Test Drive Unlimited 2 revving up Feb. 8

Last week Electronic Arts released Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit, a reboot of the storied franchise. And tomorrow, the often-delayed and greatly hyped Gran Turismo 5 finally arrives for the PlayStation 3. Now, another racing entry is revving its engine.

Atari today sent word that Eden Games' Test Drive Unlimited 2 will debut for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC on February 8, 2011. The title was delayed in August, with the publisher swapping the title’s September release date to a vague first quarter of 2011 release window. The schedule adjustment was enacted to give its developer more time to polish the game's connected console multiplayer experience.

In addition to dating Unlimited 2, Atari passed along information regarding the game’s North American retailer-specific preorder incentives. Those who reserve the title at specialty retailer GameStop will earn the Casino Online downloadable content, while those who preorder the game at Amazon, Best Buy, Atari.com, Direct 2 Drive, K-Mart, Steam, and Wal-Mart will receive an exclusive vehicle. For more on the preorder incentives, check out the entry on Test Drive Unlimited 2's website.

Test Drive Unlimited 2 will see players racing in locations that include the Spanish party hot spot Ibiza and the paradise island of Oahu from the original title. In addition to new vehicles, race types, and a revamped single-player mode that can be played online or off, the game will give players the chance to build and grow in-game clubs composed of friend networks.

For more on the racer, check out GameSpot's most recent hands-on preview with Test Drive Unlimited 2.