NEWS

When Ken Block switched alliances earlier this year – ditching his Subaru Impreza WRX STI for a a rallified 2011 Ford Fiesta – there was no doubt in anyone's mind that an all-new Gymkhana variant was right around the corner. Tonight in San Francisco, Ken finally revealed his new Gymkhana ride, and as you'd suspect, it's meaner, wider and ridiculously more powerful than its predecessor.

The Gymkhana Three Fiesta was built by the same team that produced his Monster World Rally Team hatch, and includes a boosted 2.0-liter four-pot capable of 850 horsepower (de-tuned with a restrictor plate to output 650 hp in the name of tractability) and 660 pound-feet of torque. Partnered with a Olsbergs Motorsport-developed MSE Maktrak six-speed sequential transmission and powering all four wheels, the new Gymkhana contender will hit 60 mph in two seconds flat and according to Block, can "handle loose, while still providing complete control."

For a short teaser clip of the upcoming Gymkhana three video, just click here.

Hi all,

Always nice to start the week off with some good news!

Just a quick heads-up that we just released a DiRT 2 PC patch, see below for the list of fixes. The game should automatically update with the new patch when you next start it up via Steam or GFWL.

DiRT2 Patch Change Notes

Bug Fixes

Graphics

• Shadow quality setting of “low” is now correctly saved instead of resetting to “medium” Combinations of both high resolutions and high MSAA levels have been restricted on graphics cards with low memory to prevent issues found with those settings

• Added missing function key icons

• Fixed several lighting artefacts in night races

• Fixed missing initial load screen on multi-GPU setups under DX11

• Alt+Tab and Alt+Enter are now better supported under DX11

• Benchmark mode now correctly applies custom settings

• Fixed missing text in benchmark mode pause menu

• Fixed a crash when changing multisampling mode

• Fixed flickering text on stats screen in network mode

• Improved image sharpness in DX9

• Fixes to improve NVIDIA 3D Vision support

• Better default graphics options are chosen when running the game for the first time with a GeForce 8400 GS

Audio

• Fixed an issue where replay music would suddenly cut in when navigating a replay at very slow speeds

• Ensured that OpenAL is properly shut down when exiting the game using Alt+F4

• Prevented reverb cutting in and out abruptly on the Utah tracks

Gameplay

• Fixed player being able to drive through the ground on the Rewang Trailblazer track

• Fixed wall-riding on Battersea routes

• Bug-fixes for LA Stadium, Malaysia Rally and Baja Rally tracks

General

• Fixed a rare crash during the loading sequence

• Fixed an issue in the Russian language version where the default player name is missing from the one-to-watch sequence

• Fixed an issue where loading and saving would fail if multiple controllers were connected

• Fixed a crash which could occur when entering the first race using a motion platform

Changes

• Removed 16x quality coverage sampled anti-aliasing support

• Added support for MS Sidewinder Force-Feedback USB Wheel

• Added support for Logitech Driving Force USB Wheel

• Added support for Logitech Cordless RumblePad 2 USB controller

• Machines with 6 cores will now use the 4-core worker map rather than the single core map

Optimisations

• Optimised shadow rendering

• Optimised CPU performance on machines with SMT and multiple cores

• Improvements to frame-rate fluidity and triple-buffering support

If anyone is interested in DiRT 2 car skinning for the PC, we have a great thread going on our official DiRT 2 forums with plenty of already completed community made car skins for you to try out!

Amazing work DiRT 2 PC Community!

Just received this very exciting news!

Ken Block is off to race in the FIA 2010 World Rally Championship as part of the newly formed Monster World Rally Team. Block will continue to compete in the Rally America national series, as well as in X-Games XVI. And he’s doing it all in a Ford!

Monster World Rally Team Launch Video

Monster World Rally Team Website

Block’s entry into the WRC is history in the making. He will be the first American to campaign the world stages as part of a multi-year program. In 2010, Block will compete in select rounds of the championship with an emphasis on developing his ability for a successful future in the WRC. “Racing in the World Rally Championship has always been a dream of mine but I’d still be dreaming if I promised podiums in the near future,” says Block. “I will be going head-to head with the greatest drivers on the planet. And sure, I will be giving it my all but my main objective for 2010 is to develop into a competitive driver for 2011 and beyond.”

The Monster World Rally Team developed as a result of Ken Block’s relationship with the energy drink company. “A radically extreme form of motorsport with supremely talented drivers who compete on gravel, asphalt, snow and ice really mirrors everything we are about,” says Monster Energy President Mark Hall. “For that reason Monster Energy is pleased to join Ken Block in the formation of the Monster Energy World Rally Team. Not only is Ken a cult hero to our consumers through his gymkhana videos and other stunts, the fact that he will be the first American racer to compete in the 38-year history of the World Rally Championship is truly impressive. Factoring in that Ken will be chasing the 2010 Rally America Championship Series, a Gold Medal at X Games XVI while continuing to scheme-up new videos and mind-altering stunts, Monster couldn't have a finer ambassador in our new venture into rally.”

In a partnership with Monster Energy, the team is also bolstered by Ford—a brand Block feels at home in. “I am stoked to be rallying in a Ford,” says Block. “They are an impressive force in the sport. From the days of the 1970s Escorts to the Group B RS200, to the modern-day Focus and now the Fiesta, Ford has an excellent history within rally. I couldn’t be happier to be part of this amazing heritage. Not to mention my dad would be proud. He was a true Ford guy.”

For the WRC, Block will be racing in a Focus RS prepared by M-Sport, the company responsible for handling all of Ford’s World Rally efforts. M-Sport’s Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson, who played a large role in ushering Block into the WRC, had this to say: “It is great news that Ken will be joining the WRC and even better that it will be with Ford! Ken has been instrumental in elevating the public awareness of rallying throughout the world with his multimedia exploits, particularly in the U.S. which is a key global market and an area where WRC has yet to reach its full potential. Ken’s appearance in the WRC and his desire to compete toe-to-toe at the highest level is indicative of the determination and drive that he has exhibited in all areas of his life to date—be it in business or personal targets. Ken is a colorful character with a huge international fan base and his decision to appear in the WRC is warmly welcomed.”

In the United States, Ken will be racing both the Rally America Championship and X Games in the all-new Ford Fiesta, prepared by Olsbergs MSE. “We are excited to partner with Ken as we launch the Ford Fiesta in the United States in 2010 and showcase the Fiesta’s performance and fun-to-drive capabilities,” says Jamie Allison, Director of Ford North America Motorsports. “Rally racing has always played a key role in the global motorsports strategy for Ford Motor Company.”

In addition, the skateboard footwear company Block co-founded, DC Shoes, will also support the team, along with the popular video game title, Dirt2, in which Block had a starring role. Castrol Edge is providing support for the team as well.

More news about the team and a detailed schedule of races and events will be available soon at monsterworldrallyteam.com. For now, head on over to the site for an interactive version of this press release and the premiere of the Monster World Rally Team Launch commercial.

About Monster World Rally Team:

Created and assembled by Ken Block, the object of the Monster World Rally Team is to redefine the race-team archetype. The team is driven not only to win, but to also market motorsport through innovative, creative and interactive ways. The goal: To become the best known team in the WRC and bring rally to the masses along the way.

Just received this great news earlier today.

We are very proud to announce that DiRT 2 has been named Evil Avatar's PC GOTY for 2009!

Here is what they had to say about the game:

"Codemasters Racing Studio's games have shown steady improvement over the years and this generation is no exception with the EGO Engine powered titles DiRT, GRID and now DiRT 2. This time around they pulled it all together by addressing the weaknesses found in the previous games and building on their strengths. While the game is nowhere near a simulation, the vehicles now behave in a manner that at least acknowledges the laws of physics do exist. The vehicles now require you handle the brake and throttle with a greater degree of finesse. In DiRT 2 you can run the turns much faster by braking earlier and using a lighter touch on the analog trigger. The same applies to the throttle, you need to ease down on it gradually coming out of the turns or you'll end up sideways. In the past you could brake, pivot and slam the throttle.

An improved driving model would be worth squat without some white knuckle racing to put it to the test. This is where DiRT 2 really shines. The game has a wide variety of racing disciplines and extremely well designed tracks and environments. DiRT 2 will take you on a wild ride as you skid, smash, bounce, slide and splash your way through each race on the edge of control.

Driving in the cockpit view conveys an excellent sense of speed and provides the player with a considerably more challenging experience. From the driver's seat you have to focus on your best line while dealing with a bumpy ride on the tight, twisting, tracks. Codies loaded them up with things like elevation changes, clouds of dust and puddles to make every moment of the race demand your full attention. The puddles in particular are a marked improvement as splashing through them will temporarily cover your windshield with a, realistic, blinding flood of water.

No matter what your skill level is you can dial it in for a tight race with a generous selection of difficulty settings. You can even chose to turn on 'vehicle setup', in the pre-race options, if you want to dial in your ride with some basic adjustments like brake bias, downforce, suspension and gear ratios. A new role-playing style experience system for the Dirt Tour, complete with leader board, and the online fame system for multiplayer are welcome additions. It was also nice to see they carried over the 'Flashbacks' feature from GRID, which comes in handy when you're learning the tracks. All of this adds up to some intense, edge of your seat, racing that keeps you coming back. In this way the game comes off a bit like a simulation. Each time you race on a track/course you learn a little more about it and the desire for that perfect run builds. I expected the game to be good, just not this good. DiRT 2 is now my favorite off-road racing game by a wide margin."

http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102896

http://www.evilavatar.com

The wait is over! With over 100 events set in 9 stunning locations throughout the World. You’ll be up against 50 of the World’s best off-road racers such as Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra and Tannar Foust.

Start off as a rookie racer looking to make a name for yourself in the off-road racing scene. Travel to racing festivals around the world and experience intense power-sliding in rally and rallycross, the sheer power of the 600+ BHP cars featured in the trailblazer events and the bump and grind of the Trophy Trucks and Buggies in the Baja and Landrush races. Just watch those paint jobs!

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 delivers the definitive off-road experience for PC Gamers and its launch heralds a new generation of games powered by the superior DirectX 11 technologies. In order for technology enthusiasts to test the performance of their equipment against these cutting edge features, Colin McRae: DiRT 2 comes complete with a benchmarking mode.

The demo enables gamers to compete in two of Colin McRae: DiRT 2’s exhilarating events. In the ‘Trailblazer’ event, players take on the ultimate test of rally car against the challenging Moroccan terrain on a point-to-point track filled with flat-out straights and hair-raising hairpins in the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. In the second event, gamers compete in a ‘Landrush’ race at the spectacular Ensenada Port circuit set in Baja California, where players go wheel-to-wheel in an 8-vehicle riotous race over lethal bumps and killer jumps in the West Coast Choppers Stuka Trophy Truck.

Colin McRae: DiRT 2 delivers the definitive off-road experience for PC Gamers and its launch heralds a new generation of games powered by the superior DirectX 11 technologies. In order for technology enthusiasts to test the performance of their equipment against these cutting edge features, the Colin McRae: DiRT 2 demo comes complete with a benchmarking mode.

You can download the DiRT 2 PC Demo from the following locations:

GameShadow

Gamershell

Big Download

Strategyinformer

Worthdownloading

Boomtown

ComputerGames.ro

Gamespot.com

Fileplay

4player.de

techPowerUp

DiRT 2 has been nominated for Best Driving Game in the Video Games Awards 2009 hosted by Spike

To cast your vote for your favorite driving game DiRT 2 head on over to the VGA 2009 website and get voting. You can vote once per day, so if you have the time please cast your daily vote

"This year's show features awards for the best games of 2009, plus amazing world premieres of the most anticipated games for 2010 and 2011. And to add even more intrigue, almost all the world premieres will be ANNOUNCEMENTS of new, never-before-seen games.

Today we're announcing our first premiere -- HALO: REACH, a game that has been announced but never shown. All of us at Spike are incredibly excited to be working with Bungie and Xbox to bring you the first-ever look at the VGAs. At E3, Bungie's Joe Staten announced that the game, a prequel to the Halo trilogy, is coming out in the Fall of 2010. He also screened a brief teaser trailer that showed nothing more than the planet Reach from space. At the VGAs you'll finally get to see the world of Reach for the first time --- and I promise that you won't be disappointed.

Over the next three weeks we will be sharing more details on the other world premieres right here on Spike.com and GameTrailers.com. So please check back frequently to learn more about what we have planned for the show. I can hardly wait to tell you about some of the other exciting surprises we're planning with all the major game publishers. Publishers contributing exclusive new content to the VGAs include 2K, Activision, Disney Interactive Studios, Electronic Arts, LucasArts Entertainment, Microsoft Game Studios, THQ, Ubisoft, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and more to be announced in the coming weeks.

Until then, check out the nominees and vote for your favorites in all the categories! Voting will be open until Friday, December 11th right here at vga.spike.com.

And don't forget to watch the 2009 VGAs, LIVE on Saturday December 12th at 8 PM (7 Central) on Spike in high-definition!"

Get the low down on all your stats as well as your friends and rivals using the DiRT 2 Stats Site which launched today! Go to http://stats.dirt2game.com/ to see who really is the best around. You can compare stats with any DiRT 2 racer, with stats ranging from Highest XP to Longest 2 Wheeler.

In the My Profile section you’ll get access to your Friends Feed which tells you all the latest activity from your friends. You’ll also find details of your most raced track and favourite car in this section.

The Leaderboard page displays detailed information on the Previous, Current and Upcoming Tournaments including all the current tournaments player standings, you’ll also find details on how to enter each tournaments and the conditions that need to be met to participate. You can check the fastest lap times for each and every track in the Fastest Time Leaderboard. In the Vehicle Leaderboard using the ‘McRae R4’ and ‘Most Race Wins’ filters you might just recognise your very own DiRT 2 Community Co-ordinator sitting pretty in 3rd place.

Last but surely not least you can view all the in game 360 Achievements and PS3 Trophies and explanations on how to unlock each of them. You’ll also be able to use the Connect panel to become part of the DiRT 2 community with links to the DiRT 2 Forum, Facebook and Twitter sites as well as the option to register for news and updates.

Check it out now at http://stats.dirt2game.com/

Please note the Stats Site is currently in Beta Form so let us know of any kinks.

Video footage of Ken Block performing a series of donuts at Perth Racecourse, in his DiRT 2 sponsored Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Block is over at the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally 2009 to help promote the new DiRT 2 computer game. The Subaru Rally Team USA driver and newly crowned IRC champion Kris Meeke were both performing Colin McRae: DiRT 2 challenges against members of the public, who would try to beat the rally stars best recorded times.

Speaking before the demo at Perth, Block said: “Colin was a friend and mentor and is sadly missed by so many. Coming here is a small tribute to both Colin himself, his family, and his fans.

“It was an honour to be invited last year and compete against so many rallying legends, the atmosphere was amazing," he added.

The first video below features onboard action of Block performing his donuts at the Perth Racecourse. At the end of the third clip we see Ken Block being interviewed by legendary Scottish rally journalist John Fife.

Video 1 - Onboard

Video 2 - Spectator

Video 3 - Spectator

Source: http://www.rallybuzz.com/block-mcrae-stages-demo-video/

You can also find a full report of all of the action from the Colin McRae Forest Stages Rally 2009 Here: http://www.rallybuzz.com/colin-mcrae-stages-09-report/

We’ve set up a DiRT 2 Fan Videos playlist on YouTube within the Codemasters YouTube Channel. All fans need to do to get their videos added to this playlist is upload their videos to YouTube and then send us the link on the DiRT 2 forum we’ll then add the videos to the DiRT 2 Fan Videos playlist.

To celebrate the launch of the playlist we're running a competition where we'll pick the three best fan videos that are submitted by 1st Oct 2009 we’ll then add the winning videos to the main DiRT 2 playlist for everybody to enjoy. The winners will also receive some DiRT 2 prizes, for more details go Here. So if you think you're a bit of a Ridley Scott or Michael Mann when it comes to film making why not give it a go, you could end up famous within the DiRT 2 community.

Here are two awesome examples of videos that have been submitted so far:

Never Take Us Alive by Azzurespeed

Sabotage by rodriquo78

It's time to get on track and get dirty because DiRT 2 hits the shelves today!

The wait is over! With over 100 events set in 9 stunning locations and throughout the World. You''ll be up against 50 of the World's best off-road racers such as Ken Block, Travis Pastrana, Dave Mirra and Tannar Faust.

Start off as a rookie racer looking to make name for yourself in the off-roud racing scene. Travel to racing festivals around the world and experience intense power-sliding in rally and rallycross, the sheer power of 600+ BHP cars featured in the trailblazer events and the bump and grind of the Trophy Trucks and Buggies in the Baja and Landrush races. Just watch those paint jobs!

In this latest trailer you’ll feel the atmosphere and pulse of the X Games-Inspired L.A. Estadio Del Rey Stadium track. Watch as the blisteringly fast rallycross cars tear up the DiRT as they head toward the DiRT kicker jump near the end of the course. Totally Awesome!

DiRT 2 rallies onto stores shelves across North America today, powerslides into PAL territories on Thursday 10th September and accelerates onto UK streets on Friday 11th September for Xbox360, PS3, Wii, DS and PSP

Jump Jam kicks off the festival with a bang. In this awesome new trailer you’ll get a taste of the adrenaline-fuelled action you’ll be experiencing at some of the stunning locations visited during your World Tour. You’ll also get a glimpse of some of the amazing cars you’ll be driving like the Colin McRae R4 which was designed by the legend himself.

And If that wasn’t enough the action culminates in a dramatic finale as Ken Block’s Subaru Impreza WRX STI jumps over Travis Pastrana’s Group N Subaru Impreza WRX STI at a spectacular mid-race crossover point.

Grab your plane tickets and join us on a whistle stop tour of the 9 locations and 100+ events featured in DiRT 2.

Feel the festival atmosphere of the stunning Rallycross races held around Battersea Power Station London and the streets of Shibuya Tokyo. In China rallies run past paddy fields in the Yangshuo region before hitting the mountains. Croatia provides a test of control as stages pass through tight hillside hairpin sections.

Drive the open roads of Morocco, where stages pass through the streets of Ait Benhaddou and out into the open surrounding desert. Then we go deep into the tropical forests of Malaysia’s Rawang province where roads wind through muddy jungle tracks with plenty of standing water.

Finally we visit the United States and first stop is the X Games inspired Estadio del Ray stadium in Los Angeles. Then we’re back down to earth and DiRT in Baja, California, where the circuit features jumps and long sweeping turns. Last but certainly not least we travel to the awe inspiring canyon run at Kane Creek, Utah, where the track is surrounded by immense natural red rock cliffs.

Check out all these stunning locations in the World Tour Trailer available NOW! in the Visuals section.

The DiRT 2 demo features two exhilarating events, both available to play in single-player offline and in 8-vehicle online multiplayer. In the Trailblazer event, players take on the ultimate test of rally car against the challenging Moroccan terrain on a point-to-point track filled with flat-out straights and hair-raising hairpins in the Mitsubishi Eclipse GT. Gamers can also race in a Landrush event at the spectacular Ensenada Port circuit set in Baja California, where players go wheel-to-wheel in an 8-vehicle riotous race over lethal bumps and killer jumps in the heavy duty West Coast Choppers Stuka Trophy Truck.

Available today on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360!

DiRT 2 Demo Competition

We’re running a Competition where we’ve uploaded a video on our YouTube DiRT 2 Playlist called DiRT 2 Demo Lap Time Competition where the Codemasters Development Team sets what we consider to be a time which will take real skill to beat on the Morocco Trailblazer track featured in the upcoming demo. The ten fastest times set will win some awesome prizes, even if our lap time is not beaten.

The fastest lap time will win a pair of extremely limited edition DC DiRT 2 shoes plus a Codemasters Goodie Bag! 2nd to 10th will each win a Codemasters Goodie Bag!

To enter your best lap time you’ll need to take a picture of your lap time (a picture off your screen will do) and upload it to our DiRT 2 Facebook Page on the wall.

Closing date for this competition is the 8th September 2009.

Entries are restricted to one entry per person.

Good luck!

White Lies, Queens of the Stone Age and The Qemists are amongst the stellar acts lined up to feature in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, Codemasters announced today. The soundtrack, chosen to reflect the game’s festival spirit and exhilarating off-road racing, will feature some of the biggest names in contemporary music. The 45 strong, officially licensed track list includes:

• Queens of the Stone Age – Little Sister

• Friendly Fires – In The Hospital

• White Lies – To Lose My Life

• Ladyhawke – My Delerium

• You Me At Six – Save It For The Bedroom

• The Qemists – Lost Weekend

The track list was revealed in full at www.facebook.com/dirt2game in a brand new Soundtrack tab along with a link to the music site Spotify.com where the majority of the soundtrack has been made available to really put you in the festival mood.

Focussing on some of the core Rally events in Colin McRae: DiRT 2, the new video captures the unique exhilaration of rally driving and includes officially licensed vehicles, such as the Mitsubishi EVO X, the Subaru Impreza STI and the Colin McRae R4, tackling dramatic stages across three continents. Real world footage also captures a new generation of off-road stars, including Ken Block, Dave Mirra and Travis Pastrana, pushing their cars to the limit!

Make sure you check it out right now in the "Visuals" section of the website.

Discover Ken Block’s passion for DiRT and rally and watch stunning new gameplay footage in the very latest Colin McRae: DiRT 2 video, “Racing on DiRT with Ken Block”, now available from the visuals section of the site.

Jaw-dropping gameplay footage and clips of DC Rally athlete Ken Block’s Subaru WRX STi being pushed to its limits come together in the new video as Block, technical consultant on Colin McRae: DiRT 2, explains the exhilaration of rallying off-road and offers advice on how to succeed in the game. Gameplay footage shows the spectacular Battersea Power Station and the Subaru WRX STi and McRae R4 taking on one of the game’s Rally Stages set in Croatia.

This just hot in from the US!

It gives us great pleasure to announce that DiRT 2 is now a proud sponsor of Ken Block, Travis Pastrana and Dave Mirra, of the Subaru Rally Team USA.

Check the guys out in action at the recent New England Forest rally event.

De definitieve releasedata voor Colin McRae™: Dirt 2™, het volgende hoofdstuk in de legendarische racegame serie, werden vandaag bevestigd. Colin McRae™: Dirt 2™ komt op 8 september in US, 10 september in Europa en op 11 september in UK.

Welcome to the new version of the DiRT 2 website, which is going to be kept constantly updated with all the latest DiRT 2 related news and info.

Whilst you’re here, make sure you take a look at the “visuals” section of the site, in which you’ll find all the latest screenshots and in-game videos providing a taster of the intense racing action the game has to offer.

If you’re too busy to keep on checking the site manually for all the latest updates, then make sure you hit the sign up button at the bottom of the page, and you’ll be able to receive a copy of the DiRT 2 newsletter along with news about exclusive offers direct to your inbox.

Finally, if you fancy chatting about any of the cool stuff you see on the site, then what better place to do it than the Official DiRT 2 community forums . Here you’ll find plenty of like-minded DiRT 2 fans, more than happy to chew the fat on anything from gear ratios and weight distributions, to how to pull off a Scandinavian Flick.

Push It!