Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the North American release of Gran Turismo® exclusively for the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, representing the first time the Gran Turismo® franchise has raced onto the portable platform. Developed from start to finish by the award-winning studio Polyphony Digital Inc. (PDI), which has shipped more than 52 million units worldwide from the Gran Turismo series, Gran Turismo, built for optimal performance on a portable platform, delivers its signature realism and high quality of design.

Packed to the roofline with features, Gran Turismo for the PSP system remains true to the integrity of the acclaimed franchise while offering accessibility to all skill levels. More than 800 vehicles from the world’s top manufacturers are featured in the game – all with true-to-life driving dynamics specific to each model – with players able to select over 4,500 total paint variations. Gran Turismo also includes more than 35 tracks and over 70 variations on those tracks, including original courses, famous world circuits, city courses and other fun racing environments, including Mazda Raceway, Laguna Seca, Nurburgring Nordschleife, Tokyo Route 246, a Seattle city course and a Grand Canyon rally track. All racing is delivered at an incredible 60 frames-per-second, providing players with an ultra-realistic and smooth gameplay experience.

"Unlike any other portable racing game, the Gran Turismo series delivers the most authentic racing experience on the PSP," said Scott A. Steinberg, vice president, product marketing, SCEA. "With more than 800 vehicles, 35 tracks and various gameplay modes available, Gran Turismo puts the world’s greatest car collection at your fingertips, no matter where you are."

Gran Turismo features robust single player and ad hoc multiplayer modes that introduce players to the racing franchise while satisfying even the most die hard gearhead. Starting with the Driving Challenge mode, over 100 challenge races are presented and trophies are awarded depending on the player’s performance. In standard Single Player races, the dynamic difficulty level adjusts opponents based on the driver’s skill and wins/losses, keeping the action progressive and fun. In addition, single players can also race against the clock and their own abilities in one of two Trial modes, Time Trial and Drift Trial. Multiple players of any skill level can go head-to-head using PSP’s ad hoc mode, with a selection of head-to-head races that keeps the action fresh by challenging faster drivers with slower cars and time penalties. In a first for the Gran Turismo franchise, players will also be able to trade and share their purchased vehicles via ad hoc mode. Most vehicles can be shared freely, while the most exclusive models are available to trade only. For those who like to look under the hood, a Quick Tune feature allows players to designate 30 favorite vehicles which can be Quick Tuned, while all vehicles have detailed descriptions, including historical backgrounds.

For play on any version of the PSP system, Gran Turismo is available on both UMD® and as a downloadable product via PlayStation®Network. PSP® (PlayStation®Portable)go system, also launching in stores today, is the smallest and sleekest PSP system to date and leverages PlayStation Network and digital content exclusively. UMD and PlayStation Network support guarantees that all PSP system owners can play Gran Turismo wherever the road takes them.

Gran Turismo is rated "E" for Everyone. For more information about the ESRB rating system, please visit www.esrp.org.

For more information regarding Gran Turismo, please visit the official game site (http://us.gran-turismo.com/).