature set. Players can progress and acquire credits through a variety of modes like GT Career Mode, Championship Races, License Tests and more, or they can explore different tracks and circuit variations in Arcade Mode. Additionally, players can race online with up to 16 players through PlayStation Network.

Need for Speed Shift 2 – Ignition Interview

Slightly Mad Studios has released a new video showing an interview with Executive Producer Marcus Nilsson.

EA has revealed that Shift 2 will ship with Autolog, an all-pervasive online hub that records race performances and lap times etc. before allowing gamers to share this info with friends. Beyond that, an all-new rendering engine has been built for Shift 2 by Slightly Mad Studios complete with a full graphical overhaul for the series.

Need For Speed: Shift 2 Unleashed will release next spring on the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC.

InsideSimRacing: Episode 91

InsideSimRacing.tv has released a new episode 91. In this episode they check out the Fanatec GT3 RS V2 wheel and how to set it up with Gran Turismo 5. Shaun checks out the Logitech G510 Gaming Keyboard and G700 Gaming Mouse. Tommy goes retro and checks out MX vs ATV Unleashed for the PC and a mod called REV for it.