Sony Computer Entertainment America has issued a press release officially announcing a spring US release of Digital Polyphony's racing sim - Gran Turismo 3. Here's a snippet of the press release:

The most realistic interactive racing experience to date, Gran Turismo 3 A-spec delivers speed that players can actually feel. The game takes full advantage of the DUALSHOCK(TM)2 analog controller, so that the harder the driver pushes on the touch-sensitive controller, the faster the car goes, simulating the gas pedal of a real car. Drivers can "feel" the speed as they maneuver through curves and shoot down straight-aways while racing fellow competitors.

The PlayStation 2's superior technology has enabled the development team to evolve the sound effects in Gran Tursimo 3 A Spec to a new level of realism. Tire sounds have been improved so that each tire has its own distinctive skid sound. Players will notice that the friction noise changes throughout the game, depending on the driver's speed, and the type or size of the tires on the car. As players accelerate, the sound of the wind from the car's body will increase, adding to the overall sensation of speed and realism.

In Gran Turismo 3 A-spec, weather conditions, including enhanced fogging effects and rain, have been implemented to improve realism and add challenge to the racing experience. An enhanced Rally Mode adds further variety, allowing players to race through gravel tracks, kicking up dirt to impair their opponent's view. Dirt tracks offer a completely different driving experience with varying topography that changes how well each vehicle's traction handles the gravel tracks.