McLaren Branded HTC Vive VR Headset and rF2 Game Released

[Paul Jeffrey]

McLaren have released an officially licenced and branded version of the HTC Vive Pro VR headset recently, complete with a McLaren specific version of rFactor 2.

With McLaren seemingly ever keen to further engage with the world of sim racing and "eSport" competition, perhaps an officially licenced and branded product like the Vive Pro McLaren Edition was always on the cards in the near future.

Rather than simply slapping McLaren logos on existing hardware, the former World Championship winning team have built a relationship with the VR headset manufacturer that expands further than just hardware alone, with the HTC Vive Pro McLaren edition also coming complete with a tailor made McLaren version of rFactor 2, and an innovative ‘McLaren Garage VR’ experience – a Vive Studio release in cooperation with McLaren that aims to put viewers into a "multi-player simulation game where players can be part of the McLaren pit-crew, learning how to complete tyre adjustments just like crews do in a race. The experience includes the ‘Pit-stop Challenge’, a multiplayer competitive game that allows users to explore McLaren’s latest pit garage in room scale, learn to change a car tyre, and take other players on a timed tyre change challenge. These special edition experiences are available exclusively on VIVEPORT, where current Vive owners can create a subscription today to access these titles for free".

Of the new product release, McLaren Chief Executive Office, Zak Brown had the following to say:

“It’s been brilliant to tap into HTC’s technology and work together closely to create this top-of-the-range headset and VR experience, so fans can feel like they are in the heart of the action, at a racetrack with the McLaren Racing team. We think this limited edition Vive Pro headset is hugely exciting for both racing and VR fans alike.”
​

Sadly for those of us keen to get involved with the new project, the McLaren Limited Edition version of the HTC Vive Pro doesn't come cheap, with current deals on the official Vive store quoting an eye watering price tag of £1,450.00.... so don't expect it in the Christmas stocking this December 25th..!

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[PurgerUK]

Problem is you can’t get Odyssey out of the US...

Several companys will import it for you though there is an extra cost and no easy way to replace or repair it if it goes bang

 

[M1GHTY M4VS]

Fernando is more immersed than you...Can you confirm you understood that message.

Of the new product release, McLaren Chief Ex Driver, Fernando Alonso had the following to say:

“The Engine feels good, much slower than before... Amazing"

 

[bsmooth]

If Fernando didn't look at those and laugh, I would be really surprised. They do have that Fisher Price look don't they? That is one very overpriced piece of kit If I do say so !

 

[Yapci]

Several companys will import it for you though there is an extra cost and no easy way to replace or repair it if it goes bang

Do you mind saying me some of those companies, please? I didn't know that

 

[Motowntom]

Lol it's nowhere near superior. Tracking is everything my friend.

The price of the McLaren kit is quite high but it is a limited edition for collectors rather than a mass market product.

B.S., tracking is just fine on my Odyssey, I use it mostly for sim racing but works great for other experiences as well, don't be dishing out the Vive fanboy crap... if you are a sim racer just get the Odyssey and save the extra $700.00 for some other gear.
Cheers

 

[Steve Worrell]

B.S., tracking is just fine on my Odyssey, I use it mostly for sim racing but works great for other experiences as well, don't be dishing out the Vive fanboy crap... if you are a sim racer just get the Odyssey and save the extra $700.00 for some other gear.
Cheers

Whilst I don't own an odessey we have one at work, and an oculus, and an original Vive and a Vive pro and about 4 other non descript hmds that aren't worth mentioning. Vive pro and odessey aren't even in the same league.

 

[Enagee]

Whilst I don't own an odessey we have one at work, and an oculus, and an original Vive and a Vive pro and about 4 other non descript hmds that aren't worth mentioning. Vive pro and odessey aren't even in the same league.

Intresting .. So you've tried all. What's your thoughts on the Rift and odessey .. Is the difference in clarity big?

 

[Steve Worrell]

Intresting .. So you've tried all. What's your thoughts on the Rift and odessey .. Is the difference in clarity big?

Vive pro is gold standard in every department. Oculus is a match for build and design but tracking is nowhere near as good as Vive. Like people have pointed out though for sim racing only it's maybe not a deal breaker. The Samsung device doesn't hold up in terms of tracking and feels like it's not going to last, feels like a Samsung product of old. Having said that at £300 it's good value at the moment.

 

[Enagee]

Thanks, but is the resolution miles better on the Odessey?

 

[Steve Worrell]

Thanks, but is the resolution miles better on the Odessey?

I would say it's noticeable. Especially on text in UI elements.

 

[Kurupt CDN]

I came across this article on roadtovr.com this morning which basically said the same things I mentioned regarding this kit and sim racers.

https://www.roadtovr.com/1550-vive-pro-mclaren-edition-further-confuses-the-headsets-positioning/

 

[chili pepper]

Probably because Hybrid turbo sounds are...

Best use of the dookie icon I think I've seen...

 

[ears]

DK2 Graphics! DK2! Aaarrrgghh!

 

[Cote Dazur]

Perfect for the guys who are in love with McLaren but cannot afford a McLaren, now you can virtually drive one with McLaren goggles.
I am waiting for the Mercedes CV1 myself.

 

[RichardHessels]

For sim racing the Odyssey is ideal as the headset tracking is perfect but certainly when going room-scale with other games the Vive is better. I’ve had mine about 6 months now and the controllers are still in their packaging as it is dedicated for the sim rig.

Oddesey is very good in roomscale. I can get out of tha car , and have a walk on the track, and walkj back to the car. As far as the chord lets me.

 

[Icky427]

or get a rift for $350 usd lolololol what a joke.

 

[PurgerUK]

Do you mind saying me some of those companies, please? I didn't know that

I used a company Borderoo to import mine into the UK

 

[TheReaper GT]

My problem with that is, being a Mclaren branded product, will it complete a race?

 

[kondor999]

Lol it's nowhere near superior. Tracking is everything my friend.

The price of the McLaren kit is quite high but it is a limited edition for collectors rather than a mass market product.

Dude, I had a Vive Pro. Returned it due to horrible SDE once again. The tracking is about the same on the Odyssey+ (and exactly the same in sit-down racing games) and picture quality is twice as good (no SDE). Samsung's engineers are simply on another level compared to tiny little HTC.

Lighthouses (each requiring their own USB and power) are so 2015. Inside-out tracking is the future.

 

[kondor999]

Whilst I don't own an odessey we have one at work, and an oculus, and an original Vive and a Vive pro and about 4 other non descript hmds that aren't worth mentioning. Vive pro and odessey aren't even in the same league.

Total BS. I had a Vive Pro. The tracking in sit-down games is identical with the Odyssey +. For room-scale, the Vive Pro's tracking is slightly better. Depending on the game. For triple the price.

So much disinformation here from people regretting their $800+ VP purchase I think. Glad I returned mine. Little lighthouses needing their own power and USB with cords going everywhere was ridiculous. With Odyssey+, you simply connect the HDMI and a USB. That's it: No power bricks, no lighthouses. It draws power off the USB. The total elimination of SDE plus the exact same res as the Vive Pro is amazing. Especially for $299.