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If there's a way to push your favorite car to its limits, you'll probably find it in the upcoming Forza Motorsport 3 from Turn 10 Studios. Racing ranges from traditional circuit and oval racing to more specialized disciplines, such as timed races and drift events. While all of these racing styles require technique behind the wheel and a mind for tuning your car to its peak of performance, perhaps nowhere are these two disciplines more perfectly melded than in drag racing, which is yet another race type that will be found in Forza 3. Recently, we had a chance to speak with Forza 3 game director Dan Greenawalt on drag racing in Forza 3 to see what's in store for the quarter-mile crowd.
GameSpot: A drag racing mode was rumored to be in Forza 2 but obviously never materialized. Were there plans to put it in the previous game and, if so, how far along did you develop the idea?
Dan Greenawalt: We had a drag mode in the first Forza Motorsport on the original Xbox, and we had plans to bring the drag strip track over to Forza Motorsport 2 on [the] Xbox 360. However, after the X06 press event, we decided to cut drag racing from the game. The reason for this change of heart was because we felt that in hindsight we hadn't given the proper game design attention to the mode in the original game and doing a straight port from Forza 1 to Forza 2 wouldn't provide it the proper attention it deserved. And because we were investing heavily in other areas of the game instead, such as Auction House and the livery editor. I know our community has been asking for it since day one on [the] Xbox 360, so I'm glad we're able to revisit drag mode for Forza 3 and do it justice this time around.
GS: How will drag racing events work in to your Forza 3 career? Are drag events optional or a required aspect of your career?
DG: Just like other racing events in our Career mode, there's a series of drag racing events players may encounter during their exploration of our 220-career event matrix. All drag race events in Forza 3 are limited by horsepower and power train, and they take place on our eighth-mile and quarter-mile drag strips (although we also have the one-mile and half-mile drag strip tracks in the game as well). All career events are optional in Forza 3.
GS: Talk us through a typical single-player drag racing event. Is it a simple one-shot race, or do you race in multiple heats, tournament style?
DG: Each drag event is a series of three race days, and each race day consists [of] three heats. In classic tournament style, the winners of each race face each other in the next round while the losers are matched up. And basically, you go through a total of nine runs to determine the winner of the overall event between eight competitors.
GS: What kind of options will players have for upgrading their cars for drag racing?
DG: We've added 50 percent more car upgrades to Forza 3 from the previous game, which already had plenty to begin with. That said, we don't have specific drag racing part upgrades, like line lock, drag-specific fuel pumps, or drag-specific superchargers. What we've got are a ton of upgrades to mix and match, such as different tire compounds and separate front and rear tire sizes. Managing these upgrades can make your car very good at launching--drive train swaps, engine swaps--basically all the components that make your car really fast for drag racing. Just like in real life. Again, Forza 3 is an automotive sandbox that allows the player to optimize cars for all types of scenarios--circuit, oval, drag, drift, etc.
GS: How will car tuning work for drag events? Will there be special tuning presets you can choose from to get started or are you on your own?
DG: Our auto-upgrade helper in the Career mode will help the player reach the horsepower requirement for the drag event, but the voodoo that goes into fine-tuning a car is always up to the player. In the real world, there's something of an art to tuning a car. Forza Motorsport is no different. The good news is for those who want to test their hand in drag racing but don't view themselves as great tuners, there are many in our community who have made a name for themselves tuning all types of cars for different purposes, and we're excited that drag racing will become a big part of that. Now with Forza 3's storefront feature on Xbox Live, these community "tuning garage" groups will be able to set up their own presence in the game that's accessible to the player 24/7, and so you can count on there being plenty of drag race tune files out there for users to purchase and share.
GS: Will players be able to burn out before the race to build up tire temperature?
DG: No. Tire temperature is already set to [an] optimum condition to maximize grip. We initially designed a burnout and staging-style minigame within the mode, but it just didn't feel like Forza. We really wanted to emphasize the skills of tuning and racing, not burnout and staging. Instead, we decided to emphasize tuning and racing. We will have plenty of folks who will dominate the drag racing scoreboards because they're going to understand it's not just about holding down the right trigger button when the tree lights up. For instance, launching a car efficiently off the line is a carefully learned skill. Traction control doesn't kick in at launch. Plus, automatic does not shift as quickly as manual transmission, and using manual with clutch gets you even faster shift times still. So those who master manual transmission and manual with clutch will be cutting off small amounts of time with their shifts, and in drag racing, every tenth of a second counts. Also, depending on your car and whether you have a limited-slip differential or if the raw torque of your engine is causing chassis flex, your car will veer off the line and require you to make subtle steering adjustments. It really comes down to your car and how it is set up.
GS: Obviously, some cars are better suited than others for this style of racing. What kinds of cars will be especially suited to drag racing events? Is there any chance of some top fuel or funny car models appearing in the game?
DG: Much of it is what you'd expect from real-world results. Obviously for short one-eighth mile races, all-wheel drive cars have such a distinct launch advantage that they're going to do very well on that track. Managing weight and weight distribution, putting more friction onto the rear tires--these are all things that are important to consider when you're in a rear-wheel drive shootout. What it really comes down to is that we're just letting our realistic physics system handle the nuances of drag racing while we frame a proper game design element around the proceedings.
GS: What length tracks are available, and where are they located? Are they purpose-built drag strips or sections from currently existing circuits?
DG: We have four drag strip lengths in the game: eighth-mile, quarter-mile, half-mile, and one-mile. They are all purpose built, and these different lengths require vastly different setups and tuning.
GS: How will online drag racing work?
DG: In terms of multiplayer, drag racing is one of our big umbrella options, [for] which then you can go and customize rules to create nearly limitless variations on drag racing game types. It's even possible to get multiple cars on the grid drag racing simultaneously, which makes for some interesting team-based battles. By default, it's set up to be a heats-based tournament. The net is that it's really up to our community to come up with clever drag racing modes online, which we may then adopt into the official Turn 10 party hopper.
GS: Occasional lag in online circuit racing is no big deal, but lag in drag racing--where thousandths of seconds can be the difference between winning and losing--can be a real problem. How is the team tackling online infrastructure this time out to provide the best performance?
DG: We've learned a few tricks over the years. Latency is an issue we've dealt with by implementing a custom arbitration system for timing and scoring, as well as a behind-the-scenes AI shadow to help estimate the player's next move in high-latency situations.
GS: Thanks for your time, Dan.
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Some of the cars ideal for drag racing that will be included in Forza 3:
Check out a brand new batch of exclusive Forza 3 screens in the image gallery.
- 1967 Chevroley Corvette Stingray 427
- 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
- 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 1969 Dodge Charger R/T
- 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
- 2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
- 2009 Dodge Challenger SRT-8
- 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR
- 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
- 2008 Saleen S331 Supercab
- 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
Forza Pitpass Report: American Muscle
American Rides Flex Muscle on Sedona Raceway Park
Turn 10 Staff, 8.4.2009
So far in our Pitpass Report series, we’ve given you a glimpse into purpose-built prototypes, Japanese speedsters, and European hot-hatches – all a part of Forza Motorsport 3’s massive 400 car roster. This week, Forzamotorsport.net is proud to present our first peek at a small slice of American pride, both classic and current, that await you in Forza 3.
Although the more vintage of these beauties can sometimes be more than a handful on the circuit, with the proper tuning and upgrades available in our Forza Storefront Community, even the most primitive muscle cars of yore can take on the small-displacement, high-powered, agile cars of today. Also of note: This week we’re officially revealing Sedona Autopark Raceway, a new track to the Forza Motorsport heritage. Set in rural Sedona, Arizona in the Southwestern United States, this Autopark is home to our new oval racing circuit (perfect for some stock car racing with our new stock cars in the game) as well as drag strips, and some very scenic circuit routes. Being at Sedona is like reliving a motorsports event in which you’re the fan, the organizer, and the star.
As always, Forzamotorsport.net strives to bring our fans new info on Forza 3 before launch every other week (provided we get no more heat wave anomalies here in Seattleland). Check back to the site often for updates, podcasts, and to interact in our forums section. For up to the minute news, please follow us on Twitter @turn10studios.
See the official Screenshot gallery here.
American Muscle
In this selection of American automotive greatness you can show your patriotic flare old school style and choose a racing icon of the 1960s or bump up the time machine, take a modernistic approach and jump behind the wheel of a high-tech 21st century machine. No matter your choice big cubic inches await and Forza Motorsport 3 designers have captured all the raw audacity of the musclecar era to deliver a truly visceral motoring experience. This collection of deep-throated cars displays varying degrees of handling prowess which will prove challenging on tight circuits, demanding highly developed driving skills and the proper use of the tuning garage. So let the Star Spangled Banner, not to mention the checkered flag, wave as you check out the newest race track and the latest group of cars destined for glory on Forza Motorsport 3.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427
A classic among classics, the ’67 427 Stingray is a rare gem as only 21 ‘Vettes with the potent L88 powerplant rolled off the production line. The 427-cubic-inch L88 was factory rated at 430 horsepower but this number is considered laughably conservative as many believe the actual power figure to be in the 550-horse range. The bottom line is this Stingray can blast out the power but can it cut an apex? Tuners should consider upgrading the suspension to enhance the car’s stability in the corners. At auction these things top $1 million when they’re put on the block so Forza 3’s 90,000 credit price tag is a steal of a deal.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Forget about the Bumblebee SS from the Transformer movie franchise, can the new Camaro hang on the track? Its retro styling masks a formidable powerplant and a modern multi-link suspension set-up. The potential is obvious as a voluptuous 426-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 provides the thrills while a low, wide hunkered stance promises performance in the twisties. The 2010 Camaro SS is a blank canvas and tuners and painters alike will have plenty to explore. Before you start mixing Bumblebee colors be aware that GM is coming out with a Transformers Edition of the all-new Camaro.
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Dare-to-be-different types will get a kick out of flogging a pickup truck around the Nurburgring, Circuit de la Sarthe, Monaco or the like. The Ram definitely hauls more than groceries, how’s 0-60 in 52 seconds? As the SRT10 moniker indicates the Ram pickup sports a V10 engine. Detoured directly from the Viper production line the V10 pumps out 500 horses from its massive, even for American muscle, 505 cubic inches of displacement. Bilstein shocks, 22-inch wheels and tires and huge 15-inch brakes team with a 55/45 weight distribution to create a pickup that can really skate, generating some surreal g-forces and a surreal racing experience.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
While the ’69 Charger may be best known as the high-flying, ramp-jumping General Lee from the “Dukes of Hazard” TV show it is a real down-to-earth powerhouse. The R/T features a 440 Magnum V8 which pounds the pavement with 375 horsepower. Forza drivers will have to balance the R/T’s brute power against its archaic live axle, leaf spring rear suspension. From a raw, let-it-all-hang-out perspective the tail-happy Charger may be the wildest drive in this group. Take it to Sedona Raceway Park for a few blasts down the drag strip.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
The 21st century edition of this Mopar favorite has a legend under its hood, namely a 6.1-liter Hemi that generates 425 horsepower. The SRT8 sports technological advancements that the old Charger couldn’t even dream of, especially when it comes to handling. The new Charger sports track-tuned shocks and springs, Brembo brakes, traction control, and a good helping of built-in ‘Bling’ compliments of 20-inch rolling stock. The Charger SRT8’s chiseled silhouette will attract painters like moths to an open flame and tuners who get it right will use the SRT8 to flame the competition without mercy.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The Challenger shares its running gear with the stout Charger SRT8. The big difference here is aesthetics, the Challenger has a wider, sleeker look and it’s a two-door coupe where the Charger is a four-door sedan. Painters may find more to like with the Challenger and its throwback styling but drivers should also embrace the car because no matter what you’re racing it’s hard to go wrong with 425 horsepower and 420 lbs-ft of torque.
2008 Dodge Viper ARC
When it comes to American muscle few cars can match the brawn of the Dodge Viper ACR. Where others are race-capable street cars the ARC is street-drivable race car. ARC stands for American Club Racer and this Viper has all the racing attributes you could want, advanced aerodynamic downforce, great mechanical grip, weight reduction and a purpose built suspension in ‘as delivered factory trim.’ Toss in a thunderous 8.4-liter V10 with an angry 600 horses in the corral and you have a whipping stick of a ride with zero tuning investment.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The Boss 429’s bragging rights rumbles under its hood in the form of a NASCAR-inspired 429-cubic-inch V8. Designed to challenge the 426 Hemi of the day in NASCAR, the 429 was dropped into the Mustang to meet the sanctioning body’s homologation rules. The 375-horse plant was born to hot lap and should relish as much wide open throttle antics as you can muster. Nostalgic liveries and some savvy suspension investments on the tuning side will make this old-timer a present day road warrior. Chart your progress at Sedona Raceway Park’s drag strip where you can extend the full-throttle antics to a full mile.
2008 Saleen 331 Supercab
Not to be left out of the pickup truck meets race car equation Blue Oval fans get a specially tricked out F-150 from famed Ford tuner Steve Saleen. The 2008 Saleen 331 Supercab takes a four-door pickup and drops a performance bomb square in its face. Saleen takes the F-150’s 4.6-liter V8 and adds its Series VI twin-screw supercharger, bumping power to 450, a 150-horse boost over the regular 4.6-liter V8. Saleen cashes in on its extensive racing experience and gives the 331 the agility of a sports car with a performance tuned suspension, 15-inch brakes and 23-inch wheels and tires. Imagine the shock value of a pickup truck that can spank so-called supercars.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
The Shelby Mk III Cobra 427 was not a racing sensation; that honor went to the GT40s and Cobra Daytona coupes. While privateers did win SCCA A-Production championships from 1965 to 1969, the Ford-powered roadsters were never global killers like their Shelby brethren. It is this semi-illustrious racing career that made the cars a hot commodity among collectors. Thirty one of the competition spec 427s went unraced. These individuals were subsequently detuned, made “road worthy” and sold to the public as Cobra 427 S/Cs; the S/C standing for Street/Competition. The S/C’s side-oiler 427 was taken from 485 race-trim ponies to 425 and the rest is history. The Forza 3 price of $1.43 million credits is about where the bidding for an original ’67 427 S/C would start… remember that when you challenge the game’s physics model squeezing between cars.
Sedona Raceway Park
This destination on Forza 3 is one of the most versatile venues on the game and a great place to give your latest creation a thorough shakedown. There are two road circuits, a traditional oval and a drag strip on the grounds. To evaluate handling players can choose from a 4.13-mile road course, a higher speed 2.02-mile circuit and a 1.51-mile oval. Those wanting to establish the brute acceleration of thir rides can give the strip a try and select distances of .12-miles, a quarter mile, half mile or stand on the gas for a full mile. By all means enjoy the Arizona desert scenery but don’t take your eyes of the track for too long because the turns are tight and the track is lined with gravel which will send you spinning in short order.
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
how’s 0-60 in 52 seconds?
I suspect a dropped decimal, lol
im so so excited. really need a new game to play. forza was awesome but just too short, i hope the career mode in this is longer and not so repetative
I've heard some rumours about the next announce being drift related so as soon as I find out more I'll post it up.
Yup they've done the JDM announce already lol. Mazda 3, Honda Fit etc was amongst them.