diff --git a/src/Makefile.am b/src/Makefile.am
index f560bdb7f..7d107db7b 100644
--- a/src/Makefile.am
+++ b/src/Makefile.am
@@ -57,6 +57,8 @@ supertuxkart_SOURCES = \
  audio/sound_manager.hpp \
  utils/constants.hpp \
  utils/coord.hpp \
+ utils/mesh_tools.hpp \
+ utils/mesh_tools.cpp \
  utils/random_generator.hpp \
  utils/random_generator.cpp \
  utils/ssg_help.cpp \
diff --git a/src/challenges/challenge_data.cpp b/src/challenges/challenge_data.cpp
index b25d824d3..20eeaa2ca 100755
--- a/src/challenges/challenge_data.cpp
+++ b/src/challenges/challenge_data.cpp
@@ -134,7 +134,10 @@ void ChallengeData::error(const char *id) const
     std::ostringstream msg;
     msg << "Undefined or incorrect value for '" << id 
         << "' in challenge file '" << m_filename << "'.";
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    // FIXME: disable this till all tracks are converted
     throw std::runtime_error(msg.str());
+#endif
 }   // error
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 /** Checks if this challenge is valid, i.e. contains a valid track or a valid
diff --git a/src/file_manager.cpp b/src/file_manager.cpp
index 1958911b6..30348410d 100644
--- a/src/file_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/file_manager.cpp
@@ -135,6 +135,9 @@ FileManager::FileManager()
     pushTextureSearchPath(m_root_dir+"/data/textures");
     pushModelSearchPath  (m_root_dir+"/data/models"  );
     pushMusicSearchPath  (m_root_dir+"/data/music"   );
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_file_system->addFolderFileArchive("data/models");
+#endif
     // Add more paths from the STK_MUSIC_PATH environment variable
     if(getenv("SUPERTUXKART_MUSIC_PATH")!=NULL)
     {
@@ -176,16 +179,24 @@ FileManager::FileManager()
     }
 }  // FileManager
 
+//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Remove the dummy file system (which is called from IrrDriver before 
+ *  creating the actual device.
+ */
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+void FileManager::dropFileSystem()
+{
+    m_device->drop();
+}   // dropFileSystem
+#endif
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 #ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
 /** This function is used to re-initialise the file-manager after reading in
  *  the user configuration data.
 */
-void FileManager::reInit()
+void FileManager::setDevice(IrrlichtDevice *device)
 {
-    // Drop the NULL device
-    m_device->drop();
-    m_device = irr_driver->getDevice();
+    m_device = device;
     m_device->grab();  // To make sure that the device still exists while
                        // file_manager has a pointer to the file system.
     m_file_system  = m_device->getFileSystem();
@@ -205,6 +216,26 @@ FileManager::~FileManager()
 }   // ~FileManager
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+void FileManager::pushModelSearchPath(const std::string& path)
+{
+    m_model_search_path.push_back(path);  
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_file_system->addFolderFileArchive(path.c_str());
+#endif
+}   // pushModelSearchPath
+
+//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+void FileManager::pushTextureSearchPath(const std::string& path)
+{
+    m_texture_search_path.push_back(path);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_file_system->addFolderFileArchive(path.c_str());
+#endif
+}   // pushTextureSearchPath
+
+//-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
 bool FileManager::findFile(std::string& full_path,
                       const std::string& fname, 
                       const std::vector<std::string>& search_path) const
@@ -212,7 +243,8 @@ bool FileManager::findFile(std::string& full_path,
 #ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     struct stat mystat;
 #endif
-    
+
+    // FIXME: this should become a reverse iterator.
     for(std::vector<std::string>::const_iterator i = search_path.begin();
         i != search_path.end(); ++i)
     {
diff --git a/src/file_manager.hpp b/src/file_manager.hpp
index 89f4b2549..c029e48ba 100644
--- a/src/file_manager.hpp
+++ b/src/file_manager.hpp
@@ -56,7 +56,8 @@ public:
                 FileManager();
                ~FileManager();
 #ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
-    void        reInit();
+    void        setDevice(IrrlichtDevice *device);
+    void        dropFileSystem();
 #endif
 
     std::string getHomeDir       () const;
@@ -83,10 +84,8 @@ public:
                                   bool is_full_path=false, 
                                   bool make_full_path=false) const;
 
-    void       pushTextureSearchPath(const std::string& path) 
-                                    { m_texture_search_path.push_back(path);}
-    void       pushModelSearchPath  (const std::string& path)
-                                    { m_model_search_path.push_back(path);  }
+    void       pushTextureSearchPath(const std::string& path);
+    void       pushModelSearchPath  (const std::string& path);
     void       pushMusicSearchPath  (const std::string& path)
                                     { m_music_search_path.push_back(path);  }
     void       popTextureSearchPath () {m_texture_search_path.pop_back();   }
diff --git a/src/graphics/camera.cpp b/src/graphics/camera.cpp
index 2c7043024..8a2617870 100644
--- a/src/graphics/camera.cpp
+++ b/src/graphics/camera.cpp
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 #include <plib/ssg.h>
 #include "user_config.hpp"
 #include "audio/sound_manager.hpp"
+#include "graphics/irr_driver.hpp"
 #include "karts/player_kart.hpp"
 #include "modes/world.hpp"
 #include "race_manager.hpp"
@@ -35,7 +36,11 @@ Camera::Camera(int camera_index, const Kart* kart)
 {
     m_mode     = CM_NORMAL;
     m_index    = camera_index;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_camera   = irr_driver->addCamera();
+#else
     m_context  = new ssgContext ;
+#endif
     m_distance = kart->getKartProperties()->getCameraDistance();
     m_kart     = kart;
     m_xyz      = kart->getXYZ();
@@ -43,11 +48,13 @@ Camera::Camera(int camera_index, const Kart* kart)
 
     // FIXME: clipping should be configurable for slower machines
     const Track* track  = RaceManager::getTrack();
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     if (track->useFog())
         m_context -> setNearFar ( 0.05f, track->getFogEnd() ) ;
     else
         m_context -> setNearFar ( 0.05f, 1000.0f ) ;
-
+#endif
     setScreenPosition(camera_index);
 }   // Camera
 
@@ -55,7 +62,10 @@ Camera::Camera(int camera_index, const Kart* kart)
 Camera::~Camera()
 {
     reset();
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     if(m_context) delete m_context;
+#endif
 }
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -66,12 +76,18 @@ void Camera::setScreenPosition(int camera_index)
 
     if (num_players == 1)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_context -> setFOV ( 75.0f, 0.0f ) ;
+#endif
         m_x = 0.0f; m_y = 0.0f; m_w = 1.0f; m_h = 1.0f ;
     }
     else if (num_players == 2)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_context -> setFOV ( 85.0f, 85.0f*3.0f/8.0f ) ;
+#endif
         switch ( camera_index )
         {
         case 0 : m_x = 0.0f; m_y = 0.5f; m_w = 1.0f; m_h = 0.5f; break;
@@ -80,18 +96,28 @@ void Camera::setScreenPosition(int camera_index)
     }
     else if (num_players == 3)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_context -> setFOV ( 50.0f, 0.0f );
+#endif
         switch ( camera_index )
         {
         case 0 : m_x = 0.0f; m_y = 0.5f; m_w = 0.5f; m_h = 0.5f; break;
         case 1 : m_x = 0.5f; m_y = 0.5f; m_w = 0.5f; m_h = 0.5f; break;
         case 2 : m_x = 0.0f; m_y = 0.0f; m_w = 1.0f; m_h = 0.5f;
-                 m_context -> setFOV ( 85.0f, 85.0f*3.0f/8.0f ); break;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
+                 m_context -> setFOV ( 85.0f, 85.0f*3.0f/8.0f ); 
+#endif
+                                                                 break;
         }
     }
     else if (num_players == 4)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_context -> setFOV ( 50.0f, 0.0f );
+#endif
         switch ( camera_index )
         {
         case 0 : m_x = 0.0f; m_y = 0.5f; m_w = 0.5f; m_h = 0.5f; break;
@@ -234,7 +260,12 @@ void Camera::update (float dt)
     Coord c(result);
     m_xyz = c.getXYZ();
     m_hpr = c.getHPR();
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_camera->setPosition(m_xyz.toIrrVector());
+    //m_camera->setTarget(kart_xyz.toIrrVector());
+#else
     m_context -> setCamera(&c.toSgCoord());
+#endif
     if(race_manager->getNumLocalPlayers() < 2)
         sound_manager->positionListener(m_xyz, kart_xyz - m_xyz);
 }   // update
@@ -249,7 +280,10 @@ void Camera::finalCamera(float dt)
         m_xyz += m_velocity*dt;
         m_hpr += m_angular_velocity*dt;
         Coord coord(m_xyz, m_hpr);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_context->setCamera(&coord.toSgCoord());
+#endif
     }
 #undef TEST_END_CAMERA_POSITION
 #ifdef TEST_END_CAMERA_POSITION
@@ -281,7 +315,9 @@ void Camera::apply ()
                  (int)((float)height * m_y),
                  (int)((float)width  * m_w),
                  (int)((float)height * m_h) ) ;
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_context -> makeCurrent () ;
+#endif
 }   // apply
 
diff --git a/src/graphics/camera.hpp b/src/graphics/camera.hpp
index 842052b26..ac5dc3097 100644
--- a/src/graphics/camera.hpp
+++ b/src/graphics/camera.hpp
@@ -23,8 +23,12 @@
 #define HEADER_CAMERA_HPP
 
 #include "utils/vec3.hpp"
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#include "irrlicht.h"
+using namespace irr;
+#else
 class ssgContext;
+#endif
 class Kart;
 
 class Camera
@@ -39,7 +43,12 @@ public:
         CM_SIMPLE_REPLAY
     };
 protected:
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    scene::ICameraSceneNode 
+               *m_camera;
+#else
     ssgContext *m_context;
+#endif
     Vec3        m_xyz;                  // current position of camera
     Vec3        m_hpr;                  // heading, pitch, roll of camera
     const Kart *m_kart;                 // the kart the camera is attached to
@@ -54,7 +63,8 @@ protected:
     float       m_final_time;           // time when final camera mode started
 
 private:
-    void finalCamera       (float dt);   // handle the final camera
+    void  finalCamera     (float dt);   // handle the final camera
+    
 public:
          Camera            (int camera_index, const Kart* kart);
         ~Camera            ();
diff --git a/src/graphics/irr_driver.cpp b/src/graphics/irr_driver.cpp
index 86c101b1c..7da5a3853 100755
--- a/src/graphics/irr_driver.cpp
+++ b/src/graphics/irr_driver.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-//  $Id: sdldrv.hpp 694 2006-08-29 07:42:36Z hiker $
+//  $Id: irr_driver.cpp 694 2006-08-29 07:42:36Z hiker $
 //
 //  SuperTuxKart - a fun racing game with go-kart
 //  Copyright (C) 2009 Joerg Henrichs
@@ -22,11 +22,13 @@
 using namespace core;
 
 #include "user_config.hpp"
+#include "file_manager.hpp"
 
 IrrDriver *irr_driver = NULL;
 
 IrrDriver::IrrDriver()
 {
+    file_manager->dropFileSystem();
     // Try different drivers: start with opengl, then DirectX
     for(int driver_type=0; driver_type<3; driver_type++)
     {
@@ -56,7 +58,10 @@ IrrDriver::IrrDriver()
         fprintf(stderr, "Couldn't initialise irrlicht device. Quitting.\n");
         exit(-1);
     }
-
+    // Stores the new file system pointer.
+    file_manager->setDevice(m_device);
+    m_device->setWindowCaption(L"SuperTuxKart");
+    m_scene_manager = m_device->getSceneManager();
 }   // IrrDriver
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -65,6 +70,64 @@ IrrDriver::~IrrDriver()
     m_device->drop();
 }   // ~IrrDriver
 
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Loads an animated mesh and returns a pointer to it.
+ *  \param filename File to load.
+ */
+scene::IAnimatedMesh *IrrDriver::getAnimatedMesh(const std::string &filename)
+{
+    return m_scene_manager->getMesh(filename.c_str());
+}   // getAnimatedMesh
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Adds a mesh that will be optimised using an oct tree.
+ *  \param mesh Mesh to add.
+ */
+scene::ISceneNode *IrrDriver::addOctTree(scene::IMesh *mesh)
+{
+    return m_scene_manager->addOctTreeSceneNode(mesh);
+}   // addOctTree
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Adds a static mesh to scene. This should be used for smaller objects,
+ *  since the node is not optimised.
+ *  \param mesh The mesh to add.
+ */
+scene::ISceneNode *IrrDriver::addMesh(scene::IMesh *mesh)
+{
+    return m_scene_manager->addMeshSceneNode(mesh);
+}   // addMesh
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Adds an animated mesh to the scene.
+ *  \param mesh The animated mesh to add.
+ */
+scene::ISceneNode *IrrDriver::addAnimatedMesh(scene::IAnimatedMesh *mesh)
+{
+    return m_scene_manager->addAnimatedMeshSceneNode(mesh);
+}   // addAnimatedMesh
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Adds a camera to the scene.
+ */
+scene::ICameraSceneNode *IrrDriver::addCamera()
+ {
+     return m_scene_manager->addCameraSceneNode();
+ }   // addCamera
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Update, called once per frame.
+ *  \param dt Time since last update
+ */
+void IrrDriver::update(float dt)
+{
+
+    m_device->getVideoDriver()->beginScene(true, true, video::SColor(255,100,101,140));
+    m_scene_manager->drawAll();
+    m_device->getVideoDriver()->endScene();
+}   // update
+
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Irrlicht Event handler.
 bool IrrDriver::OnEvent(const irr::SEvent &event)
diff --git a/src/graphics/irr_driver.hpp b/src/graphics/irr_driver.hpp
index 210ca6156..abbcfc425 100755
--- a/src/graphics/irr_driver.hpp
+++ b/src/graphics/irr_driver.hpp
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-//  $Id: sdldrv.hpp 694 2006-08-29 07:42:36Z hiker $
+//  $Id: irr_driver.hpp 694 2006-08-29 07:42:36Z hiker $
 //
 //  SuperTuxKart - a fun racing game with go-kart
 //  Copyright (C) 2009 Joerg Henrichs
@@ -22,6 +22,8 @@
 #ifndef HEADER_IRR_DRIVER_HPP
 #define HEADER_IRR_DRIVER_HPP
 
+#include <string>
+
 #include "irrlicht.h"
 using namespace irr;
 
@@ -30,12 +32,21 @@ class IrrDriver : public IEventReceiver
 private:
     /** The irrlicht device. */
     IrrlichtDevice             *m_device;
+    scene::ISceneManager       *m_scene_manager;
 
 public:
-                    IrrDriver();
-                   ~IrrDriver();
-    IrrlichtDevice *getDevice() const { return m_device; }
-    bool            OnEvent(const irr::SEvent &event);
+                          IrrDriver();
+                         ~IrrDriver();
+    IrrlichtDevice       *getDevice()       const { return m_device;        }
+    scene::ISceneManager *getSceneManager() const { return m_scene_manager; }
+    scene::IAnimatedMesh *getAnimatedMesh(const std::string &name);
+    bool                  OnEvent(const irr::SEvent &event);
+    scene::ISceneNode    *addOctTree(scene::IMesh *mesh);
+    scene::ISceneNode    *addMesh(scene::IMesh *mesh);
+    scene::ISceneNode    *addAnimatedMesh(scene::IAnimatedMesh *mesh);
+    scene::ICameraSceneNode 
+                         *addCamera();
+    void                  update(float dt);  
 };   // IrrDriver
 
 extern IrrDriver *irr_driver;
diff --git a/src/graphics/scene.cpp b/src/graphics/scene.cpp
index 8e0ad6eeb..422107b1a 100644
--- a/src/graphics/scene.cpp
+++ b/src/graphics/scene.cpp
@@ -142,7 +142,10 @@ void Scene::draw(float dt)
         {
             // Use this for faster profiling by disabling drawing the scene graph
             //if(!user_config->m_profile)ssgCullAndDraw ( m_scenegraph );
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
             ssgCullAndDraw ( m_scenegraph );
+#endif
         }
 #ifdef HAVE_GLUT
         else
diff --git a/src/gui/char_sel.cpp b/src/gui/char_sel.cpp
index 393486e7b..8e6fba7b5 100644
--- a/src/gui/char_sel.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/char_sel.cpp
@@ -331,8 +331,10 @@ void CharSel::switchCharacter(int n)
         m_kart = new ssgTransform;
         m_kart->ref();
         KartModel* kartentity = kp->getKartModel();
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_kart->addKid(kartentity->getRoot());
+#endif
     }
 }   // switchCharacter
 
diff --git a/src/gui/config_display.cpp b/src/gui/config_display.cpp
index 3d00d745d..ce144d46b 100644
--- a/src/gui/config_display.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/config_display.cpp
@@ -22,10 +22,10 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 
 #include "main_loop.hpp"
-#include "widget_manager.hpp"
+#include "sdldrv.hpp"
 #include "user_config.hpp"
 #include "menu_manager.hpp"
-#include "sdldrv.hpp"
+#include "gui/widget_manager.hpp"
 #include "utils/translation.hpp"
 #include "utils/string_utils.hpp"
 
diff --git a/src/gui/font.cpp b/src/gui/font.cpp
index 84302bbed..eaa7de9bd 100644
--- a/src/gui/font.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/font.cpp
@@ -45,17 +45,22 @@ int delete_fonts()
 // =============================================================================
 Font::Font(const char *fontname)
 {
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     m_fnt      = new fntTexFont(file_manager->getFontFile(fontname).c_str(),
                                 GL_LINEAR, GL_LINEAR_MIPMAP_LINEAR);
     m_text_out = new fntRenderer();
     m_text_out->setFont(m_fnt);
+#endif
 }   // Font
 
 // -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Font::~Font()
 {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     delete m_text_out;
     delete m_fnt;
+#endif
 }   // ~Font
 
 // -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -66,7 +71,8 @@ void Font::Print(const char *text, int size,
                  float scale_x, float scale_y,
                  int left, int right, int top, int bottom, bool doShadow)
 {
-    
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     // Only scale for lower resolution
     float fontScaling = user_config->m_width<800 ? ((float)user_config->m_width/800.0f) 
                                                  : 1.0f;
@@ -92,7 +98,6 @@ void Font::Print(const char *text, int size,
         int height = top-bottom+1;
         y = (height - H)/2 + bottom;
     }
-
     m_text_out->begin();
     m_text_out->setPointSize((float)sz);
     if(doShadow)
@@ -113,7 +118,7 @@ void Font::Print(const char *text, int size,
     }
     m_text_out->puts(text);
     m_text_out->end();
-
+#endif
 }   // Print
 // -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
@@ -147,7 +152,7 @@ void Font::PrintBold(const std::string &text, int size, int x, int y,
         y = (height - H)/2 + bottom;
     }
 
-
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     m_text_out->begin();
     m_text_out->setPointSize((float)sz);
 
@@ -184,13 +189,14 @@ void Font::PrintBold(const std::string &text, int size, int x, int y,
         m_text_out->puts(text.c_str());
     }
     m_text_out->end();
-
+#endif
 }   // PrintBold
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 void Font::getBBox(const std::string &text, int size, bool italic,
                   float *left, float *right, float *bot, float *top)
 {
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     m_fnt->getBBox(text.c_str(), (float)size, italic, left, right, bot, top);
     if(user_config->m_width<800) {
         float fract=(float)user_config->m_width/800.0f;
@@ -199,7 +205,7 @@ void Font::getBBox(const std::string &text, int size, bool italic,
         if(bot) *bot   *= fract;
         if(top) *top   *= fract;
     }
-
+#endif
 }
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
@@ -209,6 +215,7 @@ void Font::getBBoxMultiLine(const std::string &text, int size, bool italic,
     // Plib does not handle multi-lines strings as expected. So as a work
     // around we split strings into lines, and compute the size for each
     // line, and take the maximum size at the end.
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     std::vector<std::string> s=StringUtils::split(text,'\n');
     m_fnt->getBBox(s[0].c_str(), (float)size, italic, left, right, bot, top);
     for(unsigned int i=1; i<s.size(); i++)
@@ -227,5 +234,5 @@ void Font::getBBoxMultiLine(const std::string &text, int size, bool italic,
         if(bot) *bot   *= fract;
         if(top) *top   *= fract;
     }
-
+#endif
 }
diff --git a/src/gui/grand_prix_ending.cpp b/src/gui/grand_prix_ending.cpp
index 94b0cf7df..e60c2d26e 100644
--- a/src/gui/grand_prix_ending.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/grand_prix_ending.cpp
@@ -140,7 +140,10 @@ GrandPrixEnd::GrandPrixEnd()
     m_kart = new ssgTransform;
     m_kart->ref();
     KartModel* kartentity = WINNING_KART->getKartModel();
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_kart->addKid(kartentity->getRoot());
+#endif
 
     m_winner_sound->play();
 
diff --git a/src/gui/race_gui.cpp b/src/gui/race_gui.cpp
index 8f5a378ed..9d0f6268d 100644
--- a/src/gui/race_gui.cpp
+++ b/src/gui/race_gui.cpp
@@ -374,7 +374,10 @@ void RaceGUI::drawPlayerIcons (const KartIconDisplayInfo* info)
         }
         //The material of the icons should not have a non-zero alpha_ref value,
         //because if so the next call can make the text look aliased.
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         players_gst -> apply ();
+#endif
         last_players_gst = players_gst;
         glBegin ( GL_QUADS ) ;
         glColor4f    ( 1, 1, 1, 1 ) ;
@@ -612,6 +615,8 @@ void RaceGUI::drawSpeed(Kart* kart, int offset_x, int offset_y,
     offset_x += (int)((user_config->m_width-10)*ratio_x) - width;
     offset_y += (int)(10*ratio_y);
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     glMatrixMode(GL_MODELVIEW);
     m_speed_back_icon->getState()->force();
     // If the colour isn't set, the speedometer is blended with the last
@@ -661,7 +666,7 @@ void RaceGUI::drawSpeed(Kart* kart, int offset_x, int offset_y,
 
         glEnd () ;
     }   // speed<0
-
+#endif
 } // drawSpeed
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/ide/vc9/supertuxkart.vcproj b/src/ide/vc9/supertuxkart.vcproj
index ac86a3467..9cb4bfcdc 100644
--- a/src/ide/vc9/supertuxkart.vcproj
+++ b/src/ide/vc9/supertuxkart.vcproj
@@ -728,6 +728,10 @@
 					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\irr_driver.cpp"
 					>
 				</File>
+				<File
+					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\mesh_tools.cpp"
+					>
+				</File>
 				<File
 					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\moving_texture.cpp"
 					>
@@ -1430,6 +1434,10 @@
 					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\irr_driver.hpp"
 					>
 				</File>
+				<File
+					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\mesh_tools.hpp"
+					>
+				</File>
 				<File
 					RelativePath="..\..\graphics\moving_texture.hpp"
 					>
diff --git a/src/items/attachment.cpp b/src/items/attachment.cpp
index a9cf6947d..fd04e8d6e 100644
--- a/src/items/attachment.cpp
+++ b/src/items/attachment.cpp
@@ -35,8 +35,10 @@ Attachment::Attachment(Kart* _kart)
     m_type           = ATTACH_NOTHING;
     m_time_left      = 0.0;
     m_kart           = _kart;
-    m_holder         = new ssgSelector();
     m_previous_owner = NULL;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
+    m_holder         = new ssgSelector();
     m_kart->getModelTransform()->addKid(m_holder);
 
     for(int i=ATTACH_FIRST; i<ATTACH_MAX; i++)
@@ -45,6 +47,7 @@ Attachment::Attachment(Kart* _kart)
         m_holder->addKid(p);
     }
     m_holder->select(0);
+#endif
 }   // Attachment
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -80,7 +83,10 @@ void Attachment::clear()
 {
     m_type=ATTACH_NOTHING; 
     m_time_left=0.0;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_holder->select(0);
+#endif
 
     // Resets the weight of the kart if the previous attachment affected it 
     // (e.g. anvil). This must be done *after* setting m_type to
diff --git a/src/items/attachment_manager.cpp b/src/items/attachment_manager.cpp
index 261449a09..d807b1120 100644
--- a/src/items/attachment_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/items/attachment_manager.cpp
@@ -68,8 +68,11 @@ void AttachmentManager::loadModels()
     {
         // FIXME LEAK: these models are not removed (unimportant, since they
         // have to be in memory till the end of the game.
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_attachments[iat[i].attachment]=loader->load(iat[i].file, CB_ATTACHMENT);
         m_attachments[iat[i].attachment]->ref();
+#endif
     }   // for
 }   // reInit
 
diff --git a/src/items/flyable.cpp b/src/items/flyable.cpp
index d805c47d1..a2b947c5b 100644
--- a/src/items/flyable.cpp
+++ b/src/items/flyable.cpp
@@ -64,9 +64,12 @@ Flyable::Flyable(Kart *kart, PowerupType type, float mass) : Moveable()
 	m_max_lifespan = -1;
 	
     // Add the graphical model
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     ssgTransform *m     = getModelTransform();
     m->addKid(m_st_model[type]);
     stk_scene->add(m);
+#endif
 }   // Flyable
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 void Flyable::createPhysics(float y_offset, const btVector3 &velocity,
@@ -128,8 +131,10 @@ void Flyable::init(const lisp::Lisp* lisp, ssgEntity *model,
 
     // Store the size of the model
     Vec3 min, max;
-    
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     SSGHelp::MinMax(model, &min, &max);
+#endif
     m_st_extend[type] = btVector3(max-min);
     m_st_model[type]  = model;
 }   // init
@@ -257,9 +262,12 @@ void Flyable::hit(Kart *kart_hit, MovingPhysics* moving_physics)
     projectile_manager->notifyRemove();
 
     // Now remove this projectile from the graph:
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     ssgTransform *m = getModelTransform();
     m->removeAllKids();
     stk_scene->remove(m);
+#endif
 
     // The explosion is a bit higher in the air
     Vec3 pos_explosion=getXYZ();
diff --git a/src/items/item.cpp b/src/items/item.cpp
index ab248cf49..cd8e9cca4 100644
--- a/src/items/item.cpp
+++ b/src/items/item.cpp
@@ -37,11 +37,14 @@ Item::Item(ItemType type, const Vec3& xyz, const Vec3& normal,
     m_type             = type;
     m_collected        = false;
     m_time_till_return = 0.0f;  // not strictly necessary, see isCollected()
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_root             = new ssgTransform();
     m_root->ref();
     m_root->setTransform(const_cast<sgCoord*>(&m_coord.toSgCoord()));
     m_root->addKid(model);
     stk_scene->add(m_root);
+#endif
 }   // Item
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -94,9 +97,12 @@ void Item::update(float delta)
         
         if(!m_rotate) return;
         // have it rotate
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         Vec3 rotation(delta*M_PI, 0, 0);
         m_coord.setHPR(m_coord.getHPR()+rotation);
         m_root->setTransform(const_cast<sgCoord*>(&m_coord.toSgCoord()));
+#endif
     }
 }   // update
 
diff --git a/src/items/item_manager.cpp b/src/items/item_manager.cpp
index 881698944..7b49f7325 100644
--- a/src/items/item_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/items/item_manager.cpp
@@ -108,6 +108,8 @@ void ItemManager::removeTextures()
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ItemManager::~ItemManager()
 {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     for(CI_type i=m_all_models.begin(); i!=m_all_models.end(); ++i)
     {
         // We can't use ssgDeRefDelete here, since then the object would be
@@ -115,6 +117,7 @@ ItemManager::~ItemManager()
         // accesses.
         i->second->deRef();
     }
+#endif
     m_all_models.clear();
 }   // ~ItemManager
 
@@ -131,6 +134,8 @@ void ItemManager::loadDefaultItems()
     for(std::set<std::string>::iterator i  = files.begin();
             i != files.end();  ++i)
         {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
             if(!StringUtils::has_suffix(*i, ".ac")) continue;
             ssgEntity*  h         = loader->load(*i, CB_ITEM, 
                                                  /*optimise*/true, 
@@ -139,6 +144,7 @@ void ItemManager::loadDefaultItems()
             h->ref();
             h->setName(shortName.c_str());
             m_all_models[shortName] = h;
+#endif
         }   // for i
 
 
@@ -196,8 +202,11 @@ void ItemManager::setDefaultItemStyle()
                 }
             }  // if i->second
         }
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+        // For now disable this, irrlicht does not yet load any items.
         throw std::runtime_error(msg.str());
         exit(-1);
+#endif
     }   // if bError
 
 }   // setDefaultItemStyle
diff --git a/src/items/plunger.cpp b/src/items/plunger.cpp
index 19012eb08..bdf4a5a4a 100644
--- a/src/items/plunger.cpp
+++ b/src/items/plunger.cpp
@@ -122,9 +122,12 @@ void Plunger::update(float dt)
         {
             setHasHit();
             projectile_manager->notifyRemove();
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
             ssgTransform *m = getModelTransform();
             m->removeAllKids();
             stk_scene->remove(m);
+#endif
         }
         if(m_rubber_band != NULL) m_rubber_band->update(dt);
         return;
@@ -171,7 +174,10 @@ void Plunger::hit(Kart *kart, MovingPhysics *mp)
         // objects is simply removed from the scene graph, it might be auto-deleted
         // because the ref count reaches zero.
         Vec3 hell(0, 0, -10000);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         getModelTransform()->setTransform(hell.toFloat());
+#endif
         RaceManager::getWorld()->getPhysics()->removeBody(getBody());
     }
     else
@@ -182,7 +188,10 @@ void Plunger::hit(Kart *kart, MovingPhysics *mp)
         // objects is simply removed from the scene graph, it might be auto-deleted
         // because the ref count reaches zero.
         Vec3 hell(0, 0, -10000);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         getModelTransform()->setTransform(hell.toFloat());
+#endif
         RaceManager::getWorld()->getPhysics()->removeBody(getBody());
         
         if(kart)
diff --git a/src/items/powerup_manager.cpp b/src/items/powerup_manager.cpp
index dc6fe9ee8..f8cac4d7f 100644
--- a/src/items/powerup_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/items/powerup_manager.cpp
@@ -123,12 +123,15 @@ void PowerupManager::LoadNode(const lisp::Lisp* lisp, int collectType )
 
     if(sModel!="")
     {
-        // FIXME LEAK: not freed (uniportant, since the models have to exist
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
+        // FIXME LEAK: not freed (unimportant, since the models have to exist
         // for the whole game anyway).
         ssgEntity* e = loader->load(sModel, CB_COLLECTABLE);
         m_all_models[collectType] = e;
         e->ref();
         e->clrTraversalMaskBits(SSGTRAV_ISECT|SSGTRAV_HOT);
+#endif
     }
     else
     {
diff --git a/src/items/projectile_manager.cpp b/src/items/projectile_manager.cpp
index 56436d301..91de59bdd 100644
--- a/src/items/projectile_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/items/projectile_manager.cpp
@@ -35,7 +35,8 @@ ProjectileManager *projectile_manager=0;
 
 void ProjectileManager::loadData()
 {
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     // Load the explosion model and find the actual selector branch in it.
     // Only the explosion model is loaded here, see powerup_manager.
     m_explosion_model = find_selector((ssgBranch*)loader->load("explode.ac",
@@ -46,7 +47,7 @@ void ProjectileManager::loadData()
         fprintf ( stderr, "explode.ac doesn't have an 'explosion' object.\n" ) ;
         exit ( 1 ) ;
     }
-
+#endif
 }   // loadData
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -65,8 +66,11 @@ void ProjectileManager::cleanup()
     for(Projectiles::iterator i = m_active_projectiles.begin();
         i != m_active_projectiles.end(); ++i)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         ssgTransform *m = (*i)->getModelTransform();
         m->removeAllKids();
+#endif
         delete *i;
     }
     m_active_projectiles.clear();
diff --git a/src/karts/kart.cpp b/src/karts/kart.cpp
index 4adf9e14d..e6e49c281 100644
--- a/src/karts/kart.cpp
+++ b/src/karts/kart.cpp
@@ -270,7 +270,10 @@ void Kart::eliminate()
 
     // make the kart invisible by placing it way under the track
     sgVec3 hell; hell[0]=0.0f; hell[1]=0.0f; hell[2] = -10000.0f;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     getModelTransform()->setTransform(hell);
+#endif
 }   // eliminate
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -643,12 +646,18 @@ void Kart::update(float dt)
     if( (!isOnGround() || m_rescue) && m_shadow_enabled)
     {
         m_shadow_enabled = false;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_model_transform->removeKid(m_shadow);
+#endif
     }
     if(!m_shadow_enabled && isOnGround() && !m_rescue)
     {
         m_shadow_enabled = true;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         m_model_transform->addKid(m_shadow);
+#endif
     }
 }   // update
 
@@ -984,10 +993,15 @@ void Kart::loadData()
 {
     float r [ 2 ] = { -10.0f, 100.0f } ;
 
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_kart_properties->getKartModel()->attachModel(&m_root);
+#else
     ssgEntity *obj = m_kart_properties->getKartModel()->getRoot();
+#endif
     createPhysics();
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     SSGHelp::createDisplayLists(obj);  // create all display lists
     ssgRangeSelector *lod = new ssgRangeSelector ;
 
@@ -995,7 +1009,7 @@ void Kart::loadData()
     lod -> setRanges ( r, 2 ) ;
 
     getModelTransform() -> addKid ( lod ) ;
-
+#endif
     // Attach Particle System
     m_smoke_system = new Smoke(this);
     m_smoke_system->ref();
@@ -1004,11 +1018,13 @@ void Kart::loadData()
 
     if(m_kart_properties->hasSkidmarks())
         m_skidmarks = new SkidMarks(*this);
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_shadow = createShadow(m_kart_properties->getShadowFile(), -1, 1, -1, 1);
     m_shadow->ref();
     m_model_transform->addKid ( m_shadow );
     m_shadow_enabled = true;
+#endif
 }   // loadData
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/karts/kart_model.cpp b/src/karts/kart_model.cpp
index 55802a2d3..8e16424f0 100755
--- a/src/karts/kart_model.cpp
+++ b/src/karts/kart_model.cpp
@@ -19,9 +19,12 @@
 
 #include "karts/kart_model.hpp"
 
+#include "file_manager.hpp"
 #include "loader.hpp"
 #include "stk_config.hpp"
 #include "user_config.hpp"
+#include "graphics/irr_driver.hpp"
+#include "graphics/mesh_tools.hpp"
 #include "utils/constants.hpp"
 #include "utils/ssg_help.hpp"
 
@@ -43,12 +46,20 @@ KartModel::KartModel()
         m_max_suspension[i] = 1.3f;
         m_dampen_suspension_amplitude[i] = 2.5f;
     }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_wheel_filename[0] = "wheel-front-right.3ds";
+    m_wheel_filename[1] = "wheel-front-left.3ds";
+    m_wheel_filename[2] = "wheel-rear-right.3ds";
+    m_wheel_filename[3] = "wheel-rear-left.a3ds";
+    m_mesh              = NULL;
+#else
     m_wheel_filename[0] = "wheel-front-right.ac";
     m_wheel_filename[1] = "wheel-front-left.ac";
     m_wheel_filename[2] = "wheel-rear-right.ac";
     m_wheel_filename[3] = "wheel-rear-left.ac";
+    m_root              = NULL;
+#endif
 
-    m_root = NULL;
 }   // KartModel
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -72,15 +83,48 @@ KartModel::~KartModel()
     // This automatically frees the wheels and the kart model.
     // m_root can be zero in case of STKConfig, which has a kart_properties
     // attribute (for the default values) as well.
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     if(m_root) m_root->removeAllKids();
     ssgDeRefDelete(m_root);
+#endif
 }  // ~KartModel
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+/** Attach the kart model and wheels to the scene node.
+ *  \param node Node to attach the models to.
+ */
+void KartModel::attachModel(scene::ISceneNode **node)
+{
+    *node = irr_driver->addMesh(m_mesh);
+    for(unsigned int i=0; i<4; i++)
+    {
+     //   *node->addChild(m_wh
+    }
+}   // attachModel
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
 /** Loads the 3d model and all wheels.
  */
-void KartModel::loadModels()
+void KartModel::loadModels(const std::string &kart_ident)
 {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    std::string  full_path = file_manager->getKartFile(m_model_filename);
+    m_mesh                 = irr_driver->getAnimatedMesh(full_path)->getMesh(0);
+    Vec3 min, max;
+    MeshTools::minMax3D(m_mesh, &min, &max);
+    Vec3 size = max-min;
+    m_z_offset    = min.getZ();
+    m_kart_width  = size.getX();
+    m_kart_height = size.getY();
+    m_kart_length = size.getZ();
+    // FIXME: How do we handle this? it's a mesh only, so we can't
+    // simply move it in a transform (unless we turn it into a scene 
+    // node). m_z_offset should probably be made available to kart.
+    // Vec3 move_kart_to_0_z(0, 0, m_z_offset);
+    // m_root->setTransform(move_kart_to_0_z);
+#else
     ssgEntity *obj = loader->load(m_model_filename, CB_KART);
     if(!obj)
     {
@@ -100,6 +144,7 @@ void KartModel::loadModels()
     sgVec3 move_kart_to_0_z;
     sgSetVec3(move_kart_to_0_z, 0, 0, m_z_offset);
     m_root->setTransform(move_kart_to_0_z);
+#endif
 
     // Now set default some default parameters (if not defined) that 
     // depend on the size of the kart model (wheel position, center
@@ -122,6 +167,12 @@ void KartModel::loadModels()
     // depend on the size of the model.
     for(unsigned int i=0; i<4; i++)
     {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+        std::string full_wheel = file_manager->getKartFile(m_wheel_filename[i],
+                                                           kart_ident);
+        m_wheel_model[i] = irr_driver->getAnimatedMesh(full_wheel)->getMesh(0);
+        // FIXME: wheel handling still missing.
+#else
         m_wheel_model[i] = loader->load(m_wheel_filename[i], CB_KART);
         m_wheel_transform[i]= new ssgTransform();
 #ifdef DEBUG
@@ -142,6 +193,7 @@ void KartModel::loadModels()
                             hpr);        
             m_wheel_transform[i]->setTransform(wheel_loc);
         }   // if m_wheel_model[i]
+#endif
     }   // for i<4
     if(!m_wheel_model[0])
     {
@@ -220,6 +272,9 @@ void  KartModel::setDefaultPhysicsPosition(const Vec3 &center_shift,
 void KartModel::adjustWheels(float rotation, float steer,
                              const float suspension[4])
 {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    // FIXME: missing
+#else
     sgMat4 wheel_front;
     sgMat4 wheel_steer;
     sgMat4 wheel_rot;
@@ -261,7 +316,7 @@ void KartModel::adjustWheels(float rotation, float steer,
     sgCopyVec3(wheel_rot[3], m_wheel_graphics_position[3].toFloat());
     wheel_rot[3][2] += clamped_suspension[3];
     m_wheel_transform[3]->setTransform(wheel_rot);
-
+#endif
 }   // adjustWheels
 
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/karts/kart_model.hpp b/src/karts/kart_model.hpp
index 911fa0ee4..e7a2a12d4 100755
--- a/src/karts/kart_model.hpp
+++ b/src/karts/kart_model.hpp
@@ -23,7 +23,12 @@
 #include <string>
 
 #define _WINSOCKAPI_
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#include "irrlicht.h"
+using namespace irr;
+#else
 #include <plib/ssg.h>
+#endif
 
 #include "no_copy.hpp"
 #include "lisp/lisp.hpp"
@@ -37,8 +42,13 @@
 class KartModel
 {
 private:
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    /** The mesh of the model. */
+    scene::IMesh *m_mesh;
+#else
     /** The transform node/root of the kart model. */
     ssgTransform *m_root;
+#endif
 
     /** Value used to indicate undefined entries. */
     static float UNDEFINED;
@@ -46,8 +56,13 @@ private:
     /** Name of the 3d model file. */
     std::string   m_model_filename;
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    /** The four wheel models. */
+    scene::IMesh *m_wheel_model[4];
+#else
     /** The four wheel models. */
     ssgEntity    *m_wheel_model[4];
+#endif
 
     /** Filename of the wheel models. */
     std::string   m_wheel_filename[4];
@@ -73,10 +88,15 @@ private:
     /** value used to divide the visual movement of wheels (because the actual movement
         of wheels in bullet is too large and looks strange). 1=no change, 2=half the amplitude */
     float         m_dampen_suspension_amplitude[4];
-    
+
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    /** The transform for the wheels, used to rotate the wheels and display
+     *  the suspension in the race.      */
+#else
     /** The transform for the wheels, used to rotate the wheels and display
      *  the suspension in the race.      */
     ssgTransform *m_wheel_transform[4]; 
+#endif
 
     float m_kart_width;               /**< Width of kart.  */
     float m_kart_length;              /**< Length of kart. */
@@ -91,8 +111,12 @@ public:
          KartModel();
         ~KartModel();
     void loadInfo(const lisp::Lisp* lisp);
-    void loadModels();
-    ssgTransform *getRoot() { return m_root; }
+    void loadModels(const std::string &kart_ident);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    void attachModel(scene::ISceneNode **node);
+#else
+    ssgTransform *getRoot() const { return m_root; }
+#endif
 
     /** Returns the position of a wheel relative to the kart. 
      *  \param i Index of the wheel: 0=front right, 1 = front left, 2 = rear 
@@ -108,9 +132,6 @@ public:
     const Vec3& getWheelPhysicsPosition(int i) const 
                 {return m_wheel_physics_position[i];}
 
-    /** Returns the model of a wheel. */
-    ssgEntity  *getWheelModel(int i) const {return m_wheel_model[i];}
-
     /** Returns the radius of the graphical wheels.
      *  \param i Index of the wheel: 0=front right, 1 = front left, 2 = rear 
      *           right, 3 = rear left.  */
diff --git a/src/karts/kart_properties.cpp b/src/karts/kart_properties.cpp
index 2948b9782..e51b35f99 100644
--- a/src/karts/kart_properties.cpp
+++ b/src/karts/kart_properties.cpp
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ void KartProperties::load(const std::string &filename, const std::string &node,
         // Only load the model if the .kart file has the appropriate version,
         // otherwise warnings are printed.
         if(m_version>=1)
-            m_kart_model.loadModels();
+            m_kart_model.loadModels(m_ident);
         if(m_gravity_center_shift.getX()==UNDEFINED)
         {
             m_gravity_center_shift.setX(0);
diff --git a/src/karts/kart_properties_manager.cpp b/src/karts/kart_properties_manager.cpp
index 80f44c8c8..6190f9b9e 100644
--- a/src/karts/kart_properties_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/karts/kart_properties_manager.cpp
@@ -77,7 +77,11 @@ void KartPropertiesManager::loadKartData(bool dont_load_models)
         std::string kart_file;
         try
         {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+            kart_file = file_manager->getKartFile((*i)+".irrkart");
+#else
             kart_file = file_manager->getKartFile((*i)+".kart");
+#endif
         }
         catch (std::exception& e)
         {
diff --git a/src/karts/moveable.cpp b/src/karts/moveable.cpp
index c017db52c..f5e75f040 100644
--- a/src/karts/moveable.cpp
+++ b/src/karts/moveable.cpp
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 #include "material_manager.hpp"
 #include "material.hpp"
 #include "user_config.hpp"
+#include "graphics/irr_driver.hpp"
 #include "karts/player_kart.hpp"
 #include "utils/coord.hpp"
 
@@ -31,9 +32,12 @@ Moveable::Moveable()
     m_body            = 0;
     m_motion_state    = 0;
     m_first_time      = true ;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_mesh = 0;
+#else
     m_model_transform = new ssgTransform();
-
     m_model_transform->ref();
+#endif
 }   // Moveable
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -51,8 +55,11 @@ void Moveable::updateGraphics(const Vec3& off_xyz, const Vec3& off_hpr)
     Vec3 xyz=getXYZ()+off_xyz;
     Vec3 hpr=getHPR()+off_hpr;
     sgCoord c=Coord(xyz, hpr).toSgCoord();
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_root->setPosition(xyz.toIrrVector());
+#else
     m_model_transform->setTransform(&c);
+#endif
 }   // updateGraphics
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/karts/moveable.hpp b/src/karts/moveable.hpp
index 9e4e3a9cc..d1b3e09ff 100644
--- a/src/karts/moveable.hpp
+++ b/src/karts/moveable.hpp
@@ -22,8 +22,14 @@
 #define HEADER_MOVEABLE_HPP
 
 #define _WINSOCKAPI_
-#include <plib/ssg.h>
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#  include "irrlicht.h"
+   using namespace irr;
+#else
+#  include <plib/ssg.h>
+#endif
 #include "btBulletDynamicsCommon.h"
+
 #include "user_pointer.hpp"
 #include "physics/kart_motion_state.hpp"
 #include "utils/vec3.hpp"
@@ -45,7 +51,13 @@ private:
 
 protected:
     UserPointer      m_user_pointer;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    scene::IAnimatedMesh  *m_animated_mesh;
+    scene::IMesh          *m_mesh;
+    scene::ISceneNode     *m_root;
+#else
     ssgTransform    *m_model_transform; /**<The transform the model is attached to. */
+#endif
     int              m_first_time ;
     btRigidBody     *m_body;
     KartMotionState *m_motion_state;
@@ -53,9 +65,14 @@ protected:
 public:
                   Moveable();
     virtual      ~Moveable();
-    ssgTransform *getModelTransform()          {return m_model_transform;          }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    scene::ISceneNode
+        *getRoot()                               {return m_root;              }
+#else
+    ssgTransform *getModelTransform()            {return m_model_transform;   }
+#endif
     virtual const btVector3 
-                 &getVelocity()   const          {return m_body->getLinearVelocity();}
+                 &getVelocity()   const        {return m_body->getLinearVelocity();}
     const btVector3
                  &getVelocityLC() const        {return m_velocityLC;               }
     virtual void  setVelocity(const btVector3& v) {m_body->setLinearVelocity(v);   }
diff --git a/src/loader.hpp b/src/loader.hpp
index b29e1610d..56f98157f 100644
--- a/src/loader.hpp
+++ b/src/loader.hpp
@@ -17,8 +17,8 @@
 //  along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
 //  Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307, USA.
 
-#ifndef HEADER_LOADER_H
-#define HEADER_LOADER_H
+#ifndef HEADER_LOADER_HPP
+#define HEADER_LOADER_HPP
 
 #define _WINSOCKAPI_
 #include <plib/ssg.h>
diff --git a/src/main.cpp b/src/main.cpp
index 6a22af403..6c2959102 100644
--- a/src/main.cpp
+++ b/src/main.cpp
@@ -230,7 +230,8 @@ int handleCmdLine(int argc, char **argv)
                 fprintf(stdout, "Track %s has not been unlocked yet. \n", argv[i+1]);
                 fprintf(stdout, "Use --list-tracks to list available tracks.\n\n");
                 return 0;
-            }    
+            }
+            i++;
         }
         else if( (!strcmp(argv[i], "--stk-config")) && i+1<argc )
         {
@@ -441,8 +442,6 @@ void InitTuxkart()
     user_config             = new UserConfig();
 #ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     irr_driver              = new IrrDriver();
-    // Re-init file manager to use the new device.
-    file_manager->reInit();
 #endif
     loader                  = new Loader();
     loader->setCreateStateCallback(getAppState);
@@ -552,7 +551,9 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[] )
         
         //FIXME: this needs a better organization
         inputDriver = new SDLDriver ();
-        ssgInit () ;
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+        ssgInit();
+#endif
         
         main_loop = new MainLoop();
         // loadMaterials needs ssgLoadTextures (internally), which can
diff --git a/src/main_loop.cpp b/src/main_loop.cpp
index b295430b9..d520e6bdf 100644
--- a/src/main_loop.cpp
+++ b/src/main_loop.cpp
@@ -21,15 +21,16 @@
 
 #include <SDL/SDL.h>
 #include <assert.h>
+#include "history.hpp"
 #include "sdldrv.hpp"
 #include "material_manager.hpp"
 #include "race_manager.hpp"
-#include "modes/world.hpp"
-#include "user_config.hpp"
-#include "history.hpp"
 #include "audio/sound_manager.hpp"
+#include "graphics/irr_driver.hpp"
 #include "graphics/scene.hpp"
 #include "gui/menu_manager.hpp"
+#include "modes/world.hpp"
+#include "user_config.hpp"
 #include "network/network_manager.hpp"
 
 MainLoop* main_loop = 0;
@@ -204,8 +205,12 @@ void MainLoop::run()
         menu_manager->update();
         sound_manager->update(dt);
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+        irr_driver->update(dt);
+#else
         glFlush();
         SDL_GL_SwapBuffers();
+#endif
     }  // while !m_exit
 }   // run
 
diff --git a/src/modes/world.cpp b/src/modes/world.cpp
index 2b2c3e4e7..4392cd25b 100644
--- a/src/modes/world.cpp
+++ b/src/modes/world.cpp
@@ -141,10 +141,12 @@ void World::init()
                 break;
             }
         }   // if !user_config->m_profile
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
         newkart -> getModelTransform() -> clrTraversalMaskBits(SSGTRAV_ISECT|SSGTRAV_HOT);
 
         stk_scene->add ( newkart -> getModelTransform() ) ;
+#endif
         m_kart.push_back(newkart);
         newkart->setWorldKartId(m_kart.size()-1);
     }  // for i
diff --git a/src/sdldrv.cpp b/src/sdldrv.cpp
index 1beee8444..1b71cfb6b 100755
--- a/src/sdldrv.cpp
+++ b/src/sdldrv.cpp
@@ -59,7 +59,11 @@ SDLDriver::SDLDriver()
     : m_sensed_input(0), m_action_map(0), m_main_surface(0), m_flags(0), m_stick_infos(0),
     m_mode(BOOTSTRAP), m_mouse_val_x(0), m_mouse_val_y(0)
 {
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    if (SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_JOYSTICK | SDL_INIT_TIMER) < 0)
+#else
     if (SDL_Init(SDL_INIT_VIDEO | SDL_INIT_JOYSTICK | SDL_INIT_TIMER) < 0)
+#endif
     {
         fprintf(stderr, "SDL_Init failed: %s\n", SDL_GetError());
         exit(1);
@@ -105,8 +109,9 @@ SDLDriver::SDLDriver()
     SDL_JoystickEventState(SDL_ENABLE);
 
     initStickInfos();
-    
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     SDL_WM_SetCaption("SuperTuxKart", NULL);
+#endif
 
     // Get into menu mode initially.
     setMode(MENU);
@@ -255,6 +260,7 @@ void SDLDriver::toggleFullscreen(bool resetTextures)
  */
 void SDLDriver::setVideoMode(bool resetTextures)
 {
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     //Is SDL_FreeSurface necessary? SDL wiki says not??
     SDL_FreeSurface(m_main_surface);
  
@@ -299,7 +305,7 @@ void SDLDriver::setVideoMode(bool resetTextures)
             }
         }   // !m_main_surface
     }   // !m_main_surface
-
+#endif
 #if defined(WIN32) || defined(__APPLE__)
     if(resetTextures)
     {
diff --git a/src/tracks/track.cpp b/src/tracks/track.cpp
index 1b659db85..64429dc33 100644
--- a/src/tracks/track.cpp
+++ b/src/tracks/track.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,9 @@
 #include <sstream>
 #define _WINSOCKAPI_
 #include <plib/ssgAux.h>
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#include "irrlicht.h"
+#endif
 #include "file_manager.hpp"
 #include "loader.hpp"
 #include "stk_config.hpp"
@@ -32,6 +34,8 @@
 #include "isect.hpp"
 #include "user_config.hpp"
 #include "audio/sound_manager.hpp"
+#include "graphics/irr_driver.hpp"
+#include "graphics/mesh_tools.hpp"
 #include "graphics/scene.hpp"
 #include "items/item.hpp"
 #include "items/item_manager.hpp"
@@ -63,6 +67,10 @@ Track::Track( std::string filename_, float w, float h, bool stretch )
     m_screenshot       = "";
     m_top_view         = "";
     m_version          = 0;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    m_all_nodes.clear();
+    m_all_meshes.clear();
+#endif
     m_has_final_camera = false;
     m_is_arena         = false;
     loadTrack(m_filename);
@@ -827,9 +835,9 @@ void Track::draw2Dview (float x_offset, float y_offset) const
 }   // draw2Dview
 
 //-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-void Track::loadTrack(std::string filename_)
+void Track::loadTrack(const std::string &filename)
 {
-    m_filename      = filename_;
+    m_filename      = filename;
 
     m_ident = StringUtils::basename(StringUtils::without_extension(m_filename));
     std::string path = StringUtils::without_extension(m_filename);
@@ -1085,22 +1093,80 @@ Track::readDrivelineFromFile(std::vector<Vec3>& line, const std::string& file_ex
 //* Convert the ssg track tree into its physics equivalents.
 void Track::createPhysicsModel()
 {
+#ifndef HAVE_IRRLICHT
     if(!m_model) return;
+#endif
 
     m_track_mesh         = new TriangleMesh();
     m_non_collision_mesh = new TriangleMesh();
     
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    convertTrackToBullet();
+#else
     // Collect all triangles in the track_mesh
     sgMat4 mat;
     sgMakeIdentMat4(mat);
     convertTrackToBullet(m_model, mat);
     m_track_mesh->createBody();
+#endif
     m_non_collision_mesh->createBody(btCollisionObject::CF_NO_CONTACT_RESPONSE);
     
 }   // createPhysicsModel
 
 // -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 //* Convert the ssg track tree into its physics equivalents.
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+void Track::convertTrackToBullet()
+{
+    // 0: start line
+    // 1: left/right drivelines or so
+    // 2: road
+    // 3: zipper or collectables??
+    // 4: barriers
+    // 5: plane
+    for(unsigned int i=0; i<m_all_meshes.size(); i++)
+    {
+        const scene::IMesh *track = m_all_meshes[i];
+        for(unsigned int i=0; i<track->getMeshBufferCount(); i++) {
+            scene::IMeshBuffer *mb = track->getMeshBuffer(i);
+            // FIXME: take translation/rotation into accou
+            if(mb->getVertexType()!=video::EVT_STANDARD) {
+                fprintf(stderr, "WARNING: Physics::convertTrack: Ignoring type '%d'!", 
+                        mb->getVertexType());
+                continue;
+            }
+            video::SMaterial irrMaterial=mb->getMaterial();
+            video::ITexture* t=irrMaterial.getTexture(0);
+            // FIXME: if no material is given, perhaps define a default?
+            const Material* material=0;
+            if(t) {
+                //material=g_MaterialManager->getMaterial(t->getName());
+                printf("%s\n",t->getName());
+            } 
+
+            u16 *mbIndices = mb->getIndices();
+            btVector3 vertices[3];
+            irr::video::S3DVertex* mbVertices=(irr::video::S3DVertex*)mb->getVertices();
+            for(unsigned int j=0; j<mb->getIndexCount(); j+=3) {
+                for(unsigned int k=0; k<3; k++) {
+                    int indx=mbIndices[j+k];
+                    // FIXME: notice: irrlicht's and STK's axis are different
+                    // (STK: Z up, irrlicht: Y up). We might want to change
+                    // this as well, makes it easier to work with bullet and
+                    // irrlicht together, without having to swap indices.
+                    vertices[k] = btVector3( mbVertices[indx].Pos.X,
+                        mbVertices[indx].Pos.Z,
+                        mbVertices[indx].Pos.Y );
+                }   // for k
+                m_track_mesh->addTriangle(vertices[0], vertices[1], vertices[2], material);
+            }   // for j
+        }   // for i<getMeshBufferCount
+    }   // for obj in children
+    m_track_mesh->createBody();
+
+}   // convertTrackToBullet
+
+#else
 void Track::convertTrackToBullet(ssgEntity *track, sgMat4 m)
 {
     if(!track) return;
@@ -1166,7 +1232,7 @@ void Track::convertTrackToBullet(ssgEntity *track, sgMat4 m)
         assert(!"Unkown ssg type in convertTrackToBullet");
     }
 }   // convertTrackToBullet
-
+#endif
 // ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 void Track::loadTrackModel()
 {
@@ -1184,7 +1250,11 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
         // no temporary materials.dat file, ignore
         (void)e;
     }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    std::string path = file_manager->getTrackFile(getIdent()+".irrloc");
+#else
     std::string path = file_manager->getTrackFile(getIdent()+".loc");
+#endif
 
     FILE *fd = fopen (path.c_str(), "r" );
     if ( fd == NULL )
@@ -1195,8 +1265,11 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
     }
 
     // Start building the scene graph
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     m_model = new ssgBranch ;
     stk_scene->add(m_model);
+#endif
 
     char s [ 1024 ] ;
 
@@ -1359,10 +1432,11 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
             if ( need_hat )
             {
                 sgVec3 nrm ;
-
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
                 loc.xyz[2] = 1000.0f ;
                 loc.xyz[2] = getHeightAndNormal ( m_model, loc.xyz, nrm ) ;
-
+#endif
                 if ( fit_skin )
                 {
                     float sy = sin ( -loc.hpr [ 0 ] * SG_DEGREES_TO_RADIANS ) ;
@@ -1375,10 +1449,16 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
                 }
             }   // if need_hat
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+            std::string full_path = file_manager->getTrackFile(fname, getIdent());
+            scene::IAnimatedMesh *obj = irr_driver->getAnimatedMesh(full_path);
+            m_all_meshes.push_back(obj->getMesh(0));
+#else
             ssgEntity        *obj   = loader->load(file_manager->getModelFile(fname),
                                                    CB_TRACK,
                                                    /* optimise   */  true,
                                                    /*is_full_path*/  true);
+#endif
             if(!obj)
             {
                 fclose(fd);
@@ -1388,6 +1468,13 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
                 file_manager->popModelSearchPath  ();
                 throw std::runtime_error(msg.str());
             }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+            // FIXME: for now only static objects
+            scene::ISceneNode *node = irr_driver->addOctTree(obj->getMesh(0));
+            m_all_nodes.push_back(node);
+            node->setMaterialFlag(video::EMF_LIGHTING, false);
+
+#else
             SSGHelp::createDisplayLists(obj);
             ssgRangeSelector *lod   = new ssgRangeSelector ;
             ssgTransform     *trans = new ssgTransform ( & loc ) ;
@@ -1398,6 +1485,7 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
             trans  -> addKid(lod   );
             m_model-> addKid(trans );
             lod    -> setRanges(r, 2);
+#endif
             if(user_config->m_track_debug)
                 addDebugToScene(user_config->m_track_debug);
 
@@ -1414,7 +1502,12 @@ void Track::loadTrackModel()
     file_manager->popModelSearchPath  ();
 
     Vec3 min, max;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    // FIXME: for now assume that mesh 0 is the actual track.
+    MeshTools::minMax3D(m_all_meshes[0], &min, &max);
+#else
     SSGHelp::MinMax(m_model, &min, &max);
+#endif
     RaceManager::getWorld()->getPhysics()->init(min, max);
     createPhysicsModel();
 }   // loadTrack
@@ -1427,7 +1520,10 @@ void Track::itemCommand (sgVec3 *xyz, int type, int bNeedHeight )
     if(bNeedHeight) (*xyz)[2] = 1000000.0f;
 
     // Even if 3d data are given, make sure that the item is on the ground
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     (*xyz)[2] = getHeight( m_model, *xyz ) + 0.06f;
+#endif
 
     // Some modes (e.g. time trial) don't have any bonus boxes
     if(type==ITEM_BONUS_BOX && !RaceManager::getWorld()->enableBonusBoxes()) 
diff --git a/src/tracks/track.hpp b/src/tracks/track.hpp
index 99a003a88..d07b5dedd 100644
--- a/src/tracks/track.hpp
+++ b/src/tracks/track.hpp
@@ -15,8 +15,8 @@
 //  along with this program; if not, write to the Free Software
 //  Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307, USA.
 
-#ifndef HEADER_TRACK_H
-#define HEADER_TRACK_H
+#ifndef HEADER_TRACK_HPP
+#define HEADER_TRACK_HPP
 
 #ifdef __APPLE__
 #  include <OpenGL/gl.h>
@@ -29,6 +29,10 @@
 #endif
 #include <plib/sg.h>
 #include <plib/ssg.h>
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#include "irrlicht.h"
+using namespace irr;
+#endif
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 #include "LinearMath/btTransform.h"
@@ -52,7 +56,12 @@ private:
     std::string              m_designer;
     std::string              m_filename;
     std::vector<std::string> m_groups;
-    ssgBranch*               m_model;
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    std::vector<scene::ISceneNode*> m_all_nodes;
+    std::vector<scene::IMesh*>      m_all_meshes;
+#else
+    ssgBranch               *m_model;
+#endif
     TriangleMesh*            m_track_mesh;
     TriangleMesh*            m_non_collision_mesh;
     bool                     m_has_final_camera;
@@ -154,7 +163,10 @@ public:
     bool               isShortcut        (const int OLDSEC, const int NEWSEC) const;
     void               addMusic          (MusicInformation* mi)
                                                   {m_music.push_back(mi);       }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#else
     ssgBranch*         getModel          () const {return m_model;              }
+#endif
     float              getGravity        () const {return m_gravity;            }
     /** Returns the version of the .track file. */
     int                getVersion        () const {return m_version;            }
@@ -196,13 +208,16 @@ public:
     }
 
 private:
-    void  loadTrack                      (std::string filename);
+    void  loadTrack                      (const std::string &filename);
     void  itemCommand                    (sgVec3 *xyz, int item_type, int bNeedHeight);
     void  loadDriveline                  ();
     void  readDrivelineFromFile          (std::vector<Vec3>& line,
                                          const std::string& file_ext);
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    void  convertTrackToBullet           ();
+#else
     void  convertTrackToBullet           (ssgEntity *track, sgMat4 m);
-
+#endif
     float pointSideToLine(const Vec3& L1, const Vec3& L2,
                           const Vec3& P ) const;
     int   pointInQuad(const Vec3& A, const Vec3& B,
diff --git a/src/tracks/track_manager.cpp b/src/tracks/track_manager.cpp
index 8a8719c17..327bab34c 100644
--- a/src/tracks/track_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/tracks/track_manager.cpp
@@ -131,7 +131,11 @@ void TrackManager::loadTrackList ()
         try
         {
             // getTrackFile appends dir, so it's opening: *dir/*dir.track
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+            config_file = file_manager->getTrackFile((*dir)+".irrtrack");
+#else
             config_file = file_manager->getTrackFile((*dir)+".track");
+#endif
         }
         catch (std::exception& e)
         {
diff --git a/src/utils/vec3.hpp b/src/utils/vec3.hpp
index ee54e3e35..45c948ab3 100755
--- a/src/utils/vec3.hpp
+++ b/src/utils/vec3.hpp
@@ -14,9 +14,13 @@
 //  Foundation, Inc., 59 Temple Place - Suite 330, Boston, MA  02111-1307, USA.
 
 
-#ifndef HEADER_VEC3_H
-#define HEADER_VEC3_H
+#ifndef HEADER_VEC3_HPP
+#define HEADER_VEC3_HPP
 
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+#include "irrlicht.h"
+using namespace irr;
+#endif
 #define _WINSOCKAPI_
 #include <plib/sg.h>
 
@@ -28,8 +32,11 @@
 class Vec3 : public btVector3
 {
 private:
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    core::vector3df m_irr_vector;
+#endif
     inline float clampToUnity(float f) {return f<-1?f:(f>1?1:f);}
-    void setPitchRoll(const Vec3 &normal);
+    void         setPitchRoll(const Vec3 &normal);
 
 public:
     inline Vec3(sgVec3 a)                  : btVector3(a[0], a[1], a[2]) {}
@@ -54,6 +61,14 @@ public:
     inline const void     setPitch(float f)        {m_y = f;}
     inline const void     setRoll(float f)         {m_z = f;}
     float*                toFloat() const          {return (float*)this;     }
+#ifdef HAVE_IRRLICHT
+    /** Converts a Vec3 to an irrlicht 3d floating point vector. */
+    const core::vector3df &toIrrVector()
+    {
+        m_irr_vector.set(m_x, m_z, m_y);
+        return m_irr_vector;
+    }
+#endif
     void                  degreeToRad();
     Vec3&          operator=(const btVector3& a)   {*(btVector3*)this=a; return *this;}
     Vec3&          operator=(const btMatrix3x3& m) {setHPR(m);           return *this;}