Reports are coming in from France that several local retailers, in an attempt to snag extra sales, have already started selling Gran Turismo 5 – much to Sony’s chagrin. Above, you’ll find a video from GTPlanet reader Pablo, who provides evidence of his copy (along with a receipt) purchased from FNAC Bellecour in Lyon, France. Others report in our forums that Micromania have also started placing the game on store shelves. Good luck tracking down an early copy of your own!

Thanks to Planete-GT, who already have their hands on a copy of the game!

Thanks to RDK, Szmissz, iCyCo, and hsoomal!

UK retailer ShopTo.net tells INC Gamers they’re bringing in all warehouse employees over the weekend to handle what they’ve described as possibly their “biggest ever pre-order”:

According to emails I’ve received from retail employees around the world (and this Signature Edition unboxing video from GAME), shipments of Gran Turismo 5 are already being delivered in preparation for Wednesday’s big launch. There’s even widespread reports that one store in France – which I won’t name – has informed its customers they’ll be able to pick up their copy today (Friday), but we’ll have to wait and see if that pans out… For now, check out this batch of more than 750 copies of GT5 delivered to a store in Canada. Thanks to Anthony for the pictures!

Video game retailer GAME.co.uk has received shipment of the Gran Turismo 5 Signature Edition, and shares this “unboxing” video to reveal what’s inside. Owning the Signature Edition of the game, of course, grants you access to the GT5 SLS AMG Challenge, where you can compete in-game to win your own real-world SLS AMG. The SE is still in stock and available for pre-order at GAME.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7NIynajnEk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5v3aCp899F8

Amar212, infamous GT insider and founder of Croatian fan-site GT Surgeons, finally has his hands on a copy of Gran Turismo 5! Instead of sharing pictures or videos, though, he’s focused on providing hard-core fans with all the details in a comprehensive and thorough review of the game. This review isn’t about comparing it to other racers or whether or not the title is worth your money – it’s a detailed study of how each new feature in GT5 actually works and how the gameplay unfolds.

Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC (SCEA) and Polyphony Digital Inc., in collaboration with Nissan North America, announced today the opportunity of a lifetime for gaming and racing enthusiasts — the debut of the GT Academy in the U.S. Starting December 20th, fans can compete in Gran Turismo® 5 exclusively on the PlayStation®3 (PS3™) for a chance to make dreams of becoming a race driver with a professional team a reality. Registration for the GT Academy competition begins on December 6th, and fans who think they have what it takes can find more information about the program at: http://us.gran-turismo.com/.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dREGCHLhh5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q32V6ysLcZs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piQdLrVE0UA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipuiRogHJ3I

As observed by PlayStation LifeStyle, Gran Turismo 5 suddenly became very popular after the game’s official release date announcement last Friday. Within 24 hours, the standard version of the game topped Amazon.com’s video game “Movers & Shakers” list with a 1,300% increase in sales rank. The more expensive GT5 Collector’s Edition came second on the list, with an 823% increase, followed by the 160GB PlayStation 3 console with a 236% increase. Impressive numbers, to say the least!

Sony has teamed with Swiss watchmaker Tissot to host the official “countdown” timer for the launch of Gran Turismo 5. To promote the relationship, they’re giving away one customized, GT5 edition Tissot PRS 516 (valued at $495), every day between now and the NA/EU November 24th release date. To enter (open to US residents only), just keep filling out this form. Good luck, and let me know if you win!

Before any of you “Down Under” line up at your local game stores on November 24th, take note: Gran Turismo 5 won’t actually be released in Australia or New Zealand until November 25th, according to each country’s respective PlayStation websites. Of course, taking time zones into consideration, we’ll all be getting our hands on the game at roughly the same time – just be glad this rumor was wrong!  Thanks to all who sent this in (…and yes, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to post this video again)!

It’s official – as just posted on the US and German PlayStation Blogs, Gran Turismo 5 will finally be released on November 24, 2010 in both the United States and Europe. Get your pre-order in now, if you haven’t already!

As posted on Polyphony Digital’s official website, here is the complete track list for Gran Turismo 5.

As seen on Polyphony Digital’s Japanese website, here is the complete and official car list for Gran Turismo 5. “S” denotes a “Standard Model” car, “P” denotes a “Premium Model”.