TORRANCE, Calif., Dec. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The popular Lexus IS 350 sport sedan has entered the world of video games as part of Atari Inc.'s all-new Test Drive Unlimited video game for the Xbox 360(TM) video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The ultimate automotive and lifestyle gaming experience, Test Drive Unlimited provides gamers with M.O.O.R.(TM): Massively Open Online Racing and the pure freedom to drive their Lexus IS 350 wherever they choose, whenever they choose and race whomever they choose all in a spectacular wide-open Hawaiian setting.
The IS 350's participation in Test Drive Unlimited marks the debut of a Lexus branding initiative in the world of video games. The IS 350 is the first of five Lexus vehicles that will be available for Test Drive Unlimited. Additional Lexus vehicles coming soon to Test Drive Unlimited include the LS 460 premium luxury sedan, the GS 450h hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan, the SC 430 hard-top convertible, and the LS 600h L, which will go on sale in the Spring of 2007 as the world's first full-hybrid V8 luxury sedan.
With its remarkable vehicle details, Test Drive Unlimited enables players to experience the intelligence of technical design and design quality that went into the IS 350 and all Lexus vehicles.
Thus far, the IS 350 has proven very popular since it became available on Test Drive Unlimited on November 21, 2006. In its first five days online, the IS 350 received over 30,000 downloads!
"The Lexus IS 350 is a perfect fit with video games, particularly with the array of exciting features offered to gamers in Test Drive Unlimited," said Deborah Wahl Meyer, Lexus vice president of marketing. "Our foray into online gaming will help Lexus reach the IS model's younger target audience, educate gamers to the many styling and performance aspects of the IS, and also further expose Lexus as a brand with high-performance attributes."
Test Drive Unlimited allows gamers to visit the most sophisticated car and motorcycle dealers (with more than 90 vehicles to choose from) to purchase new vehicles or simply take them for a test drive. Players choose from real-world manufacturer interior and exterior options to make their vehicles one-of-a-kind.
Test Drive Unlimited challenges players online and offline to experience the most exotic and fastest vehicles on more than 1,000 miles of diverse and challenging Hawaiian roads and terrains on the island of Oahu. Every foot of road, buildings and landmarks are mapped out using authentic GPS data.
Gamers can choose from an astounding 350+ multi-player and solo challenges, including a combined online and offline total of 125 race challenges, 44 time challenges, 51 speed challenges, 40 club challenges and many more. Players also have the option of designing their own challenge. Gamers around the world compete against each other in up to eight-player races and can also meet with thousands of others in a 24/7 online community to chat, trade, and race.
Each competitor can purchase their IS 350 in an online Lexus dealership that is completely furnished to precisely replicate a real-life Lexus showroom, from the walls, to the carpet and floor plan. The IS 350 is rendered with incredible fidelity and boasts unrivalled interior details including full vehicle functions such as radio, electric windows, horn, and more.
Gamers can personalize their Lexus IS with options from an actual Lexus catalogue, allowing one to boost vehicle power with performance upgrades.
Each player can form and customize the driver of their IS 350 with a choice of popular branded clothes and create their own unique look with a vast range of hair styles, colorings and the ability to fine tune all facial features.
Competitors stack up cash by winning races and completing challenges, missions and tournaments to earn credits and purchase new cars, bikes, apparel, homes, and garages.
The Lexus IS models, which debuted in 2006, combine striking styling with one of the most compelling packages of performance, luxury, and safety in the highly competitive luxury sport sedan segment.
The 2007 IS is offered in three models, each powered by a new-generation, high-output V6 engine. The rear-wheel-drive IS 350 leads its segment with a 306-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 and can accelerate from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. The IS 250 is powered by a 204 horsepower, 2.5-liter version of the new V6 and is available as a rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive model.
