FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Nov. 2, 2009 – Few enthusiasts will ever
get the chance to drive the 300-horsepower Genesis Coupe on a
racetrack, but thanks to “Forza Motorsport 3,” millions of gamers
worldwide will get to experience the thrill in the digital world.
Racing game enthusiasts will be able to test their driving skills in
the Genesis Coupe in “Forza Motorsport 3,” launched in the U.S. on Oct.
27, exclusively on Xbox 360.
“Genesis Coupe’s participation in ‘Forza Motorsport 3’ will raise
Hyundai’s awareness with driving enthusiasts and the very important
youth segment,” said Joel Ewanick, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai
Motor America. “The mission for Genesis Coupe was to create a pure
performance car and for it to appear in such a realistic racing
simulator is awesome.”
Developed by Turn 10 Studios, “Forza Motorsport 3” unites the racing
game genre where players will live out their dreams behind the wheel of
more than 400 of the most-beloved cars, including a roster of Hyundai
favorites. The vehicles can be driven on more than 100 renowned
real-world tracks and exotic road courses from around the globe.
Breathtaking HD graphics and the most advanced vehicle performance
modeling in a video game make “Forza Motorsport 3” the most realistic
racing experience ever. Introducing a host of driving assists and
adjustable skill levels, “Forza Motorsport 3” is a gripping
pick-up-and-play experience for racing novices and seasoned pros alike.
Further fueling the imaginations of its evergreen community of
painters, tuners and photographers, “Forza Motorsport 3” features
improved customization tools and brand new ways to share creations with
the world via Xbox LIVE. Painters and tuners will be able to showcase
complete artistic creativity through the celebrated Livery Editor,
customize cars with the deep tuning garage, and share their designs in
the “Forza Motorsport 3” Auction House and Storefront. To celebrate the
flourishing “Forza” community, Hyundai will be gifting a free
downloadable vehicle package on Xbox LIVE on Nov. 17, 2009. The package
will include the Rhys Millen Racing Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe, HKS
Genesis Coupe and a one of a kind Genesis Coupe. The Hyundai Genesis
Coupe will also boast its own race series within the Career mode of the
game. Hyundai is also developing an online photo and video upload
contest for “Forza” gamers who can show off their best in-game photo
and video of the Genesis Coupe in action.
YOUTH INFLUENCE
O With the help of growing economies, young people (ages 25 and
younger) the world over are embracing consumerism for themselves and
influencing the tastes and purchases of others.
O Teens in the U.S. have spending power in excess of $172 billion
per year and influence $565 billion of their parents spending.
O The Millennial generation will make up 28 percent of the U.S. driving population by 2010.
O Racing video games primarily appeal to males 18 – 30.
O Males 18 – 30 spend more time playing video games than they are watching television.
HYUNDAI AND AND MICROSOFT
Hyundai’s relationship with Microsoft developed out of a lust for
high performance automobiles. The Microsoft team met with Hyundai staff
at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in Las Vegas
in November of 2008 to discuss possibilities around the upcoming 2010
Genesis Coupe.
Turn 10 Studios, a Redmond, Washington-based racing video game
developer created internally by Microsoft Game Studios, embarked on the
meticulous process of scanning Genesis Coupes with high level detail
and consulted Hyundai’s premier drift racer Rhys Millen to provide
real-world feedback on the gameplay and vehicle renders for accuracy.
“It is exciting to have your own car in a video game. I was very
impressed with the realism of the game with things like hood pins and
exhaust outlets showing up in precise detail,” says Rhys Millen, driver
of the Red Bull Hyundai Genesis Coupe race car and founder of Rhys
Millen Racing. “The Turn 10 game developers were very accurate in
portraying the driving experience as well. For example, changing tires
alters the handling of the car just like in the real world.”
To perfect the look and driving feel of the Genesis Coupe in the
game, Turn 10 developers spent many hours scanning every inch of the
Genesis Coupes. The attention to detail even resulted in a perfectly
captured Genesis Coupe exhaust note.
Extending this unique partnership even further, “Forza Motorsport 3”
will also feature in-game advertising of Genesis Coupe on billboards,
building exteriors and JumboTrons, made specially for the game.
Fans will be given the opportunity to test drive the most realistic
experience ever as “Forza Motorsport 3” makes a public appearance at
the Hyundai stand at the SEMA Show from Nov. 3 – 6, 2009 at the Las
Vegas Convention Center.