GTPlanet Weekly Rewind: The Ultimate Showcase

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With so many great options for us to choose from I sometimes wonder how we haven’t gone mad, and by that I mean we have Forza Motorsport, Gran Turismo, the upcoming Assetto Corsa, iRacing, Raceroom Racing Experience (R3E), rFactor 2, Project CARS, and Codemasters’ F1 series of racing games. With so many options to choose from there’s literally something for everyone and it’s because of this wealth of choice that the gaming scene for racing simulators isn’t as much of an empty void as some would believe.

Take the picture above featuring the BMW M3 GT2 from Project CARS taking on the many challenging and sweeping bends of Suzuka Circuit, dressed in it’s fictional livery (with two official liveries) and looking great for a PC title, but fret not as it will make its way onto consoles as well. The major revelation you’ll soon come to acknowledge is the game looks so great and it isn’t even using final code yet; it’s still in its pre-alpha infancy.

Project CARS features one of the more dynamic audio engines that I’ve experienced since R3E. Take these videos put together by myself for example:

Keep in mind, nothing you’re seeing or hearing is final. Everything is constantly worked on, criticized and improved on a weekly basis, which means if you have a problem with something whether it be suspension-related or tire-related it could be improved upon the very next day depending on your level of membership, and that is perhaps the single most exciting thing about this project.

Now the unfortunate bit of news is if this is the first you’ve heard of pCARS and you’d like to get in on the fun and share your thoughts and give a laundry list of feedback, you’re unable to as funding for the game has closed. However, there is the possibility that funding could once again become a factor with the advent of next month’s full-on foray into the eighth generation of consoles.

And this is precisely the point of the Weekly Rewind. Of course the key players—Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport—will always have the immediate spotlight, but the world of racing games expands far beyond their scope of things.

It really is the ultimate showcase.

GTPlanet Picture of the Week

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Realism is something we all want from racing games, but photorealism is something us photomode guys look to achieve in every single one of our sessions; of course some may be a bit more abstract than others, but this is always something that’s kept in mind.

This set put together by our very own gtuned exhibits exactly what I’m referring to.

Have a suggestion for next week’s featured image? Drop me a private message, entitle it “GTPlanet Picture of the Week” and fill it out with your two choices and they’ll be featured in upcoming Rewinds. NOTE: You cannot elect your own work.

Gran Turismo 6 – Bathurst is Here

Mount Panorama, otherwise known as Bathurst has finally been confirmed for inclusion in the upcoming Gran Turismo 6. Widely known as one of the most challenging circuits in the world, it’s going to be great getting to know the many dangers of the track this December.

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For more, be sure to stop by the original article here.

GTPlanet Weekly Race Series (WRS) Week 137: S2000? S2013!

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GT5’s chapter in the WRS may soon be coming to an end this December but that doesn’t mean the events are going to begin falling to the wayside, or even worse, become easier. This week is all about Honda’s S2000 wearing its bog standard Comfort/Soft compound tires, and with 240 horsepower you’re sure to find yourself on the uncomfortable end of oversteer.

You can hate the tires, but they are going to hate you back.

These are the stock tires on the car, with the perfect balance of slip and grip. It’s a very balanced ride, and it will be tricky to get everything out of it. Have fun!

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Stop by the official thread here and remember that you NEED to be registered before officially participating in the WRS, and that can only be done by submitting a time for the official GTP Registry Qualifier.

Forza Motorsport 5 – And It Continues

Last week Dan Greenawalt was present at the Eurogamer Expo and talked some more about the upcoming, admittedly ambitious launch title for the Xbox One, Forza Motorsport 5. While nothing groundbreaking or entirely new was revealed, it was interesting to hear his comments regarding their new tire model and the extensive amount of new data acquired courtesy of the partnership with Calspan.

Beyond that, last week was the beginning of the weekly reveals for vehicles set to be included in FM5, and the total list up until this point is 45 confirmed vehicles. Today sees the next batch of vehicles set to be included in Forza Motorsport 5’s lucrative list of automotive history, and the list is as follows:

2a4bde0a-426a-496c-8d6e-4d41e6074e3d2013 Audi S4

4133a9d8-f8c7-4742-b88f-56f0af8087941985 Ford RS200 Evolution

Of course, that’s not all as the following list of cars have also been revealed

  • 2012 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
  • 2012 Vauxhall Astra VXR
  • 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
  • 1991 GMC Syclone
  • 1998 Ferrari #12 Risi Competizione F333 SP
  • 2005 Dodge SRT4 ACR
  • 2010 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3
  • 2011 Peugeot 308 GTI
  • 1970 Chevrolet El Camino SS 454
  • 2003 BMW M5
  • 1971 Lotus Elan Sprint
  • 1993 McLaren F1
  • 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
  • 2003 Nissan Fairlady Z
  • 1965 MINI Cooper S
  • 2004 Subaru Impreza WRX STi
  • 2003 Volkswagen Golf R32

And even further are all of the vehicles announced up until this point which include the following

  • 2009 Zonda Cinque Roadster
  • 2012 Chrysler 300 SRT8
  • 2013 Ford Focus ST
  • 2010 Audi TT RS Coupe
  • 2012 Scion TC
  • 2009 Jeep Cherokee SRT8
  • 2011 Kia Cee’d
  • 2005 TVR Sagaris
  • 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Stradale
  • 1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACR
  • 1998 Eagle Talon TSi Turbo
  • 2009 Ferrari California
  • 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R
  • 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
  • 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • 2010 Maserati GranTurismo S
  • 2003 Toyota Celica SS-I
  • 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe
  • 1971 AMC Javelin-AMX
  • 1976 McLaren M23
  • 1976 Ferrari 312-2
  • 2013 Dallara #9 Target Ganassi Dallara DW12
  • 2013 Dallara #15 Target Rahal Letterman Dallara DW12
  • 2012 Dallara #28 Andretti Autosport DW12
  • 2013 Dallara #12 Team Penske Dallara
  • 2012 #1 Audi Team Joest R-18 e-tron quattro
  • 2012 Ferrari F12berlinetta
  • 2013 McLaren P1™
  • 1954 Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe
  • 2012 Pagani Huayra
  • 2011 Koenigsegg Agera
  • 2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera
  • 2010 Audi TT RS Coupe
  • 2013 Ford Focus ST
  • 2011 McLaren MP4-12C
  • 2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro
  • 2012 Aston Martin Vanquish
  • 2011 Audi RS3 Sportback
  • 2013 Ford Mustang GT500
  • 2013 SRT Viper GTS
  • 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
  • 1987 RUF CTR Yellowbird
  • 1991 Mazda #55 787B
  • 2011 Ford F150 SVT Raptor
  • 2011 Bugatti Veyron Super Sport

This brings the current list to a grand total of 62 cars and the list is only going to grow in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!

GTPlanet Member of the Week

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Once again it’s time to acknowledge a member of the GTPlanet community; a member who has stood out among the hundreds of thousands of members already here, both old and new alike for all that they’re worth and all they have contributed to the community.

Acknowledging yet another senior among the ranks, and our second member to possess real world racing experience, it’s time to welcome the newest inductee in to the Member of the Week madhouse, Motor City Hami!

Many of you will undoubtedly recognize our newest inductee for his contributions to our very own tuning forum and it is precisely that in which he mentions during his interview. So get to know Keith and little better and check out the full interview, and perhaps see the world through his eyes. He is, after all, the twentieth member to be recognized among his peers. Who’s next?

Anyone you’d like to see recognized as the Member of the Week? Drop me a private message, entitle it “GTPlanet Member of the Week” and fill it out with your choices and they’ll be featured in upcoming Rewinds. NOTE: You cannot nominate yourself.

GTPlanet Vehicle of the Week

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This week’s featured vehicle bears a strong resemblance to a Lamborghini Diablo in the rough, and for good reason, as it is the work of Marcello Gandini whom worked with Lamborghini. Named after its oddball drivetrain configuration, the Moroder uses a transversely-mounted V16 engine mated to a longitudinal gearbox that forms the shape of a “T”.

Upon receiving Marcello’s design for the successor to Lamborghini’s Countach, Lamborghini took the concept and extensively reworked it, including the removal of Gandini’s signature notched rear-wheel arches. Gandini was none too pleased with the alterations and turned to Cizeta who offered to maintain the original design language.

Once completed, the vehicle sold for $400k which would prove to be a hard sell given the lack of company heritage or racing history, and as a result only ten units were ever completed.

Have a suggestion for next week’s featured image? Drop me a private message, entitle it “GTPlanet Vehicle of the Week” and fill it out with your two choices and they’ll be featured in upcoming Rewinds. NOTE: You cannot elect your own work.

GTPlanet Tune of the Week

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This week’s featured once again goes hand-in-hand with this past Wednesday’s Seasonal Events challenges in GT5,  recommended to us by tuning aficionado danbojte and courtesy of praiano63, features the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione.

Originally tuned for 500PP events, you won’t have to go far to accommodate the additional 50 points for this week’s time trial.

Victory is the name of the game as usual and if it’s a deserving victory that you’e after and you want to do so using the fiery passion of Italian persuasion, then you’ll want to stop by and see the tune for yourself.

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Exactly like the Picture and Vehicle of the Week features, if you have any suggestions for the upcoming Rewinds be sure to drop me a private message, entitle it “GTPlanet Tune of the Week” and let me know. NOTE: You cannot elect your own work.

Closing Thoughts

What started out as a relatively quiet week quickly became one that was shout-worthy, and all because of one very anticipated track reveal for GT6. It’s amazing how things work sometimes, and all that’s left is revealing more information about the new and/or improved features of the game, and the rest of the vehicles new to GT6.

It’s another F1 weekend and I’m always as excited as I am on every F1 race weekend, and while I’m almost certain of how things are going to transpire, I can’t help but be excited. What I’m not excited for is the face of Formula 1’s succeeding year in 2014 where regulations are going to be changed a’plenty. As I mentioned last week, I don’t even want to think about 2014. At all.

Now a message from our sponsor, me:

While you’re salivating at the very thought of Gran Turismo 6 finding itself into your PlayStation 3 this coming December why not take the time to become a full-fledged member of our wonderful community. It’s free and we have cake! Okay, we don’t have cake (the cake is and always will be a lie, remember this!) but we do have a strong community and we’re always talking about something interesting. If you aren’t already a member you should join today and maybe you can work out a patented antidote for “Lying Cake Syndrome”. Seriously, it’s been years since I’ve had cake.

My shameless Twitter plug has also returned!

Once again I forgot to mention that I’m on Twitter now. What was once going to be a bit of parody account (because I don’t use Facebook or Twitter for any reason whatsoever) has quickly turned into me using Twitter rather effectively. So, follow me and suggest all things Rewind-worthy from the comfort of your tablets, phones, or Skynet-linked computers. Remember, when the machines finally rise you’ll need someone to write pieces regarding the matter littered with Armageddon-y undertones and I can be just that guy! What were we talking about? Right, Twitter, so if you’ll follow me here the Rewind can be delivered to you in a timely fashion not seen since snail mail. Wait, that’s not the right thing to say!

You will be showered in Rewind, Seasonal Event and future article goodness courtesy of yours truly, so there’s that worth looking forward to once I’ve bothered to get the thing up and running. It can also be used to suggest things for upcoming Rewinds, so that’s now two ways you all can keep me on my toes.

Bathurst has arrived and there’s something else in store this week that I’ll leave to your imagination. What I will say—to save as many of you a headache as possible—is that it has nothing to do with Gran Turismo or Polyphony Digital. And on that brain teaser it is once again time to bring the Rewind to an end. Until next week, keep racing!

pCARS and GT5 photomode images by R8TEDM3, EDK, and driftinziggy.

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Comments (53)

  1. FOG-Smokebeer

    Yep p/cars does sound sweet ive been playing it on my pc a lot lately since it moved to steam but atm we are getting a new patch every day which means you have to delete all profiles and 3d settings or it gets alittle strange.but from what I know so far they haven’t started on the ps4/xbone versions they will need more funding for that and plan to open more room for people to join the testing(and even if u do sign up for ps4/xbox versions you still get to test on pc (if u have one)until theres a working console version :)

  2. David Brooks

    I do like the amount of layers in the sound for project cars. As well as the engine exhaust, gearbox whine, turbo boost, and tyre squeal that we would recognise in GT5, they also include exhaust back fires, brake squeal (I think), and sounds from the cockpit like cables swinging against body panels. Just creates a more real experience imo.

  3. Rafael F

    Hey :D

    Is PCars coming to ps4? or only PC?
    One more question, I have the F1 2011 and was wondering if it worth buying the 2013 version.

    1. Terronium-12

      It stands to reason that it will be released on the PS4 and Xbox One (Wii U is already stamped as a release candidate), but it hasn’t been finalized. At the moment the platforms are PC, PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii U.

      As for F1, going for 2011 to 2013 you’ll definitely see an improvement, and to top it off you get classic content.

    2. sayba2th

      Seeming Logitech made the DFGT as the official wheel of GT it would stand to reason that PS4 will support Logitechs products further. I would hate to not be able to use my G27 any longer :-(

  4. BlackHawk1722

    I wonder how GT6 will stack up to Forza 5. absolutely love GT series but Forza is pretty good with its Do whatever you want whenever you want kind of games. I like that about them.

    1. TokoTurismo

      Umm. I don’t want to sound rude but isn’t GT6 going to be excatly that? I mean both games aren’t that different from that department.

    2. Quakebass

      Forza is a simulator, but it also incorporates “childish” things too, like car soccer/bowling etc. GT sticks pretty mush solely to reality, with the exception of being able to mix and match different race classes. Forza has more of a sandbox attitude than GT.

    3. DYLAN777-is-not

      Forza5 will be all dlc. The game will come with one car and one track and the other 500 cars and 10 tracks will be dlc. On the other hand Gt6 will be all updates. Youll buy a blank gt6 disc and everything will be updates. Of course im exagerating but its completely true! Forza has half its car count as dlc and doesnt have any good tracks. And GT never hires enough people to get anything finished. Personally i prefer gt6’s strategy because they dont have their hand in your pocket for 2 years and they set the standard for original ideas while giving the best race experience in a racing game. Forza doesnt even know what a race is. They think 5 laps long is long race, night time doesnt exist, weather doesnt exist and cars run on infinite fuel and tires, and you can rewind all mistakes away and online if you brush a car itll spin them out instantly, i guess rubbing ISNT racing.

    4. Terronium-12

      Wow, Dylan. Wow.

      GT6, and by extension, GT is a product, not an entity — *PD* never hires enough people to get anything finished, which by the way, inexplicably warrants your preference moot.

      Original ideas? Gran Turismo doesn’t exist in a vacuum, no racing game does. “Original ideas” goes about as far as different interpretations of an already existing idea, or innovating further. Innovation isn’t always a great thing as it could lead down the path of essentially rewriting things that needn’t be rewrote.

      “…cars run on infinite fuel and tires” No and no. This is opposed to the simulation of both in GT whereby once fuel is depleted your vehicle runs on fumes that somehow limits the car to a maximum of 50MPH, allowing you to make your way back to the pits and refuel, or the tires that are run roughshod after only several laps irregardless of the pacing used.

      Rewind isn’t an option in online races. Nice try though.

    5. MuoNiuLa

      It would be nice to check out a Rewind every week without having to read ignorant comments like Dylan’s. But sadly, I’m expecting too much from members on this site.

    6. Pit Crew

      Unlike DYLAN777-is-not, you Blackhawk have an open mind about both of these titles (past present & future im guessing). Kudos Sir :tup:

    7. sayba2th

      Dylan, you stated “Of course im exagerating but its completely true!” please tell me how you can be completely exaggerating the truth? That sir is an oxymoron.

  5. Guitaratnite

    I am not looking forward to the 2014 F1 regulations either. Might have to watch with the sound off. LOL

    1. Terronium-12

      It’s going to be rough. The best thing to come from the V8 era was the Coanda exhaust – which was almost immediately ruled against – if that were to make a return with the V6 turbo engines, things could look (and sound) better.

  6. ScotteDawg

    Just been to the Gran Turismo site and looked at the “photos” of the new tracks on offer. I’m wondering (because of the different angles used in these screenshots) if Photo Mode in GT6 will also have this wide array of angles!? It would make the photos more interesting if they were! GT4 had a better Photo Mode than GT5, so GT6 had better be better than GT5!

    Speaking of photos, I wonder how many shots of Tubby will be shared?

    While I’m wondering about things, Monza and Sarthe have different versions WITHOUT the chicanes, right? So, will Bathurst have a version without the Chase? (For those of you who don’t know the history of Bathurst, prior to 1987 Conrod Straight just went from Forrest’s Elbow to Murray’s Corner without deviation. In order to comply with international standards, the Chase was built into the track, along with a few other upgrades!)

    1. sayba2th

      Ah yes, I remember the days of them hurtling outta Conrod straight in to Murrays corner and on to main straight, that would have been some hair on your chest kind of business.

  7. R8TEDM3

    That was a great read Terronium-12, keep it up:) Also thanks so much for using my BMW M3 GT2 photo as reference pic!

    Cheers, Mario

  8. GRAN_TURISMAN

    Terronium-12 great review! Although you forgot to mention the upcoming Drive Club! That tune for the Alfa is very good it improved my lap times consideribly.

  9. Johnnypenso

    Congratulations Motor City Hami on Member of the Week. Good interview from a down to earth guy and a great tuner!!!

  10. 2012GT325

    That S4 looks really good in Forza. I wish Forza was multiplatform as I won’t be getting an Xbox One — EVER!

  11. HKS racer

    Glad to see GTplanet openly speaking about all the racing games, not only the former Gran Turismo.
    It’s our hobby, so let’s speak abut them all.

    +1

  12. 05XR8

    The best part of FM4 car list was the Ford Falcon Coupe. Im not getting FM5 or an XONE but, if GT6 includes an XA/XB/XC Coupe and a Monaro or Torana, I’ll get a tattoo of the Gran Turismo Name and logo.

    1. sayba2th

      Hahahahaha, nice one cuz, I am now hoping GT makes that request happen just for that alone, remember pictures or it never happened!

    2. ScotteDawg

      Old Holden – Torana XU-1 and A9X II, FJ, EH sedans, HG, HJ, HK, HQ Kingswood’s and Premier’s, HG, HJ, HK, HQ Monaro’s, HG, HK, WB Utes, HG Belmont and Brougham.
      New Holden – VB, VK, VL, VZ and VF Commodores (sedans and utes), Efijy concept!
      Old Ford – XY GT-HO Phase III sedan, XY Ute, XA, XB, XC coupes, XC Cobra coupe, XD, XF sedans and utes.
      New Ford – AU, BA and FG Falcons (sedans and utes).
      HSV & FPV (follow the link to see a Hungarian designer’s take on a 2008 XC Cobra coupe http://jakusacardesign.blogspot.hu/)!

      To save PD doubling up on cars, these get offered in an Australian bundle(s) as road cars only but with the option to race mod (certain ones only) and with a choice of up to 8 real world and 2 fantasy liveries per car!

  13. Blood*Specter

    Very impressive. But we should all remember that EVERY game is fussed over and modified weekly. Especially just prior to release. So it is with GT6, Forza, PCars so on and so forth.

    The Grand Turismo fan base is very critical of the game. But at the same time very loyal and thankful for progress.
    But they should bear in mind that they are seeing Beta product displays/examples of GT6. No matter if it’s called the completion of GT5 or the beta for GT7. Grand Turismo six will be one hell of a game. Even the most critical are in for a shock. I’m going to love hearing the silence, shock and awe the second week in December.

    But I’m not going to hate on the critics. Because their remarks also help make the game better. After all they sometimes say things that need to be said. And of course sometimes they say stupid $7!+.

    1. sayba2th

      Blood, I would call you one of the guys who provide constructive criticism and welcome your points of view and opinions. If more of those who are unhappy can bring their point across in the same manner as you have done there would not be disparaging back and forths we see so often here on GTP. And you are right without criticism there would not be improvement so thanks to the critics, remember people you catch more flies with honey than you do with vinegar.

  14. sayba2th

    WOW, the audio engines used in PCARS is phenomenal especially when distant. That’s some ish on some ish right there!!!!

  15. JR86

    Took me a while to realise the top picture was actually from pCARS, I thought it was real. pCARS is the most realistic looking game I have seen. Ever.

    1. sayba2th

      Crazy huh, same for me, when this makes to console it will really have PD and Turn 10 respectively, not just looking but staring over their shoulders!

    2. TokoTurismo

      I like how people say pCARS is going to scare PD and T10. “Oh look at me I’m a racer who wants to be rea for hardcores” blah blah blah who cares?…. -_-

    3. sayba2th

      Toko, c’mon brah, you should know by now how much I love GT but credit where credit is due! it looks fantastic and by the time it’s done it will be a contender. This is great though cause it continues to push the evolution of the big 2’s number 1’s.

    4. TokoTurismo

      ^ I know. ;) It’s just they make it sound like pCARS is some God that makes PD and T10 feel scared. o_O

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