HTC and McLaren Launch Special Edition VR Headset With New Racing Sim

[crazyeyesreaper]

After forming a partnership back in May of this year, HTC and McLaren are now seeing their cooperation pay off with the launch of a Limited-Edition HTC VIVE Pro headset ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that takes place this weekend. The overall goal for this launch is to give fans a "unique experience that can't be had watching on television" according to Alvin Wang Graylin, HTC's China president. The racing simulation released with the headset is rFactor 2 Mclaren Edition, which is based on rFactor 2 and was produced by Studio 397. This particular version allows users to race classic cars from the British team's history. As expected it sports a full day-night cycle along with dynamically varying weather, which pairs well with the "real-road" technology that changes grip characteristics as more cars drive on the track. The most prominent new feature to be added with this release is the inclusion of mixed class road racing. The game is available now but requires a Viveport subscription.



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[blobster21]

I will never wear a massive headset in order to experience VR, that's a given. Try harder HTC !

 

[tvamos]

I will never wear a massive headset in order to experience VR, that's a given. Try harder HTC !

I on the other hand, see driving as only thing where VR makes a sense. No running, jumping, shooting - just sitting in cockpit of your car seems realistic to me. Never tried it though, so can't say if it would be too heavy.

 

[IceScreamer]

I on the other hand, see driving as only thing where VR makes a sense. No running, jumping, shooting - just sitting in cockpit of your car seems realistic to me. Never tried it though, so can't say if it would be too heavy.

I didn't try either, but it's probably not much heavier than a helmet would be, so we could kid ourselves it adds to the realism.

 

[tvamos]

I didn't try either, but it's probably not much heavier than a helmet would be, so we could kid ourselves it adds to the realism.

If you ever tried real go-kart race, you had a helmet. I don't remember having problems with its weight, so yeah, now this becomes a must try.

 

[Octavean]

I'm not really clear on what makes this Special Edition VR Headset any different from a standard HTC Vive Pro. Aside from the orange colored area around the cameras and routing of the cable.

Edit:

Ah,...

I just noticed that they were using the Vive wireless adapter hence the cable routing around the HMD strap.

Nice, they went all out,...

I'll just say that a seated VR experience like this would make wireless less necessary but they went all out anyway.

The cost of that setup must be about:


Vive Pro Headset - $699 USD
Vive Wireles adapter - $299 USD
Vive Pro Starter Kit (Lighthouse / Controllers) - $299 USD.

Or something like that. The full stand alone kit is something like:

Vive Pro Full Kit - $1199 USD

 

[Scrizz]

I'm not really clear on what makes this Special Edition VR Headset any different from a standard HTC Vive Pro. Aside from the orange colored area around the cameras and routing of the cable.

Edit:

Ah,...

I just noticed that they were using the Vive wireless adapter hence the cable routing around the HMD strap.

Nice, they went all out,...

I'll just say that a seated VR experience like this would make wireless less necessary but they went all out anyway.

The cost of that setup must be about:


Vive Pro Headset - $699 USD
Vive Wireles adapter - $299 USD
Vive Pro Starter Kit (Lighthouse / Controllers) - $299 USD.

Or something like that. The full stand alone kit is something like:

Vive Pro Full Kit - $1199 USD

I thought the Vive Pro was $799 headset only

 

[xorbe]

The special edition is £1450 or usd$1859.

 

[Nuckles56]

For racing, VR is amazing, and the only reason that I would actually buy it as well.

 

[Octavean]

I thought the Vive Pro was $799 headset only

I think you are right but when I checked their web page it was ~$699. I figured it was a limited time BF deal.

Still too rich for my blood personally.

 

[lexluthermiester]

I can't help thinking that Sega should remake VirtuaRacing and DatonaUSA but in VR. I'd buy into that!

 

[micropage7]

both of them now struggle, mclaren struggle on F1 points, HTC struggle in competition

but it looks interesting

 

[Reeves81x]

cue the nausea and headache, racing games are really hard on the head in VR.

 

[xkm1948]

At this point I would recommend waiting for the Valve VR HMD. HTC's Vive line is impressive, but their pricing as well as customer service leaves a lot to be desired

 

[Octavean]

At this point I would recommend waiting for the Valve VR HMD. HTC's Vive line is impressive, but their pricing as well as customer service leaves a lot to be desired

I tend to agree,....

However, Valve tends to take their sweet time. So who knows how long a wait that will be. If there were attractive deals on the Vive and Vive Pro during the holiday season then that might be a good option. If there are holiday deals on the Oculus Rift then that might be a good option too. The current MSRP for the Rift was something like ~$399 USD but its been on sale recently for ~$349 (at the usually places). This may continue through the holiday season or eventually become the new MSRP.