GRID2 will officially release two weeks from now and the team at Codemasters is making sure they give players plenty of reasons to drool over it.  The latest trailer reveals that several locations in Asia and the middle-east including Yas Marina circuit and various togue passes in Japan will be in GRID2.  We also get confirmation of drifting as well.  Hopefully the drifting will be more than an “add on” to the rest of the game.  See it all for yourself in the new video below.

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Like many drivers, when I am going to a place I have never been before I rely on a GPS to make sure I don’t get lost.  Most of the time it works out just fine.  However, my GPS is pretty old so sometimes it likes to play a game called “update the directions at the last possible freakin’ second” in which a left turn suddenly becomes a right turn and I completely pass where I am supposed to go or I do something stupid and try to make the next turn with less than 20 feet to do it in.  Let me tell you, in real life that is not fun!

Yet, it looks like the brains at Codemasters took a page from my old and busted GPS by turning that malfunction into a game mode for GRID2 called “LiveRoutes”.  How does it work?  Pretty much the same way my crappy GPS does only without the risk of getting lost or actual bodily harm.  Imagine racing through the streets of Paris at triple digit speeds but not knowing where to go next; relying on a GPS to tell you!  Still hard to picture?  Just watch the new trailer below to see it in practice.  It looks a lot more entertaining in a game than it is in real life!

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While the world waits for E3 to see if the next Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport games make their debut on next gen systems, Slightly Mad Studios (the team behind Need For Speed SHIFT 2) have been hard at work, free from EA working on their next game for the current generation of consoles.

Known simply as “Project CARS” this game looks to build on the incredibly visceral experience the studio created with NFS SHIFT.  The team is using their new ”World of Mass Development” or ”WMD” platform to essentially build this game free of publishers by relying on a world wide collaborative effort that connects gamers directly to developers to ensure they deliver the exact experience that gamers want.  So far it looks like it is working out pretty well.  There are beautiful environments, licensed cars, day and night effects, weather, and some incredible lighting techniques.  All of which are visible in a trailer that could probably make Christopher Nolan jealous. 

If you want to know what I’m talking about simply scroll down and watch the trailer below.  Keep in mind that all the footage you see is in-game.

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In the last GRID2 video viewers were introduced to “World Series Racing”, the fictional series in which GRID2 is based.  In the latest video we get to see a few of the places around the world that players will visit in their quest for the championship.  The video also introduces a few of GRID2′s game modes like elimination, time attack, and touring car racing.

Speaking of touring car, the video gives a reveal of a few real life BTCS cars that will make their way into the game such as the Volvo S60, the Gomez Competition, and Chevy Cruze.  It also looks like players can expect a healthy amount of GT cars such as the McLaren F1 GT and Mercedes Benz SLS AMG GT3.

Players will have the opportunity to race the aforementioned cars at famous European locations and race tracks like Brands Hatch, the streets of Paris, Algarve International Circuit in Portugal, and Barcelona.

To see it all for yourself check out the video below and catch anything I may have missed in the official press release.

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Press Release:

Los Angeles, Calif. – March 28, 2013* – Today *Codemasters*® announced a host of new cars, locations and racing clubs set to feature in *GRID 2*™ when it launches on May 28. In addition to revealing high performance European vehicles, including those from the game’s Super Touring Car class, Codemasters also released a gameplay video showcasing highlights of *GRID 2*’s European races; the video is now playing at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pui_NH03i0w

The “*GRID 2*: European Expansion” video focuses on the European cars, clubs and locations. In *Road Races* on the *Côte d’Azur*, players speed through tunnels cut into sheer rock and tackle the climbs, plunges and hairpins set amongst some of the most stunning scenery in the world.

The *Street Racing* category is showcased in central *Paris*, which comes alive to the sound of roaring engines as cars blast down its magnificent boulevards, sling-shot around the Arc de Triomphe and speed past the Eiffel Tower. *Track Racing* is represented at the *Algarve International Circuit* in Portugal which makes its console debut in *GRID 2*. Commonly known as Portimao Circuit, this state of the art, $250M track was opened in 2008 and has quickly gained a reputation as one of the most exciting circuits in motorsport, with constantly undulating asphalt and wide areas built for overtaking. Additional European locations set to star in *GRID 2* include Brands Hatch (Track Racing), Barcelona (Street Racing) and the Red Bull Ring (Track Racing).

The “*GRID 2*: European Expansion” video also reveals two of the four Touring Cars in competition. In the Super Touring Cars class, the Volvo S60 BTCS – one of the premiere performers in the BTCS and Volvo’s flagship racer – goes wheel-to-wheel with the Gomez Competition, a motorsport thoroughbred custom developed by GC Automotive in Herault in the South of France, with performance that rivals cars from global manufacturers.

Additional Touring Cars in the game include the BMW Motorsport 320 TC – the latest evolution of the car that Andy Priaulx drove to two championships –and the Chevrolet Cruze Touring car, which secured wins in both the WTCC and British Touring Car Championship in 2010, proving this American marque could compete with the best in the world.

*GRID 2*’s car list draws models from the finest manufacturers from three continents. Prime examples of European cars set to star in *GRID 2* that give a flavor of the car roster include;

BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution (Evo3)

BMW Motorsport 320 TC

Caterham-Lola SP300R

Ford Focus ST 2013

Gomez Competition GC 10.1

McLaren F1 GT

Mercedes Benz 190E 2.5 Evo 2

Mercedes Benz SLS GT3

Pagani Huayra

Volvo S60 BTCS

Further cars to star in the game are to be announced.

The individual character of every car is brought to life through *GRID 2*’s groundbreaking TrueFeel™ handling system. Drawing on expertise from professional motorsports drivers and Codemasters’ 15 year heritage in creating award-winning racing games, TrueFeel™ handling lets players feel what it’s like to drive some of the most exciting cars in existence.

 *GRID 2*, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed *GRID™*, will race into retail on May 28 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows® PC and is available for pre-order now.

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Its time for another MotorworldHype giveaway!  This time we give away a treasured possession: our copy of Forza Horizon!  In fact, not only are we giving away our copy of Forza Horizon but we are also throwing in the exclusive “review package” that Turn 10 Studios sent with the game.  What’s in the review package?  A bunch of random goodies meant only for journalist type folks like me. 

These packages were only sent to media outlets and journalists and the items included cannot be bought!  Ok well maybe some journalists are selling theirs on ebay but besides that they can’t be bought anywhere!

So, how can you get a chance at this magnificent piece of awesome-ry?  By telling us which of the three new hyper cars you like the most: The McLaren P1, LaFerrari, or the Lamborghini Veneno.  Just hit us up on twitter per the official rules for a chance to win the Horizon review package.  Check out the official instructions below.

UPDATE: We have a winner!! Congrats to twitter user @DJKustoms!

HOW TO ENTER: Follow us on Twitter at @MotorworldHype and tweet at us with which of the three new hyper cars (McLaren P1, LaFerrari, or Lamborghini Veneno) you like the most with the hash tag “#MWHGiveaway“.

For example “@MotorworldHype I think the LaFerrari is fresh! #MWHGiveaway”

NOTE: Both“@MotorworldHype” AND “#MWHGiveaway” MUST be included in the tweet to have a chance to win. Also only one review package is up for grabs so once a grand prize winner is chosen then thats it!

However! We also have a few limited edition Forza Horizon posters to give away as well.  After a grand prize winner is chosen, five (5) more contest participants will be chosen to win posters.

The grand prize winner and poster winners will be chosen at random from all the correctly formatted responses. The contest starts today (March 25th, 2013) and ends on Wednesday, March 27th at 1am pacific time.  The winner will be announced by Thursday, March 28th 2013.

The winner will be notified by “Direct Message” on Twitter. Which is why you must follow us at @MotorworldHype to be eligible (you can always unfollow when the contest is over).

IMPORTANT: To be eligible the winner(s) must live in the united states (anyone of the 50 states), be a follower of @MotorworldHype on twitter, and if under 18 have parents permission to participate.

GRAND PRIZE (1):One copy of Forza Horizon (slightly used!) for Xbox 360 with journalist review package

RUNNER UP PRIZES (5):A limited edition Forza Horizon poster

If you want to know exactly what comes in the review package check out our unboxing video from when we first got it below.

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In the latest trailer for Codemasters’ GRID2 the audience gets to meet Patrick Callahan, the founder of the World Series Racing, sanctioning body of all the race events that take place in GRID2.  In the trailer, Patrick details his vision for the WSR and some of the racing teams he has in mind as participants in his grand scheme.  This trailer is actually the first in a multi-part series which by the end should give viewers some big clues on what the story of GRID2 will be.  So far, things are looking pretty interesting!  To see the new trailer for yourself just scroll down.

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One of the perks of being a journalist is that sometimes you get free stuff.  Free stuff is always cool but I thought maybe I should pass on the opportunity to get some free swag along to you, the readers.  So, from now on keep a look out here for chances to win some of our swag. 

The first item up for grabs is a copy of Need For Speed Most Wanted for Xbox 360.  Need For Speed Most Wanted was one of the most highly reviewed racing games of 2012 and the latest in the Need For Speed series.  If you weren’t able to fork over 60 bucks for a copy, here is your chance to win our copy.  I also want to use this chance to get to know the MotorworldHype audience a little better.  So, in a two-for-one effort you will have a chance to win our copy of Need For Speed Most Wanted for the Xbox 360 by letting us know what your favorite movie car chase or movie race sequence is.

HOW TO ENTER: Follow us on Twitter at @MotorworldHype and tweet at us with your favorite movie car chase or movie race sequence with the hash tag “#MWHGiveaway“.

For example “@MotorworldHype the 4-wide drag race from Fast & Furious 1 #MWHGiveaway”

NOTE: Both“@MotorworldHype” AND “#MWHGiveaway” MUST be included in the tweet to have a chance to win.  Also only one copy is up for grabs so once its given away thats it!

The winner will be chosen at random from all the correctly formatted responses.  The contest starts today and a winner will be chosen on Tuesday, March 5th at 5pm pacific time.

The winner will be notified by “Direct Message” on Twitter.  Which is why you must follow us at @MotorworldHype to be eligible (you can always unfollow when the contest is over).

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GRID2 Is almost here!  Are you excited yet GRID fans?  Well get ready to wet yourselves because Codemasters just dropped an official gameplay trailer!  Go grab a fresh pair of pants and watch the video below!

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If you have been waiting impatiently for GRID2 from Codemasters then today I have a fix for you that may ease your nervous itching.  A slew of new information on Codemasters’ latest has hit my inbox today and it is all good stuff!  Firstly, GRID2 has finally been given a release date!  Expect the game to hit store shelves on May 28th this year.  I know at first that seems like really long time from now but consider this, you can pre-order your copy today at Game Stop, Best Buy, or Amazon (more on that in a bit).  They also dropped a few new screen shots which you can see at the bottom of the post.  Finally, we also get to see the official box art (pictured above). Now, about that pre-order business.  GRID fans will be happen to know that depending on which retail outlet they order from, they will be guaranteed a few DLC goodies!  Here is how it breaks down:

If  pre-ordered at Game Stop players can choose the GRID2 ”Turbo-Charged Edition“

The Turbo charged edition comes with the McLaren Racing pack which includes a special edition McLaren MP4-12C GT3 race car which will be available to play in single and multi-player modes as well as a special online event.  This pack also includes two new routes around the Brands Hatch GP circuit.  In addition to the McLaren Racing Pack the Turbo-Charged edition also comes with the GT-R Racing pack which includes a Nissan GT-R SpecV road car which will be available to use in both single and multiplayer.  The GT-R racing pack also gives you access to an exclusive online event and all 5 course configurations of Yas Marina Circuit. 

If pre-ordered at Best Buy players can choose the GRID2 ”Indy Car Edition“

The Indy Car edition comes with a special edition Dallara chassis Indy Car and an exclusive Indy Car Series pace car, both of which can be used in single and multiplayer.  This edition also has access to a special online event and two extra course configurations on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Finally, if pre-ordered from Amazon.com players can choose the GRID2 ”Head Start Edition”

The Head Start Edition includes the Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT race car which is available to use in single and multiplayer modes.  This edition also gives players instant discounts on car-upgrades in online game modes as well as a Codemasters RaceNet bonus.

That all sounds pretty good huh?  It seems like you get the most when you pre-order from Game Stop and then it ramps down from there.  I predict Game Stop getting the lion’s share of the pre-orders.  Although the idea of driving an Indy Car in GRID sounds pretty awesome to me!  Anyhow, if you want to see a crop of new visuals then click the thumbnails below for HD resolution screenshots.

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Press Release:

GRID® 2 SET TO SHIP TO STORES MAY 28, 2013

Pre-Order Special Edition Revealed

Los Angeles, Calif. – Jan. 31, 2013 – Codemasters® today announced that GRID® 2™, the long-awaited sequel to the BAFTA-award winning, critically acclaimed GRID™, will ship to stores on May 28, 2013* for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and Windows PC. 

Codemasters has also announced a range of pre-order Special Editions for GRID 2 with extra content, redeemable via download on PlayStation Network, Xbox LIVE® for Xbox 360 and Windows PC, illustrated in screenshots also released today.

Gamers who pre-order at GameStop can choose the GRID 2: Turbo-Charged Edition, which includes two additional packs:

McLaren Racing Pack

Receive the exclusive McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Special Edition car to race in single-player, multiplayer and a special online event; plus expand the game with two new routes around the Brands Hatch GP circuit.

GTR Racing Pack

Receive the exclusive Nissan GT-R SpecV road car to race in single-player, multiplayer and an exclusive online event; plus experience all five routes around the Yas Marina circuit by day.

Gamers who pre-order at Best Buy can choose the GRID 2: IndyCar Edition, which includes:

IndyCar Pack

Receive the exclusive Dallara IndyCar and the IndyCar Pace car to race in single-player, multiplayer and an exclusive online event; plus expand the game with two new routes around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Oval Circuit.

Gamers who pre-order at Amazon can choose the GRID 2: Head Start Edition which includes:

Head Start Pack

Receive the exclusive Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT car to race in single-player, multiplayer and enjoy discounts in the Car Upgrades Store in online game modes and a unique RaceNet bonus.

GRID 2 will challenge players to be fast, be first and be famous. Going behind the wheel of a handpicked selection of automotive icons spanning four decades, gamers will race their way to the top of a new, evolving world of motorsport. From Paris to Abu Dhabi, Chicago to the sun-kissed California coast and beyond, beautifully created city streets, licensed circuits and edge-of-control mountain roads will become home to the most visceral and exhilarating racing yet.

GRID 2 will also set new standards for a racing multiplayer experience with an entirely distinct and extensive gameplay component and unique progression system. Deep customization options and integration with RaceNet – the online community portal for Codemasters Racing games which tracks player’s races, rewards and rivals – will offer further immersion and connectivity in GRID 2’s new world of motorsport.

Fans can keep up with all the latest updates straight from the studio by speeding over to www.gridgame.com and www.facebook.com/gridgame or follow the team at www.twitter.com/gridgame.

For a while now an argument has persisted among driving enthusiasts: do realistic racing games help improve real racing technique?  This question has been tested many times and for the most part the results have been mixed.  The latest person to test the theory is Chris “HarrisMonkey” Harris whom, in the video below attempts to take on McLaren Test Driver Mat Jackson around the famous Brand’s Hatch circuit in the UK.  To help him in his quest he uses the team at Codemasters and the upcoming GRID2 game to analyze his driving technique and get to know the track by driving its virtual doppelganger.  Does it work?  Will Harris Monkey best McLaren’s top gun?  Scroll down to find out!

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