Chicago (IL) - Shortly before Christmas Eve, Sony released a preview of what many considered should have been the main launch title for the Playstation 3. Gran Turismo HD Concept features ten cars and one track of the scrapped Gran Turismo HD and gives a first glimpse of what Gran Turismo 5 could look like.

We had a chance to download the 625 MB demo and spend some time with it. Graphics and animation, which include photo realistic cars, enthusiastic fans on the Eiger Nordwand track, enhanced light and shadow effects and an impressive background environment far beyond of what is currently offered by any available Playstation 3 game. Gran Turismo 5 won't be available for at least another year, but if you already have purchased a PS3, (the free) Gran Turismo HD Concept is the game to have, if you'd like to see what the expensive hardware in your console is capable of.