C.A.R.S. - Community Assisted Racing Sim

[Elbows]

This game almost could not be farther from the NFS series.

I'd put it right between something like Forza that's slightly arcadey and something like iRacing that is ultra realistic. Nice balance IMO.

Agreed, and I like that you can turn on/off certain things, and adjust the game to your suitable skill level. If you want driving lines, and traction control, stability, non-damaged cars, easy opponents etc....you can set it up.

But if you want a pretty sim-ish experience, you can do that too. Nice balance...I'm really hoping for a good car lineup though. Because of licensing and such they're being pretty close-lipped about what will be in the game (though I expect numerous car expansions as the game progresses after it goes on sale).

[Big Morgan]

Bought it last night. Was a little disappointed there's no mods yet but I guess it might be too early for that.

Also, expected the graphics to scale a little better, but I may be just missing a couple things in the settings. Hopefully when I install my GTX 680 tonight I won't have to worry about that at all.

Can't wait for more cars to be added! Haven't been this excited about playing a racing game since GT4.

[Elbows]

Mods? The game is only 30% done!

[Big Morgan]

Mods? The game is only 30% done!

Yeah, I'm pretty spoiled by the Arma 2 community.

[Elbows]

While they don't have mods - people have tons of awesome liveries painted up. I haven't looked to see how to do them, or import them.

The update just added:

1) Unnamed 1/2 mile oval? Should be interesting on carts, or god forbid faster cars...
2) Much more flushed out Laguna Seca track (meh...but it does look good, just don't like the track)
3) Another short track that doesn't work for me. I spawn into a void when I try to race it.
4) tons of revisions (as usual).

[Big Morgan]

Any of you Vortex guys playing this use Steam? Are you in the Vortex Steam group? We should do a little Vortex mp session, I host a TeamSpeak 3 server for voice comms.

[Elbows]

Is MP even up and running?

[Elbows]

Some good news coming down the pipe...at least most of the cars.

________________________________________

Slightly Mad Studios are proud to announce they have signed a licensing agreement with the Ford Motor Company that will allow eleven iconic Fords to be included in the company’s WMD-powered Project CARS title.

Project CARS players will get to choose from eleven famous Ford models within Project CARS, ranging from powerful muscle cars and iconic sports car racing machinery to modern street & racing cars.

1966 Mustang 2+2 fastback (foundation trade dress for 1966 Shelby GT350)

The 2+2 Fastback was one of the first Mustangs that helped build the iconic name Ford’s range of Mustang models has today.

Powered by a Ford 289 K-Code V8 engine putting out 274hp, the car was also the base for Carrol Shelby’s GT350 model.

1967 Ford MK IV

Better known as the GT40, the MK IV was the fourth evolution of Ford’s legendary sports car racing challenger. Powered by a seven-liter V8 engine, the car went on to win both the 1967 Sebring 12 Hours & Le Mans 24 Hours in the hands of Bruce McLaren, Mario Andretti, Dan Gurney & AJ Foyt.

1972 Escort RS1600

The RS1600 was the sport version of Ford’s Escort Mark 1 that was build from 1968 through 1974. Powered by a 16-valve Cosworth BDA engine, the car featured a sport suspension and strengthened bodyshells that made the RS 1600 a long-time favorite for amateur racing & rally drivers.

1980 Capri (Group 5 – Team Zakspeed)

Built by Team Zakspeed, the Group 5 version of the Ford Capri was one of the most extreme Ford race cars ever built. Powered by a twin turbo-charged 1.4 liter Cosworth BDA engine, the car predominantly raced in the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft, being driven by legends such as Klaus Ludwig & Hans Heyer.

1988 Sierra RS500 Cosworth (Group A)

Designed to the FIA Group A regulations for touring cars, the Sierra RS500 Cosworth successfully competed in the 1987 World Touring Car Championship where it narrowly missed out on winning the title. The car also proved to be very successful in national series such as the DTM where it clinched the title in 1988.

1997 Mustang Cobra (SCCA Trans-Am)

The Ford Mustang Cobra has made the Trans-Am history book as the series’ most successful race car of all time. The car completely dominated the 1997 season, winning all 13 poles & races.

Built by Roush Racing, the Cobra weighed 1400 kilograms, using a pushrod V8 engine & five-speed gearbox.

2012 Fusion NASCAR Stock Car

The Fusion is Ford’s weapon of choice for NASCAR Sprint Cup, helping the Ford Motor Company to two runner-up titles in America’s most popular form of motorsport in 2008 & 2012.

The Fusion stock car weighs 1700 kilograms and is powered by a mighty V8 engine built by Roush Yates, putting out more than 850hp. The car is being driven by famous NASCAR superstars such as Carl Edwards, Matt Kenseth & Gregg Biffle.

2012 Focus ST

The 2012 ST is the all-new top range model of Ford’s Focus model range. Powered by a 2.0-liter twin-cam 16-valve EcoBoost four cylinder engine that provides 247hp, the Focus sprints from 0-60 in just 6.5 seconds.

To go along with the impressive performance, the car is equipped with plenty of sport features such as aluminum pedals, Recaro sport seats as well as Ford’s Sport-Steering system.

2012 Focus ST (BTCC)

The Focus also has a presence in the British Touring Car Championship as Redstone Racing campaigns the Ford Focus ST touring car built to the Super 2000 regulations.

The car showed lots of promise in the early parts of the 2012 season as Mat Jackson was able to clinch two race wins at Donington Park & Thruxton.

2013 Falcon FG (Australian V8 Supercar Car of the Future)

Ford is one of two manufacturers involved in the hugely popular Australian V8 Supercar series. For 2013, the series will be switching to a new platform of cars, designed to be more cost effective and to offer better safety features.

The Falcon FG will be Ford’s challenger starting with the 2013 season as the company will try to add to their five manufacturer titles clinched in Down Under since 2003.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

Bearing the name of the late Carroll Shelby, the GT500 is the most powerful factory-made Ford Mustang ever built.

Powered by a supercharged 5.8 liter V8 engine putting out 650hp , the GT500 exceeds a top speed of over 310kph. The raw power is controlled by the finest technology as the car is equipped with Brembo brakes and Bilstein suspension.

The Fords will be available to drive in Project CARS later this year. WMD members will be able to take a virtual test drive once first versions of the cars have been completed by using the regular development builds of Project CARS. To shorten the waiting time, WMD members get to follow every aspect of the car development process on the WMD forums, from the first steps to the finished car out on track.

[Elbows]

I think if I had to pick 11 Fords, that's a pretty nice lineup.

[NoDubJustYet]

Is Ford the first big company to sign a deal on this game?

[Elbows]

They have Pagani, Mitsubishi, Caterham, and have a lot of others that "in process" so they build the cars, without using the name just yet (Audi etc.). They've mentioned they have some exciting Porsche related news too?

This the same studio that's done a number of other racing games with plenty of companies, so I don't imagine it's a big concern just yet. We'll see.

And if they don't get the licenses, I suppose they'll be doing simple lookalike cars?

EDIT: They just added the Caterham SP300R -- kind of like a Radical I guess.

[Big Morgan]

Any suggestions on a good - preferably inexpensive - wheel?

My enjoyment of this game is being extremely handicapped by my sh*tty $20 Logitech gamepad.

Other than that it's been everything I expected it to be for a pre-alpha game. Really refreshing to see a developer planning console version but focusing on a PC-first philosophy and pushing modern hardware to full effect.

Hopefully they get MP up and running soon.

[Elbows]

Yeah a wheel is definitely in my future.

I wish they'd hurry up and get some of the Fords out...

[Big Morgan]

Considering they announced them less than a week ago I'm willing to be patient!

To go way off-topic while I have your attention, Elbows, do you play DayZ? I know you have Arma 2.

[Elbows]

Nope, is that a zombie mod for Arma 2 or something?

[Big Morgan]

Nope, is that a zombie mod for Arma 2 or something?

Yep, but primarily it's about PvP. The zombies are just there to make you adopt different strategies.

Anyway, I worked on learning Zolder yesterday. Got the 6th-best time for Zolder in the Radical SR3, about 2.9s off the record for that car on that track. And that's with no throttle/brake control (just an on-off switch) and using aids to compensate.

Ordered a PS2 controller adapter to use with Windows in order to get some usable throttle and brake control.

Can't wait for MP, this game is stunningly beautiful.

[Elbows]

I love watching the tracks develop...starting in a white-walled, no terrain track with featureless asphalt...then a couple weeks go by and buildings pop up, then trees...then some hills in the background, and before you know it - boom, a full track.

I've never liked Suzuka, but in this game its freakin' beautiful!

[Elbows]

Quasi-Expected...but not all of them...PCars gets the Classic Team Lotus license for historical Lotus race cars...
_____________________________________

Slightly Mad Studios’ WMD-powered Project CARS title will feature no less than ten iconic Lotus race cars thanks to a partnership with the Classic Team Lotus company.

Founded by Colin Chapman, the British Team Lotus was an active participant in Formula One, Indycars and countless of other series for almost four decades.

Lotus cars clinched various wins and championships, being driven by legendary drivers such as Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jochen Rindt & Ayrton Senna.

The successful racing heritage of Team Lotus will live on in Project CARS as the title will allow players to experience some of Lotus’ most spectacular and accomplished race cars that have been competing in series around the world.

The selection includes cars that won multiple Formula One constructors’ and drivers’ championships as well as the prestigious Indy 500. The chosen cars also highlight Lotus’ striving towards innovation as some of the models introduced groundbreaking new technologies such as monocoques, ground effect aerodynamics and turbine engines.

Classic Lotus Race Cars in Project CARS

1962 Lotus 25 (Formula One car)

Designed by Colin Chapman for competition in the 1962 Formula One World Championship season, the Lotus 25 was the first ever race car to use a monocoque chassis, setting a standard that is still used in racing to this very day.

Powered by a Coventry Climax engine, the car made its debut at the 1962 Dutch Grand Prix and helped Jim Clark to his first Grand Prix win at Spa later this year. The 25 was raced until 1965, winning 14 races and clinching 17 pole positions along the way.

1965 Lotus 40 (open-top sports car)

The Lotus 40 marked Lotus last attempt in sports car racing. An improved version of the Lotus 30, the open-top car was designed primarily with competition in the North American Can-Am series in mind.



Powered by a Ford 351 Ford V8 engine, three Lotus 40 chassis were built, being driven by Lotus drivers Richie Ginther & Jim Clark as well as American racing legend A.J. Foyt.

1965 Lotus 38 (Indy 500 winner)

The Lotus 38 became famous as the first mid-engined car to win the legendary Indianapolis 500. Designed by Colin Chapman & Len Terry, the car was powered by a Ford V8 fuel-injected engine putting around 500hp.

Jim Clark took the car to victory lane at the 1965 Indianapolis 500, proving the superiority of the mid-engine concept and ending the days of front-engined roadsters in Indycar competition. A total of eight Lotus 38 chassis were built and many of its design elements were carried over to the Lotus 49 Formula One car.

1967 Lotus 49 & 1970 Lotus 49C (Formula One car)

Designed around the Cosworth DFV V8 engine that became the de-facto standard in Formula One through the 1970s, the Lotus 49 became one of the company’s most successful Formula One cars.

Like so many other Lotus cars, the 49 introduced an advanced design approach as the Lotus 49 was one of the first Formula One car in which the engine became a stress-bearing structural member of the chassis, a concept that is still used in Formula One today.

The car won its debut race at Zandvoort in the hands of Jim Clark, the Scotsman, Graham Hill & Jochen Rindt went on to score 12 Grand Prix wins and no less than two driver & constructors’ world championships in the 49.

Before being replaced by the Lotus 72 in 1970, Lotus launched a last evolution of the 49 – The 49C. Equipped with front & rear wings, the 49C bridged the gap between the original wingless design and the new aerodynamic design approach that would kick off with the Lotus 72.

1967 Lotus 51 (Formula Ford car)

Based on the Lotus 31 Formula Three car, the Lotus 51 Formula Ford became one of the company’s most successful race cars.

The 51 offered Lotus’ engineering and racing experience to young drivers looking to make their way up the open-wheel ranks. The car became a massive commercial success as a total of 218 chassis were built and gave racers access to a durable and technically-sound race car for a budget price.

1968 Lotus 56 (Indy Car)

Following three Indy 500 races with the Lotus 38, the company returned to Indianapolis in 1968 with something very different up their sleeve. The Lotus 56 was powered by a ST6 gas turbine that was based on a small aircraft engine.

To tame the massive power the turbine created, the 56 used a sophisticated suspension design and four-wheel drive. Driven by Graham Hill, Joe Leonard & Art Pollard, none of the 56s finished the 1968 Indy 500 despite leading in the latter stages of the race.

Turbine cars were banned from Indycar competition shortly after but the Lotus 56 lived on in children’s playrooms as the “Turbine Lotus” became one of Mattel’s most scucessful HotWheels diecast cars.

1970 Lotus 72 (Formula One car)

Designed for the 1970 Formula One season, the Lotus 72 has made its way into the history books as Lotus’ most successful Formula One race car.

Colin Champman’s “wedge-design” was groundbreaking in many ways, being the first to feature inboard brakes, side-mounded radiators in the sidepods as well as an overhead air intake.

The innovative design led to instant on-track success as the72 clinched 20 wins in 75 races, leading to three constructor world championships and two driver titles. The Cosworth-powered Lotus remained in competition until 1975 and was driven by legendary drivers such as Jochen Rindt, Emerson Fittipaldi, Jacky Ickx & Ronnie Peterson during the course of its career.

1977 Lotus 78 (Formula One car)

Like so many Lotus cars before, the Lotus 78 once again kicked off a revolution in racing as the car was the first to introduce ground effect aerodynamics to Formula One in 1977.

Designed by Peter Wright, Colin Chapman, Martin Ogilvie & Tony Rudd, the 78 used movable side-skirts and a specially-shaped underfloor to create a vacuum below the car that would essentially “suck” the 78 to the road, creating a massive amount of downforce.

The Lotus 78 proved to be an instant success due to it’s vast technological advantage. The car competed in 33 races until the end of 1978, clinching seven wins, seven poles and both the constructors’ & drivers’ championship in 1978.

1986 Lotus 98T (Formula One car)

Based on the 97T, the 98T was Lotus weapon of choice for the 1986 Formula One season, the second in Ayrton Senna’s stay with the team.

The 98T was powered by a Renault EF15B V6 turbo engine, featuring pneumatic valve springs. Depending on boost pressure the EF15B was able to provide more than 1,000bhp for Qualifying usage.

Senna and team mate Johnny Dumfries made good use of the massive power as the Brazilian won three races in 1986, helping Lotus to a third-place finish in the constructors’ championship. The cars will be featured in Project CARS’ comprehensive career mode, giving players the chance to relive the sensation of being a Team Lotus driver.

WMD members will be the first to take the cars for a test drive as each car will be added to the development builds of Project CARS as soon as it’s ready to hit the track.

[Big Morgan]

Can't wait for the new Fords, Mitsubishis, and now Lotuses. I just hope they don't ever reach a point where they say "enough's enough! We need to get this thing out on PS3 and X360, stat!"

Continual development would not be a bad thing if they can keep this rate going.

Anyone up for having a little Vortex hotlap competition? For starters I currently hold the 3rd-fastest time for the Radical SR3 (Racer L4) on Willow Springs (California). Any of you think you can beat me?

[Elbows]

Not I...I can't ever keep up with the superstars on Forza, I don't imagine I'd lose even more on a sim-game.

I do think the Racer 4S is my absolute favorite car thus far though. The new Caterham SP300.R is also a blast...Bathurst being absolutely fantastic.

Also, apparently the higher ups are messing around on a MONACO track, but it's not fit for public consumption yet. The idea of 1960's Lotuses zipping around Monaco is almost too much.

[Avus]

Any suggestions on a good - preferably inexpensive - wheel?

SteelSeries simraceway SRW-S1 MSRP $119.99USD

http://steelseries.com/us/products/o...steering-wheel

[Elbows]

Eh, if I'm going to do a wheel, the biggest part for me is good force feedback through the wheel itself...and wanting to have pedals, so that rules that one out for me. It's a nice take if you want a quick wheel you could take with you, or one to keep out of the way. Just a really glorified 360 controller though as far as controls?

Still accelerating/braking with your fingers etc.

[Sump]

I have one of these I'll sell for $80 shipped (driving force GT). Plan on getting a G27 in the near future as I want 3 pedals.



Has maybe 15 hours on it.

[Elbows]

EDIT: I may wait to see how much money I spend on my sister this weekend (her wedding). If Big Morgan wants the wheel, he's welcome to it.

I'll get with you Sump on Tuesday if it's still available I may take it.

[NoDubJustYet]

Monaco would be cool...

Hell, it's fun in traffic. The hotel hairpin and tunnel are epic in real life.

[A.Wilder]

The lotus lineup just made me mess myself

[Sump]

EDIT: I may wait to see how much money I spend on my sister this weekend (her wedding). If Big Morgan wants the wheel, he's welcome to it.

I'll get with you Sump on Tuesday if it's still available I may take it.

He didn't PM me or anything so just let me know. I've been annoyed by ebay lately so I'd rather sell my stuff to people I 'know'.

[Big Morgan]

I, too, want a 3-pedal setup.

Put a lot of thought into in the past few days/weeks and while I'm going to try to get a reasonable experience out of an old PS2 controller for as long as I can (Google "MotionInJoy" - hacked Windows drivers for Playstation controllers that let you use the excellent pressure-sensitive buttons) then grab the $280 Fanatec Porsche GT3 RS V2 w/ pedals and shifter combo. Or their new Clubsport Wheel if its at the same price-point. Evidently the Fanatec CSR is mostly more expensive due to Microsoft licensing of the Forza brand.

Thanks for the offer Sump!

And no one wants to compete a bit?

[CuCo33]

I have one of these I'll sell for $80 shipped (driving force GT). Plan on getting a G27 in the near future as I want 3 pedals.



Has maybe 15 hours on it.

I have a DFGT which is now collecting dust. Personally I would skip the G27 and go with a Fanatec setup. The pedals on the G27 are still crappy feel like the DFGT, only it has a clutch. I can not tell you enough how awesome the pedals on my Fanatec setup is (CSR Elite pedals) and they aren't even the Clubsports which apparently are a little better. The wheel too (CSR) makes my 2 Logitech wheels feel like toys.

Still need a PC to run PCARS lol

[wakeboarderdave]

Judging by the banner that's now on the front page I guess it's safe to assume this game is coming to consoles as well?

EDIT: I should have kept reading. At the bottom of the page there is a confirmation.

[A.Wilder]

I have a DFGT which is now collecting dust. Personally I would skip the G27 and go with a Fanatec setup. The pedals on the G27 are still crappy feel like the DFGT, only it has a clutch. I can not tell you enough how awesome the pedals on my Fanatec setup is (CSR Elite pedals) and they aren't even the Clubsports which apparently are a little better. The wheel too (CSR) makes my 2 Logitech wheels feel like toys.

Still need a PC to run PCARS lol

i had a DFGT (just sold it a bit ago) and currently have a G27. The pedals are very different, but the Fanatec stuff looks much more sturdy and badass. If you can find the G25/27 for a good price on craigslist, about $80 is a good price and what i paid for mine, it would be hard to pass up.

[Big Morgan]

Judging by the banner that's now on the front page I guess it's safe to assume this game is coming to consoles as well?

EDIT: I should have kept reading. At the bottom of the page there is a confirmation.

Their plan has always included consoles. However, PC will have community-created content unless they change course and (naturally) superior graphics.

Frankly, unless they build up steam on securing licensing agreements I would stick to Forza / GT on your console, but if you have the means to build a middle-of-the-road gaming rig for ~$1000 I would highly recommend pCARS for your PC.

[Sump]

Ha I had no idea you could do 45 player races. This is awesome.

[Big Morgan]

Ha I had no idea you could do 45 player races. This is awesome.

Do a 42 stock car race on Memphis. Prepare for lolz.

[Sump]

Do a 42 stock car race on Memphis. Prepare for lolz.

Yeah was never able to get past the first lap