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[Gran Turismo 6 to be released on November 28?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gran-turismo-6-to-be-released-on-november-28/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gran-turismo-6-to-be-released-on-november-28/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/gran-turismo-6-to-be-released-on-november-28/#commentsFiled under:

If new rumors are correct, then the development pace over at Polyphony Digital has really ramped up. According to CNET, Gran Turismo 6 might be launching as soon as November 28 of this year.

The rumor that GT6 was coming sooner, rather than later, started when Italian retailer Multiplayer added a listing for the game, complete with a heretofore unseen box cover, as well as the previously unannounced release date. The listing has subsequently been removed, but the genie may be out of the bottle. Adding a bit of credence to the November launch rumor, we do know that Polyphony is planning some kind of announcement this month, though we don't have any details about it, as yet.

Even if GT6 is going to be ready for this fall, there's some chance that the European and North American game details - launch date included - may differ. However, a pre-Playstation 4 launch of GT6 would seem to be good way to tide over fans of the franchise, while the next-generation console version is being developed (not to mention giving PS3 a big shot in the arm on its way out the door).

Keep an eye out for more news on this front later this month, as well as for updates after the industries E3 convention, in mid-June.

Gran Turismo 6 to be released on November 28? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3gran turismo 6gt6playstation3playstation4polyphony digitalvideo gamesThu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20556446/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/gran-turismo-6-to-be-released-on-november-28/20556446/article-detail.xml 20556446 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-turismo-6-250_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gran-turismo-6-250.jpg <![CDATA[New Grand Theft Auto V trailers offer more cars and chaos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/new-grand-theft-auto-v-trailers-offer-more-cars-and-chaos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/new-grand-theft-auto-v-trailers-offer-more-cars-and-chaos/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/05/02/new-grand-theft-auto-v-trailers-offer-more-cars-and-chaos/#commentsFiled under:



Fans of the Grand Theft Auto video game series rejoice! With GTA V hitting shelves on September 17, Rockstar Games has released a new trailer, only this time we get to see even more car action/destruction.

This video gives us a brief look of the game from the point of view of three main characters: Michael, Franklin and Trevor. In addition to cars, it looks like users can still operate motorcycles, airplanes and helicopters. The three-part trailer is posted below, but - for those familiar with the GTA series, this goes without saying - violence, language and nudity make this video not safe for work and children.

Continue reading New Grand Theft Auto V trailers offer more cars and chaos

New Grand Theft Auto V trailers offer more cars and chaos originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>grand theft auto 5grand theft auto vgta vnot safe for workrockstar gamesvideovideo gamesThu, 02 May 2013 11:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20554463/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/05/02/new-grand-theft-auto-v-trailers-offer-more-cars-and-chaos/20554463/article-detail.xml 20554463 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gta-v-trailer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/05/gta-v-trailer.jpg <![CDATA[Grid 2 multiplayer details revealed, includes social followers and YouTube vids]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/grid-2-multiplayer-details-revealed-includes-social-followers-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/grid-2-multiplayer-details-revealed-includes-social-followers-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/22/grid-2-multiplayer-details-revealed-includes-social-followers-a/#commentsFiled under: ,

Grid 2 gameplay

The developers of Grid 2, which arrives in stores in May 31, three days later than originally announced, have decided to show us some details of the gameplay teased before in its new Racenet rivals system. Distinct from the career mode will be online modes that can accommodate 12 players paired by playlists and preferences like "anti-griefing," which can keep drivers who don't mind rubbin' separate from those who prefer no contact.

Modes are Race, Endurance, Drift, Touge, Checkpoint, Face Off and Time Attack. There are three Rivals modes that can choose competitors based on ability, social connections or custom settings. Overtake and Power Lap are part of Global Challenge events and races can be contested even when rivals are offline.

There's also the ability to record your finest moments in-game and upload them to YouTube. Speaking of which, there's a video below that makes all this info much more exciting, and a press release below that if you prefer the old-fashioned way.

Continue reading Grid 2 multiplayer details revealed, includes social followers and YouTube vids

Grid 2 multiplayer details revealed, includes social followers and YouTube vids originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid 2videovideo gamesyoutubeMon, 22 Apr 2013 14:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20546364/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/22/grid-2-multiplayer-details-revealed-includes-social-followers-a/20546364/article-detail.xml 20546364 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/grid2-multiplayer_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/grid2-multiplayer.jpg <![CDATA[Forza offers Top Gear car pack for April [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/forza-offers-top-gear-car-pack-for-april-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/forza-offers-top-gear-car-pack-for-april-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/02/forza-offers-top-gear-car-pack-for-april-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR - Forza Horizon

Forza Horizon fans will be pleased to read that a new car pack is available for download today, this latest one selected by the editors at Top Gear magazine. True to the Top Gear image, the selection of rides is both worthwhile and pretty quirky, too.

A 2012 Aston Martin Vanquish and the legendary Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR would seem to lead this class in terms of performance metal, though the utterly lovely Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato is no slouch, either. You might not instantly remember the Bowler EXR S, but rest assured that the love child of Land Rover and a rally raid outfit is a high-horsepower SUV that should be fun to use on the unpaved sections of the Horizon universe.

Still, the big win here is absolutely the 2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan. A full-size Euro cargo van, pumping out an whopping 198-horsepower and with a center of gravity roughly eight feet off the ground. What's not to love? Follow on below to watch a video introduction to the Top Gear car pack, as well as a short description of the full list of available cars.

Continue reading Forza offers Top Gear car pack for April [w/video]

Forza offers Top Gear car pack for April [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car packdlcdriving gameforza horizonforza motorsportmicrosoft studiostop geartop gear car packvideovideo gamesTue, 02 Apr 2013 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20526666/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/02/forza-offers-top-gear-car-pack-for-april-w-video/20526666/article-detail.xml 20526666 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/forza-horizon-top-gear-dlc-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/forza-horizon-top-gear-dlc-628.jpg <![CDATA[New <em>Grid 2</em> video reveals new story elements, race locations]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/new-grid-2-video-reveals-new-story-elements-race-locat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/new-grid-2-video-reveals-new-story-elements-race-locat/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/17/new-grid-2-video-reveals-new-story-elements-race-locat/#commentsFiled under: ,



The steady drip of GRID 2 teasing, leading up to the game's May 28 release date, continues with a video, a press release and some new images from Codemasters.

The new video features a few more looks at USA-based racing in GRID 2, including cut scenes from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the California coast and on the streets of Chicago. Narrated by the game's fictional, racing series-creating Patrick Callahan, the trailer also hints at some game mechanics for you, the driver and star of GRID 2.

Essentially, the better you race, the more fame (GRID 2 experience points) you gain to recruit fans, gain access to new events, attract sponsors and, of course, win new cars. Apparently there's also a tie-up with ESPN's SportsCenter for the new title, offering "live-action" cut scenes of your rise from nobody to big shot. Click here to watch the new video, or check out the Codemasters press release below.

Continue reading New Grid 2 video reveals new story elements, race locations

New Grid 2 video reveals new story elements, race locations originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdriving gamegridgrid 2grid 2 video gamepatrick callahanvideovideo gamesSun, 17 Mar 2013 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20503766/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/03/17/new-grid-2-video-reveals-new-story-elements-race-locat/20503766/article-detail.xml 20503766 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/grid-2-screen-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/grid-2-screen-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Grid 2</em> releases first full-length gameplay preview]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-releases-first-full-length-gameplay-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-releases-first-full-length-gameplay-preview/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/14/grid-2-releases-first-full-length-gameplay-preview/#commentsFiled under: ,



The wait for the May 28th on-sale date of Grid 2 just official got a little bit more unbearable, as the sadists at Codemasters have released a trailer of actual game play. In short: it looks amazing.

Starring in the one-minute clip are classists like the E30 BMW M3, Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Chevrolet Camaro Z28 RS - all powering down a stunningly rendered patch of the California coast. There's also a segment of street racing through Paris, involving a heated exchanged with the McLaren MP4-12C and a Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, among others.

Scroll down below to check out the exotic car-laden trailer, and see for yourself. Apparently pre-orders can already be accepted by your friendly local games merchant, and your choice in that regard will effect what sort of DLC you get to start off with. (Read thru our post on just that topic, here.)

Continue reading Grid 2 releases first full-length gameplay preview

Grid 2 releases first full-length gameplay preview originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgrid 2video gamesvideosThu, 14 Feb 2013 20:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20462550/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/14/grid-2-releases-first-full-length-gameplay-preview/20462550/article-detail.xml 20462550 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/grid-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/grid-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>GRID 2</em> gets May 28 on-sale date, special DLC depending on where you buy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/grid-2-gets-may-28-on-sale-date-special-dlc-depending/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/grid-2-gets-may-28-on-sale-date-special-dlc-depending/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/03/grid-2-gets-may-28-on-sale-date-special-dlc-depending/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Codemasters is promising all kinds of wunderbar things for Grid2 like "new standards for a racing multiplayer experience" and "the most visceral and exhilarating racing yet." The 24-karat test of those claims will have to wait until we can get controllers in our hands, but not for too much longer: The game will be shipping to stores on May 28 for the Xbox 360, PlayStation3 and PC.

What we can confirm now is that there will be three different options for special edition downloadable content depending on whether you pre-order the game at GameStop, Best Buy or Amazon. GameStoppers will get the McLaren and Nissan GT-R Racing Packs, featuring the MP4-12C GT3 and two new ways around the UK's Brands Hatch track in the former, and a GT-R SpecV plus an exclusive online event and five daytime circuits at Yas Marina in the latter.

Get the goods from Best Buy and you'll get the IndyCar Pack that includes the series Pace Car and Dallara chassis, an exclusive online event and two additional routes around The Brickyard. Amazon's version will offer the Head Start Pack, which is a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT on top of discounts in the Car Upgrades Store and a RaceNet bonus.

You have about 120 days to decide which one is for you, with the help of the high-res gallery above. In the meantime, there's a press release below.

Continue reading GRID 2 gets May 28 on-sale date, special DLC depending on where you buy

GRID 2 gets May 28 on-sale date, special DLC depending on where you buy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Feb 2013 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdlcdownloadable contentgridgrid2gt-rgt-r specvmclarenmp4-12c gt3video gamesvideogamesSun, 03 Feb 2013 12:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20445950/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/03/grid-2-gets-may-28-on-sale-date-special-dlc-depending/20445950/article-detail.xml 20445950 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/grid2packdlcs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/grid2packdlcs.jpg <![CDATA[Mass. turnpike authority removes violent video games from rest stops [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The Boston Globe reports the Massachusetts Department of Transportation has removed violent video games from state-owned travel centers following last month's mass shooting tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut.

As the story goes, Andrew and Tracey Hyams were traveling with their 12-year-old son on Christmas Eve from Boston to New York when they took a break from their road trip at a rest area. When they did, they were jarred by the sounds of virtual gunfire as someone played a video game inside. The Hyams, relatives of one of the victims of the Newtown shooting, complained to the Department of Transportation. The agency's decision makers agreed the games were inappropriate, and promptly pulled them from the rest areas in Charlton, Ludlow, Lee and Beverly. Nine such arcade games were removed in all.

Transportation Secretary Richard Davey was quoted as saying a video game in a public space could be used by children of any age, noting that everyone can agree that there's too much violence in our society. While Davey says he didn't make the decision to pull the games, he supported the move.

Do you believe this was the right decision? Take part in our survey below and feel free to leave your thoughts in Comments.


View Poll

Mass. turnpike authority removes violent video games from rest stops [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade gamesdepartment of transportationgun violencegunsmassachusettsmassachusetts department of transportationnewtownrest areasandy hookvideo game violencevideo gamesviolent video gamesThu, 17 Jan 2013 19:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20430958/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/17/mass-turnpike-authority-removes-violent-video-games-from-rest-s/20430958/article-detail.xml 20430958 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/we-approve-of-this-rest-area_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/we-approve-of-this-rest-area.jpg <![CDATA[Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor is a fun truck for all ages, and not just when it comes to blasting over rough terrain at high speeds. Ford says that its off-road performance truck has performed just as well on the shelves of stores as it does on real-world trails with the truck being used as the inspiration for everything from kids toys to video games.

For proof of this, we have to look no further than the Raptor Power Wheels from Fisher-Price or the Traxxas Raptor remote-controlled truck. The Raptor has even started showing up in video games like Need for Speed: Most Wanted, and Ford says that it is one of the most popular downloads in Forza Motorsport 4. This isn't just an American phenomena either. The life-sized Raptor might be commanding a 300-percent markup in China's grey market, but Raptor toys are also popular in the country, as well as in Japan, Germany and Brazil.

Scroll down for more info about toy versions of the Raptor.

Continue reading Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing

Ford says Raptor has become most sought-after truck for toy licensing originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car toysf-150 svt raptorfordforza motorsport 4hot wheelsmatchboxneed for speed most wantedpower wheelsraptorraptor toysvideo gamesSun, 23 Dec 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20409423/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/23/ford-says-raptor-has-become-most-sought-after-truck-for-toy-lice/20409423/article-detail.xml 20409423 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ford-raptor-toy_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/ford-raptor-toy.jpg <![CDATA[<em>F1 Race Stars</em> [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/f1-race-stars-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/f1-race-stars-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/21/f1-race-stars-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

An F1-Themed Rollercoaster Of A Racer That Would Make Mario Himself Proud



There are those of you who have, at one point, played and loved some version of Mario Kart but wished there were a port of it that was playable on your Xbox 360 or Playstation3. This game is for you.

There are also those of you out there who are obsessed with all things having to do with Formula One, especially video games. You pick up each new F1 title as it comes out, follow the season and the championship with close interest, have a favorite driver and a favorite team. This game is for you.

There are even those of you who dig easy-to-play racing games - sort of casually or every once in a while - but wouldn't consider yourself a "racing gamer." This game is for you.

We could continue, but you'll probably get the idea after those first three paragraphs: F1 Race Stars is a game that has broad appeal, largely because it is very entertaining as soon as you pick up a controller. We encourage you to continue reading the rest of this review, but we'll tell you right off the bat that this is one of the coolest little racing games that we've played all year (and we've played quite a few).

Continue reading F1 Race Stars [w/video]

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersf1f1 race starsformula 1formula onereviewreviewsvideovideo gamesWed, 21 Nov 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20385225/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/21/f1-race-stars-w-video/20385225/article-detail.xml 20385225 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-f1-race-stars-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/001-f1-race-stars-628.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Need for Speed: Most Wanted</em> commercial pits cops versus cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/need-for-speed-most-wanted-commercial-pits-cops-versus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/need-for-speed-most-wanted-commercial-pits-cops-versus/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/22/need-for-speed-most-wanted-commercial-pits-cops-versus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Need For Speed Most Wanted

It would seem Turn 10 has outdone the Need For Speed franchise on it's own turf with Forza: Horizon with one glaring exception. No matter where you turn or what sort of mayhem you unleash on the countryside, there is no law enforcement. Fortunately, EA Games is ready to serve up the newest foray into the Need For Speed universe with NFS: Most Wanted. As you might suspect, the gameplay focuses on illegal street racing and the law's attempts at maintaining order. EA Games has turned out the first ad for the title, and if the game play is as entertaining as the clip below, we'll want a turn at the controller.

The add pits an array of would-be lawbreakers against the boys in blue in a little real-life showdown, but it takes one hooligan in a Ford Focus ST to get the party started. Check out the clip below to see what we mean.

Continue reading Need for Speed: Most Wanted commercial pits cops versus cars

Need for Speed: Most Wanted commercial pits cops versus cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea gamesgamesneed for speedneed for speed most wantednfsnfs most wantedvideovideo gamesMon, 22 Oct 2012 16:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20356800/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/22/need-for-speed-most-wanted-commercial-pits-cops-versus/20356800/article-detail.xml 20356800 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/nfs-most-wanted-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/nfs-most-wanted-628.jpg <![CDATA[Ford sales boss Farley studies video game industry, refines prelaunch marketing efforts]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-sales-boss-farley-studies-video-game-industry-refines-prel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-sales-boss-farley-studies-video-game-industry-refines-prel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/17/ford-sales-boss-farley-studies-video-game-industry-refines-prel/#commentsFiled under: ,



Throughout these tough economic times, automakers have looked all over for new marketing ideas to get their products noticed. Ford is no stranger to experiments in marketing, and its chief marketing man, Jim Farley, confirms that the video game industry, of all places, is one place where he looks for innovation.

In particular, AdAge reports that Ford embraced the type of prelaunch marketing that video game publishers have been using to great effect, including "inviting journalists into the fold and creating demand for a product that didn't exist yet." Indeed, one need only look at the Fiesta Movement, Ford's pre-market launch of the Fiesta three years ago, that saw Ford give away Fiestas to 100 social media ninjas to build big buzz ahead of the car's on-sale date. Likewise, the 2011 Ford Explorer was mercilessly teased on Facebook well ahead of its unveiling, which also occurred on the world's biggest social network.

Farley also cited an experiment in pre-launch marketing that didn't work so well. In the case of the redesigned 2012 Ford Escape, the automaker sponsored a prime-time reality show called Escape Routes that only achieved its goal of raising awareness at the expense of the older model, which ultimately required incentives to combat slow sales resulting from anticipation for the new model.

It seems the connection to the video game industry lies in what Farley calls a "slow-burn approach," which occurs well ahead of a vehicle's on-sale date. In fact, Farley notes that 20 percent of Ford's marketing budget is spent on pre-launch projects.

As we cover racing games (see our review of the Forza Horizon) as well as cars, we can confirm the video game industry uses the slow-burn approach to great effect, strategically releasing teaser videos and screen shots in the months and even years ahead of a big game's release. This strategy, however, can also backfire if the product you're pitching doesn't live up to the hype that's been building over time.

Ford sales boss Farley studies video game industry, refines prelaunch marketing efforts originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordjim farleymarketingpre-launch marketingvideo gamesWed, 17 Oct 2012 13:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20351828/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/17/ford-sales-boss-farley-studies-video-game-industry-refines-prel/20351828/article-detail.xml 20351828 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jim-farley-ford-master-chief-halo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/jim-farley-ford-master-chief-halo.jpg <![CDATA[First GRID 2 gameplay trailers released]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/first-grid-2-gameplay-trailers-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/first-grid-2-gameplay-trailers-released/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/02/first-grid-2-gameplay-trailers-released/#commentsFiled under: ,

GRID 2 video game screencap with Ford Mustang Mach 1

The racing-fueled programmers at Codemasters have been pretty busy of late, it seems. The crew recently pinned a bow on their latest racing game, F1 2012, and has just shown off another highly anticipated sequel, GRID 2, at the Eurogamer Expo.

GRID 2 seems to incorporate a lot of what we like about F1 2012, including, we're guessing, the physics modeling behind a new TrueFeel Handling System. We've got a bit of a wait before we can test this out for ourselves - the new game is due out in the summer of 2013 - but there will be many a promo trailer to watch between now and then, including this first set of two.

In the first video, a new Ford Mustang Boss 302 and a vintage Mach 1 dice for position on a redwood-lined California coastal road. In the second, the streets of Chicago are the venue, and a Chevrolet Camaro SS, Corvette Z06 and a Mustang are included amongst the motive combatants. Scroll down to check them out.

Continue reading First GRID 2 gameplay trailers released

First GRID 2 gameplay trailers released originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdriving gamegridgrid 2racing gamevideovideo gamesTue, 02 Oct 2012 12:44:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20338239/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/02/first-grid-2-gameplay-trailers-released/20338239/article-detail.xml 20338239 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/grid-2-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/grid-2-628.jpg <![CDATA[Criterion gives tour of <em>Need for Speed: Most Wanted</em> game's open world]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/criterion-gives-tour-of-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gam/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/criterion-gives-tour-of-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gam/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/23/criterion-gives-tour-of-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gam/#commentsFiled under: ,

NFS: Most Wanted

Criterion Games bills the open-world hooning and hooliganism in the single-player mode of Need for Speed: Most Wanted as "unprecedented freedom and power." The company might not be kidding. Every single car in the game is available whenever you want it and you can drive anywhere you wish.

There are races and police chases through industrial playgrounds and suburban byways. There are "Speed points" awarded for all kinds of sociopathic behavior, and your car can be upgraded instantly with things like automatically reinflating tires and a reinforced chassis. There's lots of jumping. And we mean, lots.

And there's a Big Brother called Autolog 2.0 that keeps track of everyone doing anything, so that the best among you make the Most Wanted list. It's about as arcade as you're going to get without a stack of quarters, a Snickers and a 64-ounce soda. You can watch Criterion demonstrate it for you in the video below.

Continue reading Criterion gives tour of Need for Speed: Most Wanted game's open world

Criterion gives tour of Need for Speed: Most Wanted game's open world originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>criterioncriterion gameseaelectronic artsneed for speedneed for speed most wantedvideovideo gamesvideogamesvideosyoutubeSun, 23 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330553/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/23/criterion-gives-tour-of-need-for-speed-most-wanted-gam/20330553/article-detail.xml 20330553 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/nfs-mwow_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/nfs-mwow.jpg <![CDATA[Spy Hunter fans, your new Interceptor has arrived]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/spy-hunter-fans-your-new-interceptor-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/spy-hunter-fans-your-new-interceptor-has-arrived/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/20/spy-hunter-fans-your-new-interceptor-has-arrived/#commentsFiled under: ,



Spy Hunter first captured our hearts with its excellent driving fast/blowing stuff up formula in the mid 1980s before seeing a resurrection in the early 2000s that, well, no one we know ever played. Middle-child issues to the side, we've been pleased to hear the franchise is getting a reboot and are even more excited after seeing this latest preview video.

The Interceptor, your baddie-swatting supercar extraordinaire, is back with all of the Gatling guns, missiles and transforming features that you could hope for in an arcade driver. We can't wait to give the new title a thorough play-test when it comes out this fall for Playstation Vita and Nintendo 3DS.

Browse through our gallery of sweet Interceptor images, or just click through below to check out the preview video.

Continue reading Spy Hunter fans, your new Interceptor has arrived

Spy Hunter fans, your new Interceptor has arrived originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Sep 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>new spy hunternintendo 3dsplaystation vitaspy huntervideovideo gamesThu, 20 Sep 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20329338/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/20/spy-hunter-fans-your-new-interceptor-has-arrived/20329338/article-detail.xml 20329338 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/006-spy-hunter-screen-shots-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/006-spy-hunter-screen-shots-628.jpg <![CDATA[Author of <I>Ready Player One</i> gives away DeLorean via book 'Easter Egg' contest [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/author-of-ready-player-one-gives-away-delorean-via-book/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/author-of-ready-player-one-gives-away-delorean-via-book/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/04/author-of-ready-player-one-gives-away-delorean-via-book/#commentsFiled under: ,

Ready Player One Giveaway on G4TV (screencap)

If you have a geeky bone in your body and haven't read Ready Player One, stop reading this right now and get your hands on a copy. Author Ernest Cline has created an amazing universe within the story by drawing on some of the best elements of both science fiction and fantasy genres, along with '80s pop culture. From Star Wars, Battlestar Galactica and Firefly to Dungeons and Dragons, Ladyhawke and classic Atari games, Cline leaves no stone unturned. The plot centers around an eccentric billionaire who creates a virtual reality, game-based version of the Internet.

When he dies, the billionaire leaves his entire fortune and a controlling stake in his company to one player who can find an Easter Egg hidden in the vast virtual universe. Cline wanted to do something similar in promoting Ready Player One, so he hid a URL within the text. That URL led to a specially created Atari game, which in turn allowed winners to participate in another game. Those who completed that challenge were met with one final task: set a new world record in one of a handful of classic '80s videogames.

Surprisingly enough, it took a player just eight days to set a new record on Joust (the first challenge in the novel) and win the keys to the grand prize: a DeLorean DMC-12. Cline himself is a big DeLorean fan, having purchased one himself as transportation on his nationwide book tour. He then turned around and bought a second example to give away in the contest. Scroll down to watch a video of Cline being interviewed on G4TV before handing over the keys to the winner.

Continue reading Author of Ready Player One gives away DeLorean via book 'Easter Egg' contest [w/video]

Author of Ready Player One gives away DeLorean via book 'Easter Egg' contest [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deloreandelorean dmc-12dmcdmc-12easter eggernest clineg4g4tvjoustready player oneready player one easter eggvideo gamesTue, 04 Sep 2012 12:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314813/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/04/author-of-ready-player-one-gives-away-delorean-via-book/20314813/article-detail.xml 20314813 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ready-player-one-giveaway-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/ready-player-one-giveaway-628.jpg <![CDATA[Jaguar shacks up with singer Lana Del Rey to promote F-Type [w/videos]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/jaguar-shacks-up-with-singer-lana-del-rey-to-promote-f-type-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/jaguar-shacks-up-with-singer-lana-del-rey-to-promote-f-type-w-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/27/jaguar-shacks-up-with-singer-lana-del-rey-to-promote-f-type-w-v/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey looks over her shoulder

The last time Jaguar launched a really important new coupe, it launched its "Gorgeous" campaign to help sell it. The marquee television spot had a spare musical arrangement and actor Willem Dafoe narrating a montage of obscenely chic lifestyle scenes washed in cool tones. As a luxury proposition, it was certainly a gorgeous commercial.

For the launch of the much-anticipated F-Type, Jaguar is reportedly turning to Lana Del Rey. For those unfamiliar, she's the indie songstress with the retro-glamour style, sultry voice and tracks like "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" to have made her name. And very pouty lips.

If they do what we think they're going to do, you can check out the videos below for a preview. Start the two videos below at the same time, but play the "Gorgeous" commercial on mute while listening to del Rey's "Video Games." Voilà. Now who among the luxury obsessed glossy magazine folk doesn't want an F-Type?

Continue reading Jaguar shacks up with singer Lana Del Rey to promote F-Type [w/videos]

Jaguar shacks up with singer Lana Del Rey to promote F-Type [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2014 jaguar f-typef-typejaguarlana del raylana del reymarketingspokesmodelspokespersonvideovideo gamesMon, 27 Aug 2012 09:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20307039/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/27/jaguar-shacks-up-with-singer-lana-del-rey-to-promote-f-type-w-v/20307039/article-detail.xml 20307039 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lana-del-rey-looks-over-shoulder_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/lana-del-rey-looks-over-shoulder.jpg <![CDATA[The Grotti Cheetah returns in Grand Theft Auto V [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/the-grotti-cheetah-returns-in-grand-theft-auto-v-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/the-grotti-cheetah-returns-in-grand-theft-auto-v-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/25/the-grotti-cheetah-returns-in-grand-theft-auto-v-w-video/#commentsFiled under: ,



Who doesn't welcome the return of a monstrosity called the Grotti Cheetah? After appearing in Grand Theft Auto III and the two Vice City and Liberty City stories, the vaguely Ferrari Testarossa-esque sports car with the incomparable handling and braking - but a distinct dislike for curbs - disappeared from GTA IV.

GTA V will see its return, the Cheetah prowling the streets of a fictionalized SoCal locale called Los Santos. Befitting the location, the Cheetah's also had some plastic surgery in the interim, shedding its Prancing Horse-face for something akin to a French concept car that did the nasty with a Mitsubishi Eclipse. At least, that's what we think from the single shot we have of it.

No complaints, though. As for transport, Rockstar Games released a trio of shots that show the Cheetah will be joined by a fighter jet with a bag of missiles and a bicycle with no visible brakes. In case you need a reminder of the good times shortly ahead, the GTA V trailer is just below.

Continue reading The Grotti Cheetah returns in Grand Theft Auto V [w/video]

The Grotti Cheetah returns in Grand Theft Auto V [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheetahgrand theft autogrotti cheetahgta vrockstar gamesvideo gamesvideogamesSat, 25 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20308069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/25/the-grotti-cheetah-returns-in-grand-theft-auto-v-w-video/20308069/article-detail.xml 20308069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gta5transport_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/gta5transport.jpg <![CDATA[Codemasters announces GRID 2 racing game with new trailer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/codemasters-announces-grid-2-racing-game-with-new-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/codemasters-announces-grid-2-racing-game-with-new-trailer/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/08/codemasters-announces-grid-2-racing-game-with-new-trailer/#commentsFiled under: ,

GRID 2 trailer

Codemasters has announced that the highly anticipated follow-up to its 2008 hit game GRID will be released in the summer of 2013. Imaginatively named GRID 2, the new game will feature "a selection of handpicked automotive icons spanning four decades and three continents," racing "on beautiful city streets, licensed circuits or knife-edge mountain roads."

The game developer has been publicly busy lately with Dirt and Formula 1 concerns like F1 2012 and F1 Race Stars. That said, its four-year-old racing game headliner hasn't made headlines since two of its three online servers were taken down last year. This should make plenty of gamers happy with Codemasters' focusing on racing games and its coming Racenet online hub.

Along with the announcement, Codemasters has released a brand-new trailer for GRID 2, which you can watch below. We've also added a video showing 20 seconds of a virtual Pagani Huayra shredding virtual rubber. Enjoy!

Continue reading Codemasters announces GRID 2 racing game with new trailer

Codemasters announces GRID 2 racing game with new trailer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscodemasters gridcodemasters racinggridgrid 2teaservideovideo gamesvideogamesvideosyoutubeWed, 08 Aug 2012 19:20:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20293811/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/08/codemasters-announces-grid-2-racing-game-with-new-trailer/20293811/article-detail.xml 20293811 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/grid2-playstation_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/grid2-playstation.jpg <![CDATA[Mario Kart meets F1 in new Codemasters game]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/mario-kart-meets-f1-in-new-codemasters-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/mario-kart-meets-f1-in-new-codemasters-game/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/19/mario-kart-meets-f1-in-new-codemasters-game/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Codemasters' new F1 Race Stars - game screencap

Where better than Comic-Con for Codemasters to announce the deceptively titled F1 Race Stars. A 180-degree hairpin from the other Codemasters F1 game, this is less about the stars and much more about the wild, arcade-style racing with weapons and bonuses on "fantastical" versions of real Formula One tracks. It looks like McLaren's Tooned as a video game, with more drivers and cars.

As for those stars, your driver lineup will be Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastien Vettel, Nico Rosberg, Romain Grosjean and - eyebrows raised here - Bruno Senna. There'll be lots of arcade options like online racing with up to 12 players, split screens with up to four players, and carerr modes. It's arriving in November for PCs, Playstation and xBox 360. Check out the promo video below.

Mario Kart meets F1 in new Codemasters game originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersdriving gamef1f1 race starsformula 1playstationps3videovideo gamesvideogamesxboxxbox 360youtubeThu, 19 Jul 2012 17:47:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20279291/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/07/19/mario-kart-meets-f1-in-new-codemasters-game/20279291/article-detail.xml 20279291 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/f1racestarsgame_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/f1racestarsgame.jpg -1 2