Forza Motorsport 4 ships next week, but Microsoft is ready to give eager players a little taste ahead of time. A demo for the racing game is available today for Xbox Live Gold members, and Oct. 7 for all other members. The download gives players a chance to take five cars for a spin on the new Bernese Alps track in three different events.

The five cars are the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia, 2012 BMW M5, 2011 Subaru Impreza WRX STI, 1970 Mercury Cougar Eliminator, and 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque.

Here's what Microsoft has to say about the three new events in the Rivals Mode, which support online leaderboards:

• Round the Mountain – In this hot-lapping challenge, you’ll race your rival in one of the world’s ultimate road cars, the Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster, through the breathtaking vistas of the Brunnen Lauterbraunen ribbon
• BMW Blitz – Put your driving skills to the test in the powerful, sharp-handling 2012 BMW M5 as you weave through slower traffic along the slowing Stadtplatz Circuit
• Alpine Rush – In this Track Day Rivals event, you’ll battle slower traffic as you navigate the sweeping turns of the Bernese Alps Club Circuit

To get you in the mood, Microsoft has also released a new live-action video for the game, narrated by Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson.

cool! Has anyone tried the demo? Please tell us your opinion about the game physics!

of course, if you didn't know... this is a Xbox 360 exclusive title... so more info and comments in our console forum.

BUMMER

This was gonna be my first racing game since Daytona for the sega saturn

Anything out there for the PS3 have the 458 Italia featured?

be aware that you need to play the career mode to get enough money to buy the 458.

I just bought it. I'm gonna play it over the weekend and if I dig it I will get a wheel next week.