Need for Speed Shift DLC revving up March 18

When EA laid out its release schedule for its in-progress fiscal year in February, one franchise in top representation was Need for Speed. Beyond the previously announced PC massively multiplayer online game Need for Speed World, the publisher also teased new installments in the franchise would arrive during its October-December 2010 and January-March 2011 quarters, at least one of which will be developed by Burnout studio Criterion Games.

Despite that heavy emphasis on the future, EA isn't quite done with Need for Speed Shift, which received generally positive reviews last year. Today, the publisher announced the Exotic Racing Series Pack will bring new content to the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the game on March 18 for $10 (800 Microsoft points).

The Exotic Racing Series pack sports seven new rides:
1. Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
2. BMW M1 Procar
3. GUMPERT Apollo
4. Honda NSX
5. McLaren MP4-12C
6. Maserati GranTurismo S
7. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss

EA has built 50 new events specially designed to put these vehicles through their paces, including time challenges, endurance races, and sprints. The pack also includes the new Riviera track, a raceway that comes in four different layouts. The add-on pack also offers gamers the chance to earn 125 additional Microsoft Gamerpoints or five PlayStation Trophies.