Codemasters have released a new trailer for the upcoming DiRT Showdown, giving us the first look at some in-game action from their upcoming destruction derby slant on their popular Rally-driving franchise.

The ‘Crash and Burn’ video features work-in-progress gameplay footage, showcasing the full-impact, destruction-focussed racing featured in DiRT Showdown’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. Boost is used to speed through gaps and smash rivals as the drivers – racing vehicles tuned for chaotic, aggressive racing – trade paint and crash out as they battle to become the star of the Showdown.

Watch the clip embedded below or click here for the HD video page and swing by our new game page for the first screenshots.

DiRT Showdown is in the works for PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 and is targeting a May 2012 launch.