Codemasters is taking the DiRT series in a new direction with the next installment. DiRT Showdown is a more "arcade-style" racer with pick-up-and-play controls and a host of Destruction Derby events.

The game will feature plenty of racing as well. The race courses are littered with obstacles, ramps, and chokepoints. The game's really encouraging you to trade paint with your opponents and drive them off the road.

The third pillar of the game are the Hoonigan modes. In these events, players are unleashed on Joyride compounds and tasked with pulling off tricks and stunts. Hoonigan, Demolition Derby, and Race modes are all part of an wider action sports event in the game called the "Theatre of Racing."

Showdown is due in May 2012 on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC. The debut trailer is below. To answer the inevitable question: the song is called "Earthquake" and it's by Labrinth, featuring Tinie Tempah.