Game Preview: GRID Autosport

They have been listening back at the headquarters of video game developer CodeMasters. GRID Autosport sees the return of a cockpit racing view, so obviously lacking in the previous game.

Damage modelling has been given a complete working over. Damaging wheels will cause steering to be misaligned and may eventually lead to a blowout.

Four components make up the damage model to the engine, including radiator problems causing overheating. Suspension problems will cause extensive body roll.

Along with obvious damage effects on game play, the unseen elements of wear and tear will be unavoidable to drivers despite their skills in avoiding other cars or barriers.

For instance, gearbox damage will build up every time you change gear, while over-revving and shifting at the wrong time (in the manual transmission), will cause the gearbox to accrue damage more quickly.

Once the gearbox is damaged, shift times will start to increase and failure to address your driving style will cause a damaged gearbox to eventually start to skip gears.

Feedback from fans has resulted in some further new features such as the Team Radio system. This allows drivers to request information from engineers in your team at a touch of a button. You will be able to keep your eyes on the road, while keeping track of standings, vehicle health and other important data.

GRID Autosport will feature multiple disciplines of racing, with drivers able to concentrate their careers on their own favourite flavours of motorsport. Day and night racing features in the Endurance races, while Open-Wheel racing will require precision driving and Tuner and Street events will require unique racing skills.

Australians will no doubt be drawn to the Touring Car series, which includes the iconic Aussie circuit at Mount Panorama. Touring Cars represented in the game include both modern and classic cars. Contemporary examples include the Honda Civic, Ford Focus ST, Holden VF Commodore, Ford FG Falcon and many more.

Classic content includes the Nissan 1991 (R32) Skyline GT-R Group A and the Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Group A, two cars which fought out dramatic battles on track, plus the MINI Miglia and more.

Matt Neal, three-time winner of the BTCC and one of the drivers who lent his expertise to the CodeMasters development team, explains the enduring appeal of this style of racing in the video.

"It's the cut and thrust, it's the physicality of it all, getting your elbows out and getting stuck in. You need to know when to be aggressive at the right point and you've got to be very wary of who you've got around you.”

GRID Autosport will be released on June 26 across Australia and New Zealand for the Xbox 360 system from Microsoft, Windows PC and for the PlayStation 3 console.