Top Ten Ducati Superbikes!

1. Ducati Diavel: It is a 2011 model year bike first introduced at EICMA motorcycle show in November 2010. It is an 1198.4cc bike. It has a L-twin 4-valve liquid-cooled engine which has 162 horsepower at 9,500 rpm, torque 94 lb·ft at 8,000 rpm and six-speed constant-mesh transmission system. This bike is in the position first in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 4-Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	1198.4cc
Borex Stroke	106×67.9mm
Compression ratio	12.5:1
Power	162 hp (94 lb·ft) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	130.5Nm (96.3lb-ft.) @ 8000rpm
Fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle body, fully ride by wire control
Exhaust	Stainless steel muffler aluminum tips, catalyzer and two lambda probes

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 43
Clutch	Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

2. Ducati Streetfighter: This Streetfighter bike is a 1099cc bike. It has a 8-valve V-twin engine of 155 horsepower at 9,500 rpm, torque 85 lb·ft at 9500 rmp, six-speed transmission and multi-plate clutch. Its weight is 167 kg and fuel capacity is 17 liter. This bike is in the second position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	849cc
Borex Stroke	94×61.2mm
Compression ratio	13.2:1
Power	132 hp (97kw) @ 10,000 rpm
Torque	93.5Nm (69lb-ft.) @ 9,500rpm
Fuel injection	Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lambda probes and twin stainless steel mufflers.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 42
Clutch	Wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

3. Ducati 1198: This sports bike was manufactured since 2009. There are now two models of this bike 1198 and 1198SP. This bike has a V-twin cylinder engine (4 valves per cylinder), liquid cooling system, six-speed transmission and dry multi-plate clutch. This bike is in the third position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	1198.4cc
Borex Stroke	106×67.9mm
Compression ratio	12.7:1
Power	170hp (125kw) @ 9,750 rpm
Torque	131.4Nm (97lb-ft.) @ 8000rpm
Fuel injection	Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lambda probes and twin stainless steel mufflers.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 22/25
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 38
Clutch	Dry multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

 

 

4. Ducati Monster 696: It is a 2008 model year bike, announced in November, 2007. Its weight is 5kg less than the previous model Monster 695. 696 is a 696cc bike. It has a L-twin engine (2 valves per cylinder) of 80 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, torque 50.9 lb·ft at 7,750 and six-speed transmission. Its weight is 163 kg and fuel capacity is 15 liter. This bike is in the fourth position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-2 twin Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement	696cc
Borex Stroke	88×57.2 mm
Compression ratio	10.7:1
Power	80hp- 58.8kw @ 9000rpm
Torque	69Nm (50.6lb-ft.) @ 7,750rpm
Fuel injection	Electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust	2 aluminum mufflers

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.85:1
Ratio	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 44
Clutch	APTC wet multiple with hydraulic control.

 

 

 

 

5. Ducati Hypermotard 1100EVO SP: This bike has been producing since 2007. It is a 1078cc bike. Its engine is of 90 hp (67 kW)/ 95 hp (71 kW), torque 76lb-ft/ 75.9lb-ft, six-speed transmission, dry hydraulic clutch and Brembo breaks. Its top speed is 201kmph. Its weight is 171 kg and fuel capacity is 12.4 liter. This bike is in the position in the fifth Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 2 valve per cylinder Desmodromic, air cooled
Displacement	1078cc
Borex Stroke	98×71.5mm
Compression ratio	11.3:1
Power	95 hp (69.9kw) @ 7,500 rpm
Torque	10.5kgm (75.9lb-ft.) @ 5750rpm
Fuel injection	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle body
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lambda probes

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 27/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 23/24, 6th 24/28
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 41
Clutch	Dry multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

 

6. Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Sport: This bike has been producing since 2010. It is a 1198cc bike. It has a 4-valve L-twin liquid-cooled engine of 150 horsepower, six-speed constant-mesh transmission system and hydraulic multi-plate clutch. Its weight is 189kg and fuel capacity is 20 liter. This bike is in the sixth position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	Testastretta DVT L-twin, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder
Displacement	1198cc
Borex Stroke	106.0 x 67.9mm
Compression ratio	12.5:1
Power	160 hp @ 9500 rpm
Torque	100.3 lb.-ft. @ 7500 rpm
Fuel injection	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle bodies
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lanbda probes.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.85:1
Ratio	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 41
Clutch	Wet slipper clutch with hydraulic control

 

 

 

 

7. Ducati Superbike 848 EVO: This bike has been producing since 2008. It’s a 849cc bike. It has a L-twin liquid-cooled engine (4 valves per cylinder) of 115 horsepower at 10,400 rpm and torque 70.8 lb·ft at 8,250 rpm. Its top speed is 256kmph. Its weight is 168 kg and fuel capacity is 15.5 liter. This bike is in the position in the seventh Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	849.4cc
Borex Stroke	94×61.2mm
Compression ratio	12:1
Power	134hp (98.5kw) @ 10,000 rpm
Torque	96Nm (70.8lb-ft.) @ 8250rpm
Fuel injection	Marelli electronic fuel injection, elliptical throttle bodies
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lambda probes and twin stainless steel mufflers.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 24/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 39
Clutch	Wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

8. Ducati Hypermotard 796: It is a 2009 model year bike. It is a 803cc bike. It has a L-twin liquid-cooled engine (2 valves per cylinder) at 81 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, torque 55.7lb-ft at 6,250 rpm, six-speed transmission and wet hydraulic APTC slipper clutch. Its weight is 167 kg and fuel capacity is 12.4 liter. This bike is in the eighth position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-4, 2 Desmodromically SOHC actuated valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement	803cc
Borex Stroke	88x66mm
Compression ratio	11:1
Power	81hp (59.6kw) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque	7.7Kgm (55.7lb-ft.) @ 6250rpm
Fuel injection	Siemens electronic fuel injection, 45mm throttle bodies
Exhaust	Lightweight 2-1-2 system with catalytic converter with twin Lanbda probes.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.85:1
Ratio	1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 15 . Rear sprocket 41
Clutch	APTC wet multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

 

 

 

 

 

9. Ducati Desmosedici RR: It is a road-legal version of Desmosedici MotoGP. Only 1,500 units of this bike were made. It was launched in 2006. 500 units of this bike were sold in first five hours. It is a 989cc bike. It has a V-4 engine at 197.3 horsepower at 13,800 rpm. Its weight is 171 kg and fuel capacity 15 liter. This bike is in the ninth position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

 

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-4 cylinder, liquid cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, gear driven camshafts
Displacement	989cc
Borex Stroke	86×42.56 mm
Compression ratio	13.5:1
Power	200hp-147.1kw @13800rpm (with 102db race pipe)
Torque	85.55lb-ft. 11.8kgm @ 10500rpm
Fuel injection	4 500mm magnetimarelli throttle bodies, 12-hole “microjet” with injectors over throttle, manual idle control
Exhaust	4 into 2 into 1 vertical exit exhaust/silencer

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed cassette type
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 16 . Rear sprocket 44
Clutch	Dry multi-plate slipper clutch, hydraulically actuated

 

 

 

 

10. Ducati 749: This bike was made from 2003 to 2006. Its previous version is Ducati 748. It is a 748cc bike. It has a L-twin liquid-cooled engine of 107 horsepower at 10,000 rpm, torque 59 lb·ft at 8,500 rpm. Its weight is 188 kg. This bike is in the tenth position in the Top 10 List of Ducati Bikes.

Specifications:

Engine

Type	L-twin, 4 Desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, liquid cooled
Displacement	748cc
Borex Stroke	90×58,8mm
Compression ratio	11.7:1
Power	108hp (79.5kw) @ 10,000 rpm
Torque	8.2Kgm (59.3lb-ft.) @ 8500rpm
Fuel injection	Marelli electronic fuel injection, 54mm throttle bodies
Exhaust	Single steel muffler with catalytic converter.

 

Transmission

Gearbox	6 speed
Primary drive	Straight cut gears, 1.84:1
Ratio	1st 37/15, 2nd 30/17, 3rd 28/20, 4th 26/22, 5th 24/23, 6th 23/24
Final drive	Chain; front sprocket 14 . Rear sprocket 39
Clutch	Dry multiplate clutch with hydraulic control

On September 2, 2015September 2, 2015 By theravagersIn Cars & BikesLeave a comment

WHEN A COCKROACH CHANGES A MAN’S PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE (COCKROACH THEORY)

Pichai Sundararajan, an alumni of IIT-K,STANFORD(MS) and WHARTON(MBA), better known as Sundar Pichai  has replaced Larry Page as Google’s new CEO. Pichai worked in engineering and product management at Applied Materials and in management consulting at McKinsey & Company.

Pichai, is 43-year-old, soft-spoken leader popular within the company, joined Google in 2004 as a product manager, and then moved up through the company by overseeing development of its Chrome browser. Currently Sundar Pichai oversees Product Management, Engineering and Research for Google’s products and platforms.

So here’s his “COCKROACH THEORY” that will teach you a thing or two about life.

“At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady.

She started screaming out of fear.

With a panic stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach.

Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but …it landed on another lady in the group.

Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.

The waiter rushed forward to their rescue.

In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter.

The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behavior of the cockroach on his shirt.

When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.

Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach

responsible for their histrionic behavior?

If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed?

He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.

It is not the cockroach, but the inability of the ladies to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach that disturbed the ladies.

I realized that, it is not the shouting of my father or my boss or my wife that disturbs me, but it’s my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me.

It’s not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me.

More than the problem, it’s my reaction to the problem that creates chaos in my life.

Lessons learnt from the story:

I understood, I should not react in life.

I should always respond.

The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded.

Reactions are always instinctive, whereas responses are always well thought of, just and right to save a situation from going out of hands, to avoid cracks in relationship, to avoid taking decisions in anger, anxiety, stress or hurry.

A beautiful way to understand…………LIFE.”

–         Sundar Pichai

Top 10 Richest Sports Personalities in the planet !!

 

The world has seen a large number of popular and high earning sports personalities in the present time, who have made millions of dollars in the form of playing fees as well as doing endorsements for some of the leading global brands. They own a great deal of property, cars and assets and enjoy a celebrity status along with an amazing lifestyle.

Here is a list of top 10 richest sports persons in the world:
10. Greg Norman: One of the richest athletes in the world is Greg Norman. The 59 year old world renowned golfer Gregory John Norman has an estimated net worth of $300 million

9. Roger Federer: Swiss professional tennis player and World No. 1, Roger Federer has an estimated net worth of $350 million.. He has won 13 Grand Slam titles in his illustrious career and has endorsed brands like Gillette, Nike and Rolex.

8. Alex Rodriguez: Alex Rodriguez is an American professional baseball player who has a net worth of $300 million.His successful gaming career has helped him fetch endorsements with some big brands like Nike, Tomm and Rawlings.

7. LeBron James: The next name in the list is of LeBron James who is an American professional basketball player.He has a net worth of $ 325 million by playing for Cleveland Cavaliers and endorsing a number of top brands.

 

6. David Beckham: The phenomenal soccer player David Beckham is the next on this list, having net worth of $ 350 million. Besides his amazing soccer skills, Beckham makes it on top of endorsement lists because of his film star looks. His wife, Victoria Beckham, is also among the richest women in Britain.

5. Shaquille O Neal: Another American basketball player on this list is Shaquille O Neal, who has now retired from the game after a successful 19 year career. He is also an acclaimed actor and rapper, and has a net worth of $ 350 million.

4. Magic Johnson: One of the wealthiest sportspersons is the retired American basketball star, Magic Johnson, who has a net worth of $ 500 million.

 

3. Tiger Woods: With a tremendous net worth of $ 600 million, the American golf champion, Tiger Woods comes next among the wealthiest sportspersons in the world. He is the number one golf player in the world, who has won 65 PGA Tour events as well as 14 major championships.

2. Michael Schumacher: Next on this list is Michael Schumacher, the retired German racing driver and seven-time Formula One Champion. He is under rehabilitation after a serious skiing accident in December 2013. The 46 year old sportsman has net worth of $ 800 million.

1. Michael Jordan: The famous American basketball player, Michael Jordan tops the list of the top 10 richest sports persons in the world. The 51 year old athlete has an incredible net worth of $ 1 billion and is retired from the sport now. He has been acclaimed as the greatest basketball player of all times.

Gorgeous GOA…..Secret beaches!!!!!!

Escape the crowds of BAGA and CALANGUTE and explore the secret beaches of Goa. Goa has a very long coastline with almost unbroken sand cover. So, if you’ve come looking for sun, sand and sea without the crowds and the fuss you’ll be pleased to discover these beaches tucked away in quiet recesses where you can go to truly escape the world, or at least get away from prying eyes and annoying hawkers. You might have to take your own food and water as there are no eateries or accommodation near some of them. And though some of them may seem out of their way, you’ll be glad for the peace and quiet when you get there

.

1. Butterfly Beach: This exquisite gem not only has a pretty name but is a relatively unexplored stretch of sand because of its isolation. It’s located on Butterfly Island and is a great place if you’re looking for total privacy. The only way to reach Butterfly Island’s beautiful beach is by boat from Agonda or Palolem beach. 
2. Kakolem Beach: If you’re really up for an adventure try getting to this little-known beach, also known as Tiger beach. Located in a bay, its breathtaking beauty makes up for almost getting lost on the way there. The sands are clean and deserted. The only way by land is to take the NH66 highway towards Cola village. Turn north-east and drive on a broken old road which will lead you to a small platform. Take the narrow steep winding stone stairs leading down to the beach. A much easier way to get there is by renting a boat to transport you there and back.
3. Galjibag Beach: Just like the increasingly popular Morjim beach, Galjibag is also a seasonal nesting and hatching site for the endangered Olive Ridley turtle. But unlike Morjim, this beach is deserted except for a handful of shacks that sell cheap, delicious seafood. Galjibag is 18kms from Canacona, south of Talpona river estuary.
4. Hollant Beach: This serene beach has a lovely bay with a long stretch of shallow water running into the sea that is perfect for non-swimmers and waders. The beach is rocky but the picturesque bay makes up for it. You’ll even see fishermen’s boats lining the narrow, curving shore to create a quaint picture. Take some selfies at this pictureque bay.
5. Betul Beach: The wide expanse of this compact sandy beach can be found about 18kms from Margao. The scenery will remind you of traditional coastal fishing villages. It even has a small lagoon and a 17th century fort nearby. Get to Mobor beach by land and then take the Cavelossim-Assolna ferry across the River Sal to the beach.

6. Arambol Beach: This beautiful place in Pernem is another quiet beach where you can have lively Barbeque evenings with friends and family, if you’re so inclined, while enjoying the views of the cliffs bordering the beach on both sides. The area is slowly gaining in popularity, attracting a more bohemian crowd to its shorelines. Cafes and restaurants have popped up close to the beach so you’ll be able to enjoy a chilled beer after a swim.

7. Agonda Beach: This is a fabulous place for a beach picnic under a beach umbrella. The rocky crag on the southern tip of the beach against an azure sky lends a bit of drama to the serene landscape. Go looking for the bats nesting in trees that line the shore. You can’t miss their black capes and orange-brown faces. It’s located about 37kms from Margao.Take a stroll down serene Agonda Beach.                                               
8. Cola Beach: Even locals, who don’t live nearby, have never heard of this beach before. To get to this hidden treasure travel south to Canacona and then look around for the signs that will lead you to an immaculately spotless beach pictured against a flawless backdrop of coconut groves and blue skies. It’s only five minutes away from Agonda beach and has a unique lagoon surrounded by beach huts where you can stay overnight. Explore the hidden lagoon on Cola beach                                                                                                   
9. Velsao Beach: Just north of the popular Majorda and Colva beaches in the southern part of Goa is this stunning beach with soft, silvery sand and nothing but a lifeguard and some birds to keep you company. You’ll spot a few swimmers here but like you they’re there to escape the crowds of more popular beaches nearby.Nothing but silver sand and birds to keep you company on Velsao Beach.                     
10. Sinquerim Beach: This is a pristine stretch of alluring white sand close to Fort Aguada. It’s relatively quiet despite the luxury resorts in the background. It’s a great spot to sit in peace while enjoying the colours of the setting sun light up the sky over the Arabian sea. Don’t forget to see the famous MALLYA mansion just beside the beach.
11. Siridao Beach: About 12kms south of Panjim near the Zuari river estuary is this beach with scattered blocks of rock in between smooth strips of sand giving the beachscape an unusually rugged appearance. Another unique quality about this beach is the fragments of oyster shells that wash up on the shore and brighten up the beach. The Chapel of Jesus of Nazareth is the nearest landmark. Siridao also has a few caves nearby that you can explore. 

Top 10 NFS Games

Need for Speed, also known by its initials NFS, is a series of racing video games published by Electronic Arts (EA) and developed by several studios including the Canadian company EA Black Box and the British companies Criterion Games and Ghost Games.

The series released its first title, The Need for Speed in 1994. Initially, it was designed exclusively for use on fifth generation video game consoles, but later on was reworked to be able to be used on all seventh generation consoles by 2008. The title comes from a quote from character Maverick in the film Top Gun. All members of the series consist of racing cars on various tracks, with some titles including police pursuits in races. Since Need for Speed: High Stakes, the series has integrated car body customization into gameplay.

Need for Speed is the most successful racing video game series in the world, and one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. Over 150 million copies of games in the series have been sold to date. In June 2012, following Black Box’s restructuring, British developer Criterion Games announced that it was in full control of the Need for Speed franchise. However, in August 2013, Swedish and British developers Ghost Games, Ghost Games UK and Criterion Games joined forces for the foreseeable future of the Need for Speed series. At the time, Ghost Games UK staff consisted of 80% of former Criterion Games employees.

So here is the list of top 10 best NFS games of all time.

I’m pretty sure a majority of the group will say the Underground games, or Most Wanted(2005), but I say otherwise. I would like to see your opinions though.

1. Need for Speed Rivals(2013, Ghost Games)

Need for Speed: Rivals was developed by Ghost Games (formerly EA Gothenburg) in association with Criterion Games, and was released on November 15, 2013 for thePlayStation 4,on November 19, 2013 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 and on November 22, 2013 for the Xbox One. It runs on DICE‘s Frostbite 3Engine. It has the same basic concept as Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, but with new features like the AllDrive system, and several pursuit techs.

                      

2. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit (2010, Criterion Games)

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit was developed by British games developer Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts on November 16, 2010. It focuses on racing and police chases rather than car customization.The game won many awards at the E3 2010, including “Best Racing Game”, becoming the first game in the NFS series since the original Hot Pursuit to win an E3 award. There were over 60 cars, most available to both racers and cops, but a few were exclusive to either side. Unlike previous NFS titles, there was no customization, and the game takes place in a fictional rural area called Seacrest County, which the “free roam” feature lets you explore. Hot Pursuit allows play as either police or racer.The game also features many weapons, with some exclusive to the cops or racers. The biggest feature introduced in was the Need for Speed Autolog, which tracked player progressions and recommended events to play. In addition to its statistical system, Autolog also features Facebook-like speedwalls where players can post their comments and photos while in the game. Hot Pursuit has received some of the best reviews of the series.The Limited Edition gives players exclusive access to the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione and Ford Shelby GT500. Various downloadable content was released for the game.

                         

3. Shift 2 Unleashed (2011, Slightly Mad Studios)

The sequel to Need for Speed: Shift, Shift 2: Unleashed was developed by Slightly Mad Studios, and released on March 29, 2011. Shift 2 includes the Autolog feature introduced in Hot Pursuit. It also includes features such as night racing, an in-helmet camera, and a more in-depth career mode. Shift 2 features more than 140 vehicles available for racing and tuning, a smaller number compared with other racing games such as Forza Motorsport 3 and Gran Turismo 5. There are also 40 real-world locations including Bathurst, Spa-Francorchamps and Suzuka as well as fictional circuits. The Limited Edition features 3 unlocked cars, and an additional 37 career race events. Two downloadable contents were released for Shift 2.

               

4. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit II (2002, Black Box)

Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit 2 was the debut NFS title from EA Black Box, and the first NFS for the sixth generation consoles. Different versions of the game were produced for each game platform; the Xbox, GameCube and PC versions were developed in EA Seattle, while the PS2 version was developed by Black Box Games in Vancouver.

Hot Pursuit 2 draws primarily from the gameplay and style of NFS III; its emphasis on evading the police and over-the-top tracks. Although the game allowed players to play as the police, the pursuit mode was less realistic than preceding versions of NFS; players merely needed to “tap” a speeder to arrest them, as opposed to using simulated police tactics to immobilize a speeding vehicle.

This was the first version since the start of the series not to feature an “in the driving seat” camera view, transitioning EA from realistic racing to arcade street racing. It was the last game in the series for the PC version to feature the split-screen two player mode introduced in Need for Speed II. For the multiplayer mode of the PC version, GameSpy’s internet matchmaking system was used in place of Local Area Network (LAN) play. Hot Pursuit 2 was also the first NFS game to use songs sung by licensed artists under the EA Trax label.

            

5. Need for Speed High Stakes (1999, EA Canada)

High Stakes (North American and Australian title), also known as Road Challenge (European and Brazilian title), Conduite en état de liberté (French title) and Brennender Asphalt(German title), was released in the summer of 1999.

High Stakes introduced several new types of gameplay: High Stakes, Getaway, Time Trap, and Career. High Stakes was a racing mode; Getaway required the player to outrun numerous pursuing police vehicles; Time Trap was a time lap trial; and Career was a tournament mode which incorporated a monetary reward system. Another innovation was the introduction of damage models, where after a race the player is given the option to purchase repairs. The mode also allows players, for the first time, to upgrade cars.

The PlayStation version of the game, released some months before the PC version, featured improved gameplay. The AI in the game was more advanced: the five AIs known as Nemesis, Bullit, Frost, Ranger, and Chump featured different driving characteristics. In the PlayStation version, the McLaren F1 GTR was based on the 1997 Long Tail, while the PC version was based on the original 95/96 version.

                 

6. Need for Speed Most Wanted (2005, Black Box)

Need for Speed: Most Wanted was developed by EA Canada, released on November 16, 2005, and was one of the first games released for the Xbox 360. It was released on theNintendo GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation 2, Xbox, Game Boy Advance, Microsoft Windows and Nintendo DS. The PlayStation Portable port of Most Wanted is called Need for Speed: Most Wanted 5-1-0.

Police chases represent a significant body of the gameplay, and include the free-roaming aspect of Underground 2, but with less extensive vehicle customization features. The story mode is a different style from Underground, with CGI effects mixed with live action. The game featured the Blacklist, a crew consisting of 15 racers that the player must beat one-by-one to unlock parts, cars, tracks, and to complete career mode. The player had to meet certain requirements before they could take on the next Blacklist rival, such as races completed, bounty earned, etc.

A special Black Edition of Most Wanted was also released, featuring additional races, challenges, and a few bonus cars; it also included a behind-the-scenes DVD. Both versions were available for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Nintendo DS, and Windows-based PCs, while only the standard edition was available for GameCube and Xbox 360. Black Edition was made for the tenth anniversary of the Need for Speed series.

Most Wanted had extremely positive reviews and received universal acclaim from reviewers in many gaming websites and magazines, praising the graphics, sound effects and general gameplay. With 16 million copies sold worldwide, it’s the best-selling game in the franchise. A reboot of the game, also named Need for Speed: Most Wanted, was announced in 2012 with British developer Criterion Games responsible for the development.

                         

7. Need for Speed Porsche Unleashed (2000, EA Canada)

Porsche Unleashed (North America and Latin America title), Porsche 2000 (European title) or simply Porsche (in Germany) is different from the previous versions, because it featured only Porsches.

The vehicle handling in the PC version was said to be the most realistic in any NFS game, but like the PS1 version had very simplified arcade handling that fell woefully short of the Hallmark handling offered in the first game. The player had to win races to unlock cars in chronological order from 1950 to 2000. Porsche Unleashed also featured a Factory Driver mode, where the player had to test Porsches to move forward in the game, and did not feature a split screen mode.

                       

8. Need for Speed Underground 2 (2004, Black Box)

Need for Speed: Underground 2, was released on November 15, 2004. A demo of the game was placed as a bonus in finished copies of NFSU2, as well as the EA/Criterioncollaboration Burnout 3: Takedown.

In Underground 2, the story mode continued, but there were new racing modes such as Underground Racing League and Street X, more tuning options, and a new method of selecting races. Also included was an “outrun” mode where a player can challenge random opponents on the road (similar to Tokyo Xtreme Racer). Underground 2 also introduced several SUVs, used to race against other SUVs.

The customization features were significantly expanded on modifications which did not affect vehicle performance. Players were required to customize their car to a certain numerical value in order to be offered DVD and magazine covers, the only way to advance to higher game levels. The game featured more extensive product placement for companies with no connection to auto racing. This game also had extensive customization options in the form of suspension upgrades, nitrous systems and engine mods.

Need for Speed: Underground Rivals was the first Need for Speed game released on the PlayStation Portable. Different from Need for Speed: Underground 2 as it had no free roam and the cars were very limited, it was released on February 24, 2005 in Japan, March 14, 2005 in North America, and September 1, 2005 in Europe. The title went Platinum in Europe on June 30, 2006.

                        

9. Need for Speed Most Wanted (2012, Criterion Games)

Need for Speed: Most Wanted was developed by British games developer Criterion Games, and released on October 30, 2012. The game picked up on the Most Wanted IP, as opposed to the Hot Pursuit extension. This was the first game made subsequent to Criterion Games taking over the NFS series from Black Box.

It features open world racing, and most of the cars in the game are available from the start, hidden in different locations. It also features a blacklist of 10 instead of 15, and there is no story for the game. It is powered by Autolog 2.0. Performance upgrades are available for all the cars in the game, such as chassis, tires, nitrous, and bodywork. Milestones and achievements are unlocked through a variety of ways, e.g. completion of races and breaking through billboards.

                      

10. Need for Speed Carbon (2006, Black Box)

Need for Speed: Carbon was developed by EA Black Box and released on October 31, 2006. It was the first NFS game for the PlayStation 3 and the Wii and the last NFS game for the Nintendo GameCube, the Game Boy Advance, and the Xbox. Carbon’s handheld port is known as Need for Speed Carbon: Own the City. The Wii port lacked online, but made full use of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

NFS: Carbon continued the story from Most Wanted, however, the game has far less emphasis on the police. Carbon saw the return of nighttime-only racing, with a selection of cars similar to that of Most Wanted. Carbon introduced a new feature wherein the player is allowed to form a “crew” that aids the player in races. Drift events returned to the series in Carbon.

Drag racing was removed from the series, but a new type of race called “Canyon Duel” was added, where the closer the player is to the leader, the more points they accrue. If the player overtakes the leader and remains in front for 10 seconds, they win automatically. Another new feature is “Autosculpt”, which allows players to custom-fabricate their own auto parts.

The Collector’s Edition Featuring three new cars, ten specially tuned cars, six new races, and a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage on the making of the game.