Shift 2: Unleashed (also known as Need for Speed: Shift 2 – Unleashed) is a , the seventeenth installment of the series. It was developed by and published by . The game serves as a direct sequel to and expands on many aspects that were introduced in the original. Shift 2: Unleashed was released worldwide during March and April 2011.
Shift 2: Unleashed features over 145 cars from more than 37 manufacturers and over 36 different tracks, which players can compete in several types of races. Players can also compete online. The game also features three new main additions: an in-helmet camera, night-time racing and the Autolog feature introduced with .
On May 31, 2021, EA announced that download versions of the game would no longer be available for purchase in any online stores, and that online play will shutdown on September 1, 2021. The non-download boxed EA DVD versions of the game can still be purchased from some online stores until supply runs out
- Shift 2 claims to redefine the racing simulator genre by delivering authentic and true-to-life dynamic crash physics, intricately detailed real-world cars, drivers and tracks.
- During their careers, virtual racers partake in a variety of motorsports — like drifting, muscle car racing, retro car racing, Endurance races and circuit competition (i.e. FIA GT3 European Championship) — to hone their driving skills in hopes of becoming the FIA GT1 world champpion.
- In the career mode, , a Champpion guides the player through his career, customizing the car, Autolog, teaching the player how to drift, so the player would head on to the and the Works series.
- Then, he begins to move on to the . Gittin also will be in the Muscle series.