There has been a bit of criticism on some message boards that Superstars V8 Racing’s content does not match the series on which it is based. Now that the game is released, it’s possible to look in detail at what is included and just as importantly, what is not. Most notably, several manufacturer licences are missing, as well as a significant new addition to this year’s calendar of circuits.

Cars

Superstars V8 Racing has a broad range of cars available, from Audi, BMW and Jaguar. It’s based on the Italian Superstars series, which is entirely made up of private race teams – the manufacturers themselves do not participate beyond the supply of vehicles. Surprisingly, not all of the models of car which are in the series appear in the game and Milestone has replaced them with similar looking vehicles with different names. The four vehicles which aren’t part of the game are:

• Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG
• Cadillac CTS-V
• Maserati Quattroporte
• Chrysler 300C SRT8

The Chevrolet Lumina SS is also listed as eligible for entry to the championship, but no drivers are using it this year. As it’s part of GM – just like Cadillac – it’s likely that it wouldn’t have made it in anyway.

Tracks

The game’s content was clearly locked down before the 2009 season began. As a result, the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari  (more commonly known as Imola) is not included. Interestingly, it isn’t the only new circuit on the 2009 calendar – the stunning Portimão track is also new for this season but appears in the game.

Imola’s exclusion is unfortunate as the circuit recently underwent significant redevelopment. The final chicane was removed, and the main straight is now much longer – creating a good opportunity for overtaking into the infamous Tamburello complex. Players who want to experience the new layout of the former San Marino Grand Prix circuit have only one option – to purchase the Race Pro DLC on Xbox 360.

So what does this leave?

The game’s full track and car list appears below. I’m unsure as to why this wasn’t published prior to release:

Tracks

• Monza
• Magione
• Valencia (the racetrack, not the F1 street circuit)
• Varano
• Misano
• Adria
• Kyalami
• Portimao
• Vallelunga
• Mugello

Cars

• Audi RS4
• BMW E39 M5
• BMW E60 550
• Jaguar S-Type R

• Cluster S3-P (fictional)
• Barricade DM (fictional)
• Mustard E1 (fictional)
• Scorpio IZ1 (fictional)