Fans of the Need for Speed franchise may have to wait until fall to get Need for Speed SHIFT, EA’s latest entry in the 15 year franchise.  But they may rejoice with the knowledge that the BMW M3 GT2 will be featured on the cover of the newest game.  EA had the game on showcase at E3 this week, where gamers got their hands on it for the first time.

Players will have 65 cars to choose from.   The game boasts a diverse selection ranging from the classic 1972 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R to the exotic 2007 Lamborghini Reventón.  The tracks will include newly designed circuits and actual locations like the legendary 20km Nordschleife in Nürburg, Germany.

NFS fans should already know what to expect.  “Need for Speed SHIFT is about the intense power and emotion of being behind the wheel,” said Patrick Soderlund, senior vice president, EA Games Europe.  The game is being developed for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC by Slightly Mad Studios in London, England.  EA’s Bright Light Studio is developing a version for the PSP.  Need for Speed SHIFT ships on September 22, 2009 in North America.

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