Kotaku: cars

The Cars, Armored Vehicles and Trucks of Gamescom

Brian Crecente — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:30:00 MDT

Gamescom is mostly video game show but there's also that amazing outside venue packed with motorcycle trick riders, ATVs and sand volleyball courts.

Inside the show has a pretty surprising number of cars, trucks, motorcycles and even farm equipment on display... to promote video games of course.

Exclusive Rides For Gran Turismo PSP Preorders

Mike Fahey — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:40:00 MDT

Preordering the long-awaited Gran Turismo for the PlayStation Portable scores you one of five rare rides, getting you ready to smoke your friends from the starting line.

The five preorder vehicles might already be in the game, but preordering means that you don't have to pay to unlock them, and you also score them in preorder-exclusive colors. The fact that you can only pick one is cruel and unusual punishment, but I suppose the really big Gran Turismo fans can always pre-order five copies.

Gran Turismo PSP Pre-Order Bonus Items Revealed [PlayStation Blog]

The exclusive 2009 Nissan GT-R Spec V in metallic blue.

The 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 is the first Lamborghini ever to appear in Gran Turismo.

The 2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 sports over 1000 horsepower. That is a lot of horses.

The 2008 GTbyCitroen is a gorgeous concept car that should transform into a robot but doesn't, dammit.

The 2002 Enzo Ferrari. Yum.

Tuner Fits His Toyota with Mario Intake

Owen Good — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:00:00 MDT

Reader Danny Z. sent this in with a barebones description - I'm no mechanic, so I can't tell if this is a joke or not. But that's Mario peeking out from an MR2 Spyder's intake.

Saith Danny:

i made a intake for my car. i thought i share. its made out of pvc. its pretty dam awesome imo

Honestly, the WTFery of this leaves me speechless. Full size is here.

Update: Danny Z. has written back!

hi, im the one who sent you the picture. i would like the clear something up lol.

the intake is fully functional. i used spray paint and sprayed the intake green. the car is a 2001 toyota mr2 spyder with a motor swap.

the engine is a 2zzge, same motor used in the lotus elise.

i put mario in the intake in hopes of a power boost. i only get a noticeable power boost when i run over the stars. otherwise, no power gain is achieved.

Introducing The PlayStation Portable SUV

Luke Plunkett — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 01:30:00 MDT

We've seen stranger marketing deals than this PSP-badged version of Citroen's new C-Crosser sports utility vehicle. Not many, though.

The French car manufacturers have teamed up with Sony to bring us a vehicle that is...well, it's a French SUV that eschews the latest fad of installing in-built iPod support in favour of in-built PSP support.

Meaning, you can stuff your PSP (the car comes with a free one, along with a 4GB memory stick and a couple of games) into a custom PSP-sized hole in the back of the driver's seat. Oh, and there's a PSP badge on the back of the car, too. And that's it.

The C-Crosser PSP is priced at €33,990 (USD$43,340). For that price, let's hope it can go 4-8 hours without the battery running out.

Citroen Announces PSP Edition SUV, to Only Run on Proprietary Sony Gas [Gizmodo]

Samba de Amigo: The Truck Spotted On Unspecified Freeway

Michael McWhertor — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:40:00 MDT

Reader John E writes in to give us a heavy dose of not news. "I was driving on the freeway with some friends and we saw a Samba De Amigo truck driving around," according to his e-mail. "I haven't seen anything on this anywhere else on the web, so I'm not sure what it's for." (OMG, does that mean we have an exclusive?!)

We know what it's for John: making us seriously consider purchasing a commercial truck with bright red rims and Samba de Amigo branding, then having a custom horn installed that blares "El Ritmo Tropical" at anyone whose driving technique we disagree with.

NES Controller Car Engine Mod

Mike Fahey — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:00:00 MDT

Now here's a car engine that is sure to provide hours of family fun entertainment! Kotakuite Zooie sends us this photo of a Toyota that reflects the owner's driving love of the original NES.

Big fan of this site. One of my employees brought us out to his car to show us what he created under the hood. I laughed so hard. He loves the original NES and wanted to make a tribute under his hood. Whatever excites him. I wanted to share this with everyone.

Well done, though why hide it under that unwiedy hood? Take that sucker off and share your love with the world! Hit the jump for a closer look, and a lesson why you really need to clean the bird poop off your windshield on a regular basis.

Forza 2 DLC Brings a Baker's Dozen New Cars This Week

Brian Crecente — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:00:14 MDT

The new March car pack for Forza 2 hits later this week. On March 19 Forza-heads can pay 400 points to get 13 new vehicles including the new Audi S5 and the 2008 BMW M3. Also included is the Lamborghini LP640 and the Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

To help promote the game the developers will be holding a little in-game competition this weekend and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday Xbox Live will be randomly giving away prizes, including a racing wheel and autographed copy of the game, to people who play the game.

Hit the jump to check out a gallery of the new cars and the full list.

March Car Pack
2008 Audi S5
2007 Audi TT Coupe S-Line
1971 BMW 3.0 CSL E09
2008 BMW E92 M3
1989 Ferrari F40 Competizione
1996 Ferrari F50 GT
2007 Ferrari 430 Scuderia
2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640
2007 Maserati GranTurismo
2006 Maserati MC12 Corsa
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X GSR
2008 Porsche 911 GT2 (997)
2007 Peugeot #1 Peugeot 207 Super 2000 (Xbox liveried 2007 IRC championship winner)

Hummer Designers Deny Halo Influence On New Concept Truck

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 15:40:00 MST

That new Hummer HX concept? Totally a Warthog rip-off, we all know it. Or is it?! Yes. Of course, it is. Even though Carl Zipfel, GM's director of exterior design for the concept ride on display at the North American International Auto Show, denies finding inspiration in Halo's staple vehicle, we believe the side-by-side comparisons of the two remove any doubt that Hummer has swiped. Did anyone else notice both have four wheels? The designer even admits to being "an Xbox guy," telling mLive that several of the vehicle's designers play Halo regularly.

We will not stand for these lies, Zipfel! Give the Bungie design team their due and all associated royalties should the car come to production. We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more, etcetera, etcetera.

Hummer denies Halo influence on HX concept [mLive - thanks, DigiMish!]

Hummer Concept Car Looks More Than A Bit Warthog-y

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 18:40:48 MST

It may not look quite as Warthog-y as WETA's own fully-functioning recreation of the ubiquitous Halo ride, but Hummer's HX Concept certainly looks like it will appeal to those raised on the adventures of Master Chief. According to our brothers at Jalopnik, coming from their coverage of the Detroit Auto Show, the Warthog-esque concept vehicle features removable roof panels, fender flares and doors, but no mention is made of support for mounted turrets. A rich gallery full of pretty pictures and details reside at Jalopnik.

Detroit Auto Show: Hummer HX Concept Embargo Totally Fragged [Jalopnik]

Brain Age Creator Creating Intelligent Toyotas

Mike Fahey — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 19:30:55 MST

Professor Ryuta Kawashima is the master of brain training. Having trained the brains of millions of gamers, he has now taken the next logical step - training the brains of Toyotas. Toyota and Kawashima are currently together on various technologies to help older drivers drive safely. Technologies such as intelligent systems that monitor a driver's behavior in order to curb dangerous behavior, such as sudden increases or decreases in speed, falling asleep at the wheel, or getting in the car in the first place.

"We envision future cars will be able to monitor brain and emotional activity to back up elderly drivers," said Kawashima, a Tohoku University scientist who worked on Nintendo Co.'s best-selling "Brain Age" games _ and whose smiling image is the guide in the series.

While I am all for promoting driving safety, I just don't know about helping the elderly drive longer. I respect the elderly. I have some of the elderly in my family. I just think there is a certain point where you have to resign yourself that you can no longer safely operate a vehicle. I know Kawashima's heart is in the right place, but age happens.

Kawashima hopes to extend the technology towards all ages of drivers in the future.

"Ultimately, we hope to develop cars that stimulate brain activity, so that driving itself becomes a form of brain training," Kawashima said.

Brain training and driving? He's obviously never driven through downtown Atlanta on a Friday night. There ain't no brains to train here, professor.

Toyota and brain-game professor to develop cars for the elderly [The Sydney Morning Herald via Gizmodo]

Monster Truck Driver Sinks To New Low In Donkey Kong Suit

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 16:20:00 MST

As fans of the monster truck arts are well aware, the Donkey Kong Monster Jam truck made its debut in Minnesota this past weekend. It made loud sounds and used a ton of fuel to crush some things. The Donkey Kong truck shouldn't just be commended for its ability to remind people that DK Jungle Climber and Donkey Kong Barrel Blast are available at fine retailers everywhere, it also placed fourth in its first ever competition. According to Monster Jam Online's account of the story, it achieved "some huge air and several slap wheelies."

Driver Frank Krmel appeared to struggle more with maintaining a smile in the face of wearing a DK suit and tie than he did piloting the new monster truck. He said of the new ride, "Donkey Kong has been around since 1981, and everyone's seen it all over the place, so they figured Monster Jam was the next natural progression." Truly. Where could the series have gone but to monster trucking? A full shot of the truck is after the jump.

In fact, there's a bunch of new images, possibly even one of a slap wheelie, at the official site.

The full interview with Krmel is available at Monster Jam Online, for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of monster truck driving.

DONKEY KONG MAKES SURPRISE DEBUT IN MINNEAPOLIS [Monster Jam Online]

Nintendo To Woo Monster Truck Fans With Donkey Kong

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 17:40:47 MST

If you're a fan of mud-spurting, flame-spitting funny cars, the kind of a truck enthusiast whose ears don't perk up unless their of the "monster" variety, you may want to keep tabs on the Monster Jam truck schedule. Oh, if you like Donkey Kong, you might want to pay attention extra hard. Nintendo let us know today that the Donkey Kong Monster Jam truck will make its first public appearance this weekend, at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It will race against other trucks that are considered monstrous and could very well run over some things.

According to a press release we were handed, Nintendo VP George Harrison said "Donkey Kong has always been a force to be reckoned with. The new Donkey Kong truck lets us show off his rowdy behavior to his fans, whether they have been playing his games for decades or just discovered them." Somehow, I just can't picture him saying this. It seems forced.

Monster Jam Online

Bionic Commando, By Volvo

Michael McWhertor — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:00:04 MST

Nothing says Bionic Commando like a Volvo C30, am I right? Therefore, Swedish developer GRIN, responsible for development duties on the Capcom follow up, and, I assume, someone in marketing have decided to bedazzle a C30 with loads of Bionic Commando stickers. The final product? A Volvo with Bionic Commando stickers. These kinds of marketing tactics don't just fall out of the sky, people. It's hard, hard work.

Bionic Commando-Volvon [GameReactor - thanks, Rugg!]

Sony Announces Winners of Gran Turismo Awards

Mark Wilson — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 12:45:32 MDT

The godly hand of Polyphony Digital's Kazunori Yamauchi has once again touched mere mortals in PlayStation's fifth annual Gran Turismo Awards at the 2007 SEMA. "Best In Show" went to the badass 2007 Audi TT, which will be featured in the upcoming Gran Turismo Prologue. Winning designer Marcel Horn walks away with a sweet custom-lasered PS3...and eternal pride.

"Best European Import" - Marcel Horn; 2007 Audi TT
"Best Domestic Automobile" - Gary Cheney; 2007 Factory Five GTM
"Best Hot Rod" - Jim and Mike Ring; 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback
"Best Japanese Import" - Michael Chung; 2007 Nissan 350Z
"Best Truck / SUV" - Mike DeFord; 2007 Dodge Ram

While Horn was checking out the new PS3, a couple of Polyphony guys hopped in his Audi and were never seen again.

Jaffe Whines About His Game's Score

Brian Crecente — Tue, 01 May 2007 17:00:48 MDT

Calling all Cars hit the Playstation debugs last week to mixed, very mixed reviews and David Jaffe was, well, he was himself.

His two post response raises some interesting issues, if you can get through all the crap. (Like Jaffe telling some gamers to 'GO FUCK YOUR MOTHER UP HER JIGGLY ASS TWAT' ? Seriously? That's just sad. I expect more from Jaffe.)

The first post is far less rambly, but it too suffers from the same issue, it comes off as Jaffe being incredibly defensive.

Essentially Jaffe argues that the game is worth the price and that it's unfair to knock its review score for a lack of content since it only costs $10. The thing that seemed to get Jaffe's goat specifically was Gamespot's score of 6.7/10.

While I think their score is a little low, I have to agree with them. Calling All Cars is a fun game to play for a short period of time, but its limited maps really hurt the game. And I don't buy into the it's-only-$10 argument. The game could have been made a lot more sustainable, a lot more fun to play with just a few more maps and maybe an extra game play mode or two.

I really enjoyed playing with Calling all Cars, but with only four maps and one gameplay mode (offline and online) it kinda got old quick. The different cars are nice, but they didn't seem to handle differently enough to change the gameplay experience.

What I suspect, and I could be totally wrong here, is that new maps and new modes will be hitting the game for extra pay. Something that would mean, to at least me, that the game is in fact being released piecemeal and that we don't yet know the true final price.

If that's the case I'd probably lower my impressions of the game, which I'd currently give a solid 75 to 80 percent, to something closer to the Gamespot score.

As for the Jaffe outburst, it's great to see a developer so passionate about his trade, but I just wish he wouldn't dip into those juvenile tirades. Brian Crecente

Ugh! No Fucking More and My Response to Gamespot [Jaffe's Game Design]

THQ Taking Cars Mater-National

Mike Fahey — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 14:20:25 MDT

When a game ~~sells~~ ships over 7 million copies, you can bet your ass there's going to be a sequel in the works, even if it is a licensed movie property, THQ has announced a sequel to their ridiculously well-selling Cars video game, based of course on the Pixar film.

Being released on everything but the PSP (was easier to type), the new game features all new racers coming to Radiator Springs to complete in the First Annual Mater-National Race Festival. You'll see new tracks, new characters, and new mini-games, all while exploring the open city environment. When I say you, I mean your kids...though of course you'll be watching them play, as a responsible parent.

If we're lucky we'll get to hear America's most loveable fake redneck once-again utter his famous line, "I can't believe they pay me for doing this shit." Michael Fahey

THQ Announces Multiplatform Cars Follow Up [Gamasutra]

Which Is More Profitable: Gears Of War Or Cars?

Brian Ashcraft — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 07:00:45 MST

Sure, the Cars game adaptation was the second biggest selling game of 2006, right behind Madden. That doesn't mean its necessarily more profitable than last year's blockbuster Gears of War claims Newsweek's resident game guru N'Gai Croal. He explains:

THQ had to pay an up front fee to Pixar/Disney for the rights to make games based on the animated movie. We've heard that THQ's deal with Pixar may have been as high as $80 million for the interactive rights for four Pixar films; a sum of money so high, it caused a rival publisher to abandon its efforts to acquire THQ lest that astronomical Pixar deal become established as an industry standard. Gears of War, by contrast, is an original IP, so Epic and Microsoft don't have to pay any such fees. Advantage: Gears of War, and any other original games.

Phew! Though, Croal concedes that's there is no way of knowing unless there was a side-by-side comparison of financial statements. That, or if CliffyB starts shopping for gold toilets. Brian Ashcraft

Cars Really Not That Profitable [Newsweek]

EA, Sports, Licenses Dominate '06 Sales

Michael McWhertor — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 20:20:18 MST

Next-Gen went to great lengths to provide perspective—via handy pie and bar graphs—on the top 100 selling games from last year. Editor Colin Campbell breaks down the sample set of one hundred best sellers by genre, publisher, release date, review scores and platform exclusivity providing an easy-to-read look at the sales landscape from a number of different angles.

It's interesting to see what impact review scores have on sales—critical darling Okami netted 200,000 unit sales, nabbing the 100th spot—versus the weight licenses carry—the poorly reviewed Over The Hedge landed at 27th. The data also illustrates how clearly EA dominates sales charts with its sports and racing titles.

This is a good read for anyone remotely interested in what shapes the make-up of our industry. Don't miss it. Michael McWhertor

The Games People Buy [Next-Gen]

Suzuki Shows Off SXbox Concept

Michael McWhertor — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 21:40:53 MST

TeamXbox has tons of exclusive shots of the Suzuki SXbox concept car, Suzuki's 2007 SX4 model custom built with an Xbox 360 color scheme, an integrated console built into the dash, four wireless controller holders, generous LCD screens and much more, including actual performance upgrades.

While it may not be my speed—toxic green underlighting and accents hurt me in the soul—the built-in Xbox 360 accessories look... pretty decent. Michael McWhertor

Suzuki SXBox Xbox 360 Concept Car Pictures [TeamXbox]

Scion xA "Pimped" With PlayStation 3

Michael McWhertor — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 17:00:16 MST

At this week's SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) show, nestled within the Sony "Xplod" booth, lives this heavily customize 2004 Scion xA. Custom painted in PlayStation 3 red and black, the car also contains a real, working, all-hooked-up PS3.

Hooked up to what? Tons of monitors! A roof embedded 46" widescreen TV, another 26" TV in the rear hatch, and thirteen additional monitors installed throughout the interior means your passengers can watch you play Gran Turismo HD from any angle.

Plus, they removed the steering wheel, which, if I'm reading the narrator right, means the car is now controlled with a PlayStation 3 SIXAXIS. If so, cool, but I somehow doubt it.

Check out the video at CarTV to see it in action. Michael McWhertor

SEMA: Sony PS3 Scion xA