Autoblog

Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK

Jeffrey N. Ross — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Toys/Games, Racing

For video game enthusiasts who can't stand the thought of playing a racing game on a single television screen, using a standard controller and (gasp!) sitting on a couch, there are plenty of realistic racing simulators out there. While better simulators usually include a trio of monitors, a racing chair and appropriate steering wheel and pedals, Costco has what could be the ultimate racing simulator for Formula One fans in the UK with deep pockets and a desire for a life-like gaming experience.

Costing a mere 90,000 British pounds (roughly $136,000), Costco UK sells a simulator mounted to a life-size F1 car that includes plenty of composite, carbon fiber and alloy. It even has full brakes, wheels and tires. The price includes set up and training, but don't expect to pick one up in addition to a 10-pound package of bacon and a 40-count package of toilet paper, since it takes about 12 to 18 weeks to deliver. All that is missing to get this thing on a real track are the engine and transmission. As for the simulation aspect, this system uses three 23-inch thin film transistor (TFT) screens, an Intel Core i7 processor and a five-speaker surround sound system.

Head over to the Costco UK website to check out what has to be the coolest and most excessive gaming device ever.

Costco offering this $115,000 full-size F1 simulator in UK originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 May 2013 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NASCAR The Game: Inside Line [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Toys/Games

Gentlemen, Stop Your Engines - New NASCAR Title Is Not Impressive

Typically, when we receive a copy of a new video game to review, diving into and documenting the online/multiplayer aspects of it proves challenging. There are a few reasons for this: We're generally playing the game before or right after it has gone on sale, which really limits the number of folks playing online, but in the case of NASCAR The Game: Inside Line, we're happy that we got some playtime in on Xbox Live to start our test.

Online gamers not only had strong first opinions about this NASCAR game versus the last one, but also proved pretty knowledgeable about the sport in general.

That's not because the online racing in this all-new NASCAR title from Eutechnyx is particularly compelling (in fact it's neither more nor less flawed than the single-player portion of the game), but rather because the people playing online are some of the best subject matter experts that we could have hoped to find for this review. At least on Day One of the release of Inside Line, the online lobbies were filled to brimming with gamers that not only had strong first opinions about this NASCAR game versus the last one (2011's NASCAR The Game), but who also proved pretty knowledgeable about the sport in general.

There was a lot of talk about the overall handling of the racecars and the effectiveness of bump drafting on high-speed banked turns, for instance. Our co-racers in that first session seemed to agree that Inside Line had added detail in areas of the game that weren't critical to a positive core racing experience (detailed effects for crash scenes and a more comprehensive pit lane menu, for instance), while making the driving dynamics twitchier with a great many more crashes happening overall. In short, they weren't loving it.

The results, for the NASCAR gaming faithful, and for us, was an experience that wasn't all that much fun most of the time.

Continue reading NASCAR The Game: Inside Line [w/video]

NASCAR The Game: Inside Line [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gran Turismo 5 Academy Edition coming Sept. 26 [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:44:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

The Gran Turismo video racing simulator franchise is four years into its tie-up with Nissan that created Gran Turismo: The Academy. One might have thought taking third-in-class at the 24 Hours of Dubai would have been enough, but no, there's more, and it's called Gran Turismo 5: GT Academy Edition.

When it arrives on September 26, the shiny disc inside will contain the packs available for the last two years: Car Packs 1, 2 and 3, Course Packs 1 and 2, the Special Paint Pack and Racing Gear Pack, and the very same Nissan GT-R that Kazunor Yamauch drove in the Nürburgring 24-Hour race this year. Well, not that one, but a digital representation of it.

According to Playstation's EU people, it will cost the equivalent of €29.99, which is about $37 at current conversion rates. You have two months to save up and a video below to keep you in the mood until then.

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 Academy Edition coming Sept. 26 [w/video]

Gran Turismo 5 Academy Edition coming Sept. 26 [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Zach Bowman — Wed, 02 May 2012 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Technology, Toys/Games

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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Forza 4 Endangered Species trailer features Jeremy Clarkson

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Aston Martin, Toys/Games, Celebrities

"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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Codemasters announces free-to-play, browser-based F1 Online: The Game

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Toys/Games

Attention Formula One fans, your work day is officially ruined. Well, it will be come the first quarter of 2012. That's when Codemasters plans on releasing a new browser-based F1 game. Top teams, tracks and cars will be available on the same machine that you normally use to read Autoblog.com when you should be updating the TPS reports.

F1 Online: The Game will allow you to race for McLaren at Silverstone or Lotus at Monaco. Feeling more adventurous? You can create your own team and manage all aspects of it. That means running the research, marketing and team functions of your very own F1 entity. Excited? We haven't even told you the best part yet - the game is free. Hear that noise? It's the sound of IT departments battening down their firewall hatches across the country.

If you can hardly contain your excitement, you can sign up on the game's website for updates on its launch.

Codemasters announces free-to-play, browser-based F1 Online: The Game originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Codemasters' DiRT 3 - Click above to watch the video after the jump

For pure, unadulterated rally action from the comfort of your living room, there's nothing quite like DiRT. The video game franchise from Codemasters is about as realistic as they come, and now they've got their third installment coming in the form of DiRT 3.

Not only is the game promised to be more accurate in its execution and feel, but it incorporates a whole new slew of features. There are more cars and more stages, of course, but that's hardly the end of it: DiRT 3 also incorporates two new kinds of rally action - Gymkhana and hillclimb. The former, of course, was popularized by Ken Block who's now crossed over to professional rally competition, while the latter brings events like Pikes Peak into the fold to really get that dirt kicking. But don't take our word for it, follow the jump to watch the video preview from G4, including an interview with the studio's lead game developer and gameplay footage from what is shaping up as the new benchmark in rally action.

[Source: G4]

Continue reading Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3

Video: G4 gives us a sneak preview of DiRT 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5's lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll]

Chris Shunk — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Toys/Games

Click above to watch the video after the jump

November 2010 was a big month for driving simulator-loving PlayStation 3 owners. Gran Turismo 5 finally hit store shelves nearly six years after GT4 set the gaming world aflame. GT5 is a PS3-only affair, though, so xBox fans have little to get excited about. But then again, most xBox champions probably feel they already have a hyper-realistic driving simulator courtesy of the Forza series. And according to the official Forza Motorsport website next Fall will see the debut of Forza 4.

That's right; just one year after GT5 finally graced our presence and only two years after Forza 3 was minted, an all-new Forza is waiting in the wings. We're a little shy on details at at this point, but we're guessing the game will build upon the 500 cars in the Forza 3 Ultimate Collection, with more tracks, more racing styles and, hopefully, even more stunning graphics. Hit the jump to watch the Forza Motorsport 4 teaser, and chime in on the battle of Forza versus Gran Turismo in our poll below. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

View Poll

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 4

[Source: Forza Motorsport]

Continue reading Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5's lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll]

Video: Forza Motorsport 4 trailer released, coming for GT5's lunch money in Fall 2011 [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How to build your own hidden racing sim setup and keep your wife happy

Zach Bowman — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Toys/Games

DIY Racing Cockpit Ottoman - Click above for high-res image gallery

Two things have prevented us from installing a full-blown racing-wheel, pedals and seat in our living room for the likes of Gran Turismo 5 - the aggravation of having the hardware soak up space in the living room and the threat of endangering hard-earned household peace accords for such a folly. One enterprising soul over at OverClockers has come up with the perfect solution by genetically splicing attractive furniture and functional gaming hardware into one vastly superior being. Using a little MDF and some excellent upholstery work, user Lyshco has managed to create a racing cockpit that's a little larger than your run-of-the-mill F1 throne, and he's done so without shelling out nearly $7,000 for a convertible coffee table.

The trick is that the whole kit-and-caboodle folds up into a very attractive ottoman when not in use, saving everyone's eyes from having to suffer through staring at the evidence of our dweeby past time. It turns out that old gem about necessity's momma turns out to be true. Thanks for the tip, Bloop!

Gallery: Racing Wheel Ottoman

[Source: OverClockers]

How to build your own hidden racing sim setup and keep your wife happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Videos, Toys/Games, Racing

Jason Plato vs David Coulthard in the Red Bull F1 simulator - Click above to watch video after the jump

The Race-Star ConverTTable is cool and all, but compared to Red Bull's F1 racing simulator it's just a toy. Jumping behind the Red Bull sim's wheel are David Coulthard, whose Formula 1 resume boasts 247 starts and 13 wins, and Fifth Gear's Jason Plato, himself a two-time British Touring Car champion. You'd expect DC to mop the floor with Plato, considering that BTTC cars are a long way from the open-wheel racers of F1. So, what happens? Hop the jump to check out the clip.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim

Video: Plato v. Coulthard in Red Bull's driving sim originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Race-Star ConverTTable may be the coolest coffee table we've ever seen

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Toys/Games, Design/Style

Race-Star ConverTTable is our kind of furniture - Click above to watch video after the jump

A driving wheel sounds like a nice addition for any racing video game, but in reality it might not work as well as you hope. You have to find a place to mount the wheel and a make sure your pedals aren't sliding around the floor. It's not that much of a hassle, but a dedicated space for both wheel and pedals would be nice... throw in a racing seat and the virtual-racing ante has officially been upped.

But where would you store something like that and how do you craft it so as not to be a total eye-sore? Austrian company Race-Star has the answer and it comes in the form of the ConverTTable.

What appears to be a fairly basic box table actually hides a special gaming secret. The ConverTTable unfolds to reveal a driving wheel, adjustable pedals and a track mounted racing bucket. You can slide it in front of your TV and the Nürburgring on Gran Turismo 5 goes from a controller-hucking experience to a carousel-shredding event. When it's time to shut down the fun, simply fold the table back up and it turns right back into drink-holding furniture.

The price for a Race-Star ConverTTable setup is listed at €4,999, which translates to about $6,605 USD. That is a lot of coin for something you might be able to engineer in your garage. Can you produce the same level of fit-and-finish as Race-Star has achieved? Probably not, unless you are used to working with high-quality plastics. Regardless of the price, the Race-Star ConverTTable has earned its place on our Autoblog Holiday Wish List.

Hop the jump to see it in action.

Gallery: Race-Star Converttable

[Source: Race-Star]

Continue reading Video: Race-Star ConverTTable may be the coolest coffee table we've ever seen

Video: Race-Star ConverTTable may be the coolest coffee table we've ever seen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Drew Phillips — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed 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.

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Video: Karting comes to Gran Turismo 5

Zach Bowman — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Toys/Games

Karting in Gran Turismo 5 - Click above to watch video after the jump

Despite our best efforts, we're getting pretty excited about the arrival of Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 5. After suffering through years of the company (and the interwebs at large) crying wolf with launch dates, it appears as if we may finally have the game in our hands by the end of this year. There's also some word that the release will coincide with the second coming of various deities. By now, chances are you've heard all about the new race modes available with the next chapter in the simulator franchise, including the addition of NASCAR, but here's one that took us by surprise.

A video has just recently cropped up on YouTube showing what appears to be a kart race in GT5. We haven't heard one way or the other whether we'll be able to slide a shifter through the corners of our favorite Gran Turismo tracks or if this was just some sort of one-off ditty built for a demonstration. That doesn't stop us from hoping for the former, though. Hit the jump to see the video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Karting comes to Gran Turismo 5

Video: Karting comes to Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thrustmaster's latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video]

Noah Joseph — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:08:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Ferrari, Toys/Games

Thurstmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Looking for that ultimate gaming setup for playing Gran Turismo? Short of a full cockpit installed in your living room, this could very well be it.

The Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition from Thurstmaster incorporates an 11-inch steering wheel (a 70% scale replica of the 430 Scuderia's) mounted on an adjustable metal column affixed to a base with twin metal pedals. The wireless system is compatible with the PlayStation 3 and PC (Xbox fans are left stranded by the side of the road), but if you thought the actual Scuderia was expensive, the 23-pound Thrustmaster setup will set you back $250. Follow the jump to watch a demo video and to check out the official press release.

Gallery: Thurstmaster Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit 430 Scuderia Edition

[Source: Thrustmaster via Engadget]

Continue reading Thrustmaster's latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video]

Thrustmaster's latest gaming rig is the next best thing to a Ferrari 430 Scuderia [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Engadget tries Festo's next-gen racing chair

Frank Filipponio — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 16:38:00 EST

Filed 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.

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VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT includes Lexus LF-A, BMW M3 GT2, lots of awesome

Noah Joseph — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:27:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Toys/Games

Click above to watch videos after the jump

The holidays come for auto freaks several times a year, and we call those times auto shows. But with the motor show calendar on break for the summer, we got an unexpected injection of octane from this year's E3 video game expo. As if it weren't enough to catch a glimpse at such promising upcoming releases as Forza Motorosport 3, Gran Turismo 5 and Codemasters' FUEL, we've now got another one to add to our shopping lists: Need for Speed SHIFT.

Although previous installments of the NFS franchise focused on outrunning the po-po and tricking out imports, as our thumb-cramped compatriots over at Joystiq found out just this past March, SHIFT promises to deliver a pure racing simulator. EA has now released the full list of cars (including such highlights as the Lexus LF-A, Pagani Zonda R, Nissan GT-R SpecV, BMW M3 GT2 and Audi R8 LMS) and tracks (including the Nürburgring, Laguna Seca and Willow Springs) that'll be included in the game, along with a pair of videos that we've posted after the jump. Check 'em out, and prepare to lose sleep.

Gallery: Need for Speed SHIFT

Continue reading VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT includes Lexus LF-A, BMW M3 GT2, lots of awesome

VIDEOS: Need for Speed SHIFT includes Lexus LF-A, BMW M3 GT2, lots of awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari offering free PC game download for Tifosi

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Supercars, Ferrari, Toys/Games

It's like a dream-come-true for tifosi everywhere, hearing the words "Ferrari" and "free" in the same sentence, but Ferrari has posted a free racing simulator on their website. Ferrari Virtual Race can be downloaded straight from the automaker's website, allowing PC users to pilot a virtual 599 GTB Fiorano, 612 Scaglietti or 430 Scuderia of their very own.

Word has it you'll eventually be able to add a Ferrari California or F430 to your stable if you so choose. Apparently you can pre-configure those models and save them when they're released down the road. And in case you think this is a simplistic, watered down, bargain bin app, know that it will offer head-to-head online action for those so inclined. You can download Ferrari Virtual Race by clicking the link and registering at the Ferrari website.

[Source: GT Channel]

Ferrari offering free PC game download for Tifosi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators

Chris Tutor — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:14:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Motorsports, Podcasts, CES

They're more than glorified game consoles with force-feedback steering wheels strapped to a lounge chair. Costing as much as $44,000 apiece, they're racing simulators, and we got to play with a couple of them at CES.

Simcraft says its $44K model is meant for training real race car drivers, like Indycar driver Sarah Fisher, who stopped by CES on Wednesday to show off the company's Apex SC830. The U.S. military is also using the high-dollar simulator to train its soldiers to drive in the tricky sands of Iraq. D-Box's top-of-the-line GP Pro 200 is a much more affordable high-end racing simulator. It'll only set you back $14,000.

Both are PC-based and both offer much more realism than your Laz-E-Boy being moved around by your little brother. The SC830 is definitely more hardcore, with the seat and displays mounted on a tubular-steel frame. The GP Pro 200 sits lower, is more compact and looks less complicated than the Simcraft. But how do they drive? Click through to the jump to read our impressions and for more photos.

Gallery: CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators

Continue reading CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators

CES 2009: Hands on with D-Box and Simcraft racing simulators originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 19:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 AB Gift Guide: VRX Mach 4

Chris Tutor — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Toys/Games

There are racing simulators, and then there's VRX Industries simulators. Their VRX Mach 4 is the Bugatti Veyron of sims. It takes four Xbox 360s to run the Mach 4's three 37" high-def LCD screens and 7" LCD rear view mirror. Realistic sound is provided by a Bose Acoustimass system with a Harmon Kardon surround sound receiver. A Sparco Monza racing seat holds you tight as the 1500 watt tactile feedback system and 1900 watt tactile power amp simulate ever bump and crash. And if all that isn't enough to make you feel like a racecar driver, there's even a virtual wind system, people. With all that realism, you're gonna work up a thirst, and you're taken care of there, too, with, a "beverage containment system." Not even Mr. Räikkönen gets one of those.

VRX Mach 4 Racing Simulator - $24,995

Next up: Custom-built and only 100 made!

Gallery: 2008 AB Gift Guide

2007 AB Gift Guide: VRX Mach 4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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iRacing.com and Skip Barber team up on simracing series

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports

On its website, iRacing.com claims that it "exists to create the world's most authentic racing simulations, enable and organize real-time, online racing, and advance and expand motorsport." To that end, they have developed simracing. With hyper-realistic racing physics and interactive multi-player racing action, it's the next best thing to a track day. Well beyond what a normal "game" would offer, it's like the difference between playing Microsoft Fight Simulator and going through training at Miramar.

The latest word from iRacing is that they've teamed up with the world-renowned Skip Barber Racing School to form a "strategic alliance" that will bring top-level training to the common man, and woman. One of the best racing schools, sharing their techniques and tips in the privacy of your own home. And it gets better. As part of this project, iRacing will start a new entry-level, open-wheel online racing series.

Follow the jump for the full release and click the read link for a video of the simulator in action.

[Source: iRacing]

Continue reading iRacing.com and Skip Barber team up on simracing series

iRacing.com and Skip Barber team up on simracing series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 17 Nov 2006 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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