If you missed Test Drive Unlimited's first spin around the tracks of Oahu the first time around, you'll have another chance to catch the excitement. This high-octane bad boy is set to be re-released by Atari on November 1 as part of its Atari Classics collection.

Test Drive Unlimited features full automatic racing on and off the road with either bikes or cars. Over a hundred vehicles are in store and over a thousand miles of racing is yours for the taking.

Shortly after the Atari Classics re-launch, Test Drive Collection 6 will make its Xbox Live Marketplace debut. The downloadable content should give us more super vehicles to master and maybe some new tracks to explore.

 

Earlier today, Atari announced the release of Test Drive Unlimited's fifth content pack, which adds five new supercars and a motorbike to the game.

The content pack, known as Test Drive Collection 5, introduces the the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Coupe, Dodge Charger Super Bee, Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole, Ferrari 512 TR, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12R, and the Spyker C8 Spyder into the game, which can then be purchased from their related in-game dealerships. As an added bonus, players can also freely download the Holden Efijy Concept, allowing them to take this award-winning concept car to the virtual streets.

Test Drive Collection 5 is currently available on the Xbox Live Marketplace, and can be picked up for 350 Microsoft Points. For more screenshots of the cars in action, you can also visit our source link below. Enjoy!

Parking its red, shiny trunk into the Xbox Live Marketplace is a new pack of cars for Test Drive Unlimited. Gearing in at 350 Microsoft Points, Volume 4 is now available for Atari's racing title and the downloadable content holds a total of six new cars. Get your keys, it's time for a run-down:

• Ferrari Challenge Stradale
• Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster
• Cadillac Cien
• Dino 246 GT
• RUF RK Spyder
• VR T440R

As always, once the download is done, the cars will be available for purchase at their respective in-game dealerships. For those looking for a bonus, the Saturn Curve is also free for download. This latest addition has now brought the Test Drive Unlimited car library to have over 30 "expansion cars" on top of those available in the game itself.

Polish site GRY-Online has said that a sequel for Atari's Test Drive Unlimited is currently in the works, and this time, it will be making its rounds on both the PC and the Xbox 360.

It is also alleged that the game will be up and running come March of next year, with lots of new surprising tricks and turns for all you racing aficionados out there. For one, the supposed TDU 2 will feature hot rides from makers such as Ferrari, Bugatti, Pagani, Saleen, McLaren and a whole lot more. There will also be a couple of new off-road cars to be introduced in the sequel, along with SUVs, 4WD, enduro bikes, and even buggies.

According to the information trickling in, courses will be roughly about 1500 square kilometers, with winding streets and long stretches of highways, as well as, off-road tracks for your off-road vehicles. There will also be several online modes, just to keep that fun flowing.

However, don't get too excited just yet. We haven't gotten any confirmation on this, so we'll be tagging this only as a rumor for now. But not to worry, we'll be right on it as soon as we hear any more official word from Atari on the supposed Test Drive Unlimited 2.

Wanna take the Lexus LS 460L and GS 450h out for a test drive? Well, unless you have the cash, you probably won't be able to own either of those babies, but we do happen to have a cheaper alternative.

What's the alternative, you may ask? Well, if you have a copy of Atari's Test Drive: Unlimited for the Xbox 360, you can download the special Lexus car pack they have for free. It lets you take the two out for a joyride on the streets Kahana Beach and beyond.

If you're looking for an extra reason to grab a copy and download the freebies, then here's one for you. It's the latest trailer for the game, featuring the two stylish cars as they leave the garage and head for the open highway. Enjoy!

For you speed demons out there playing Test Drive Unlimited, it's time to check out what under the hood. Atari and Lexus are bringing something new to your garage today: the Lexus Car Pack is now available as free download on the Xbox Live Marketplace. While the partnership between the game developer and car manufacturer will give us even more cars in the future, what we have today are two new cars:

• Lexus GS 450h hybrid-powered luxury sport sedan
• Lexus LS 460 premium luxury sedan

Additional cars in the future we could expect include the SC 430 hard-top convertible and the world's first full hybrid V8 luxury sedan (sweet!), the 2008 LS 600h L. Never heard of it? Well, maybe that's because it's still to be put into the Lexus showrooms later this Spring. But as far as the Live Marketplace is concerned, these two cars are notched as "coming soon" Downloadable Content">downloadable content. For now though, we've got Test Drive Unlimited's new GS 450h and LS 460 to tide over the wait.

In a bid to promote the Xbox 360 console (and probably taking advantage of signs that the Japanese really do love racing), Microsoft Japan's gonna pitch Test Drive Unlimited and Forza Motorsport 2 with demo kiosks, reports Famitsu and Game Watch. And not just any demo kiosk - and not just because it features the Wireless Racing Wheel.

The Google translation is kinda hard to discern, but the demo kiosk might look something like this. Call us when you have a racing gaming rig set up like this, and maybe we can negotiate a fair price of purchase:

 

Head on over to the Read link to learn more - although it helps to have someone who understands Japanese. Google Translate is of little help in giving coherent translations (especially of the locations of the demo kiosk tours), trust us. 

Atari just dropped a fast one on the Marketplace today, delivering some new downloadable content. The Test Drive Collection Pack Volume 3 is now available for 350 Microsoft Points. This pack contains six new (and vintage) cars to add to your game's library. As with other previous game packs, once this pack is downloaded, the cars would be available for purchase in their respective shops:

• 
• Audi S6
• Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 1971
• Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 Roadster
• Ferrari F40
• Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
• RUF Rturbo

Also, there's a free car (virtually, of course): the Cadillac CTS-V. Other than cars, you can also download the Hardcore Mode for 160 smackeroos. This mode is playable in multiplayer and free-ride, and only after you've unlocked Champion status. Hardcode Mode brings out the realistic side of the game - the "simulation-ness" of race driving.

Atari Inc. (Nasdaq: ATARD - yes, we find the similarity to 'artard' amusing) has been named finalist in the PRWeek Awards 2007 program for excellence in the public relations field in the Arts, Entertainment and Media category.

Atari was nominated for its campaign for Test Drive Unlimited on Microsoft's Xbox 360.

PRWeek received nearly 700 entries in 32 categories for work done during 2006. Winners will be announced at the gala ceremony which will be held at the Tavern on the Green in New York City, on the 8th of March.

Andrea Schneider, director of public relations for Atari Inc had this to say:

Atari is a company that recognizes and supports the power and importance of public relations. The Test Drive Unlimited p.r. campaign was one of true collaboration, inspiration and enjoyment, and we are thrilled that our hard work has been acknowledged by the PR Week and that Atari has been named a finalist in this awards program.

No, we have nothing against Atari. In fact we like their games (not necessarily them) a lot. It's just that ATARD sounds really funny. Yes, we can be shallow too.

Looking for something to help tide you over during the Christmas season? Head on over to the Xbox Live Marketplace and check out these newly available downloads. It's a pretty mixed bunch, but the best thing about it is that it includes free in-game content. After all the (quite understandable) negative reactions brought on by the whole "paying twice for content that already on the disc" issue, we could sure use something free.

Test Drive Unlimited 1971 Dodge Challenger RT in-game content (free)
All Xbox Live regions
Contains free 1971 Dodge Challenger RT for users to view and race with. In-game currency still required for purchase at respective dealer.

Test Drive Racers Guild Download Set (350 Points)
All Xbox Live regions
Premium set includes the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, McLaren F1 GT, Dodge Viper SRT-10 Coupe, Ruf Rt 12, Alfa Brera, 1971 Dodge Challenger RT and Edonis. In-game currency still required for purchase at respective dealer.

Forza Motorsport Showdown Trailer (free)
Canada and the U.S.
Dash Details: Forza Motorsport Showdown Trailer

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars GDI Talent Theme (150 Points)
Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, United Kingdom, United States
This theme features the actors who play GDI characters. Includes Billy Dee Williams as Director Redmond Boyle, Michael Ironside as General Jack Granger, Grace Park as Lieutenant Sandra Telfair, and Jennifer Morrison as Kirce James.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars Nod Talent Theme (150 Points)
Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Singapore, Taiwan or The United States.
This theme features the actors who play Nod characters. Includes Joe Kucan as Kane, Tricia Helfer as Kilian Qatar, and Josh Holloway as Ajay. There are no refunds for this item.

Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars Debut Trailer (free)
It’s the year 2047 and all hell’s broken loose. Align yourself with GDI, Nod, or the Alien Invaders and command entire armies to victory. This will be the largest battle ever waged in your living room.