Shift 2: Unleashed this spring

With Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit in shops this week EA saw it fit to officially announce Shift 2: Unleashed, the sequel to Slightly Mad Studios' simulation take on the Need for Speed franchise - Need for Speed: Shift. In stark contrast to the cop chases of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit from Criterion this game focuses on race tracks and realistic physics, but it will also build upon the autolog feature of Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit for its online experience.

The game is targeted for release next spring, we're guessing sometimes around May when Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit has been in shops for six months or so. Check out the teaser trailer below.

Courtesy of the press release:

"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."

Marcus Nilsson used to work at DICE and Battlefield franchise previously, so in some way there is a bit of DICE and Criterion (autolog) in this Slightly Mad Studios' creation.