Sony Teams With BBC For Gran Turismo 5

Developer Polyphony Digital has announced that forty episodes of cult BBC show Top Gear will be available via the PlayStation Network, in a new promotional deal that will also see the show’s famous test track incorporated into Gran Turismo 5. According to a BBC News report, episodes of the motoring show will be available via the forthcoming Gran Turismo TV channel on the PlayStation 3, which will also feature independent news and features concerning motoring and motorsports. The show makes regular use of its own test track, both as a means to test drive high performance cars and for a variety of more humorous segments, such as the popular “Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car” competition. Its inclusion in Gran Turismo 5 is a rare example of European specific content being added to a Japanese developed game. "We're sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV," said Kazunori Yamauchi, president of Polyphony Digital. Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide said: "We're thrilled to make Top Gear accessible to Gran Turismo gamers."