Smell the rubber burning?
The main point of the game is definately its graphics, from the people that stand on the sidelines during races, to the excellent motion blur effect, the graphics are no less than stellar.
The gameplay is extremely difficult at first, but the first time you nail a huge drift around a turn, engine screaming, you will be hooked. The cars all handle as you would expect them to if you were to really to be driving them.
The online play is one of the best parts of the game. Gotham TV is a excellent way to pick up some new techniques, or just waste some time. You can also watch the record-setting runs of others on the leaderboards, even if it was days ago.
The sound is excellent, and pairs with all of the views very well. The acoustics change how you would expect them to when you switch from 3rd person to cockpit view, and vice-versa.
Overall, I would very much recommend this game to any fan of racing games, and If you are not a fan, this game may make you one.