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   While hoping (and hoping, and hoping...) that Atari have learned their lesson after the whole Driv3r fiasco, and that they will finally deliver a decent PC racing experience early next year, the publisher now reveals more info about Test Drive Unlimited on the PC. But firstly, if you haven't kept up with the game's delays, let it be known that the PC version of TDU should come out in mid February 2007 - same as the PlayStation 2 and PSP versions. So far it was only released on the Xbox 360, back in September, receiving mostly 80+ review scores.

   But back on topic, Atari claims that the PC game has been painstakingly adapted and configured to get the very best out of the latest cutting edge PC hardware (no word on us normal gamers, without "cutting edge PC hardare"). Although Test Drive Unlimited boasts plenty of online features and it's even described as a MMO Racer, there will be no monthly subscription required to play. And, of course, the game will also include a single-player component, which you may quickly get bored of.

   Well, enough chit-chat. The fact-sheet supplied by Atari is quite long, and we're not cutting anything out. So here goes!
- Test Drive Unlimited redefines the racing genre: over 1000 miles of tropical Hawaiian roadways, instant challenges launched with a flash of the headlights, online functionality allowing thousands of gamers to play and up to 8 to race against each other, and much more;
- New Hardcore Mode: Available in free-ride and multiplayer challenges, simulation mode will expand the experience for players looking for ultra-realistic driving for both cars and bikes. For the cars, telemetric data shows the actual physics modelled on real life parameters (independent grip for each tyre, weight transfer with G-meter, suspension, etc). Adapted to steering wheels and the standard controller, the hardcore mode shows drivers exactly where they succeed and where they need to improve, pushing their driving skills and the vehicles to the very limits;
- Online community: launching in January 2007, www.testdriveunlimited.com/community will play host to a global community of elite racers with Player of the Week section, Leaderboards, Hall of Fame showing top scores in real time, ability to load gamer profiles to compare scores, and more;
- TrackIR support: Innovative TrackIR technology from NaturalPoint® delivers an unprecedented level of view control, allowing players to look all around the cockpit of their cars using natural head motions for a more immersive and realistic experience;
- Seamless online connection: Unlimited new challenges, opponents and competitions;
- Configured for steering wheels: the PC game will work with most existing wheels, and includes manual clutch management (3 pedals) and H shifter to let players get the very best out of the new Hardcore mode;
- 90 licensed vehicles: Cars and bikes from exclusive manufacturers including Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Aston Martin, Mercedes, Saleen, Shelby, and Jaguar;
- Realistic cars and bikes: Amazing render quality and unrivalled interior details including full car functions such as radio, electric windows, horn and more;
- Personalisation: Upgrade each car or bike with options from the actual manufacturers' catalogue. Players create unique characters, buy new homes and garages, and tune and upgrade vehicles with performance kits and new paint jobs;
- Create challenges or races from more than 50 game rules and settings. Upload self-created challenges online to become part of the player community;
- In-game communities: Players can create or join a club to talk, chat, trade, race or organize club-based competitions and tournaments;
- Simplified match making and division based rankings make Test Drive Unlimited the most comprehensive and accessible online racing experience.    We have some recent PC screenshots in our TDU gallery, and there's a new Lexus trailer on the game's official website from a few days ago. All that's left to say is that the game is currently in closed beta (a "highly successful" one allegedly), which will be followed by an open beta in January 2007.

P.S. There's some new Xbox 360 content available for Test Drive Unlimited on XBLM: "Available for download on Xbox Live Marketplace for 350 Microsoft Points, the Test Drive PURE POWER 2 Download Set (...) features seven supercars, including a Ferrari 250 GTO and the 25th anniversary edition of the Lamborghini Countach. One of the seven vehicles, the Chevrolet Corvette C1 1957 Hardtop, will be available free to all gamers".