Gamevideos.com has a preview video of the upcoming force-feedback wheel for the Xbox 360. It can be operated in either wireless or wired mode with wireless operation limted to rumble effects only. It's obviously no Logitech G25 but you can't really expect it to be considering it will probably end up being be less than half the price. It's difficult to judge from the video but the wheel looks to have quite a large footprint and seems somewhat cumbersome. The way they've designed the base for the pedals is pretty interesting and it looks like it might prevent them from sliding around the living room floor as you crash your buddies in turn 1 over Xbox Live. Hopefully the pedal set will employ some type of carpet grabber mechanism as well as I can't see the heel placement accommodating everyone's foot size, especially younger children. I've been looking forward to Forza 2 for a while now and while it would be nice to see the Xbox 360 provide some support for the G25 or Driving Force Pro, I'm not holding my breath. If it's reasonably priced (I've heard rumors of $130-$150), I'll most likely pick up the Microsoft wheel when Forza 2 hits the shelves and post my impressions along with some photos. Now, where is Rallisport Challenge 3? Hmmm...

Zero-G has released the Open Wheel Series 2006 mod for rFactor. I'm sure most people will recognize the car models from that "forbidden" mod but the physics have been changed. The Open Wheel Series mod includes 18 teams with 36 cars and weighs in at about 56MB. Here's the download link for the mod and there's a few screenshots below. You can find more download mirrors at rFactor Central.

Frank.f55 has released an updated version of his R8 Gordini mod for rFactor. Changes in version 2.0 are listed below. These cars are a lot of fun to drive and provide for some close racing. It's quite easy to lose the tail end at top speed as you can see from this this video (5MB) =).

R8 Gordini Mod 2.0 Changes:

• New mirror and et arch in cockpit.
• Driver arms.
• Upgrades: rims, suspension and force feedback level.
• New physiques by Petrol.
• New rFm for for rFactor 1.150
• New .sfx file using original rFactor sounds.

Here's a local download mirror for the 25MB mod. This is a standalone install so no need for the previous version. For more info on the Renault 8 Gordini, have a look at this Wikipedia entry.

Update: Version 3.0 is now available. See the latest post for info and download mirrors.

Version 2.0 of the excellent McLaren F1 LM/GTR mod for rFactor was released today. Here's a condensed version of the list of changes.

Physics changes:

• Added new tire curves to improve tire simulation.
• Added a bit of base downforce.
• Improved braking.
• Changed spring multiplier to 1.00.
• Reduced the number of damper settings from 12 to 10.
• LM engine updated to 680 HP.
• Additional mass added to both classes.
• All VEH files updated with new class designations.
• Updated AI setup and AI improved in general.

Graphics changes:

• Improved and added LODs for better framrates.
• Installed PeterV's 360 degree cockpit in the MAS.
• New collision and damage effects.
• Cam views improved. Cockpit seat range has improved.
• All veh files updated for class and category.

The changes are explained in more detail in the readme included with the mod so check it out for more info. Version 2.0 feels like a big improvement to an already great mod and it's nice to see that the stuttering problem with the AI cars that showed up in 1.150 is gone. Here's a local download mirror for the 98MB mod. It's a standalone install so you do not need the previous version. There are more download mirrors available at rFactor Central and here's Dave Purdy's post announcing the release at Race Sim Central. There's a few screenshots from Lime Rock Park below and here's a few more from Laguna Seca.

SlimJim has released patch 1.1 for his excellent Kart Racer rFactor mod. The patch includes various new files for both the Shifter and Rotax karts along with a new rFm file and logo. Here's a local download mirror for the 11MB patch. SlimJim also released a patch for the Kart Racer mod's Matsusaka track fixing an issue with one of the sectors. You can download the 1.8MB track fix right here.