Casino Royalty

2011 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 FSI Quattro (Test Drive Unlimited 2)

If you've played TDU 2 for a while now, I think you'll find this car very familiar. It's the exclusive R8 Spyder which is only available on Casino Island. Most of you gamblers know how to win this car: winning the jackpot at the slots. I will tell you this right now: complete waste of time. Soon enough, you'll be hooked and you'll waste all the money you'll need to buy a house or a new car. Well, luckily I'm here and I'm going to tell you of another very easy to go home with this car. Are you ready, cuz here it comes: BUY IT! The car is worth ¢1,000,000 Tokens, which is equivalent to $2,000,000, which you can easily receive through racing in Championships, selling useless items, or just gambling for money. It works and it's so much easier than gambling your money away. So, to those who've said to you, "You can't buy that car. You can only win it", watch them gasp when you roll up in this and then tell them, "This was nearly a buy, not a win." I hope this tip was helpful. More TDU 2 tips coming up!

Auction Up!

2012 Ferrari FF

The first models of 4 exclusive cars will be up for auction at the Boca Raton Concours d' Elegance in Florida. The first of these cars is the 2012 Ferrari FF, Ferrari's first all-wheel drive shooting brake grand tourer. A 6.3-liter 651 horsepower V12 is under the hood of this car. 0 to 60 is done in just 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 208 MPH. It would be pretty cool if you won that.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (Rendering)

Next up is the all new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster. The car has ditched the artistic gullwing doors and a hardtop roof to make driving more pleasurable. What it hasn't ditched though was its 6.2-liter 563 horsepower V8 engine, the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world. We've been waiting for this car to come out for a while.

2012 Audi R8 GT

Next up, for the hardcore drivers, is the Audi R8 GT. Effectively, this is the "Superleggera" version of Audi's successful supercar. The 5.2-liter FSI V10 engine now produces 560 horsepower. The body itself is 100 kg lighter than the standard V10 model. Because of this, 0 to 60 is done in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 200 MPH. Only 333 will be made with just 90 coming here. Wouldn't it be great if you got the first of the 90?

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG

Last, but certainly not least, Mercedes will be auctioning off a limited edition CLS63 AMG. No word on what special power the car will have but only 30 will be made. So, those are the cars. If you have a big wallet and are in the Florida area, you might want to get in on this.

Test Drive Unlimited 2: Review

2010 Pagani Zonda F Roadster

Test Drive Unlimited is back, and this time, things get a lot more exotic. Last time, we were in Hawaii trying to make a name for ourselves in some of the fastest cars in the world. Now, were in Ibiza for the Solar Crown Racing Tournament were the best racers compete for big prizes and lots and lots of money. Wow, I sounded like Tess Wintory back there. Anyway, TDU is back bringing some of its exclusive cars and winding roads with it, and i must say, it has gotten a lot better.

2011 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Quattro Coupe

Besides the lack of some manufacturers such as Wiesmann, Lamborghini, and BMW, the car list is actually legit, with up to 100 cars in game, and some DLCs coming soon. Eden Games really did a fantastic job with the cars. All the details are just right, even in the interior. The leather looks absolutely real, it's breathtaking. As for engine sounds, they worked on that as well. Most of the cars in this game sound like the real ones, especially this R8 V10 Coupe. If you just listen to the sound at 7000 RPMs, it'll be so good that you'll be having a crisis.

Ferrari 308 Challenge

As for the environment, it is astounding that they can use satellite images and pure design to make both islands, Oahu and Ibiza, so beautiful. The roads look realistic. The trees are sensational. The homes that you can own look absolutely real. This game just pushes all the right buttons. Whenever you're driving, there is a moment that you'll just stop and take everything in and see just how beautiful exotic islands are. They really did a good job visualizing this.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

Gameplay has been improved as well. Now, there's a day and night cycle which seems pretty good and only lasts about 48 minutes for each shift. What's also impressive is the dynamic weather that happens when you least expect it. It could be in the middle of the night when you think that all has gone well. Or, it could be in the morning when you just get up. Now, if you remember the last game, you'd know that the convertibles and roadster weren't able to put their hoods up at all. This game allows you to do that in real time, no matter what convertible you're driving.

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport

I was testing this game for some time and thought all would go well, but then I discovered the elephant in the corner: handling. It's still sloppy like the last game. They might've said that they've improved, but honestly, they didn't. There are some corners where you get understeer for no apparent reason. Sometimes, when you turn too much you'll find yourself spinning in the other direction. Whenever you're in the air, be careful where you land, because you might end up in a ditch, or worse in the sea. The only way to perfect driving in this game is to adopt their driving physics, which will be hard for Gran Turismo fans.

2011 Ariel Atom 500 V8

Honestly, this game would've been the perfect Multiplayer Racing game if the handling was improved and if their weren't any bugs with it. They still need to fix those things. And, if they do create a sequel to this one, hopefully it will be brilliant. But for now, TDU 2 will get 4 out of 5 stars from me. So, in conclusion, if you're looking for a realistic racer, stick with Gran Turismo 5. However, if you want something better and more beautiful than boring and dull Need For Speed World, this is your game.

A Big Step Forward

2011 Audi TT-RS (Euro Spec)

TT fans rejoice! Audi's 3rd fastest car, the TT-RS, will be unveiled tomorrow at the Chicago Auto Show and goes on sale this summer. We've been waiting for this car for a while. Ever since 2008, when the RS4 reached its production end, Ingolstadt's been keeping all the hardcore Audis, like the RS6, S5 Sportback, and TT-RS in Europe leaving us to whine and sulk about them not coming here. But thanks to a Facebook petition that was put up not too long ago by Audi of America, some of the RS models will be making their way onto our shores in the coming months. The TT-RS will be the first. And, because we were so patient, Audi has beefed up the super roadster just for us. The regular 2.5-liter Turbocharged Inline-5 engine has now been tuned from 340 horsepower to 360 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in just 4.3 seconds on its way to a top speed of 174 MPH. Unfortunately, while Europe gets the R-tronic transmission option, we're stuck with the traditional 6-speed manual. But, hey! Better having the whole car than nothing, right? After this, the all-wheel drive muscle car, the Audi RS5, will come over, but that's later. It's good to see Audi share their best cars with us.

Quattro Snow Action

2011 Audi RS3 Sportback

This is the most extreme 5-door hatchback that Audi has ever created: the RS3. It features the same engine from the TT-RS: a 2.5-liter Turbocharged 340 horsepower Inline-5 connected to a 6-speed manual gearbox. The result is a 0 to 60 time of under 5 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 MPH. And, as always, Audi has equipped the car with Quattro all-wheel drive for better traction and some off-road capabilities. Speaking of off-road, this car had some fun in the snow going sideways and creating very artistic tire tracks. So, before this German 5-door monster is released to the public, take a look at the car having fun in the snow.



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World of Clarkson

Jeremy Clarkson

Life is swell if you are a Jeremy Clarkson. First off, you're the most offensive person on the face of the earth and there's nothing anyone else can do about it. That must feel great. You can totally diss a religion, have them get angry at you, and do absolutely nothing about it. That's awesome! Next, you have a pretty awesome car collection including a Ford GT, an Aston Martin DBS, an Austin-Healey Sprite, a Caterham Seven R400, and many more. Then, you're the host of a popular motoring show known as Top Gear that's worth over $10 billion and is watch by over 350,000,000 people around the world. You're a very popular guy. And now, you've got an iPhone app on the AppStore with your name on it called iClarkson, showcasing your best car reviews from the Audi R8 to the Maserati Quattroporte. It costs $7.99 and you can get it now on the AppStore. Then again, if you are a Jeremy Clarkson, you've always been fond of the iPhone, as I will prove below with some videos.




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Electric = More Powaahh!!!

2011 Tesla Roadster Sport

Don't underestimate electric cars either. They may not make a sound and have lithium-ions powering their wheels, but some of them power-wise can rival with popular supercars. For example, this peppy-looking Tesla Roadster was one of the first all-electric cars ever produced. Now, it's currently one of the most powerful with power ratings of 288 horsepower with 295 lb.-ft. of torque. 0 to 60 is done in a blistering 3.7 seconds making it unbelievably quick. So, to put it in short, this car can run fast, save the earth, save your wallet (240 MPC) and scare children, as you shall see in this next video.

2010 Audi R8 E-Tron Prototype

Here's another example: Audi's all electric R8 E-Tron Prototype car. Now I know that this car isn't even out yet, but just imagine driving a no-emissions car with 313 horsepower from lithium-ion batteries and electric motors. And, unless you're Iron Man, or even Superman, just imagine driving such a car with over 1030 lb.-ft. of torque. That's more than you get from a Bugatti Veyron! Unbelievable! And it's fast, too, with a 0 to 60 time of 4.8 seconds! If I were really wealthy, I would buy one of these!

2011 Chevy Volt

My last example: the all-new Chevy Volt, which has just been named the 2011 North American Car of the Year. The electric motors and lithium-ion batteries in this car deliver 150 horsepower. That doesn't sound like much, does it? But, it produces 273 lb.-ft. of torque. That's more torque than you get from some turbocharged V6 car. It might be limited to 100 MPH, but for a 150 horsepower phone on wheels, it's pretty powerful. Not to mention it gets 327 miles per charge (MPC) Electric and Diesel-Powered cars are the future of the automobile. They will save our earth from global warming and at the same time, save you from bankruptcy.



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Diesel = Powaahh!!!

2011 Audi Q7 V12 TDI

Do not underestimate diesel powered cars! They may not have a lot of horsepower or go as fast as regular petrol cars, put when it comes to torque and mileage, they defy all odds. For example, this crazy SUV you see in front of you is Audi's Twin-Turbodiesel V12 powered Q7. It's not the fastest V12-powered car ever with a 0 to 60 time of 5.5 seconds and a top speed of just 171 MPH. It's not the most powerful V12 ever with 500 horsepower produced from its engine. But, as for torque, it shatters most V12's out of the water. The number: 738 lb.-ft. of torque. That's more torque that you get from the Pagani Zonda R! As for mileage, it gets 21 MPG which might not sound all that impressive, but compared to most V12's, that's pretty good.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 CDI Estate

Here's another example: the Mercedes C350 CDI. Under the hood is a 3.5-liter Turbodiesel V6 producing 231 horsepower. Again, not the most powerful V6 in the world and it's not the fastest with a 0 to 60 time of 6.4 seconds. But, it gets 400 lb.-ft. of torque. That's more than you get in a V8 S-Class. Not to mention, it's cheaper and more fuel efficient than an S-Class to, valued at about $30,000 with over 30 MPG. That's incredible! Diesel cars are quite powerful when it comes to torque. In fact, if your diesel has, let's say about 700 lb.-ft. of torque, you could have the ability to tow a 160 ton Boeing 747. It's true! Volkswagen have done it with their V10 TDI Touareg. Check the video below to see the towing in action.



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Test Drive Unlimited 2 (Hands On): Final ßeta Part 3

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

This is it, ladies & gentlemen: my last ßeta video before the release of Test Drive Unlimited 2 coming this February. It might have some arcade stuff going on, but trust me when I say that it's as real as life can get. You live the life of a jet setter trying to rise to fame by racing and entering exclusive clubs. How you make it there depends entirely up to you. Race with your friends through the streets of Ibiza and Oahu as you claim bragging rights, buy exclusive cars, and live in big mansions. Sounds like the perfect life, doesn't it? Look for this game on the shelves on the 8th of February.



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Head Start to Success

2011 Pagani Zonda Tricolore (Test Drive Unlimited 2)

So, today, I'll be posting my last ßeta video for TDU 2 showcasing all of the awesome stuff you can do in the game. But, why sit down and drool at the cars when you can get acting right now! Go ahead and pre-order the game from any game store applicable. Different stores have different pre-order DLC's. The magnificent Pagani Zonda Tricolore One-off seen here is a PC exclusive when you pre-order it from Steam.

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

The Audi R8 V10 Spyder and...

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

the Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder are GameStop exclusives. When you pre-order TDU 2 from there, you will also receive TDU 2 Casino Online giving you instant access to the many roulette games and slot machines available. 

2011 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport

The fastest car in the world is back, and this time, it's on Ibiza. To achieve this car right out of the box, pre-order TDU 2 from Walmart.

2010 Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black

The sexy looking Aston Martin DBS Carbon Black is a Best Buy exclusive. It pushes all the right buttons of luxury and sport.

2007 Ferrari 612 Sessanta

This limited-edition Ferrari 612 Sessanta is a Kmart exclusive. It was built in honor of Ferrari's 60th anniversary and was limited to only 60 units. It's been hailed as one of the greatest Italian grand touring cars of all time.

2010 Jaguar XRK Black Pack

Direct-2-drive is another store worthy of giving you two cars: the Jaguar XKR Speed Pack & XKR Black Pack. Once you have these two, you pretty much can do anything you want with it and get away with it and it'll be okey because you've got a Jaaaag!!!

2010 Ford Shelby GT500

Pride of America! The Ford Shelby GT500 is an Atari exclusive. You can get just be pre-ordering it off the site.

2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Carbon Black

Another Carbon malarkey. The V12 Vantage Carbon Black is an Amazon exclusive. This car just defines itself as a whole.

So, there you are: the pre-order bonuses for TDU 2. Act fast though: February 8th is coming sooner than you think.

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Test Drive Unlimited 2 (Hands On): Final ßeta Part 2

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

Do you know what it feels like to win the lottery or a casino jackpot? Well, lucky for you, Atari will help experience this feeling, virtually. Test Drive Unlimited 2 will be one of the first racing games out there with an online casino mode. There, you can play roulette, slots, blackjack, you name it. There are also two exclusive cars you can win on the island, and this is one of them: the 2010 Audi R8 V10 Spyder. Although it is heavier than its coupe doppleganger, which you can also drive in the game, it's much more fun to drive. Why? You'll be able to hear the angry Lamborghini V10 engine much more clearly. To win this car, you'll have to get lucky at the slot machines. It took me over 1000 tries to get this car. When I got it, I was extremely happy. Anyway, the DLC also comes with Spyker's own C8 Aileron Spyder which looks like this...

2010 Spyker C8 Aileron Spyder

It uses Audi's 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine producing 400 horsepower. 0 to 60 is done in 4.2 seconds on its way to a top speed of 187 MPH. To get this car, you'll have to be the best at a competitive round of poker. Whatever car you win, you will be able to drive them on Casino Island as well as Ibiza and Oahu. This exclusive DLC will be available after the February 8th release on the PC, PS3 & Xbox 360. However, you can have it the day of the release if you pre-order the game here from GameStop. But, as long as I was in the ßeta, I got a chance to drive one of the exclusive casino vehicles. Take a look at the video below to see how I got on.



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Test Drive Unlimited 2 (Hands On): Final ßeta

2010 Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder

This is it, ladies and gentlemen: the final TDU 2 ßeta test before its February 8th release date. I've inspected a lot of things in this game and it seems that it will actually do well. I know I said before that this game wouldn't be good because of the lack of cars, but it seems that Atari is up to something more than just racing. Everything about this game feels somewhat realistic, and that includes the handling. In the last installment, handling was the #1 problem. Now, it seems that TDU have addressed it with better turning and more realistic car feel. The cars are actually impressive themselves, all 101 of them. Since the beginning, I've been driving the Ferrari California, Aston Martin DBS, Audi TT-RS, and Audi Q7 V12 TDI. All of them are good cars. They've been designed carefully and their physics are almost precise. But, there's one car that I've been trying to achieve since the beginning and haven't driven, until now, and you're looking at it. This Audi R8 Spyder makes me feel like Tony Stark in Iron Man 2. Fun fact: the car was actually supposed to debut in that movie. Anyway, the only way for me to achieve this car in the ßeta was to win it in the Slot Machines at Casino Island. After many tries, over 1000 to be exact, I finally won it. Just goes to show: gambling is addicting. Anyway, I was able to enjoy this awesome V10 Spyder on Ibiza racing with soon-to-be TDU friends and rivals. Check out the video below of all the stuff I did on Ibiza. The Audi video will be on later.



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Fast with Four Doors

Audi A9 Rendering (Courtesy of AutoCar)

If you thought the Audi A7 was the pinnacle of Audi's four-door sports saloons, then you haven't heard what they're really up to. Rumors from Ingolstadt have it that Audi is working on a super-sports saloon called the A9 to take on the Porsche Panamera and the Aston Martin Rapide. Rumor also has it that they might be using some parts and chassis from another popular super 4-door: the Lamborghini Estoque. No word has been confirmed on whether this car will be in production, but expect to look rather dashing. You see, unlike Porsche that bases everything off the 911, Audi uses its own design and talent to shape their cars. For instance, take a look at the Audi A7.

2012 Audi A7

Doesn't that look pretty? People say that Audi based this car off the Panamera, but I don't think they did. And it's not just the front view.

Rear View

The rear view looks great as well. So, if Audi does bring the A9 into production, it will be a properly designed car, unlike the Panamera, which looks like an ugly elephant.

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New Years Resolution

Bugatti 16C Galibier with Bugatti 16.4 Veyron Sang Bleu

It seems Bugatti's New Years Resolution is to become a premier luxury brand. Recent reports show the brand at high interest for creating a luxury car. They've already had an attempt with the 16C Galibier revealed two years ago at Geneva. It looks like they'll be running with that since Bugatti have planned to cease the Veyron's production in 2014. As we speak, the car is now in development and some reports show that it will use the chassis from the current Audi A8. What does this mean? Well, it could mean that Bugatti keeps to tradition and add all-wheel drive to this new luxury car. It could also mean that Audi could have a great affect on this new luxury car in the works. Let's find out in the years to come.

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NFS World Shenanigans Part 3

2009 Audi R8 4.2 FSI Quattro

A while back, Black Box unlocked more areas in the world of Need For Speed including downtown Rockport City, Fortuna, and Kempton. These are ideal areas with great roads and a long stretch of highway in between them. In order to experience these roads properly, you'll need a fast, powerful exotic that takes the corners nice and easy. In short, the Audi R8 will help you experience these new landmarks. Its 420 horsepower 4.2 liter V8 FSI engine is placed in the middle of the car for great balance when cornering at high speed. With a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, this car will hit a top speed of 187 MPH. Also, to help with traction, Audi gave it Quattro all-wheel drive. This should help tremendously in the corners. This is a brilliant car that looks absolutely gorgeous. After I went cruising through the new areas, I had some fun with this car. Check the video below to see what I did.

In Memoriam

Christmas is 4 days away, which also means the end of the year is upon us. Most of us will be making it to the new year, but, sadly some of us won't, and this include cars. So, as we celebrate Jesus' birth and the beginning of a new year, let us take some time to honor those we have lost.

2010 Dodge Viper SRT-10 Convertible

1. Dodge Viper SRT-10
We shall surely miss this venomous snake. It was one of the greatest American Supercars of all time, right behind the coveted Ford GT. No one will forget that aggressive front nose, that deadly 8.4-liter 600 horsepower V10 Viper engine, those many warning symbols on how this car could indeed kill you, and the immense speed this snake delivers. Even though a new one is planned for 2013, there will never be any new one that will be any better than this. This car will be missed.

2006 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

2. Lamborghini Murcielago
Ahh, the great raging bull, and this is her final year, as a new replacement has come for her. But, alas, no one will perfectly replace her though. That harmonious 6.5-liter V12 sound, the unbelievable grip coming from its patent-pended all-wheel drive system, the brilliance of her rear vents lifting up at high speeds; this car was literally a baby that has turned into an angel and has wiggled into our hearts. She will be missed.

2008 Audi RS6

3. Audi RS6 C6
Now, Audi has confirmed a new RS6 for this new A6 that has just come out, but I don't think it will be as crazy and fun-loving as this one. I mean, a Twin-Turbocharged V10 powered 580 horsepower station-wagon? That's crazy!! Leave it Audi to do that stuff. But, besides the craziness, this wagon did handle like a supercar and was very good in the snow. It will be missed.

2010 Pontiac G8 GT

4. Pontiac G8
Pontiac has been with us since the 1920's and they've produced great muscle cars ever since. But the one that came close to our hearts is this one: the mighty G8. It's Australian cousin, the Holden Commodore, has claimed more Bathurst races than any GM ever made. It's British relative, the Vauxhall VXR8, has become a prized possession to The Stig for being his portable drifting machine. Here, it's been hailed as a muscle car done right. The handling was phenomenal, the power was raging, the ride was excitement. It's made us laugh, it's made us cry. It will be deeply missed.

I hope you took your time to look over this list. Be sure to pay tribute to these great ones. They've se an example for all of us.