Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 coming to '​Asphalt 9: Legends' on May 13

Esports

Photo courtesy of Lamborghini

Want to race the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 off the track? You're in luck. The Italian automaker will debut the model in "Asphalt 9: Legends", an arcade racing game that is played via iPhone, iPad, Android, or Windows 10 device. The Asphalt racing franchise is quite popular across the globe. It recently crossed the 1 billion download mark.

Gameloft, the game's parent company, says in a release that it chose the Lamborghini because of its "uniqueness, its sleek and futuristic design combined with advanced aerodynamics, and its engine". The power plant in the traditionally track-only car is the most powerful V12 naturally aspirated engine ever developed by Automobili Lamborghini, capable of generating more than 830 horsepower.

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12Players can customize their Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 in the game.Photo courtesy of Lamborghini

The Essenza SCV12 was developed by Squadra Corse and designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile. It made its debut in 2020. Limited to just 40 examples, buying the Essenza SCV12 isn't just a sign here ownership experience. Essenza SCV12 customers are part of an exclusive club that gives them access to special programs to drive their hypercar on all the most prestigious circuits in the world, for a unique and special experience.

"There is a digital version of all the GT championships that Lamborghini competes in, giving real drivers and fans the chance to have fun but also to gain experience through simulations on virtual circuits," said Giorgio Sanna, Head of Automobili Lamborghini Motorsport. "Gaming certainly has a more playful and less realistic approach, but it's an important tool for introducing our cars to the general public and the younger generation. For this reason, we are very pleased that the Essenza SCV12 has been chosen by 'Asphalt 9: Legends', allowing players to experience the thrill of getting behind the wheel of our track-only hypercar".

From May 13, gamers from all around the world will be able to select the SCV12 from the eight available colors and compete in the first "Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 Challenge", the mobile e-Sport competition which will be held in one round of three open qualifying sessions: the first from May 13 to 16, the second from June 10 to 13, and the third from July 1 to 4. The top 100 will take part in closed qualifying sessions to be held from August 5 to 8: the best eight will battle it out in the final on September 18.

This isn't Lamborghini's first foray into the esports world. The V12 Vision GT made its debut in Grand Turismo SportV12 Vision GT made its debut in Grand Turismo Sport in the summer of 2020.

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Photo courtesy of Lexus

Lexus let Twitch users customize an IS; here's what they came up with

Bespoke

More and more automakers are working to harness the power of new social media and streaming platforms. Ford recently designed an esports vehicle via Twitter and General Motors has worked with TikTok stars to get the work out about their products. Now, the first vehicle designed by and for the Twitch community has been unveiled.

During a livestream last month, more than 554,000 viewers watched Fuslie's channel and weighed in on their favorite features of the 2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. They voted on modifications ranging from the gaming-themed exterior wrap to the custom controller to their "game fuel" beverage of choice. Lexus then worked with the fabrication experts at SCPS to bring the custom, crowdsourced car to life as a totally immersive gaming vehicle.

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: Gamer's IS

2021 Lexus IS 350 F Sport: Gamer's IS
  

Photo courtesy of Lexus

The Gamer's IS was customized by gaming enthusiasts via Twitch.

"The Twitch community dives headfirst into their passion of gaming, just as we did in designing the new 2021 Lexus IS as a pure expression of a sports sedan," said Vinay Shahani, vice president of marketing at Lexus. "We asked for their help designing their dream gaming space, and they answered in spades. Together, we created the ultimate fusion of design and performance in automotive and gaming."

The result is the Gamer's IS, a car wrapped in "infiltrate" design custom vinyl, which was chosen by 48 percent of the voters using a Twitch poll.

More than half of the users selected the "Neon Tokyo" style of the car's interior versus the competitor designs. It features an electrified, neuron-exploding Japanese pop art aesthetic. The ceiling sports a clear layer of acrylic embedded with resin "raindrops" all backlit with programmable RGB LED lights, meant to give off the effect of driving under the lights of downtown Tokyo at night in a light rain. Behind the rear seats, LED panels project programmable content onto the rear window, creating an animated backdrop. SCPS included many custom upholstery elements into the design of the Gamers' IS interior. Smart Tint on the windows dims the cabin for gameplay.

A custom-built gaming PC with an MSI Gaming GeForce GPU + AMD CPU is installed in the vehicle's trunk. It has sleek custom housing, all highlighted by programmable RGB LED's. A fog machine and automated RGB lasers were also installed.

Taking up the passenger space in the Lexus IS's front row is a fully integrated gaming system complete with haptic feedback in the seat and a high-def, fully positional curved monitor. The curved monitor was chosen over a flat one by nearly two-thirds of Twitch voters. The system features a retractable keyboard and mouse platform, and a one-of-a-kind 3D printed game controller. Forty-two percent of voters chose the "Cyber" design for the controller, which features a metallic space gray and dark teal finish with neon accents.

Filling the six-drink center console cooler is the community's "game fuel" of choice—coffee drinks—as selected by 61 percent of voters. The entire vehicle is custom wired, including all the electronics and programmable lighting.

The car will not go on sale, but may end up at an auto show near you.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor COmpany

Ford F-150 gets added to Rocket League to compete in virtual soccer matches

Esports

On the virtual track or street. That's where you'll usually find dream cars, Baja bombers, and concepts that have yet to see the light of day on the road IRL. The new generation of Ford F-150 recently made its way to America's driveways but now a virtual version is taking a different gaming path - to the pitch.

Ford has partnered with video game maker Psyonix to create a new virtual version of America's best-selling pickup truck. It is featured in the Rocket League multiplayer video game where vehciles take center stage and compete in soccer matches.

The Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition will be available as an in-game purchase Feb. 20-28. The F-150 bundle also includes a chairman decal, two sets of F-150 wheels, F-150 Rocket League Edition engine audio, F-150 boost, and F-150 player banner.

Ford F-150 Rocket League Edition

  

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The animated version of the truck carries over the real world styling of the typical F-150 you'd see on the road. It has C-clamp headlight design, rounded wheel arches, drop-down windows, and 'F-150' stamped in the tailgate.

"It had to be an F-150 but one that fits within Psyonix' extreme virtual world pairing soccer and mayhem," said Ehab Kaoud, chief designer, Ford trucks. "F-150 is already the most popular truck in the real world, and this F-150 Rocket League Edition is poised to be the most popular truck in the gaming world, too. It's Built Ford Tough meets gaming."

The Rocket League partnership isn't Ford's first foray into esports. The automaker recently designed a virtual race car based on decisions that were made by fans on Twitter. The Ford design team then created a the Team Fordzilla car as a concept in its studio.

Additionally, soon Ford will produce commercial shorts narrated by actor Bryan Cranston aimed at gamers.

Ford isn't the only company getting into the esports realm. Bugatti, Lamborghini, Jaguar, Mazda, and Chevrolet have also joined the gaming world. Honda recently debuted a next-gen Civic prototype via Twitch, a streaming platform heavily utilized by the gaming community.

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Team Fordzilla’s extreme P1 virtual race car makes its IRL debut

Esports

The Team Fordzilla P1 race car is the first first virtual gaming race car designed in collaboration between the gamers who will drive it and a car brand. Ford previously revealed digital renderings of the vehicle but have now shown a real-life full-scale model of the car, which represents the model that won't be heading to a traditional track any time soon.

It all started in March when gamers were asked to vote on the package and features of the car on Twitter, including seating configuration, engine position and cockpit definition. Nearly a quarter of a million fan votes were submitted throughout the polling process.

The exterior of the model was designed by Arturo Ariño and an interior that was the vision of Robert Engelmann, both Ford designers.

Team Fordzilla P1

Team Fordzilla P1
  

Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company

The IRL car was built digitally, by a team that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, had never met, worked remotely, and was spread out across five different countries, in just seven weeks. That's just half the time that it would traditionally take to build the model.

"Since launching Team Fordzilla in 2019 we've done things differently, playing to our strengths and our unique approach to gaming," said Emmanuel Lubrani, Team Fordzilla. "Our innovative P1 race car is the perfect example, using our knowledge of the automotive world to bring to life a merging of the real and virtual worlds."

The hypercar features a few special touches designed to speak to the sim-racing community. On the floor in front of the co-pilot's seat there is an AFK (Away From Keyboard) message, a #levelup graphic, and a #liftoff graphic. On the front of the car by the lower spoiler there's a message: GLHF (Good luck have fun).

Ford's team has designed the car around a monocoque structure that is partially covered by a hyper-transparent jet fighter-style canopy. Its GT-like front end and extremely sculpted bodyside panels visually connect the cockpit. The rear of the car is nearly completely exposed. It rides on 315 x 30 x r21 front wheels and 355 x 25 x r21 rear wheels.

Photo courtesy of Jaguar

Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV e-powers into Gran Turismo game at 255 mph

Esports

This one's not meant for the streets. Or the track. Or really anywhere on the planet. The Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV is the latest all-electric virtual race car developed for the Gran Turismo video game.

But, the model does have a real world twist. Though Gran Turismo supports nearly fantasy-like models, the Vision Gran Turismo SV was built in the real-world as full-scale design study. It will come to the game in 2021.

The new car builds on the success of the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé - the first all-electric Jaguar sports car created for the Gran Turismo game. That car provided the starting point for the teams from Jaguar Design, Jaguar Special Vehicle Operations (Jaguar SV), and Jaguar Racing when creating the new model. The group also took inspiration and feedback from online videos and forums, which allowed them to conduct "virtual world testing".

"Jaguar vehicles created for the race track and the road have always shared the same DNA – whether that's the D-type and XKSS, or the I-Pace and the I-Type," said Julian Thomson, Design Director, Jaguar. "So, when the design team behind the Vision GT Coupé were asked to create the ultimate electric gaming endurance racer for Gran Turismo, they worked with engineers from SV and Jaguar Racing to create something really special."

"The Vision GT SV is a dramatic and visually arresting car which showcases what's possible when the traditional boundaries governing real-world car design are completely removed," Thomson said. "In bringing this car to life with a full-size design study we've been able to showcase the most extreme version of an electric Jaguar race car that is inspired by the past but looks fearlessly to the future."

It features a 107.1-inch wheelbase and measures 218.1 inches from nose to tail. The car is 33.9 inches longer than the Coupé and offers increased downforce resulting in greater traction when cornering. A splitter and deployable rear wing come as standard equipment.

The car is powered by four electric motors that deliver 1,877 horsepower and can move the car from zero to 60 mph in just 1.65 seconds. It has a top speed of 255 mph and redlines at 40,000 rpm.

Its interior features nods to Jaguar models of the past including the C-type and D-type in 1951 and 1954, respectively. There's also Typefibre fabrics used to cover the composite seats. The fabric is being tested as a substitute for leather, first on the I-Type 5 during season 7 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

Photo courtesy of Bugatt

Take a virtual drive in the Bugatti Bolide in CSR Racing 2

Esports

Bugatti and Zynga, the company behind FarmVille, have teamed up again to deliver a virtual drive experience in the Bugatti Bolide concept car to gamers. Bugatti has not yet decided if the Bolide, a hypercar that the President of Bugatti described as “riding a cannonball”, is bound for production.

Zynga’s CSR Racing 2 (CSR2) mobile game to allow players to compete against each other in drag race with different vehicles in various categories. As players win races they win points. These points can be used to upgrade their vehicle of purchase a more powerful model, like the Bolide.

The Bugatti Bolide is able to be raced at various tracks throughout the game.Photo courtesy of Bugatti

In the concept, Bugatti has used its 8.0-liter W16 engine, which delivers 1,850 PS (1,824 horsepower) and 1,805 nM (1,364 pound-feet) of torque to move the Bolide1's 1,240-kilogram (2,733-pound) body. Bugatti clocks the model's top speed as being almost on-par with that of Formula One cars, well above 500 kilometers per hour (310 mph) and confirms that the weight and speed do not impact the car's agility.

The game gives gamers relatively accurate use of the car’s power.

"We are thrilled to have our fans experience the raw track-ready power of the Bugatti Bolide virtually through CSR2," says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. "Interactive entertainment allows racers across all generations to get behind the wheel of our latest hyper sport cars and feel their performance."

This is not the first collaboration between Zynga and Bugatti. Since last year, gamers have been able to add vehicles including the exclusive Chiron Pur Sport, the Chiron Super Sport 300+, La Voiture Noire, and the Centodieci to their garage, configure them and use them to race along the drag strip.

CSR2 is available to download for free on the App Store as well as the Google Play Store.

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Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.

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