Japan getting Gran Turismo PS3 demo before Santa dies

As a gift for the few and the brave PlayStation 3 owners in Japan, Sony is offering up the Gran Turismo HD demo on Christmas eve (that’s Dec. 24 for you non-infidels). The download, of course, will be available via the PlayStation Network. Here’s what you’ll get, you lucky Japanese kids:

… the demo, titled Gran Turismo HD Concept, will ship with one course and ten cars. The course is the all new Eiger Nordwand, and you’ll be able to race it normal and reverse. The car list has mostly Japanese vehicles, but there are some high profile foreign models in the bunch. Here’s the full list:

• Suzuki Cappuccino ’95
• Mazda Eunos Roadster ’89
• Honda Integra Type R’04
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV GSR’96
• Infinity G35 Coupe
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX GSR’05
• Lotus Elise 111R’04
• Nissan Sky Liner GT-R V Spec II ’94
• Toyota Celica GT-FOUR Rally Car ’95
• Ferrari 599’06

You start the demo off exclusively with the Cappuccino, but by clearing the time attack mode in a pre-set time, you’ll be able to unlock the next car. Eventually, you’ll unlock a drift trial mode.

Gran Turismo. For free. It’s hot