Top Speed

Gran Turismo 5: 2.03 upgrade now available for download

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 08:00:00 GMT

The first downloadable package for the new Gran Turismo 5 became available back in October, followed by a second upgrade package for December, and now GT5 honchos have come up with a third update to to add to the collection. Think they’re overdoing it a bit? Yeah, so do we, but making money is always at the forefront of these decisions.

The new 2.03 update package includes 12 new home themes and wallpapers, better tire wear prediction in B-Spec races, and adjustments to the Chaparral 2J race car’s performance point index. Gamers can also choose between two different packages. Car Pack 3 includes models like the Nissan Leaf, the 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage, the 2011 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, the 2011 MINI Cooper S Countryman, and the classic Volkswagen Beetle. Price for this package is $5.99.

The second update package choice is called the Speed Test Pack and includes an 18.82 miles long track where you can test models like the Red Bull X2011. The price for this package is $3.99.

Gran Turismo 5: 2.03 upgrade now available for download originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 18 January 2012 08:00 EST.

Video: Acura NSX Concept makes a second debut in Gran Turismo 5

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:00:00 GMT

The new re-imagined Acura NSX made its debut just yesterday and it is already the star in a video for Gran Turismo 5, joined by the original NSX. This isn’t exactly an official confirmation of the future sports car’s entrance into the gaming world, but it’s a pretty solid hint. Think of it this way: The same thing happened with the recently launched Toyota GT 86 and it is now being offered in the 2.02 update of GT5.

The Acura NSX Concept previews the future NSX supercar and presents the first application of Acura’s innovative new Sport Hybrid SH-AWD (Super Handling All Wheel Drive) system. This system combines a unique 2 Electric Motor Drive Unit with a bilateral torque adjustable control system that allows the car to instantly generate negative or positive torque to the front wheels during cornering. Throw in Acura’s next generation VTEC 3.5-liter V6 with direct-injection and a dual clutch transmission with a built-in electric motor, and you’re looking at a future production car with insane capabilities and killer style.

gallery: 2012 Acura NSX Concept

Video: Acura NSX Concept makes a second debut in Gran Turismo 5 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 12:00 EST.

Video: Michael Bay directs new Need For Speed: The Run trailer

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Mon, 7 Nov 2011 15:00:00 GMT

Michael Bay’s addiction for high-octane action and mindless explosions has earned him a reputation as one of Hollywood’s most fascinating directors. For his latest project, Bay is switching genres and stepping into the world of video games, directing the official trailer for Need For Speed: The Run.

While this project was lacking in real-life actors, Bay didn’t seem to have any problems putting his imprint on the trailer. There are cars flying everywhere, helicopters shooting at runaway vehicles, and of course, lots and lots of explosions.

At the end of the day, Bay seems to have done a good job in translating his Hollywood-style directing by turning the trailer into a pulse-pounding, action-packed, two-and-a-half-minute video for the latest installment in the highly-popular Need For Speed franchise.

As a reminder, the game is set to come out November 15, 2011, so if you’re still having second thoughts on making the purchase, this Michael Bay-directed trailer will more than likely sway your decision towards forking over that $50.

Video: Michael Bay directs new Need For Speed: The Run trailer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 7 November 2011 15:00 EST.

Video: Turn 10 Studios releases November Speed Pack for Forza 4

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Sun, 6 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

How’s this for an awesome early Christmas present from the developers of Forza 4? Turn 10 Studios has officially released the latest downloadable patch for Forza 4 and it’s got plenty of new content that will surely drive up the racing juices of Forza 4 fans the world over.

The November Speed Pack will feature a lot of the most salivating supercars in the game, including the long awaited Lamborghini Aventador and the 2012 Dodge Viper SRT8. In addition to these two thoroughbreds, the content patch will also carry some taste of the old and new, with the likes of the 1992 GMC Typhoon and the 2013 Ford Focus ST racing along with the group.

Apart from the vehicle infusion, the Speed Pack will also carry a new Rivals mode that will allow you to match wits with the Aventador in a hot-lap battle. So for a mere $7, you can hop on over to the Forza Motorsport website and find out how you can avail of the November Speed Pack.

But if you’re the type that finds it hard to part with the seven bucks, this trailer figures to be all the convincing you’ll need.

gallery: 2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

gallery: 2013 Dodge Viper

Video: Turn 10 Studios releases November Speed Pack for Forza 4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Sunday, 6 November 2011 18:00 EST.

Video: First Trailer for Grand Theft Auto 5 Released!

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Sat, 5 Nov 2011 09:00:00 GMT

It has been rumored for quite some time now that Rockstar Games is working on the Grand Theft Auto 5 game. But today the company has unveiled the first trailer that proves the game is on its way. Although an official launch date hasn’t been announced just yet, we believe that the next game will be released in early 2012.

Like with the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas for the PS2, the action of the new GTA 5 will take place in San Andreas. Also, it is rumored that the game’s main hero will be Tommy Vercetti from Vice City once again. What do you think, is it he or we will see a totally new character?

All we can say for sure at this point is that the "V" in the game’s title was inspired by the US dollar and as the trailer suggest the recession is being a focal point of the game.

More details will come pretty soon, stay tuned!

Video: First Trailer for Grand Theft Auto 5 Released! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 5 November 2011 09:00 EST.

Rockstar Games begins Grand Theft Auto 5 countdown

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:00:00 GMT

In the annals of recent car video game history, games franchises like Gran Turismo, Need For Speed, and Forza Motorsport have etched their own cult followings for the remarkable realism and creativity of hardcore racing.

And on the other side of that is Grand Theft Auto.

Unlike the previous three titles, GTA is different in the sense that it’s not so much about full-throttle racing as it is about going through dirty missions and using whatever form of transportation as your accessory of destruction.

The franchise has given birth to four installments and die-hard fans of GTA - like ourselves - will be delighted to know that Rockstar Games, the brains behind it - is already working on Gran Theft Auto 5.

A release date for the game is still unknown at this point and for their part, Rockstar is milking every ounce of anticipation by publishing a countdown banner on their website that will eventually lead to the very first trailer of GTA5.

Ever since Grand Theft Auto was launched 14 years go, the title has sold more than 114 million copies, making it one of the most successful video game franchises in history. So what lies ahead for GTA5?

We’ll have to wait until November 2, 2011 to find out.

Rockstar Games begins Grand Theft Auto 5 countdown originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 29 October 2011 18:00 EST.

Gran Turismo 5 to feature Red Bull X2010

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Sebastian Vettel made history when he became the youngest driver ever to become an F1 champion, and not just once, but twice in two consecutive years. Polyphony Digital will commemorate this historic event by offering the Red Bull X2010 fantasy vehicle for a limited time to anyone who logs into Gran Turismo 5.

The Red Bull X2010 racecar is the ultimate driving machine. A fantasy vehicle found exclusively in Gran Turismo 5, the X2010 was created as a joint project between Red Bull Racing and Gran Turismo makers Polyphony Digital. It was designed with only one purpose in mind: to go fast as possible, free of any and all racing regulations. A perfect vehicle for just about any enthusiast, don’t you think?

Next to this, GT5 will receive a series of improvements including a cabin view for all the cars, 11 new NASCAR racers, and the possibility to save within the race. All this and they still decided to drop the price, from $59.99 to $39.99.

Gran Turismo 5 to feature Red Bull X2010 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 10 October 2011 09:00 EST.

Video: Forza Motorsport 4 "Endangered Species" trailer

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Tue, 4 Oct 2011 09:00:00 GMT

Forza Motorsport 4 is getting ready to hit shelves on October 11, 2011, so Microsoft is reeling in the last bit of consumer restraint by tugging at the heartstrings of the car- and speed-loving fanatics of the world. In their newest trailer, spokesman Jeremy Clarkson goes into detail about the endangered species of the world: the lovers of speed, the devotees of power, performance, and noise.

The trailer talks about the diminishing numbers of opportunities for these fanatics to get into their powerful cars - an Aston Martin DB9, in this case - and ride speedily onto to the open road without fear of police interference. The time to enjoy the adrenaline rush felt by slamming down on the accelerator and the beauty behind driving freely is fading away into a distant memory, but Clarkson has a solution. Of course, this is a paid gig for him, but his solution is to get in on the Forza Motorsport 4 action. It may not be the same as the real thing, but the real thing may have some law enforcement consequences.

By the way, xBox Live Gold members can now enjoy the Forza 4 demo, so ride on!

gallery: 2011 Aston Martin DB9

Video: Forza Motorsport 4 "Endangered Species" trailer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 4 October 2011 09:00 EST.

Video: Need For Speed: The Run previews the Porsche 911 Carrera S

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Fri, 9 Sep 2011 13:00:00 GMT

The Need For Speed franchise will be rolling out a new game called ’The Run’ before the holidays and they’re banking on the exclusive appearance of one of the most highly anticipated sports car of the year, the 2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S for increased sales.

They’re so high on the 911 Carrera S that they even took the time to make an exclusive preview of the sports car for our viewing. As if we needed any more convincing; we’re already scooping up the game when it hits shelves this November.

However, it’s still a cool video to watch, especially since the Porsche supercar is only a few days away from being unveiled to the public. And as an added bonus, if you look more closely at the promo, you’ll notice that the 911 Carrera S isn’t the only Porsche sports car making an appearance. Yep, the 500-horsepower Porsche 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is also running roughshod over America’s highways.

Check out the video and watch the two Porsche monsters that will be part of Need For Speed: The Run.

gallery: 2012 - 2013 Porsche 911/991

gallery: 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Video: Need For Speed: The Run previews the Porsche 911 Carrera S originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 9 September 2011 13:00 EST.

Thrustmaster unveils the Ferrari 458 Italia racing wheel

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Sat, 3 Sep 2011 06:00:00 GMT

With so many racing games inundating the market these days, run-of-the-mill racing wheels, let alone the standard controllers, just wouldn’t cut it anymore.

These games feature cutting-edge technology and you’re using a cheap wheel to play them? Not exactly realistic, is it?

What you need is a racing wheel that will make the entire gaming experience all that more realistic. You need a wheel that will make you feel like you’re really driving those virtual cars. You need a wheel like the new Thrustmaster Ferrari 458 Italia Racing Wheel.

From the minds that gave birth to the T500RS and the Ferrari Wireless GT Cockpit comes the latest in race gaming accessories. The 11" F458 wheel features a rubberized grip that allows you stay firmly in control of your virtual race car while the built-in metal paddle shifters, a Manettino dial, and progressive resistance allows you to make all the necessary adjustments to ensure that your lap times aren’t ruined by the smallest of mistakes. The F458 racing wheel is exclusive to the Xbox 360, which you can use for all your Forza 4 exploits.

As far as PS3 and PC gamers are concerned, you’re not left out in the dark. Thrustmaster will also be releasing the TH8 RS gear shifter, which you can connect to the aforementioned T500RS, allowing you to configure your gearbox set-up with either H-pattern or sequential configurations.

The accessories are dropping on shelves this October for the price of $180 for the F458 wheel and $90 for the TH8 gear shifter. They won’t come cheap, but for the awesome experience, forking over those amounts will all be worth it in the end.

Thrustmaster unveils the Ferrari 458 Italia racing wheel originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 3 September 2011 06:00 EST.

Octane 120 Beer Arcade Machine

Matt McDonald@topspeed.com(Matt McDonald) — Sat, 6 Aug 2011 23:00:00 GMT

One thing to keep in mind is the fact that drinking and driving is highly illegal and dangerous. Drinking and driving in your home arcade, on the other hand, is a lot of fun. The Octane 120 Pro Beer Arcade brings together two exciting pieces of any home arcade; a driving simulator and built in kegerator. The all in one system can be fully customized to fulfill the customer’s wants and needs.

The main components include a fully adjustable steering wheel and seat, an in dash beer tap, full HD projector, and a variety of different gaming machines. The innovative platform allows for different PC gaming setups and Playstation systems to be used. Dream Arcades will also configure the system to run over 200 racing video games straight from the arcade. The simulation provided by this system may not be as advanced as other high end units on the market, but it does include a metal gas, clutch, and brake pedal setup with variable resistance. Furthermore, the steering wheel features dual motor force feedback for realistic driving conditions. After all this may be the only place where you can grip a full size leather wrapped steering wheel and pour yourself a beer at the same time.

Behind the racing bucket seat sits the heart of the party, a mini fridge with secondary tap on tap. The fridge can hold two 5-gallon or one half barrel keg to keep every thirsty driver hydrated. The Octane Pro can be built and delivered to your home in about four weeks. Current prices without shipping and handling will run about $6,000. Contact Dream Arcades at 916-761-6925 for more information.

Octane 120 Beer Arcade Machine originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 6 August 2011 23:00 EST.

Video: DiRT 3 - Monte Carlo Trailer

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Wed, 6 Jul 2011 14:00:00 GMT

After releasing the official trailer of the "DiRT 3 - Racing never stops" game just last month, execs are already planning their next monetary attack by releasing a new package for the game. The new Monte Carlo pack is supposed to offer gamers another impressive racing experience, but will come with a $10 price tag.

The new Monte Carlo Track Pack features eight additional Rally stages featuring the dramatic climbs, descents, and hairpins of snowy mountain roads. Gamers will be able to race through the Alps and conquer the legendary Col de Turini pass in single player, split screen, and online multi player.

The new game is now available from Xbox Live Marketplace, Games For Windows Marketplace (800 MSP), and Playstation Network. Depending on the market, the new pack is priced at $9.99, £6.2, or €7.99.

Enjoy the video!

Video: DiRT 3 - Monte Carlo Trailer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 6 July 2011 14:00 EST.

Video: Jimmie Johnson's Anything with an Engine

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Mon, 6 Jun 2011 14:00:00 GMT

NASCAR fans everywhere know the name Jimmie Johnson rather well, but for those that don’t, Johnson is an American NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race car driver. He currently drives for Hendrick Motorsports and is preparing his Panamera Hybrid for competition. And as if that wasn’t enough, the race car driver has also taken time to develop a new kart game: "Anything with an Engine."

This isn’t your usual NASCAR game, but the title is rather explicative of what the idea behind it is. The fun little kart game allows gamers to drive anything with an engine and provides an arsenal of weapons to help the racer get to the finish line. Boost, missiles, and land mines, among other things, are used to take out the other players in the best of three rounds and players can even get creative with a slew of characters and crazy colors to personalize their driving experience.

Jimmie Johnson’s "Anything with an Engine" is expected to be released later in the summer of 2011 for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. We’ll pass along more details as soon as they become available.

Video: Jimmie Johnson's Anything with an Engine originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 6 June 2011 14:00 EST.

Video: DiRT 3 trailer

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Wed, 1 Jun 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The new DiRT 3 game has officially been launched, and to mark this occasion, Codemasters has released a new trailer showcasing the breadth of content to feature in the new game. The ’World of Racing’ trailer features DiRT 3’s wide range of game modes, from traditional Rally to innovative freestyle Gymkhana events, plus Trailblazer, and multi-car Head 2 Head, Land Rush and Rallycross stages. DiRT 3 will boast more cars, more locations, more routes, and more events than any other game in the series.

Gamers will be able to experience rally stages in Europe, Africa, and the US. DiRT 3’s extensive online gameplay features for consoles are enabled with a VIP Pass, the access code for which is included in each retail box shipped.

The game can be played on lots of platforms, including Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 3, and PC Games For Windows LIVE.

Video: DiRT 3 trailer originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 1 June 2011 13:30 EST.

Preorder Forza Motorsport 4 for Some Extra Goodies

Simona@topspeed.com(Simona) — Tue, 31 May 2011 19:00:00 GMT

Microsoft isn’t letting up on what they are calling the most cutting-edge racing game in history in their Forza Motorsport series and they are bringing it back into the headlines with a Ferrari 458 Italia gracing the official cover and the list of goodies players will get if they preorder their copy.

The fourth installment of Forza is scheduled to hit shelves in the Fall 2011 and the new support for Kinect, as well as the classic controls, will be up and ready to thrill gamers. If Fall 2011 is too long to wait, fans of the game will be happy to know that U.S. retailers will be allowing them to pre-order Forza for $59.99.

Pre-ordering the game wouldn’t exactly be all that necessary if doing so didn’t open up the doors to a bunch of extra goodies. When you pre-order Forza Motorsport at any retail location, the game will come with an exclusive in-game car pack that includes a 1965 Ford Mustang GT Coupe, a 2011 Koenigsegg Agera, a 1997 Lexus SC300, a 2011 RUF RGT-8, and a 2011 Tesla Roadster Sport. Players can race, tune, paint, and share their creations with their friends, but the pack will only be available in the first production run of “Forza Motorsport 4” game discs.

That’s not all, either. If gamers preorder their game at certain retailers, other fun prizes will be included in their pack. Hit the jump to check out the list of retailers and their extra goodies.

Preorder Forza Motorsport 4 for Some Extra Goodies originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 31 May 2011 19:00 EST.