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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<i>GRID 2</i> teaches us how to overtake at Brands Hatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/grid-2-teaches-us-how-to-overtake-at-brands-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/grid-2-teaches-us-how-to-overtake-at-brands-hatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/07/grid-2-teaches-us-how-to-overtake-at-brands-hatch/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Videos, Toys/Games, Racing, McLaren

Motoring journalist Chris Harris may be less than understated in most of his video reporting, but if this new promotional video for Codemasters' upcoming racer Grid 2 is any indication, he can take direction. Intended to remind us of just how true-to-life the new racing title will be, Harris spends the video chasing McLaren test driver Matt Jackson in the MP4-12C supercar, in real life, on the UK's Brands Hatch circuit. Then, using some practice sessions with Grid 2 and a very expensive looking simulator, attempts to clean up his actual lap and pass the pro.

We'll leave it to you to watch the video and see how it all turns out. For the record though, we couldn't be any more excited about driving the new Grid game for ourselves, when it hits store shelves on May 28.

Continue reading GRID 2 teaches us how to overtake at Brands Hatch

GRID 2 teaches us how to overtake at Brands Hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Forza: Horizon December IGN Car Pack 1993 McLaren F1

The team at Turn 10 has rolled out the first expansion pack for its Forza: Horizon driving game. The December IGN Car Pack features seven all new cars ranging from the lusty 2012 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta and the 2012 Aston Martni DBS to a 1971 AMC Javelin AMX. The pack even boasts a few toys for the off-road minded, including a Halo-themed Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and a Hummer H1 Alpha Open Top. Those are fun and all, but we're just as intrigued by the prospect of getting our virtual hands on the 2006 Ford GTX1.

That's the machine built on the bones of the legendary Ford GT but with a body by Mark Gerish of Genaddi Design. Think of it as what would happen if the good parts of SEMA got spilled on a GT. But, we'd be lying if we said the star of the December pack was anything other than the McLaren F1 shown above. That car's still the stuff of teenage fantasies all these years later, and you can whip it around the virtual hills and valleys of Colorado. Check out the teaser video below for a look at the full pack, and look for it to go live on December 4.

Continue reading Forza Horizon welcomes December Car Pack with Halo-inspired Raptor [w/video]

Forza Horizon welcomes December Car Pack with Halo-inspired Raptor [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Nov 2012 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20391147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/forza-mclaren-f1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/forza-mclaren-f1-628.jpg <![CDATA[F1 2012 [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/f1-2012-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/f1-2012-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/f1-2012-review-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Toys/Games

Racing Franchise Reboot Is Powerfully Fun, But Flawed

Codemasters is back with a follow-up to its successful - some might go so far as to say genre defining - Formula One franchise, with F1 2012. This season's iteration of the racing title is every bit as beautiful, challenging and engaging to the racing-obsessed gamer as last year's version, though it's far from perfect.

If you can get by the oddly cartoonish and badly cropped image on the front of the box, you'll quickly find that the level of graphical detail in F1 is quite impressive. The cars are clearly the stars of the show here, with every one of the five driving vantage points (ranging from right in the cockpit of the car to a "far chase" position that puts the entire exterior of your vehicle in view) renders the racecar in elegant detail. Reflections and the play of light are evident on the car's bodywork; slick tires are easily differentiated from intermediates and intermediates from full-wets; gravel, grass and dirt all mar the surface of the rear rubber if you go off-track at all; and passing competitor cars are just as vibrant as your own, with high enough frame rates to avoid pixilation or blur.

On the downside, the stuff surrounding your racecar is far less detailed than the machine itself. Each event begins with some flyover shots of the track you're competing on - those higher effort, short cut scenes are fairly nice looking, if still less detailed than the racecars themselves. Pay close attention to the off-track scenery while you're driving, however, and you'll notice that the backgrounds are pretty flat and free of complex surfacing. That's okay, as the overall difficulty of gameplay dictates that you focus on the track, not the grandstands, but it does make the F1 2012 world feel less rich than it might otherwise. One exception to this, though kind of a big one, is the rendering of the sky and the weather seen therein. The Codemasters team has done an exceptional job mimicking the rapidly changing heavens that play such an important part in any real race weekend, with lifelike color and drama, as well as fluid movement.

Continue reading F1 2012 [w/video]

F1 2012 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While many gaming fans fawn over Forza and Gran Turismo, those with a thirst for all things Formula One have been quenched by the folks over a Codemasters. The video game maker has announced a demo version of F1 2012 for Xbox Live, Playstation 3 and PC.

To celebrate, Codemasters has released a new video trailer, highlighting more hi-res realistic gameplay. If you are the type of gamer that can master a demo like this in less than a day, the full version of the game will be out on Tuesday, September 18.

Check out the body damage, onboard camera angles, and real-world weather conditions that players will experience in the full version by watching the video below.

Continue reading Codemasters' F1 2012 demo now available... watch it here

Codemasters' F1 2012 demo now available... watch it here originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdemodriving simulatorf1f1 2012formula 1formula oneplaystationplaystation 3xboxWed, 12 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST

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Hermann Tilke designed the Austin F1 circuit, and no one is quite sure if he's recreated the magic of Turkey or the borefest of Valencia. With 133 feet of elevation change, though, the 3.4 mile Circuit of the Americas and its 20 turns should be closer to the former. The track will feature in Codemasters' "F1 2012" video game, and Motorworld Hype was given a virtual tour by Codemasters designer Paul Jeal at E3.

Aside from the overexposure, the track and the game both look worthy of further investigation. Scroll down to check it out, as well as a longer video of chief designer Stephen Hood doing three laps in Lewis Hamilton's McLaren Mercedes.

Continue reading Take a virtual lap of Austin's Circuit of the Americas

Take a virtual lap of Austin's Circuit of the Americas originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jun 2012 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20255482 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/f1austinlap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/f1austinlap.jpg <![CDATA[Austin's new F1 track will debut in video game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/austins-new-f1-track-will-debut-in-video-game/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Etc., Toys/Games, Racing

F1 2012 Circuit of the Americas - Codemasters' F1 2012 game screencap

Workers outside of Austin are still hammering away on the new Circuit of the Americas Formula One track, but race fans and gamers will get a shot at driving the course before the first tire hits the tarmac. Codemasters' "F1 2012" will feature the track in all of its pixelized glory. The game will officially hit the market this September, but players will get a chance to grab the controller for the first time at E3 early next week. Codemasters has been kind enough to slip the world a few screen shots of 2012-specification F1 cars prancing around on the new course.

Players will be able to command every official team from 2012 on all of the official courses. Look for the game on multiple platforms, including Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft xBox 360, PlayStation Vita and Nintendo 3DS. Head over to the game's site for more information.

Austin's new F1 track will debut in video game originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austincircuit of the americasdriving gamedriving simulatore3f1f1 2012f1 racingf1 simulatorformula 1formula onegamingplaystation 3sony playstationvideo gamexboxxbox 350Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:15:00 EST

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20249358 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-f1-2012-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/01-f1-2012-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ariel Atom simulator is ready to dominate your living room [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ariel-atom-simulator-is-ready-to-dominate-your-living-room-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ariel-atom-simulator-is-ready-to-dominate-your-living-room-w-vi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/02/ariel-atom-simulator-is-ready-to-dominate-your-living-room-w-vi/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Toys/Games

Motion Simulation TL1 - Ariel Atom package

As much as we love games like Forza and Gran Turismo, these driving simulators are hobbled by one glaring omission: peripheral vision. Driving requires a view from more than just the windshield, and while Forza 4 and Gran Turismo 5 have made steps toward giving players a better a better look at the track around them, the nature of a flat screen is cursed with limitations. Of course, if you have the cash, Motion Simulation has a solution for you. The company's new TL1 simulator was built in cooperation with none other than the minds at Ariel. You know, the folks responsible for the mighty Atom.

The system uses three high-definition projectors to give the view a complete view of the virtual track ahead. What's more, the simulator is compatible with consoles like the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. Unfortunately, the kit is prohibitively large and expensive. If you want one, you'll have to fork over $18,600 at current conversion rates, along with a big portion of your living room. Considering that kind of cash will buy you a very nice used sports car, we'll have to take a pass on this one.

Unfortunately, there isn't a video of the actual Atom simulator available just yet, so for the moment, you'll have to content yourself with footage of the company's great-sounding Touring Car simulator. Check it out by scrolling below.

Continue reading Ariel Atom simulator is ready to dominate your living room [w/video]

Ariel Atom simulator is ready to dominate your living room [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 May 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20229176 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motion-simulation-tl1-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/motion-simulation-tl1-628.jpg <![CDATA[Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/forza-4-endangered-species-trailer-features-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/forza-4-endangered-species-trailer-features-jeremy-clarkson/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/10/03/forza-4-endangered-species-trailer-features-jeremy-clarkson/#commentsFiled under: Videos, Aston Martin, Toys/Games, Celebrities

Forza Aston Martin trailer

"What you are about to see is a fantasy. It has no place in the real world."

That's how the latest trailer for Forza Motorsport 4 begins, and when a video game trailer needs that kind of warning, you know things are about to get good.

And then Jeremy Clarkson's voiceover begins, telling us all that we're an endangered species. We, in this case, are those who consider themselves to be automotive enthusiasts. And there's video to back up this assertion, as a man (in the back seat of an economy car, no less) sits in traffic seemingly on his way to work (All it's missing is REM's "Everybody Hurts" - Ed).

Fear not, petrolheads. Soon, a waiting Aston Martin DB9 is fired up, tires squeal and smoke and our protagonist finds himself wildly escaping the confines of the city and its traffic. But wait. What's that? Uh oh, the local constabulary has caught on to our man's actions, and they aren't pleased. He's trapped. Again.

The moral of the story? Get your kicks where it's legal: in your living room, on your xBox 360, playing Forza 4. Thanks, Jeremy, for the friendly reminder. Check out the video for yourself after the break, where you'll also find an accompanying press release.

In related news, Turn 10 has announced that the Forza 4 demo is available to xBox Live Gold members beginning today. Enjoy!

Continue reading Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson

Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20072554 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/forza-aston_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/10/forza-aston.jpg <![CDATA[DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/dirt-3-available-for-pre-order-includes-traxxas-ken-block-r-c-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/dirt-3-available-for-pre-order-includes-traxxas-ken-block-r-c-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/28/dirt-3-available-for-pre-order-includes-traxxas-ken-block-r-c-f/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Toys/Games

DiRT3 Traxxas Bundle

DiRT 3 and Traxxas team up to wreck our wallet - Click above to watch video after the jump

The third installment in the DiRT video game franchise, DiRT 3, hits stores on May 24, 2011. It will cost you $59.99 for a copy, which is steep, but completely in-line with the pricing for today's video games. If you have a few extra coins hiding under the couch cushions, however, then GameStop has a tantalizing product bundle for you. Spend $299 to reserve a copy of DiRT 3, and you will also get the Traxxas Ken Block R/C Ford Fiesta.

If you were already considering buying the radio-controlled gymkhana machine, then this is a great deal, because it essentially throws the game in for free. If, like us, you were thinking of buying the Codemasters game, and you currently have R/C cars on the brain, this deal means you have to explain to your wife why the American Express bill shows a GameStop purchase for nearly five times the previously discussed amount.

Click past the jump to see why sleeping on the couch will be worth it come May 24. Thanks to all for the tips!

[Source: GameStop via MotorworldHype, YouTube]

Continue reading DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video]

DiRT 3 available for pre-order, includes Traxxas Ken Block R/C Fiesta [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdirtdirt 3dirt video gamedriving simulatorgamestopken blockken block rc cartraxxastraxxas ken block fiestavideovideo gamesThu, 28 Apr 2011 14:02:00 EST

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19926399 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dirt3rccarbundle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/dirt3rccarbundle.jpg <![CDATA[Five Mind-Blowing Innovations from Mercedes-Benz]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/five-mind-blowing-innovations-from-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/five-mind-blowing-innovations-from-mercedes-benz/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/12/five-mind-blowing-innovations-from-mercedes-benz/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Plants/Manufacturing, Safety, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Infotainment

Five Mind-Blowing Innovations from Mercedes-Benz

On a recent trek to Germany, Mercedes-Benz pulled back the veil on its tech strategy for the next few years and provided Autoblog with a glimpse into what we'll find in its next generation of vehicles. With more than 2,000 patents filed in 2009 alone, the technologies range from the mind-blowing to the mundane, and we've handpicked the most innovative, forward-thinking features bound for future Benz models.

Continue reading Five Mind-Blowing Innovations from Mercedes-Benz...

Gallery: Five Mind-Blowing Technologies from Mercedes-Benz

Continue reading Five Mind-Blowing Innovations from Mercedes-Benz

Five Mind-Blowing Innovations from Mercedes-Benz originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benzdriving simulatorfeaturedmagic body controlmercedesmercedes-benztechdaytelematicsvirtual avatarvirtual realityTue, 12 Apr 2011 15:01:00 EST

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19896439 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/merc-tech-head_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/merc-tech-head.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/video-jay-leno-throws-his-corvette-z06-on-the-real-car-simulato/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/video-jay-leno-throws-his-corvette-z06-on-the-real-car-simulato/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/video-jay-leno-throws-his-corvette-z06-on-the-real-car-simulato/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Etc., Technology, Videos, Chevrolet

Jay Leno tries the Tag simulator

Jay Leno takes his Corvette Z06 out for a virtual spin - Click above to watch video after the jump

A few years back, we wrote about the Drag Tag simulator setup in Australia. It allows you to use your own car in a virtual environment that simulates hundreds of locations. Time of day and weather conditions can change and the whole experience sounds like a fun way to waste a few hours. Jay Leno was recently paid a visit by the Tag simulator crew and they brought an example of their setup into Leno's garage.

With his yellow Chevrolet Corvette Z06 strapped into the dyno, Jay takes a tour of the simulators various tracks and driving conditions. The rolling road allows Leno to push the car as hard as he pleases with no legal or safety repercussions.

A machine makes sure air is blowing into the front of the car while an extractor pulls gases from the rear. It's a slick setup that would look great bolted into the floor of the Autoblog garage. Click past the jump to watch Jay take his Vette for a virtual spin, and join us in dreaming of owning such a setup.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator

Video: Jay Leno throws his Corvette Z06 on the Real Car Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevrolet covette z06corvettecorvette z06drag tagdriving simulatorjay lenojay lenos garagelenolenos garagetag simulatorvideoz06Wed, 16 Feb 2011 14:58:00 EST

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19843901 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/leno-tag-simulator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/leno-tag-simulator.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Lexus shows off world's coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/video-lexus-shows-off-worlds-coolest-driving-simulator-in-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/video-lexus-shows-off-worlds-coolest-driving-simulator-in-new/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/13/video-lexus-shows-off-worlds-coolest-driving-simulator-in-new/#commentsFiled under: Safety, Technology, Videos, Lexus

Lexus driving simulator

Lexus' next (really) big thing - Click above to watch commercial after the jump

It's no longer kosher for carmakers to run simulations on computers that can fit on desks, because that's for chumps. If you don't have gear fit for a Hollywood blockbuster or a trip to Mars, well, you're not really serious about this whole car thing, are you?

Lexus has joined the latter camp with its new driving simulator, built to simulate crash avoidance. Inside the metal bulb is a Lexus LS460, surrounded by a 360-degree facsimile of a real driving environment. It's their next big thing, so they say. Us? We just want to reserve it when Gran Turismo 5 finally comes out. Follow the jump to watch the spot.

[Source: Lexus]

Continue reading Video: Lexus shows off world's coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial

Video: Lexus shows off world's coolest driving simulator in new safety commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentcar crashcrashdriving gamedriving simulatorlexus driving simulatorsimulatorvideo gameWed, 13 Oct 2010 13:01:00 EST

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19672046 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/lexusaccsimulator_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/10/lexusaccsimulator.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/ferrari-to-release-virtual-academy-online-driving-simulator-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/ferrari-to-release-virtual-academy-online-driving-simulator-w/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/02/ferrari-to-release-virtual-academy-online-driving-simulator-w/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Videos, Ferrari, Toys/Games

Ferrari Driving Academy Trailer - Click above to watch the video after the jump

There are a handful of F1 driving simulators out in the market today, ranging from Codemaster's F1 2010 to the $191,000 Cruden Hexatech simulator. Ferrari has decided to try their hand at their own version called Ferrari Virtual Academy 2010.

The simulation racing game will benefit from much of Ferrari's own expertise in Formula One. The team's engineers were consulted to provide realistic driving dynamics and each of the tracks were digitally recreated with Laser Scan and Motion Capture. Ferrari's current competitor, the F10, is the vehicle of choice, and Fiorano, Mugello and the Nürburgring are the current tracks available. There's no word as to whether historic cars or additional tracks will be offered.

The game will be available for download on September 9 with a price tag of 15 Euros (around $19 USD), although to tantalize potential users, Ferrari has said that there will be "exclusive Scuderia gadgets and further surprises" for the drivers. We don't know what that means, but we can't imagine a Ferrari gadget that we wouldn't like. Need to see more? You can watch the game's official trailer after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video]

Ferrari to release Virtual Academy online driving simulator [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving simulatorDrivingSimulatorF1ferrariferrari virtual academyFerrari Virtual Academy 2010ferrari virtual driving academyFerrariVirtualAcademyFerrariVirtualAcademy2010FerrariVirtualDrivingAcademyformula 1formula 1 2010formula oneFormula1Formula12010FormulaOneracing gameracing simulatorRacingGameRacingSimulatortifosiThu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST

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19617828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ferraridrivingacademy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/ferraridrivingacademy.jpg <![CDATA[Autoblog gets seat and simulation time with Toyota's newest safety technology [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/autoblog-gets-seat-and-simulation-time-with-toyotas-newest-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/autoblog-gets-seat-and-simulation-time-with-toyotas-newest-safe/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/30/autoblog-gets-seat-and-simulation-time-with-toyotas-newest-safe/#commentsFiled under: Hybrid, Japan, Safety, Technology, Videos, Lexus, Toyota

Inside Toyota's Higashi-Fuji tech center - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sitting in the shadow of Mount Fuji, Toyota's Higashi-Fuji technical center is part proving grounds and part engineering center. But unlike most facilities, Higashi-Fuji includes an array of engineering and research offices employing over 3,000 employees, and an assortment of non-track test facilities.

The Higashi-Fuji campus opened back in 1966 and has grown to encompass nearly 2.7 millionsquare feet of facility floor space. We were given the rare opportunity to visit the facility where we witnessed one unique crash test, tried out one of the world's most advanced driving simulators and sampled an assortment of new safety features, including a brake override system, enhanced pre-collision braking, pedestrian detection and updated ABS calibrations for the Prius. Make the jump for the full report.

Gallery: Inside Toyota's Higashi-Fuji tech center

Continue reading Autoblog gets seat and simulation time with Toyota's newest safety technology [w/video]

Autoblog gets seat and simulation time with Toyota's newest safety technology [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abs calibrationAbsCalibrationbrake overrideBrakeOverridecrash testcrash testingCrashTestCrashTestingdriving simulatordriving simulatorsDrivingSimulatorDrivingSimulatorsfeaturedhigashi-fujiLexuslexus safetyLexusSafetypedestrian detectionPedestrianDetectionpriusTHUMSTotal HUman Model for SafetyTotalHumanModelForSafetytoyotatoyota engineeringtoyota qualitytoyota recalltoyota safetyToyotaEngineeringToyotaQualityToyotaRecallToyotaSafetyFri, 30 Jul 2010 16:56:00 EST

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19573943 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/h8e8105opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/h8e8105opt.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/video-digital-fahrvergnugen-vw-scirocco-used-as-video-game-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/video-digital-fahrvergnugen-vw-scirocco-used-as-video-game-co/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/27/video-digital-fahrvergnugen-vw-scirocco-used-as-video-game-co/#commentsFiled under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

Volkswagen Scirocco by day, video game controller by night - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've always envied those awesome home-stitched arcade racing consoles. It's not that we aren't handy enough to screw a few pieces of plywood together, it's just that there isn't enough space in either the living room or the garage for that kind of craft project, and our significant others don't generally go for that sort of thing anyhow. The kids from Karjak CarLab have us officially reconsidering that stance, though.

Instead of raiding the local home-supply store for materials, the crew managed to talk a brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco into pretending that it's a video game controller by hooking up the OBD port to a computer. As the nut in the driver's seat wrenches on the steering wheel and operates the pedals, the system translates the maneuvers into ones and zeros. Throw in a projector good enough to cover your garage door, add a decent sound system, and you've officially got the most awesome driving simulator on the block - no shaking or baking required. We would suggest this would be the only way to play Gran Turismo 5 when it hits the shelves, but honestly, we're increasingly feeling that we're more likely we'll get our AARP cards in the mail first. Hop the jump to see a video of the set up in action.

[Source: Hack A Day]

Continue reading Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller

Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving simDriving SimulatorDrivingSimDrivingSimulatorFahrvergnügenGame ControllerGameControllerSciroccoScirocco Driving SimulatorScirocco Game ControllerScirocco Video GameSciroccoDrivingSimulatorSciroccoGameControllerSciroccoVideoGamevideo gamevideo game controllerVideoGameVideoGameControllervolkswagen sciroccoVolkswagenSciroccoVWVW SciroccoVwSciroccoTue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST

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19456147 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/scirocco-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/scirocco-630.jpg <![CDATA[Engadget tries Festo's next-gen racing chair]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/engadget-tries-festos-next-gen-racing-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/engadget-tries-festos-next-gen-racing-chair/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/11/engadget-tries-festos-next-gen-racing-chair/#commentsFiled under: Videos, Toys/Games

Festo AirMotion Ride - Click above to watch video after the jump

Blogger Richard Lai from sister-site Engadget recently had a chance to try out the amazing Festo AirMotion Ride driving simulator chair. Festo had the new device set up at The Gadget Show Live in the UK and Richard couldn't resist giving it a spin. You can see a short video clip of that experience after the jump, but be forewarned, Lai asks ahead of time that no one judge his driving. We can't resist a little playful mocking and advise Richard to not quit his day job.

Aside from the atrocious driving, you can see the extreme movement possible with Festo's revolutionary "fluidic muscles." That's the name of Festo's elastomer tubes that contract when filled with fluid, producing forces of up to 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft). Better yet, there are no mechanical parts inside, making them simpler to replace than the typical hydraulic plungers found on competing simulators from D-Box, Simcraft, Force Dynamics and Motion-Sim.

Follow the jump to see Festo's machine in action, and don't judge Richard too harshly.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Engadget tries Festo's next-gen racing chair

Engadget tries Festo's next-gen racing chair originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Airmotionairmotion rideAirmotionRideDriving simdriving simulatorDrivingSimDrivingSimulatorengadgetengadget videoEngadgetVideoFestofesto airmotionfesto airmotion rideFestoAirmotionFestoAirmotionRideracing simulatorRacingSimulatorsimulationSun, 11 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST

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19434213 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/festoairmotionridehed04082010-1270811079_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/festoairmotionridehed04082010-1270811079.jpg <![CDATA[Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/review-need-for-speed-shift-brings-excellent-driving-simulation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/review-need-for-speed-shift-brings-excellent-driving-simulation/http://www.autoblog.com/2010/01/29/review-need-for-speed-shift-brings-excellent-driving-simulation/#commentsFiled under: Aston Martin, Audi, BMW, Bugatti, Chevrolet, Dodge, Mercedes-Benz, Koenigsegg

Need For Speed Shift - Click above for high-res image gallery

Fall 2009 was supposed to be the next golden age of the racing game, with the genre's two heavy hitters - Forza Motorsport 3 and Gran Turismo 5 - scheduled for release. While Xbox 360 owners were rewarded with an incredibly good Forza 3, several delays of GT5 wrecked the plans of many a Playstation 3 owner, this writer included.

But since we were hell-bent on a new racing game, the decision was made to take a chance on another new racing game that was receiving some good press: Need for Speed Shift. We've spent the last two months playing Shift on PS3 to keep ourselves busy until GT5 is finally released. Were we disappointed or pleasantly surprised with the dark horse of the racing game pack? Hit the jump to find out.

Gallery: Need For Speed Shift

Continue reading Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5

Review: Need For Speed Shift fills gap between Forza 3 and GT5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving simulatorDrivingSimulatorfeaturedforza 3Forza3gran turismo 5GranTurismo5need for speed shiftNeedForSpeedShiftplaystation 3Playstation3psvideo gameVideoGameFri, 29 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST

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19324417 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nfs-audi-ring_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/01/nfs-audi-ring.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEO: New Gran Turismo 5 trailer confirms new courses, general awesomeness]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/new-gran-turismo-5-trailer-confirms-new-courses-general-awesome/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/new-gran-turismo-5-trailer-confirms-new-courses-general-awesome/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/new-gran-turismo-5-trailer-confirms-new-courses-general-awesome/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

New Gran Turismo 5 trailer - Click above to watch the video

Are you starting to wonder if Gran Turismo 5 is ever going to see the light of day? We are, but at the very least we understand why it is taking Polyphony Digital over five years to release the latest edition of its standard-setting racing series. Every video we see shows more detail, more tracks and greater diversity of motoring types. The newest video comes courtesy of the Asia Gaming Expo 2009 show, and it provides a glimpse at some of the many race tracks coming our way when GT5 finally graces us with its presence.

Hit the jump to watch some pretty amazing footage that was unfortunately shot by a consumer grade-camera capturing images via projection. Most of the 1:45 video isn't in-game footage, but it does show some pretty amazing new courses and some breathtaking rally shots. There is footage from Madrid, Rome, Indianapolis and Tsukuba, plus NASCAR, Super GT and more. Among the shots that make this video worth the watch is footage of a race at the airport that features a large passenger jet following close behind a pair of LeMans racers. Wow. The video is bad and the audio cuts off after about 30 seconds, but if you're dying to get your hands on GT 5 we're sure you'll click through to watch the video. Thanks for the tips, everyone!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New Gran Turismo 5 trailer confirms new courses, general awesomeness

VIDEO: New Gran Turismo 5 trailer confirms new courses, general awesomeness originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Asia Gaming ExpoAsia Gaming Expo 2009AsiaGamingExpoAsiaGamingExpo2009driving simulatorDrivingSimulatorgran turismogran turismo 5 demoGranTurismoGranTurismo5DemoGT5gt5 demoGt5Demoplay stationPlayStationplaystation 3playstation3polyphony digitalPolyphonyDigitalps3racing footageRacingFootageSonySony playstationSonyPlaystationMon, 28 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST

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19295704 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gt5-demo-7_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/gt5-demo-7.jpg <![CDATA[Ferrari develops most advanced driving simulator to date]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/ferrari-develops-most-advanced-driving-simulator-to-date/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/ferrari-develops-most-advanced-driving-simulator-to-date/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/28/ferrari-develops-most-advanced-driving-simulator-to-date/#commentsFiled under: Technology, Ferrari

If Scuderia Ferrari drivers Alonso and Massa don't do well in qualifying next year, it won't be because they didn't have the best tools with which to practice. Ferrari has built a driving simulator that could well be the Ferrari of driving simulators. It took two years to build, is 18-feet high, takes up two stories and received assistance from Moog, a control systems maker primarly known for its work wit the U.S. military's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The sim rests a base that, by itself, weighs two hundred tons, and on top of that are a platform and actuators that support the aluminum and composite driving structure. The driver watches his progress on five displays good for more than 180 degrees of viewing, and hears his progress through a 3,500-watt Dolby 7.1 Surround Sound system. It has ten microprocessors and 60GB of RAM, and produces 5GB of data per day.

Oh, and it puts out 130 kW of power. Some perspective: the average American home is said to use 25 kW of power a day. Ferrari will hope it helps power at least one of its drivers to the crown.

[Source: Ferrari]

Ferrari develops most advanced driving simulator to date originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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19293928 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ferrari_sim_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/ferrari_sim.jpg <![CDATA[VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT track guides for Road America, Willow Springs and Laguna Seca]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/videos-need-for-speed-shift-track-guides-for-road-america-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/videos-need-for-speed-shift-track-guides-for-road-america-will/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/03/videos-need-for-speed-shift-track-guides-for-road-america-will/#commentsFiled under: Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the videos after the jump

Make no mistake about it: the racing games are coming. But while it may be all to easy to get lost in all the hype over the latest from Microsoft's Forza or Sony's Gran Turismo franchises, Electronic Arts has a trick of its own up its sleeve. (We're just kidding, everyone knows gamers don't wear sleeves.) And they've just given us a glimpse of what to expect. Three of them, actually.

The benchmark of any good racing game is how faithfully it reproduces some of our most favorite race tracks. And if that's the gold standard, then Need for Speed SHIFT is shaping up to be a great one. If you'll follow us after the jump, you can enjoy three new videos outlining EA's take on three of America's best circuits: Laguna Seca, Willow Springs and Road America - complete with run-downs of each track's histories and intricacies. The game launches in North America on September 15, but you can check out the videos now.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT track guides for Road America, Willow Springs and Laguna Seca

VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT track guides for Road America, Willow Springs and Laguna Seca originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driving gamedriving simulatorDrivingGameDrivingSimulatoreaelectronic artsElectronicArtsgamelaguna secaLagunaSecaneed for speedneed for speed shiftNeedForSpeedNeedForSpeedShiftracing gameRacingGameroad americaRoadAmericawillow springsWillowSpringsThu, 03 Sep 2009 12:29:00 EST

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