Electronic Arts has announced Shift 2 Unleashed, a sequel to last year's simulation racer Need For Speed: Shift.

Getting in before the release of Forza Motorsport 3 last year, Need For Speed: Shift became a successful simulation racer for Electronic Arts that went on to sell some 5 million copies around the globe. It was developed by Slightly Mad Studios, who put a lot of emphasis on the player's experience as the "driver" as opposed to the car. The player could look around the cockpit while driving, and the shock from crashing blurred the driver's vision, for instance.

Shift 2 Unleashed will receive a graphical overhaul and an all-new rendering engine, and it will make use of the Autolog competitive social network feature, introduced in the soon-to-be-released Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, that currently has the critics raving.

“Shift 2 Unleashed is redefining immersive racing by blending the rush of tearing up the track at unbelievable speeds with the emotional experience of competitive battle,” said Marcus Nilsson, Executive Producer, Shift 2 Unleashed. “We are also working closely with real-world performance drivers to ensure that Shift 2 Unleashed captures their experience and becomes the benchmark in authentic racing action.”

Shift 2 Unleashed is scheduled for release in the US Fall (from next September) for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC. For more information, head along to the Need For Speed homepage. N.B. Need For Speed Shift pictured.