Even though we don’t have high hopes of Gran Turismo 5 hitting the shelves anytime soon, we’re a tad bit thrilled to see that Fanatec has upgraded their Porsche 911 GT3 RS steering wheel to accompany Gran Turismo 5 and other future-gen games.

We actually have our own Porsche 911 GT3 RS unit sitting here at the office that keeps us entertained from time to time. It’s probably the highest quality steering wheel/shifter/pedal combination out in the market. For those not in the know, Fanatec’s products are also cross-platform allowing you to use it on the Sony Playstation3 and PC. Oddly enough, the original GT3 RS we have works on the Xbox360 as well, but this release is confined to the PS3 and PC. We might have to do some digging to see if the V2 works for Microsoft’s console as well.

But regardless of compatibility, Fanatec’s products boast legitimate Porsche licensing with even a Porsche-styled USB key in the package. The aluminum ClubSport pedals feature a pressure-sensitive brake sensor and ABS-simulated vibration under braking. And since we’ve had a chance to experience it first hand, we’ll be more than glad to tell you all how realistic the experience is.

So if you’re looking for the best substitute to racing out on the track, Fanatec offers the wheel alone for $179.95, while the package including the aluminum ClubSport pedals is $319.95. We highly recommend upgrading to the aluminum pedal option, it’s definitely worth every penny. And for those with the V1 of the 911 GT3 RS wheel, like us, Fanatec is offering an upgrade kit for $40. But there’s a lot of DIY involved with the $40 kit, and since we just want to play, we’ll pay the extra $30 to have it done by Fanatec themselves. Grand total of $70 and we’re set for GT5 and the future!

The official press release is available after the break.

GALLERY: Fanatec Porsche 911 GT3 RS V2

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Last year Audi of America teamed up with Xbox and Turn 10 for their first AXF-24 Challenge which featured a Forza Motorsport 3 racing experience at the Audi Forum New York City. They make another return this year for a four-hour segment during the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

It’s a great partnership between two very different brands, giving virtual racers an opportunity to compete while the live race is going on. The qualifying competition is ongoing on Xbox LIVE where racers compete for the fastest lap times on the Circuit de la Sarthe, the track which the 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place. Each racer must compete in the Audi Sport Team Joest R15 TDI in order to qualify.

The fastest three drivers are then invited to attend the event on June 12th where they will race live for four hours during the live event. The top virtual racer nets themselves a one-day Audi R8 sports car experience package in Sonoma, CA.

The event is also open to the public to anyone near the Audi Forum New York City. There will be a live feed of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, playable Forza Motorsport 3 kiosks, catered food, open bar (we’re not promoting driving drunk, even virtually!) and prizes and souvenirs at the door. Make sure to check the official press release for an RSVP email. We’re sure it’s limited.

Official press release available after the break.

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And here we thought our Nintendo NES (yes, the gray original one) was the best gaming system since sliced bread. Actually, this author one of the few people to have completely finished Gran Turismo 4…like three years ago. Heck, the Nissan GT-R was still a concept back then!

That GT5 has been such a wait is no surprise. But news that the latest will have support for 3D televisions makes us want to, um, cry. See, it’ll look amazing and everything, but we were happy with RC Pro-Am on our NES. We never even bought a steering wheel for our Playstation, but now we have to buy 3D glasses?

So much for impressing dates.

That said, even if you don’t have a 3D TV — or don’t plan on buying one — the new Gran Turismo has hundreds of cars, models from Ferrari and Lamborghini, and tracks from around the world (including our favourite, Tsukuba.) If the closest race track is too far away, this new sim may be the next best thing.

Click over the jump to watch the interview where 3D is confirmed.

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With a March release date for Sony’s ultra-highly-anticipated Gran Turismo 5 video game recently delayed, one Sony exec has said that the company is now working towards a Fall deadline. The idea is to have the game on sale before Chirstmas, which sounds good… if we believed anything Sony says any more.

With more hype than Avatar, the release of GT5 has been delayed more times than the closing of Gitmo and the whole situation has only been made worse by the electronics company. Since GT4 debuted in 2005, the GT5 game has been promised with numerous teasers and demos. And at this point living up to the hype is essentially impossible, unless of course they decide to release it in 3D.

Still, the Fall release date has now been promised by James Armstrong of Sony Entertainment Portugal. We won’t hold our breath. In fact, at this point we might not even hold on to hope.

[Source: GTPlanet]

Ever seen a Volkswagen with a little white Mac apple decal on the back? Of course you have. VWs and Macs go together like Beer and bratwurst. Volkswagen has decided to work with its fan base and launch the new 2010 GTI using Mac’s App Store, where you can now download a free racing video game featuring the new 2010 GTI.

As though that wasn’t already cooler than a Weezer t-shirt and some dark rimmed Emo glasses, Volkswagen will give away one special edition GTI each week for the next six weeks. Ever time you play the Real Racing GTI App you get the chance to win one of the custom cars, which feature black 18-inch wheels, a carbon-look interior trim, unique stitching on the headrests and a numbered plaque.

The Real Racing GTI App also lets competitors send message to other drivers via Twitter, as well as upload videos onto YouTube.

The game is offered for the iPhone and iPod touch and is free. Just visit the App Store on your phone of visit www.itunes.com/appstore.

And be sure to read our review of the 2010 GTI here:

2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive

Official release after the jump:

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Toyota’s new FT-86 Concept car hasn’t even received its official unveiling at the Tokyo Auto Show and yet its already made its video game debut. Toyota has released a short clip of the FT-86 in the upcoming Gran Turismo 5 game. There are plenty of great clips of the stunning new Toyota, and even a nice under-hood shot of the Subaru-sourced boxer engine.

As expected there’s also some nice running footage of the FT-86 drifting alongside its inspirational predecessor, the AE-86.

Toyota hasn’t made any official announcement yet, but you can be sure this car is headed for production in the very near future.

GALLERY: Toyota FT-86 Concept

Get more FT-86 News Here

Sony has just released the first screen shots from the highly anticipated Gran Turismo 5 racing simulator for the company’s Playstation 3 system and they’re, well… just ok.

Sure the widebody Nissan NISMO GT-R from Japan’s Super GT series looks incredibly mean, but we wouldn’t mind seeing a few action shots. Although to be truthful, looking at pictures and playing the game are two completely different things, so we’ll wait to get our hands on the latest GT game before passing judgment.

We do have high hopes as Sony has announced a lineup of over 1,000 cars that actually get damaged! Another unique feature is the ability for users to automatically upload their favorite replay footage directly to YouTube – something we’re certain to loathe in the not-too-distant future. As though YouTube isn’t already overstocked with personal montages, replies or covers of what you’re actually looking for, now we have this. We’ll be cursing Sony when our search for “Nissan GT-R Nürburgring” turns up a few thousand CGI videos made by virtual Stigs. But I digress…

An official date for the release of Gran Turismo 5 has not been set.

GALLERY: First Gran Turismo 5 Screen Shots