Codemasters, a leading developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software, today announced the launch of the GRID™ playable demo, featuring the eBay Motors Challenge. The GRID playable demo is a US-exclusive fastest lap competition in which the ultimate winner will drive away with a brand new, customized, eBay Motors branded Ford Mustang GT-R. 

Based on one of the coolest concept cars ever introduced to the market, the eBay Motors Ford Mustang GT-R has been built and modified to feature a complete custom body kit including a supercharged engine with 445HP, a race inspired side ported exhaust system, 20" GTR concept wheels, and a six stage custom pearl paint job, complete with eBay Motors’ graphics.

The GRID playable demo is now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and from the PLAYSTATION Network for the PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system.

For the game that’s all about the race, the GRID playable demo delivers intense competition right from the start as players compete in single-player GRID World events, 12-player online races, and then prove their worth in the white-knuckle Time Trial competition, which is home to the eBay Motors Challenge.

With the eBay Motors-branded Ford Mustang GT-R worth $90,000 as the ultimate prize, the eBay Motors Challenge has players competing for the fastest final lap time. To participate, players submit their best time online at http://community.grid-game.com/win-ebay-mustang. Once authenticated, the lap time is then ranked against every other registered time on the online leaderboards. The challenge will end on May 25 at midnight. The top five players will be flown to San Francisco to attend a U.S. launch event for GRID on June 4 and compete in one final racing challenge for the Mustang GT-R.

In addition to the eBay Motors Challenge, the GRID demo enables players to experience a trio of GRID World racing showdowns. Take to the wheel of a Ford Mustang GT-R on the streets of San Francisco in the eBay Motors Muscle Cup. In Japan, race in a Nissan S15 Silvia in the Advan Drift Trophy at Yokohama Docks, while the sweeping curves and hairpins of the Jarama circuit in Spain plays host to the Euro Touring Cars championship featuring BMW 320si touring cars. For players who want to challenge each other online, the demo delivers 12-player online competitions at the European and U.S. locations.

"Codemasters Racing Studio redefined off road racing with DiRT last year, and we are confident that the launch of GRID, from the same acclaimed racing team, will again redefine the racing genre by putting the focus in racing games back on the racing itself," said Peter Chan, director of business development at Codemasters, Inc. "With eBay Motors integration, we are able to provide an exciting opportunity for racing fans to experience the GRID demo while rewarding them with a chance to win an amazing, one-of-a-kind eBay Motors Mustang."

GRID, due out in June, takes players to dramatic and beautifully realized race locations over three continents to compete in an unprecedented variety of racing events.  Packed with the most powerful racecars - new and classic, circuit and drift - players will compete to conquer the most prestigious official racetracks and championships, and in urban street races.

Engage In-Game Advertising, an independent video game advertising company, in conjunction with Codemasters, worked with eBay Motors in advance of GRID production to develop a contextually relevant strategy for incorporating their marketplace inside the game.  Gamers will be able to experience the eBay Motors marketplace as they buy and sell their performance vehicles to keep up with the competition and changing road conditions. This marks the first time a real world application has been deeply immersed as a core function in a driving video game.

GRID is set to ship to US retail on June 3 for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system, and Games for Windows®, and is rated "E" (Everyone) by the ESRB.  To register for future driver briefings and get a place on the grid, be sure to visit www.grid-game.com