Midway has confirmed that its open-world driving game, Wheelman, will be released on Xbox 360 and PS3 on February 16th, 2009.

Featuring action-film star Vin Diesel as an expert driver for hire, Wheelman will be set in picturesque Barcelona where you’re on the run from the mafia.

With a focus on over-the-top, intense vehicle combat, you build your reputation by undertaking missions and taking part in challenging events that will feature extreme driving stunts inspired by Hollywood's most famous action-sequences.

Vehicle Melee will allow gamers to sideswipe pursuing enemies with a simple flick of the joystick Wheelman's devastating "slam-n-ram" maneuvers can be carried out in all directions, just like you'd see in a Hollywood-style car chase.

"We're designing Wheelman to play like a Hollywood blockbuster," said Vin Diesel, Wheelman star and executive producer, Tigon Studios. "Playing this game will be just like taking control of the greatest car chases from feature films, except this time you're in the driver's seat."

Midway is working closely with Vin Diesel and Tigon Studios to create an all-new property that is expected to eventually lead to a feature film, with a script that is already in development.