LONG BEACH, Calif. -

Car and Driver magazine has entered the social-media gaming foray by teaming up with Cie Games’ “Car Town” on Facebook.

Under the partnership — which launches this week and runs into next year — the publication is being integrated into the game. As such, new-car releases and announcements will be displayed within the game, showing up as a Car and Driver magazine cover.

Additionally, the publication will award  Car and Driver 10 Best honors to the players who create the top virtual car and garage designs within the game.

The print publication will feature the monthly winners, as will the magazine’s website and social-media channels. Also, the print issue will feature a “Car Town News” section showing strategy advice for the game as well as features of Car Town.

"We’re very excited to partner with Car Town to bring our expert reviews and content into the social-game arena," stated Rob Houghtlin, who serves as publisher/chief revenue officer for the Car and Driver and Road & Track publications.

“This is a great opportunity for us to expose our brand to a new and younger audience in a very engaging and dynamic manner,” he added.

Cie Games president and chief executive officer Justin Choi noted: “The Car and Driver brand is a perfect fit. And to be able to reward avid Car Town players with a virtual Car and Driver 10 Best award and recognition in a highly respected automotive magazine is an exciting first."