Forza Motorsport to hit the road next February

Automobile fetishists now have a date with Forza Motorsport right around Valentine's Day. This morning, Microsoft announced it had delayed its "ultrarealistic" racer from December 2004 to February 2005. "Forza Motorsport is a title we are getting amazing feedback on from people who are really passionate about the world of cars and auto racing," said Microsoft Game Studios' general manager Shane Kim in a statement.

The "feedback" Kim is talking about concerns Forza Motorsport's two main draws. First is its extensive customization features, which let gamers "transform more than 200 real-life production cars from over 40 of the world’s top car manufacturers into speed-drenched racing machines with aftermarket parts from more than 150 partners." Secondly, is the game's "powerful physics engine," which will allow players to skid, slide, and perform other dangerous racing maneuvers on the asphalt.

Forza Motorsport will also have numerous Xbox Live features, allowing for 100-member online car clubs. Take a spin with the game with our latest hands-on, straight from the Tokyo Game Show.