New details of Forza Motorsport 4 released

There's no release date announced yet, but it looks like Forza 4 - the new version of the top XBox 360 console sim - is getting closer. TG.com has lost many hours to Forza these last 12 months, and Turn 10 Studios have now announced a few titbits on the sequel: a release date in "the fall" and the cover-star for the box (a well-chosen Ferrari 458 Italia).

If you're in America, you can also place your pre-orders for the first time for $59.99, although not yet for the rest of the world. Those who do will qualify for the "ship bonus" car pack, including the mighty Koenigsegg Agera R, Tesla Roadster and 1965 Mustang GT Coupe

Click here for screenshots from Forza 3 Ultimate Collection

On the choice of the 458 - Top Gear's Car of the Year for 2009 - Dan Greenawalt from Turn 10 Studios said: "The Ferrari 458 Italia was a perfect fit for the ‘Forza Motorsport 4' hero car. It has the ideal blend of style, creative flair, cutting-edge technology and power that makes it just as gorgeous to look at as it is thrilling to take to the track," said. "We've worked closely with our partners at Ferrari to bring this amazing car to life in your living room."

What was also good to hear is that all your profile details and endless effort on the current Forza Motorsport 3 will be imported straight into the new game, and mean bonus gifts, credits and the like.

Which means if you haven't got the game there's still time to get some practice in before instalment number four. And we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that the current Forza Ultimate Edition is now only £17.99 on Amazon and includes a guest garage from our very own Stig including the Lexus LFA, the Koeniggsegg CCX and the Merc SLS-AMG.