Want to see what’s the fuss about Need for Speed Shift without paying a single cent. Well, the demo is now out on the Xbox 360, Sony PS3 and the PC! Check out the following press release and the Driving 101 video to get a headstart:

Need for Speed Shift Console Demo Available October 1

Taste the true driver’s experience in this year’s most critically acclaimed racing game.

September 29, 2009 – REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: ERTS) today announced that the console demo of the highly-rated Need for Speed SHIFT will be available for download on October 1 on PlayStation Network and Xbox LIVE. The demo gives players a chance to see for themselves just how SHIFT delivers on the Need for Speed promise of speed, adrenaline and precision racing. Need for Speed SHIFT has been commended by AOL GameDaily as “one of 2009’s best racing games” and as “outstanding” by IGN.

Players will sample this year’s most intense authentic racing game by pushing one of four cars to its limits on the world-famous Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps and the tight city circuit of London River. Players that dominate each track and collect enough stars will also unlock the ultimate racing machine; the Pagani Zonda F.

Jump into the cockpit of one of these five cars and find out how Need for Speed SHIFT combines real-world physics with perception based G-forces to deliver a supercharged on-the-track experience.

1. BMW M3 (E46)
2. 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10
3. 2006 Lotus Elise 111R
4. 2008 Nissan GT-R
5. 2006 Pagani Zonda F (unlockable)

The PC demo is currently available for download at www.needforspeed.com.

The game introduces a brutal first-person crash dynamic that creates an unparalleled immersive experience. The signature cockpit view delivers a true driver’s experience. Need for Speed SHIFT further personalizes the experience through the all-new driver profile – a unique persona based on the driving skill and style of each player. Need for Speed SHIFT is the most realistic and intensive authentic racing game ever.

With a perfect score from GameSpy.com and G4TV.com, and 90+ scores from IGN.com, Official Xbox Magazine, PlayStation: The Official Magazine, Team Xbox.com, Game Daily.com, Gametrailers.com and more, Need for Speed SHIFT is the highest rated Need for Speed game in years.

Need for Speed SHIFT is now available on the PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PC, PSP (PlayStation Portable) system, mobile and coming soon on the iPhone. More information can be found at www.needforspeed.com or follow us on Twitter at NeedforSpeed.