DiRT 3 to support true rally cornering

Improvements to the engine mean skilled DiRT 3 players will now able to pull off one of the most iconic rally manoeuvres - swinging back and forth into a corner.

Lead designer Paul Coleman told IncGamers the game's updated physics now allow for a more accurate suspension model.

"It allows you to throw the car from side to side and really feel the weight shifting across the chassis," he said.

"If you look at the way a rally driver drives, they’re throwing the car from side-to-side before they arrive at a corner because they know the weight shifts across the chassis will allow them to navigate that corner better," he explained later.

"That’s what stands rally out from a lot of other motorsports where it’s more about keeping grip and living on the edge."

Coleman said the handling design team got hands-on with as many real rally cars as the manufacturers would allow, to ensure each vehicle is differentiated from the rest of the pack.

Unfortunately, this means certain cars are only available in certain modes, because they're simply not suitable for others.

"We really wanted to make sure each car was balanced correctly and was accurate to the mode it was designed for," the designer said.

"We didn’t want to compromise anything in that regard. [Unlocking cars for all modes] is something we might consider in the future because a skilled driver could use a rally car on a Gymkhana course even though it may be more difficult to do so."

Dirt 3 is due on PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in late May.

Thanks, Blue.