Car control has improved 100% from the first one.
To get the map press m, then left click on a dot or star to get the GPS activated, might have to double left click but it will come up with a question asking if you want to enable GPS. The GPS will always give you the shortest route even though you think you see something quicker to get from where you are to where you have to go (stupid bridges and tunnels). The X-races have been the most annoying for me as I suck pretty badly at them, every other race nothing comes close as I drift through hairpin bends with ease simply using the throttle control and steering.
To get your sms messages press tab.
It is a bit annoying how you have to hunt down some shops (they don't show up on the map until you find them). I've setup my machines to drift on every single race mode and it is very easy to control. Also the impromptu chases are good too, run up to some guy on a long straight wait for him to hit the brakes press enter and then hit the NOS and just leave him behind, easy money.
Start with the 240Z, not much can beat you with that for the first 15 races and as you get money it's easy to upgrade. I went up to a Supra from there for more power and am now on the RX7 which gives nicer control (can change steering ratio on it). Surprised to see Audis in there, wonder if there are any Porsches.
A good tip, hit the NOS for a split second while the count down happens, you get extra points and you end up with a more than full tank of NOS
I like the filling up of the NOS while you race, power slide everywhere and you will never run out of it.