Dirt Showdown's Destruction Is Absolutely Smashing - Video

Dirt Showdown will contain all the drive, crunch and smash mechanics gamers expect from a destruction-based racing game with Codemasters giving us a first look at the game via a new trailer and screens/art below, right).

The 'Crash and Burn' video, above, shows off the game's 8 Ball event - "the stage is a dirty, dusty circuit in the sun-baked Nevada desert where eight racers perform in front of the crowd, taking on jumps and dangerous crossover points as they jostle for position against a backdrop of fireworks and fire cannons."

8 Ball also features a nitrous boost mechanic - not something you'd see in previous Dirt games, while the three main themes of the game are racing, Demolition Derby-style events and Hoonigan events - set in "huge stunt parks". Expect "accessible new controls" that "offer every player the chance to become a freestyle driving hero," say Codies.

Meanwhile, Dirt Showdown's locations will include cities such as San Francisco, Miami, London and Tokyo with the game set to feature more than 50 different events over four championships.

Vehicles will include an "eclectic mix," from saloons, muscle cars and  pick-up-trucks, to hearses and vans.

Dirt Showdown is set to hit PS3, PC and Xbox 360 in May - check out the video above.