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Premium cars for Test Drive 360

And a Hardcore Mode.

Last Thursday's news... today! Or, rather, more Xbox Live updates that we were too busy to mention last week. So: Test Drive Unlimited has been boosted by the addition of a new car pack (including a freebie taster car) and a new "Hardcore Mode" that gives owners of the Microsoft Wireless Racing Wheel incentive to plug it in again.

First up is the Test Drive Racers Guild #2 Download Set, the contents of which presumably roll into garages across Oahu with greater ease than the name rolls off the tongue. It's 350 Microsoft points (GBP 2.98 / EUR 4.07) and introduces the Ferrari F40, CHRYSLER Crossfire SRT6 Roadster, RUF Rturbo, Audi S6, Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Convertible 1971, Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR and Cadillac CTS-V according to Xbox Live's Major Nelson. The Cadillac CTS-V can be had for free as a separate download, too.

Meanwhile, Hardcore Mode (160 points - GBP 1.36 / EUR 1.86) introduces challenges specifically designed for the Wireless Racing Wheel. Also playable with the standard control, they introduce "ultra-realistic driving physics". Don't be alarmed though - the Force Feedback support that Wireless Racing Wheel fans have been hankering for downloads automatically as a title update (patch) whether you buy the Hardcore Mode or not.

For more on Test Drive Unlimited, check out our Xbox 360 review. PC and PS2 versions are due out this coming Friday, 16th March.