Codemasters have released the first teaser trailer for the next instalment of the Colin McRae rally series - DiRT 2. As a direct sequel to the first DiRT, the game builds upon successes of the title, and is set to introduce a number of new features - the first of which is revealed by the teaser trailer.

"World Tour" Mode will see players tour the world from within their RV (Recreational Vehicle) which will also double as the game's menu and main interface element, which will see the players experience the off-road racing of the series from "an extreme sports" attitude.

The teaser gives off the first impression of the game, with Gavin Raeburn, Senior Executive Producer at Codemasters explaining:

Through the Colin McRae: DiRT 2 World Tour we’re creating a new career journey for players; one that will capture the spirit of contemporary off-road racing. It’s all about travelling the world in your RV, hitting off-road festivals, competing at major spectator events and building your rep as a driver.

As players progress through the World Tour, friendships will be formed with hero drivers from the off-roading world and these relationships will, in turn, help players accelerate their way up the rankings ladder. The more players impress and bond with the big names, the more invitations they’ll get to the cooler events and even receive offers to team up with the pros for major competitions.

Download Colin McRae DiRT 2 Teaser Trailer
As the teaser seems to suggest - players will not only bond with other racers, but perhaps female characters, also. With any luck, this will not become the main focus of the game, with the racing mechanics hopefully taking centre stage, as they should.

In addition to the new "World Tour" Mode, DiRT 2 will feature expanded online functionality, with support for head-to-head racing along with new "social features". Colin McRae DiRT 2 is due for release on the PC, PlayStation 3, PSP, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS in September this year.