I still don't get why the graphics look several years out of date.
Big publishers like Codemasters are mainly working for the console-crowd, and the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Sony Playstaion 3 are, by computing standards, fairly ancient. You'll see some improvement in these games once developers start specifically developing for the new Xbox One and Playstation 4, though even these don't really measure up to a current mid to high-end desktop/gaming PC. If you want to see graphics that push the limits, you'll have to look at PC games like Project CARS or Assetto Corsa.