R: Racing Evolution, known as R: Racing in Europe, is a 2003 racing video game developed and published by Namco for the Nintendo Game Cube, PlayStation 2 and Xbox home systems. Considered as a spin-off of the Ridge Racer series, this is the first game to take a serious driving simulator approach, marking a departure from the stylish arcade-driving action, featuring real life licensed cars of automakers like Honda, Acura, Lotus, Dodge and some more. In addition, R: Racing Evolution includes a story-based mode starring Rena Hayami.