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.