Because always online games work faultlessly and never cause any problems (/s) EA appear to be making the new Need For Speed an online only game.

The info's popped up via some tweets, as the official account answers questions:

@DeanRheims NFS will require an online connection, but the benefits are nice. More variety and a more rewarding experience with friends.May 28, 2015

@XMax_MeyerX You will need to be online, but this allows us to push the boundaries of the overall experience we can deliver to the fans.May 28, 2015

Quite what the online connection's for isn't clear yet, although it does seem to tie into mention of "multiple narratives" that was leaked along with Need For Speed's release date.

@JonBarry3 Being connected will allow your friends to be part of your narrative experience, something only possible through connected play.May 28, 2015

That strict online requirement seems to have caused some confusion as well, with the Need For Speed twitter account have to reiterate, more than once, that there is still a single player game.

@MkTetsujin We'll be going in to more details on the modes in the future, but single player is supported.May 29, 2015

@MkTetsujin There is a single player game. More details to come. Keep an eye on our official channels.May 29, 2015

The messaging is going well, clearly.