sims

Toyota is calling the FT-86 concept, which is due to be introduced at the 2009 Tokyo Motor Show, a production concept. Which means that it is more than likely that we'll see the neo-hachiroku (or something similar it) on showroom floors in the near future. But, what if you can't wait for the rumored 2011 launch? Well, just fire up your PS3 and take the FT-86 for a spin in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 racing sim. (Unless, of course, GT5 is delayed again. In which case you may come out better just waiting for the car itself.)

Check out the video after the jump to see the Toyota FT-86 concept in the digital sheet metal in a Gran Turismo 5 promo spot.… Read more

For years, Will Wright has been just about the biggest name in video game development. It's hardly necessary to recite his resume, but just in case you haven't been paying attention, he's the creator of SimCity and its many direct spinoffs, The Sims franchise--which long ago surpassed 100 million units sold--and most, recently, Spore.

But last spring, not long after Spore's much-anticipated release, Wright announced he was leaving Electronic Arts, the game's publisher, for the greener pastures of a start-up called Stupid Fun Club. Though the new venture is backed by EA, it is … Read more

It's not every day that the world gets an all-new Ferrari to lust after (not that one, this one). So when the Italian automaker unveils a new rolling work of art, people take notice.

Polyphony Digital and Turn 10 have both created digital tributes to the super sexy Ferrari 458 Italia using their respective Gran Turismo 5 and Forza Motorsport 3 game engines. But which is better? Ultimately, a pair of glossy prerendered videos says very little about which game is better. Check them out below and sound off in the comments section.

I can barely tell the difference … Read more

Automakers are like forum trolls. Every time you turn around another one of them is yelling, "First!"

This time it's Audi claiming to be the first carmaker to develop its own virtual area in Sony's PlayStation Home. Audi Space, as it will be known, will come on line in late 2009. Audi Space will at first feature an Audi TV channel delivering video content relating to the German automaker.

In December of '09, Audi Space will be expanded to include Vertical Run, a futuristic racing game featuring Audi's e-tron concept. Players will collect electrical energy … Read more

Electronic Arts has quietly released a Need for Speed: Shift demo. The catch is that it's PC-only for now. Xbox 360 and PS3 owners will have to wait until early October before getting their respective demos.

The game lets you pick five cars, including an M3 (E46), a Dodge Viper SRT10, the Lotus Elise 111R, the 2008 Nissan GT-R, and the 2006 Pagani Zonda F (which is unlockable).

Grab the demo from here, then check back and let us know what you think!

Polyphony Digital usually plays its cards pretty close to the vest when it comes to releasing details about its Gran Turismo series. So, I was pretty stoked when I got a news release titled "First Official Gran Turismo 5 screenshots." I waited with baited breath as the images downloaded. Hurriedly, I flung open the attachments only to be greeted with a handful of images of the GT5's fancy menu system. Really? Talk about disappointing.

Ironically, we've already had more than a few good looks at GT5 in action, despite Polyphony Digital's weak attempts at teasers. … Read more

Amid all of the hoopla around the battle between Gran Turismo 5 versus Forza Motorsport 3, we'd almost forgotten about Need for Speed: Shift--the NFS series' latest foray into the world of sim-racing. However, its recently announced release date of September 15, 2009, has jarred our memory and brought the scrappy upstart back to our attention.

For those needing a refresher, check out this GamesSpot video that outlines most of what we know:

While NFS:S' 65 cars and 18 tracks will have a hard time competing with the hundreds of cars and tracks that GT5 and F3 … Read more

On Call runs every two weeks, alternating between answering reader questions and discussing hot topics in the cell phone world.

Q: I was an Alltel customer, but I'm now with Verizon Wireless following the merger. I want to add a fourth line to my family plan, but Verizon informed me that my Alltel phones were not compatible and that I'd need to replace them. Replacing all four phones would cost me about $600. What can I do? - Sarah

A: Since Alltel and Verizon both use CDMA technology, I was surprised to hear that your Alltel phones aren't compatible with Verizon's network. I checked with Verizon and got a quick response. While most Alltel customers won't have to buy new phones, there are exceptions (there always are).… Read more

I'm not what you'd call a fan of chintzy, plastic, snap-on video game peripherals. I've got enough plastic guitars and controllers cluttering up my living room already without taking up more space with snap-on shells that make my Wii Remote look like the world's shortest golf club. However, I take my racing sims seriously, even on the iPhone. Which is why the CTA Digital Steering Wheel for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch is interesting to me.

CTA's wheel is basically a plastic shell that snaps onto your iPhone, iPhone 3GS, or first- or second-generation iPod Touch to make the devices feel like a small steering wheel. The design doesn't block the screen, so you can still access virtual buttons for braking, nitro, and such. CTA offers two versions of the wheel, one with a suction cup mount and one without.

I think this is a cool idea for two basic reasons. Firstly, the bigger radius of the wheel's grip can help ease hand cramping caused by prolonged playing for people with big hands. Additionally, the suction cup mount means that iPhone racing games can be played with one hand, which is great because, well, I'm lazy like that.

I haven't been able to find pricing on CTA's Web site, but expect the iPhone wheel to be priced similarly to the company's $19.99 steering wheel for Wii.

This definitely isn't a product for everyone and I can't see myself busting this wheel out on the train as I commute to work. However, if you've ever spent more than an hour at a time racking up points playing Need for Speed: Undercover or Ferrari Challenge, then check the cheesy video after the jump to see the CTA Digital iPhone steering wheel in action.… Read more