The Xbox 360 exclusive DLC for GTA IV, which Microsoft supposedly paid in excess of $50 million for, may include new cities (let alone missions) when the first portion is released this autumn. At least, that's what certain rumours are suggesting as GTA IV gets set for its release in just under a fortnight.

The reports come from CVG's collector's edition magazine for GTA IV, which suggests that the Xbox 360 DLC will be what San Andreas and Vice City were to GTA III:

"Of course, to call games as vastly ambitious as Vice City or San Andreas mere 'expansion packs' seems childish, but nevertheless, the downloadable content (DLC) coming for the Xbox 360 version of IV has repositioned those games in just this way. DLC so far has meant the odd new car, jumper or bit of horse armour, but GTA IV is set to completely redefine the idea with expansions that are to GTA IV what Vice City or San Andreas were to GTA III. Yes, Rockstar is clearly hinting at new downloadable cities; and the chances of them being London, Vice City or SA again are slim to none. So that's new as in brand new. GTA IV's Liberty City is the beginning. Think about that and be excited," commented the publication.

Having seen this we contacted Rockstar for comment, but received the standard "No comment on rumour or speculation" knock down (it was worth a try).

The Xbox 360 will exclusively receive two substantial portions of DLC for GTA IV, the first of which is scheduled for release this autumn according to Microsoft.