The SoCal launch event for EA Games' "Shift 2: Unleashed" attracted hundreds of enthusiasts and fans eager to demo the latest installment in the Need for Speed series. The event also brought with it a couple of racing celebs, around 50 of Southern California's hottest cars and even a brief moment of sunshine on an otherwise gloomy Saturday afternoon. After some behind-the-wheel time with the game, we think it's safe to say that Shift 2: Unleashed will offer all of the excitement and fun we've come to expect from a Need for Speed title--along with a few welcome twists.

Also in attendance were 2010 Formula Drift series champion, Vaughn Gittin Jr. and multiple time attack record holder, Chris Rado. Since both of these celebrities have cars featured in the game, it only made sense to put the genuine articles on display.

Vaughn Gittin Jr. brought along his 1969 RTR-X Ford Mustang, while Chris Rado showed off his radical time attack-prepared 1,400-hp Scion Tc. Needless to say, seeing these awesome machines in the sheet metal was slightly more satisfying than driving them in-game. But only slightly.

Having been rendered in amazing detail, the cars are brought to life on the screen in glorious high definition. The game's crash damage feature demonstrates this level of detail even further, proving that the RTR-X Mustang is beautiful even with its bumper falling off and its headlight bashed in. 

With an emphasis on realism generally not found in other Need for Speed games, Shift 2: Unleashed both looks and feels like a real racing game. Utilizing surprisingly realistic physics and crash damage, Shift 2's gameplay is a treat for the ace racing gamer while still being relatively easy to pick up for a novice.

This event has shown that EA Games is in touch with the enthusiast community and knows what many of us look for in a racing game. Shift 2: Unleashed promises to be a departure from previous games and should hold more appeal for enthusiasts. And we mean a lot more.

Proximity Sensing Security System
Remote Start
100% Keyless
Push Button Start

Doesn't discriminate; can be installed on vehicles with diesel or gas engines, manual or automatic transmissions, & even modified cars with after-market features.

Highly advanced, offering more than your average vehicle security system.

The ST800 is designed for simple installation. For guidance, please see our photos, videos and install manuals.

*Auto-Innovatio offers free shipping and all products are backed by a two-year warranty. Click here for details.
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Your Nissan 350Z or 370Z isn't just the average car down the street. They are exceptional machines and earn the respect and adoration of their owners. You don't want to risk the integrity of your vehicle with some shoddy aftermarket parts by some shady company. So, when you want to repair or customize your vehicle, you could run into problems getting parts. Buying from the dealer is expensive and a lot of times they don't carry the parts in stock. Some aftermarket products might not be available through them. Ordering from Japan can take a long time and be expensive in regards to shipping. The local parts store probably doesn't stock everything you need.

Whether your next purchase is for new custom wheels, a replacement part for something that came stock or new accessories, try sites like AutoShepherd first. You just put in all the information about your 350Z or 370Z and then search. Compare them to your usual parts source and see who gives you the best deal. Another great thing is that once you've made your selections for your vehicle, it will remember you - and the next time you go there - with the same computer - it will have your vehicle stored for you. They may even beat your usual dealer on price, shipping, and selection.

My350Z Insurance Month tips and guides end today but you can find all the articles here --they will always be available anytime you need them. Read the rest of Part 6 here.

Continue reading 23% of Auto Insurance Policies Don't Cover Auto Theft. Is Your 350Z Covered?

Be here when My350Z Insurance Month ends this Thursday, with Part 6 concerning tickets. Read the rest of Part 5 here.

Continue reading Insure a 350Z for Less By Raising Your Deductible

Parts 5 and 6 of My350Z Insurance Month commences next week, offering advice on dealing with auto theft and tickets. Read the rest of Part 4 here.

Fortunately, 350Z drivers with bad credit can still save money...Continue reading Bad Credit? It'll Cost More to Insure Your 350Z

My350Z Insurance Month continues with Parts 4 thru 6 coming up, covering tips on auto theft, tickets, and raising your deductible. Read the rest of Part 3 here.

Continue reading Leasing a 350Z?

Be sure to check out Parts 2 thru 6 of My350Z Insurance Month throughout January, which covers auto theft, tickets, bad credit, raising your deductible, and more. Read the rest of Part 1 here.

Check out the discussion on these photos, including some more pics from SEMA 2009!

One of the unique features of the ExtremeContact DW are the Tuned Performance Indicators, a series of visible letters molded into the second rib from the outboard shoulder. These can be used to indicate to drivers the tire's performance levels. Seeing a "DW" indicates the tire has sufficient tread depth for dry and most wet road conditions. After the "W" has worn away, the remaining "D" alerts the driver that the tire has sufficient tread depth for dry conditions only.

Internally, the ExtremeContact's structure is also impressive, consisting of twin steel belts reinforced with spirally wrapped jointless nylon cap plies. These structural elements reduce weight while providing long-term integrity under high speed conditions and more uniform ride quality. The ExtremeContact DW has a high tread wear rating of 340--comparable to some high-performance all-season tires. Sizes are limited, but nearly all of the stock sizes for the Z are available including 235/50R17 and 245/40R18. The Continental ExtremeContact DW is best suited for daily-driven Z's that see occasional spirited driving.

The ExtrememContact offers a lot for any time of the year. Is it your favorite tire? What are your experiences with it? Everything it's cracked up to be? Any complaints or criticisms? Are the performance grades reliable?

In search of tire info? Find a bunch here!

Available in many different sizes, the S1 evo offers hardcore Z enthusiasts a vast selection to shod their wheels with. From 225/40R17 to 295/25R20, there's a proper fitment for any possible wheel size you might choose. The Hankook Ventus S1 evo is an effective and affordable alternative to the more expensive offerings from European tire manufacturers.

Hankook is no slouch getting under some American Le Mans racers and an F430 GT in the European series. Has it gone from an alternative to a mainstay for you? Which size do you use for your Fair Lady? What are the goods and the bads?

Find tire threads fast with this link!

On the inside, the ADVAN Sport is given a tire structure specifically designed to handle the stresses of aggressive cornering and offer high speed durability up to a ludicrous 186 mph (300 km/h). Spirally wound nylon cap plies reinforce the two wide steel belts to provide strength and consistent ride quality, while the sidewalls are made in such a way that they resist lateral deflection and provide predictable handling. The ADVAN Sport comes in a variety of sizes, ranging from 205/50R17 to 295/25R20. Each ADVAN Sport carries a Z-rating, so you're covered if you decide to carry out an impromptu top speed test. The ADVAN Sport is an excellent summer tire that not only performs well, but also adds some JDM style to your Z.

So we've reviewed a few tires, and clearly the Yokohama's are the most prestigious so far. Are they as good as they're advertised to be? Have you tried them? What was your experience? Much is offered in quality and features, but are they worth the price?

Fast link to tire talk on the forums!