Ok, now that we know the demo is out here is my observation:
1. The inclusion of Launch as part of the car's stats is a plus in my book:
-Speed
-Handling
-Acceleration
-Launch
-Braking
2. The wireless controller worked brilliantly and I didn't drive around corners in a octagon shape (unlike Shift).It was very smooth and I didn't have to tweak a thing.
3. Although I like racing on real tracks, the background of the demo is stunning and breath taking. It's a scenic view along a mountain with a dam off in the distance.
4. The road was pretty narrow but their car physics didn't have me all over the place. I was able to pickup and play after about 3 restarts (1st time me playing this type of game).
5. They have also an option where you can limit or simulate damage, fuel and tire wire.
I like the demo and can see why so many others do as well. Compared to Shift this demo is IMO far better.
-no bugs so far
-no input lag
-better handling using the thumbstick. Unlike Shift were you are at times fighting the car.
-graphic wise its on par and this is a xbox 360 game. Sure it could have used more AA and AF but none the less it's satisfying.
The use of the autobrake is pretty nifty. But I can say the same about Shift. However, in Forza 3 I never noticed when it was used. I can't really say if that's a good or bad thing. Also there is no degree of stability control and traction control. It's either on or off. However most of all I really like the rewind feature. Yes, it's something we all enjoyed in Grid but with Forza 3 there are not limits in the demo as to how many times you can use it. What makes it different from Grid is that it's not just a few seconds of rewind. You can rewind more then once if you are not satisfied of where the vehicle is on the road.
1, i think the "bugs" of Shift are from poorly programmed PCs. I never once had any problems with either the demo, or the retail PC game.
2, Again, no input lag and i use a 360 controller.
3, Not fighting the car? Thats pretty UNrealistic to me for a Sim. If your driving a car you fight it if your sliding around a corner. I admit it would through you into the wall sometimes, but come on the odds of actualy doing this in real life are slim to none.
4, how exactly can a 360 be on par? I use AA and AF in any game that has it available. It enhances the image quality alot where as just going 1080p on a 360 wont do that.
Forza's handling is better then Shift. You do feel that all four wheels are planted on the road. This is specially noticed when taking corners at high speeds. When you slow down the car's traction actually helps steer the car while you correct your speed around the bin. Although you may understeer because you took a corner to fast it doesn't feel like an ice rank inwhich you can never correct it. In shift if you take a corner too fast you simply out of luck. In Forza 3 you actually have a very small window to adjust your speed and take turn wide while the front tires's traction bite into the asphalt getting you around the corner (even though you took it wide).
As for the cars there are:
-911 GT3-RSR
-R8 5.2 FSI quattro
-Ferrari California
-Evolution X GSR
-John Coooper Works
Edit:
I almost forgot, there is no unnecessary blurring of odd Field of Depth perception while driving. It's as it should be. And, (drum roll please...) there is no drifting around mild corners!!!!! Again, it's like all 4 wheel are planted on the asphalt.
To me, just sounds like a poor driver. People who argue handling in Grid is better than Shift....well thats because Grid is an arcade. If you cant handle what a real car would actualy do then you shouldnt play a Sim. I can take a corner to fast and still get it under control or just power slide. Sorta like if its raining and you take a corner to fast in RL. Will it feel like all 4 wheels are planted on the ground? No your gonna slide all over the place like your on an ice rink unless you drive an Autocross car or similar.