When Gran Turismo HD was first shown to gamers it was unsure if it would actually be released or if it was just a demonstration. Well, wonder no more- Gran Turismo HD is coming to the PlayStation 3.

The main core of the game is Gran Turismo HD Classic- for all intents and purposes an upgraded version of GT4 into high-def. There is one change, however, that may not go over well- you start off with NO cars or tracks. Instead, you buy and download them from the web with prices ranging from $0.43 - $0.85 (25p-50p) for cars and $1.71 - $4.26 (£1-£2.50) per track. Not all cars will be available from the first day, either. Here's hoping this means a cheaper price tag on the game itself.

The second part of the game is Gran Turismo HD Premium. This is a fully PS3-designed game with 30 cars and 2 tracks, changeable weather and another 30 cars and two tracks available for download.

Both modes are expected to include certain online elements that had been tested in GT4 Online on the PS2 including Quick Race, Tuned Race, Private Race and Time Attack. Other race modes are expected to be announced.

The title is expected to launch in December in Japan so we may see a North American launch in late December/ early January and possibly be a launch title for the European/ UK PS3 launch in March 2007.