Forget about Colin McRae: DiRT right now since things are going to get bigger and better: a sequel has been announced by Codemasters, DiRT 2 going to be released something next year. Read on for the first details about the game and the first Colin McRae: DiRT 2 screenshots!

“Colin McRae: DiRT 2 mirrors this new, exciting direction and, in a way, we’ll be throwing off some of the shackles and constraints that real-world rallying has to abide by. We’re pitching players against the most spectacular and dangerous environments in the real world,” said about the game Gavin Raeburn, Codemasters senior executive producer.

The new game in the DiRT franchise will feature a roster of contemporary off-road events, taking players to the most diverse and challenging real-world environments. Players will also be competing in aggressive multi-car and intense solo races at extraordinary new locations, from canyon racing and jungle trails to city stadium-based events. The game will be powered by a much powerful, third generation EGO Engine.

DiRT 2 will be completed with head to head competitive multiplayer options and new (but not yet detailed) social features. The new rally racing game will be released by Codemasters in 2009 on all available formats: PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Wii, DS and PSP. I already feel the excitement rolling and I’m sure you’ll feel the same after you’ll take a look at the following DiRT 2 images: