Ok so had to disconnect from Xbox live to get it to work!
First impressions: Detail on the cars is amazing, both interior and exterior. Looks like this is where most of the work has gone. Do the windows up/down, open the doors, put your left/right indicators on, flash your lights, put the roof down (convertible) When the car gets dirty you can wash it.
The 3D map is cool too. Graphics can't compete with other racing games though, the landscape seems a little bland and repeated but it's still a fun game. I think it was designed mostly for online.