To promote the launch of their new 2010 Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen has partnered with developer Firemint to release Real Racing GTI, a thrilling new free app for the iPhone. The game includes six GTI sport hatches, one race track, and five control methods, and three game modes for an extensive racing experience. You can even be your own DJ and use your own music to play in the background.

Choosing “Options” from the main menu will allow you to select a “Method” to control your vehicle; choices include steering by using the screen or by tilting the iPhone, which is mixed and matched alongside choosing auto or manual for accelerating and braking. The three game modes on the main menu are Time Trial, Quick Race (racing against five other GTI’s), and Career (in which there are three different tracks for the Cup Championship). After choosing a game mode, there are options for adjusting the track and selecting a vehicle. Once on the track, the all-important pause button can be found on the upper left-hand corner; the upper right-hand corner changes the point of view from behind-the-wheel to above the car.

Switching between control methods takes a little getting used to, but once you find the one you like, it’s a fairly fun and engrossing game. You can take a little coffee break with a 2-lap run or while away an afternoon trying to get a championship. As you can expect with the hefty 59.3 MB download, the graphics are stunning—there were glares from the sun on the windshield (or in your eyes if you decided on the external view). Real Racing GTI is rather reminiscent of console racing games, which is great for all those who are nostalgic: just whip out the ol’ iPhone.

The full version of Real Racing is also available for $6.99 in the iTunes Store.

Here is a video demo of the Real Racing GTI app on the iPhone

This 3rd Party App is available at the Apple iTunes AppStore. Browse the full list of all AppStore apps filed under the AppStore category.