Gran Turismo HD Concept was released in the US and Japan over Christmas and is, according to GT creator, Kazunori Yamauchi (pictured) at least "...a glimpse into the future of Gran Turismo."

Yamauchi adds, "With the power of the PS3 technology, the world of Gran Turismo is refined by its full HD visual presentation and unique interactive experience, resulting in an even more realistic and true driving simulator."

The free downloadable demo is the cut down version of the full GT HD PS3 game that was canned by Sony late last year. The complete version of the next in the GT series, Gran Turismo 5, is planned for release sometime in 2008.

For now, with Gran Turismo HD Concept PS3 gamers get a new course - Eiger Nordwand – and ten cars, which are as follows:

• 1995 Suzuki Cappucino
• 1989 Mazda Eunos Roadster
• 2004 Honda Integra TYPE R
• 1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR
• 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe
• 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR
• 2005 Lotus Elise 111R
• 1994 Nissan SKYLINE GT-R Vspec II
• 1995 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car
• 2006 Ferrari 599

There are two modes, Time Trial and Drift Mode, which are both pretty much self-explanatory. The more challenges you complete in Time Trial mode, the more ‘tuned’ cars you can unlock. Plus, should you be pretty committed, you can unlock the option to race around the track backwards.Players can also upload their best times, scores and replays.

All in all, it’s a nice little taster for what’s to come on PS3 next year (2008!).

No word yet on plans for a Euro release of the demo in March, but SPOnG will be sure to keep you posted on that front.