French magazine Joypad has seemingly got the first word on Bizarre Creations’ top secret new racing IP – a combat-based arcade outing entitled Blur.

Bizarre is the studio behind Microsoft’s successful Project Gotham Racing series, but having been acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2007 (and with the Gotham IP returning to Microsoft) the UK developer has been hard at work on a brand new racing property.

CVG reports that the game is filled with all sorts of weapons including mines and shields, and that the game boasts an advanced vehicle damage model. Other reports have likened the gameplay to that of Nintendo’s Mario Kart.

It’s also said to be based in real-world locations such as San Francisco, London, Tokyo and New York. Much like Project Gotham.

It all sounds not a million miles away from another new IP on the horizon – Disney’s Split/Second. Add to the equation other upcoming new racing brands such as Codemasters’ Fuel and 2009 looks set to be a big year for the racing fan.