The impression I am getting from KZ2 is that dust and darkness is being used to reduce the level of rendering needed for draw distance. They also, in the redo of the 2005 trailer, has there be more clouds in the sky, so it concealed more.
As for using Pacific Rim, well, one can look up multiple gameplay clips on Youtube here:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=pacific+rift+gameplay&search_type=&aq=f
I will let people pick and choose rather than add my own spin. I am of the belief that, while they look good, they don't approximate what you see in the 2005 Motorstorm target render.







