April 11^th, 2005 (11:46am) - Electronic Arts has announced that the newest instalment in the Need for Speed series is in development and going to be ready for a release later this year for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, GBA, PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC, as well as Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox console. Need for Speed Most Wanted is currently in development at EA Canada. Combining the thrill of illicit street racing and tuner customization with the intensity of strategic police pursuits that rivals any Hollywood-style chase scene, Need for Speed Most Wanted challenges players to become the most notorious and elusive street racer.

"Out-race your opponents, evade cops and exploit the open world in Need for Speed Most Wanted; street racing doesn’t get any better than this," said Larry LaPierre, senior producer, EA Canada. "Players instantly will feel the thrill of the ride as they hit the streets in an open world environment where drivers can tune their cars to compete against any class of vehicles or use their wits to out-fox the law to satisfy their need for speed."

Need for Speed Most Wanted delivers a unique, fast-paced and gripping ride in the racing genre as players build up their Rap Sheet and street cred to move their way up the Black List to become the most wanted racer on the streets. Players will go head-to-head with the top drivers on the scene as well as strategically evade more than half dozen cops at any one time. Add in a dynamic open world, new gameplay and customization as well as tuners, supercars, muscles and sports cars and Need for Speed Most Wanted will be on every gamer’s "must-have" list.

Gamers also can participate in the Need for Speed Most Wanted Custom Car Vinyl Design Contest to have their own custom vinyl considered for possible inclusion in the upcoming game.

For more information on the game, please visit www.needforspeed.com.