Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand has confirmed today that, in addition to a range of disc based and downloadable games available at launch, Gran Turismo HD Concept will available for download at no charge for those consumers who register to the free PlayStation Network

Gran Turismo HD Concept, developed by Polyphony Digital Inc., will be made available on Friday 23 March 2007 at the PlayStation Store. The store is an online environment located within the PlayStation 3 interface that will offer games, game demos and movie trailers.

Sony says the download promises to deliver an exciting PS3 exclusive gaming experience to both long-time fans of the Gran Turismo series and for new PS3 users.

Gran Turismo HD Concept will be deliver a ten-car, one-track game with one car available initially and the others released by completing the course within the time limits. Completing the course within the time limit in the tenth car (Ferrari 599) will unlock tuned versions of all cars, the reverse of the track and a new drift mode in which points are awarded for drifting.

GT HD Concept will also offer an online ranking service.

"First and foremost, Gran Turismo HD Concept is designed to allow gamers to experience the full HD graphic capabilities of the PS3 hardware, and secondly to serve as a pure driving simulator featuring a next-generation car handling simulation engine. For gamers who are anticipating a full-scale car life simulator, please look forward to the release of Gran Turismo 5," says Sony.