Codemasters has made GRID 2 official this morning, revealing the first batch of screens and a debut trailer for the Race Driver: GRID sequel, which will be taking the cinematic racing action to new exotic locations like Chicago and Paris, using the latest evolution of Codies' EGO Engine.

Challenging players to "be fast, be first and be famous", GRID 2 hopes to set new standards for racing games by setting the technological and gameplay bar even higher than Race Driver: GRID, making the street, track and road racing "exciting again."

“GRID’s back and we’re going to make street, track and road racing exciting again,” said Executive Producer, Clive Moody. “The core design philosophy for GRID 2 is that we treat the race as a character, not a consequence of simply putting cars on tracks. Everything that goes into the game impacts on that second-to-second, in the moment, blockbuster drama – the feel and personality of the race.”

GRID 2 will also feature an expansive career mode that will take you through four decades and across three continents - USA, Europe and Asia - visiting locations like Abu Dhabi, Paris, Miami and California. The game will use Codies' new 'TrueFeel Handling System' with realistic physics delivering more challenge and immersion. It'll also feature RaceNet support like DiRT Showdown and boast split-screen and online multiplayer along its massive single-player career mode.

GRID 2 is pencilled in for a 2013 launch. Check out the first trailer and screenshots below.