The South Central Upgrade Map will be released for free on PS3 and Xbox 360.

Midnight Club: Los Angeles screenshot

Rockstar Games has announced the 2009 release of the South Central Upgrade Map, a free new map extension said to be one third the size of the original map. This new area features LA landmarks such as Exposition Park, the USC campus, Watts Towers, Shrine Auditorium, Crenshaw Plaza, and the LA Memorial Coliseum and stretches south to the 105 Freeway.

In addition to the free South Central Upgrade Map, players will be able to purchase the "South Central Content Pack" which includes new character competitions, races, cars and music. New vehicles include a variety of cars and a motorcycle. SUVs, a long-time favourite of the series' fans, will also be making their first appearance as part of the DLC.

"This downloadable content hones in on a very iconic area of Los Angeles," said Jay Panek, Midnight Club Producer at Rockstar San Diego. "'This South Central download features staples of the area, from the landmarks to the types of cars, and we think it really helps enhance the overall L.A. feel we set out to recreate."

The new content will be released for Xbox 360 and PS3 in 2009.