Disney revving up Split/Second

Last year, Disney Interactive Studios dipped its feet into the racing genre with Pure, a well-received off-road racer that in many ways resembled a tricked-out version of Sony's MotorStorm franchise. Today, Disney announced that its next effort in the driving genre will be Split/Second, and it appears as if it will tread in the tire marks of Criterion Games' Burnout series.

Developed by Pure manufacturers Black Rock Studios, Split/Second is expected to arrive for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC in early 2010. With the backdrop of a gladiatorial-style reality show, players hop into high-octane vehicles and race through a city littered with destructible environments.

As they race, players will attempt to wreck the competition by triggering a variety of unnatural disasters, such as girder beams falling from an under-construction building or water pipes bursting. In addition to setting opponents back, the disasters can open up alternative routes through the city. Players will also, of course, be able to use their own vehicles as weapons against the opposition.

For more information, check out Split/Second's first trailer, released alongside a handful of screenshots today.