On August 22, 2007, Rockstar launched their first teaser trailer and screenshots for the game on their official website. The trailer features the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster, Mitsubishi 3000GT, Datsun 280Z, Saleen S7 twin turbo, Pontiac Solstice, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Mazda RX-8 Shinka, Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, Nissan 350Z, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR, 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS police car, 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec, Chevrolet Cobalt SS, Audi R8, Ford GT and the Saleen S302 Extreme. The song "Idealistic" from Digitalism, a German electro music duo was playing.
Screenshots have included the 2008 Dodge Challenger and the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro concept.
On July 23, 2008, Rockstar released another batch of 10 new screenshots. Screenshots consisted of previously shown cars in addition to the Ford GT and Mercedes-Benz S600. It has also been confirmed that at least one of the Aston Martins appearing in the video game will be the Aston Martin Vantage Roadster. IGN UK also mentioned driving a Mazda RX-7 in the demo provided by Rockstar during their preview of the game.
A second trailer entitled "Race Life" was released on July 29, 2008 which featured several shots of the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Dodge Challenger, Saleen S7 twin turbo and the 1996 Impala as a police cruiser amoung others. Several clips involved a recurring character, indicating he is the protagonist character.
On August 7, 2008, the official Midnight Club: Los Angeles website was launched. The Hollywood section was also included with five brand new vehicles: the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Corvette Z06, Ford GT, Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder, and the Saleen S302 Extreme. The first in-game character, Annie, was also introduced.
Rockstar released a third trailer on August 21, 2008 at the annual Leipzig Games Convention highlighting the sleek Audi R8 sports car, featuring Baligaga by Tricky as the music. Gamers in attendance were also given a chance to experience Midnight Club: Los Angeles’ head-to-head multiplayer aspect for the first time.
On September 2, 2008, the Santa Monica portion of the official website was unlocked which included video and pictures of Santa Monica, the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14, Aston Martin V8 Vantage Roadster, Volkswagen R32, 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX, and the Pontiac Solstice and customization options were revealed. A new character was seen named Karol. On September 3, 2008, Rockstar released a short trailer entitled "Customize Your Ride" which featured the customization of the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR and offered several of the customization options available.[4]
The Downtown LA section of the official website was opened on September 18, 2008 featuring a quick video tour of the Downtown area, several screenshots and videos of the Chevrolet Camaro Concept, Mazda RX-8 Shinka, 1979 Pontiac Firebird, 1969 Chevrolet Camaro RS SS, and the Dodge Charger SRT-8. Also introduced was a new in-game character named Hugo.
On September 22, 2008, the special abilities trailer was released and features Zone, Roar, Agro, and the new addition, EMP.[5]
On October 1, 2008, 10 new screenshots were released that featured multiplayer action including the upcoming vehicles: the Mazda RX-7, the Chrysler 300C SRT-8, the Ford Focus, and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302.[6]
On October 9, 2008, the Hollywood Hills section of the website was revealed that featured a tour of the area. There were some videos and screenshots released of the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec, 1971 Lamborghini Miura SV, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR, Ducati 999R, and the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302. Also, a new in-game character, Andrew, was introduced. The multiplayer modes section was also unveiled, which included race types, battle modes, and online options. Also, the contest section was unlocked which included prizes from Pizza Hut and Footaction USA. Also, Rockstar has teamed up with Jordan Brand to make a pair of limited edition shoes to celebrate Midnight Club: Los Angeles. The pair of Air Jordan Classic '87 are said to cost $380, along with the game. Only 40 pairs will be given away.