Not a photoshop :D

[jmb]

Actually, this is a 3DS Max effort at an Audi Type C racer.
Unfortunately my car modelling skills need a re-think - the mesh for this got so complex my machine started running out of memory on it so I can't do any more to it, so although it's technically unfinished I'm gonna leave it like this now.

[Zorg]

^ Not bad at all! 3 things that would improve the image without taxing you kit any further a) better texture on the ground b) just a little bit of DOF to soften the horizon and c) area shadows (not sure what they're called in Max as I use Cinema 4D) and lower the density slightly. OK, that last one might tax your kit a little, but only in terms of render times.

Do you know these sites:

http://www.cg-cars.com
http://www.sektor-41.com
http://www.smcars.net/

Also check out this animation. Everything you see in this ad is 3D

http://www.swaystudio.com/Sway_Mine_HR__.htm

[jmb]

Those sites look good- will have a nice browse later. I'm using a "sunlight" system in that image, first time I've tried it so not getting the best. Ground is, like you say, very simple... I might do a little tweaking

[IceBone]

1) simplify the mesh while modelling and then add iterations for rendering. saves on ram
2) use mental ray to render, it is the most photorealistic renderer for 3dsmax and comes with 6.0.
3) great looking model you have there.

[jmb]

Thanks Icebone - I think your first point is very helpful - my mesh was so dense I couldn't see what I was doing later on! I think I try to get it looking too real in the viewport.

Just joined the CG Cars forum, some of the stuff on there looks amazing, so I'm gonna read through some of the tutorials too.

[Zorg]

Originally Posted by IceBone

use mental ray to render, it is the most photorealistic renderer for 3dsmax

Mental is superb but I think Vray pips it to the post when it comes to photorealism. And Maxwell beats 'em both, but takes forever and a day to render anything.