Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Assetto Corsa welcomes Lamborghini Automobili



Expect some big things from Kunos for 2015.

They are bringing 50 new cars in 2015 including 9 Lamborghini models. Other models are from Audi, Alfa Romeo, Toyota, McLaren, Nissan, Ford and many others. The total roster should be 100 cars by the end of 2015 bringing the best selection of GT racing cars and prototypes seen in a sim racing title.

The first DLC expected very soon is called the Dream pack consisting of a first ever new laser scanned track the legendary Nordschleife to feed our appetite. Accompany the new track is 10 dream cars chosen by the community. 

  • Alfa Romeo 4c, 155 DTM & GTA 
  • McLaren F1 GTR & P1 
  • Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 in 2014 
  • Corvette C7R GTE 
  • Mercedes 190 DTM 
  • Sauber C9 
  • BMW M235 VLN

The Wait is Over. Sim Xperience Accuforce Wheel is Out!

Accuforce Wheel


So I get this email yesterday saying the long awaited Accuforce Wheel from Sim Xperience is now available to purchase. Whattttt? Sweet!! Now I need some money for it. Lets see maybe sell my existing setup, work some overtime, sell a kid whatever it takes. lol

As promised Sim Xperience released this sought after wheel in 2014 and it will ship in early 2015. If you signed up for the wait list like me you get an email that says you have 3 weeks to complete the purchase for early access to the wheel. Others will have to wait until Jan.21 before they can purchase it.

The intial release will be the Accuforce Pro with the Momo version at a later time. Either way the Pro kit looks awesome and you can always add a Momo wheel later. 

I'm curious to see what games will be supporting this high end wheel from the start. I'm sure all the sim titles that are already supporting Sim Xperiences software SimVibe will be good to go, but what about new titles like The Crew or F1 2014. I'm really hoping that new titles will support the new Accuforce wheel going forward. I'm also curious if I can make my existing DSD button boxes and Sim Instruments dash fit. Accuforce does show to support many add on accessories so I'll keep my fingers crossed. 

I'm very existed about this new wheel and I can't wait to see some testing on it. Let me know what you think. 

For now check out what SimXperience says about there new awesome wheel below.

The SimXperience AccuForce Pro is a professional racing simulation steering system. When combined with todays best racing simulation games, the AccuForce Pro is as close as you can get to driving the real thing and is delivered in a convenient, ready to run, plug-n-play package.
The key to it's incredible realism is our groundbreaking direct drive motor control system. We've engineered an integrated motor controller / PC interface as opposed to communicating between two different circuit boards as is common in the industry. This allows the AccuForce to provide lower latency, better response and more accurate detail reproduction than competing direct drive systems. Combined with a motor that's specifically designed for racing simulation, the AccuForce system provides the best possible balance of torque, response and most importantly, fidelity and linearity. The end result: a driving experience that's second only to the real thing.

Controller & Base Unit Features

  • Unparalleled Steering Feedback Quality & Realism
  • Direct Drive System (Wheel connects directly to motor shaft, there are no belts to slip, wear or absorb critical detail)
  • Powerful, Low Inertia Motor supports up to 13Nm of sustained torque depending on the user selected mode *
  • Easily dial back the forces for safe use by friends and family
  • User selectable modes (similar to those on a stereo) allow easy selection of linear performance, peak performance, soft performance, child mode, etc.
  • Extreme efficiency (13Nm sustained torque at 100% stall for 30 minutes with 2°F temperature rise over ambient with 0% torque loss due to heat fade)
  • Excellent balance of torque and torque resolution results in an extremely refined and realistic feel
  • Torque peaks are removed by default to ensure a truly 1:1 linear experience (option to enable peaks is provided)
  • Up to 2000Hz Communication Rate via SimXperience Dual Stream Technology (1000Hz from Game / 1000Hz from Sim Commander software)
  • Motor updated 50,000 times per second / Realtime encoder processing
  • Lowest possible latency / lag due to integration of controller and motor drive system on a single circuit board and custom motor design
  • Integrated slip rings ensure long life and great electrical contact while providing for infinite wheel rotation
  • 4500 degrees of rotation, configured for 900 degrees by default. User may opt to alter this setting in real-time
  • 16,000 PPR (pulse per revolution) positional feedback
  • Engineered for many years of reliable service in commercial environments. (Critical parts are stress tested for 300lb loads)
  • Includes FREE Sim Commander SimVibe and Steering system tuning / analysis software suite
  • Three force feedback (FFB) options: traditional raw game FFB, SimXperience / user optimized game FFB and completely user definable FFB
  • Robust tuning capability via touchscreen or in game heads up display via included software
  • Easily auto-optimize feedback for your driving style, driving line and a particular car/ track combination
  • Firmware updates are automatically delivered and install in seconds with a single button click. No need to hunt for them on a website
  • 3-Port USB hub on back of base unit enclosure
  • Expansion ports for additional displays, buttons, pedals and rotary encoders
 * - Measurement taken with digital torque wrench at motor stall. Manufacturer stated margin of error is +-5%. When designing mounting systems and evaluating safety concerns, please design for a 16Nm peak torque scenario.

Wheel & Wheel Button Box Features

  • Premium Suede 320mm Steering Wheel
  • 13 total buttons (12-long life tactile push buttons & AccuForce Wheel Horn Button)
  • Rugged, Durable Construction
  • Machined aluminum automotive grade quick release system allows you to easily swap to different steering wheel styles
  • Easily bolt on a variety of real world racing steering wheels or obtain an additional Wheel button box and quick connect them
  • Adjustable upper button box modules and paddle shifters facilitate a variety of 280mm - 350mm steering wheels
  • Machined Aluminum paddle shifters are not only durable but offer low latency shifts and positive engagement feel
  • Carbon Fiber  paddles (replaceable to suit a variety of tastes)
  • Paddle width adjustment
  • Shift engagement point adjustment
  • Shift throw adjustment
  • Mounting points included for 3rd party SLI plates or phone holders
  • Onboard USB 1.1 for SLI style displays, phones and other 3rd party accessories
  • Optional phone cord style connection to base unit as opposed to using slip rings for extreme modding circumstances

What's Included

  • SimXperience AccuForce Pro Base Unit with 6ft (2m) cable.
  • SimXperience AccuForce Pro Force Feedback Controller
  • SimXperience AccuForce Pro Wheel Button Box with Paddle Shifters
  • SimXperience AccuForce Premium Suede 320mm Steering Wheel
  • 6ft (2m) USB cable with ferrite filters
  • 6ft (2m) IEC Power Cord (same as used on PC's) with U.S. plug
  • Mounting Screws
  • Sim Commander software (SimVibe and force feedback tuning features)
The AccuForce Pro is a fully assembled, ready to run kit.
IMPORTANT - Due to demand, a sign-up list was formed for this product. If you signed up to purchase the AccuForce in advance then you will see the add to cart button below when logged into this website. Those who signed up will have three weeks to complete their purchase. There is a STRICT initial limit of one unit per customer! On January 21 2015 this product will become available for all to purchase. Orders will be processed in the order they are received.
Orders placed now will ship throughout February and March. When the first production batch inventory is depleted this notice will be updated to reflect subsequent batch delivery dates.
Thank you very much for your unexpected enthusiasm and support! As of 12/30/2014 at 9:40pm EST orders placed will be part of batch 2 and deliver throughout March and April.

Item code
SX-AF-PRO-0001
Weight
35 lbs
Price
$1,749.00

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Sector 3 At It Again. Love It!

Sector 3 would like to end the year with some teasing for 2015 with this screen shot...


What a tease! But really Sector 3 has turned around the RaceRoom franchise to something that rivels all other sim racing titles out there. This game simply put " IS A BlAST! Look at all they did the latter half of the year from fixing Raceroom all together to adding DTM 2013, DTM 2014, ADAC GT Masters and DTM 1992. 

I'm positive we will see much more from Sector 3 in 2015 especially with laser scanned tracks coming into the picture.

You want to learn more about Sector3? Check it out below.


Sector3 Studios AB is a Swedish game developer committed to the creation of realistic championship experiences for motorsport series worldwide, including; DTM, ADAC GT Masters, and the WTCC.

Established in 2014 by accomplished developers from SimBin Studios, Sector3 quickly assumed responsibility for the development of RaceRoom and began releasing updates to meet and exceed community expectations for the virtual racing platform.

Sector3 Studios is currently relocating from Lidköping to new offices at Gothia Science park in Skövde, Sweden. A short ride by train from Stockholm and Gothenburg, Skövde is a technological and educational hub reveling in the advancements of our age while maintaining its quiet simplicity and charm

In the studio and at race tracks around the world Sector3 maintains partnerships with motorsport to create unique opportunities within the race gaming genre. From petrolheads to casual gamers Sector3 puts the thrill of racing in the player’s hands with one goal, to enjoy the drive.

MXGP on Sale!

MXGP

I picked this game up the other day on sale for only $12.89 on Steam. This game runs $50 on other console versions so a great bargain for sure! If you enjoy racing dirt bikes this is a great pickup.

This isn't a review, but some thoughts on it so far.

  • Easy to pick up and play.
  • Have the ability to control your rider from your bike separately
  • Can up the immersion and difficulty level with harder realistic settings
  • Can change the setups on the bike if you choose.
  • Can customize with different helmets. What no boots or shirts?
  • Graphics look great on PC when maxed out. 
  • Physics are spot on when playing.
  • The tracks are great to ride on with allot of variety. Love the huge hills. 
  • Doesn't seem to be able to perform tricks in the air.
Anyway give it a look before the sale ends. It's really not expensive to try out.

http://store.steampowered.com/app/256370/

 





Monday, December 29, 2014

RaceRoom DTM 1992 Expansion Pack for a Drive!

RUF Yellow Bird on Assetto Corsa!

Assetto Corsa RUF CTR Yellowbird


Check out the new RUF in Assettoc Corsa. It's a blast to drive! Read about it below from Kunos along with some cool pictures.

Assetto Corsa – RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD AVAILABLE AS GIFT ITEM!
The RUF-Automobile license for Assetto Corsa has been announced some time ago, allowing KUNOS Simulazioni to reproduce in its acclaimed racing game some of the most iconic cars of the German Car manufacturer.
KUNOS Simulazioni wishes to thank all Assetto Corsa fans and users with a new update, available as free gift item on Steam: the RUF CTR YELLOWBIRD is available today!
The Ruf CTR (Group C, Turbo Ruf) also known as the CTR Yellowbird or simply Yellowbird, was a limited-production, high performance sports car produced by Ruf Automobile of Germany.
Introduced for the 1987 model year and based on the Porsche 911, the CTR featured an enlarged and highly tuned version of Porsche’s 3.2 litre flat-six cylinder engine, lightened body panels, an integrated roll cage (adding chassis stiffness in addition to occupant safety), upgraded suspension and braking systems, a custom-designed transmission, and several unique trim pieces such as polyurethane bumpers, and the use of the fender-mounted oil filter (a Porsche feature for the 1972 MY only) necessitated by relocating the oil tank forward to clear the intercooler on that side.
Developing 469 hp (350 kW) and 408 lb·ft (553 N·m) of torque and weighing in it at only 2,530 pounds (1,147 kg), the CTR provided stellar performance, with a 0-60 mph time of around 4 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200 miles per hour (320 km/h). Although a small group of vehicles such as the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959 were faster to 60 miles per hour (97 km/h), the Yellowbird could outperform all competition when it came to top speed, topping out at 211 miles per hour (340 km/h), a top speed that made it the fastest sports car in the world at the time of its release.
The car received its nickname, “Yellowbird”, during testing by Road & Track magazine, whose staffers noted the contrast created by its yellow paintwork against the overcast skies on the day of their photo shoot.
KUNOS Simulazioni would like to thank all of you for the great support you gave to Assetto Corsa: we hope you enjoy this great new car as well as we enjoyed to reproduce and include it in our game.
Our best regards
The KUNOS Simulazioni development team.
 
 
 
 
 

DTM 1992 Out Now!

RaceRoom | DTM 1992 official trailer



Ok so I spent some hours on this one an this is a fantastic update for only $12. Come with 5 different cars from Opel, Ford, Audi, BMW and Mercedes. My favorite is the Mustang 5.0 with it traditional gnarly growling exhaust! 
Check out the trailer and I'll see you on the track!

Friday, December 19, 2014

RaceRoom | DTM 1992 @ Nürburgring

The Crew – Region Video: Mountain States

The Crew – Region Video: The South


Assetto Corsa 1.0 Released Now!

Steam

Assetto Corsa 1.0 Released Now!


    Assetto Corsa is finally out as a release 1.0. I've been playing this game for a long while thru it's beta stages and i have really enjoyed it as it came along. This is "A Must Have For All Sim Racers".
    Check out what the Dev team says about the new releases below and see my Youtube Channel for some vids on it.

POSTED BY  ON DEC 18, 2014 IN BLOGUI INGAME NEWS
Assetto Corsa 1.0 is out now!
Assetto Corsa 1.0 is out now!
Assetto Corsa 1.0 is now available for download on Steam [Assetto Corsa Steam page].
Version 1.0 signifies not just the long-term achievement but also a new start. The hugely successful Early Access program is now complete thanks to the contribution of hundreds of thousands of gamers. If you have joined the Early Access program, we are pleased to announce that version 1.0 is available for you as free upgrade.
With the completion of our version 1.0 milestone, Assetto Corsa is now leaving Early Access status, and is available from Steam right now [Assetto Corsa Steam page].
The new version includes an extended career with fully blown championship series’, new features, improved gameplay, new sound sets and sound effects, new and improved post-processing effects as well as several optimizations, including some important refinements in the physics department, an updated tyre model and force feedback guaranteeing an even better driving experience. Assetto Corsa 1.0 introduces also the new Alfa Romeo Giulietta 2014 Launch Edition, available as free bonus content and the sought after Ruf Yellowbird which will be available once again as free bonus content by the end of the year; when available, the game will be updated automatically on Steam.
One journey ends, another begins ; version 1.0 by no means indicates the end Assetto Corsa development, on the contrary, this is now just the beginning of a long journey. The development team is already working on new cars, tracks, features and content that will improve the Assetto Corsa experience even more. As a preview of what to expect, take 50 of the most highly anticipated sport cars and five new tracks, all produced and released as official licensed content in 2015, either in DLC packs or as free bonus content.
What are you waiting for? See you on track!
Once again, we would like to thank our fans and Early Access contributors for your support.
Important news
Since 2011, the dev team have welcomed the New Year by making a very important announcement – this year is no different!
2011 – Assetto Corsa project unveiled
2012 – Ferrari license unveiled
2013 – Nurburgring-Nordschleife (laserscanned-based) license unveiled
2014 - To be announced!
where: www.facebook.com/Assetto.Corsa
when: on December 31th, 15:00, CET
———————–
“Assetto Corsa is a shining masterpiece of virtual motorsport, a new standard for the future of driving simulators.”95/100 – IGN Italia

“Assetto Corsa is a wonderful racing simulator.”90/100 – EUROGAMER Italy

“We find ourselves in front of what will be, for the next few years, the benchmark for driving simulations and modders on PC.”90/100 – SPAZIOGAMES.IT