Latest news with #GranTurismo7
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Gran Turismo 7 Adds the Baddest R34 GT-R of Them All in July Update
If you have been following Gran Turismo 7's updates this year, you may have noticed something strange. Polyphony Digital suddenly seems to be enamored with crossovers. It's a somewhat depressing trend; over the last six months, the game has received the prior-gen Honda CR-V, Peugeot 2008, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota C-HR. As July winds to a close, it looks like the Nissan Qashqai is about to join their ranks. I can stomach it, though, because on the other end of the spectrum, we're also getting the baddest R34 Skyline GT-R of them all, in the Nismo Z-Tune. GT7's Update 1.61 will go live in the early hours of Thursday morning, and it'll bring those two additions, as well as the Honda N-One RS: a modern kei car with a six-speed manual and turbocharged three-cylinder making the maximum 63 horsepower that Japan allows for vehicles in that class. The little Honda feels like one of those cars you'd expect to discover and fall in love with in a Gran Turismo game. The Qashqai, on the other hand, is a cynical reminder that the automotive landscape that the series reflects today is quite different from the one it materialized in during the late '90s. I understand that argument that today's crossovers are the compact commuters of yesteryear, but they're not as fun to drive or tune, with their tall centers of gravity and powertrains engineered for efficiency at the cost of all else. The CR-V that joined the game this past spring had a CVT, for example, which locks it out of any meaningful upgrades. The Nissan is expected to behave similarly, as it's a hybrid. At least in GT's early days, you could take your starter used Civic and upgrade it until it was nipping at the heels of Lancer Evos and Supras, but that just isn't possible with these small SUVs. So that leaves us with the Nismo Z-Tune, which isn't a terrible consolation prize at all. This is the ultimate R34 GT-R, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Nissan's performance arm back in 2004. Here, Nismo bored and stroked the twin-turbo RB26 to produce a staggering 500 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, and added a titanium exhaust, Sachs bolt-on dampers, and bespoke Brembo brakes, just to name a few performance-minded goodies. Only 20 Z-Tunes were built, both to represent the anniversary and because, by 2004, the R34 GT-R was already out of production. Gran Turismo has always been known for representing the Skyline GT-R lineage perhaps a little too well, but the Z-Tune has somehow never appeared in the franchise before, so this is a big moment. Elsewhere, you can expect the usual drip feed of races, a new track for the Sophy AI to compete on (High-Speed Ring), and new Scapes locales to snap photos. I say it every time I cover one of these updates, but you've got to wonder how many more of these Polyphony has stashed before it packs up GT7 and moves right onto GT8. Then again, perhaps that won't land until the PlayStation 6 does. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
The Drive
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Gran Turismo 7 Adds the Baddest R34 GT-R of Them All in July Update
The latest car news, reviews, and features. If you have been following Gran Turismo 7's updates this year, you may have noticed something strange. Polyphony Digital suddenly seems to be enamored with crossovers. It's a somewhat depressing trend; over the last six months, the game has received the prior-gen Honda CR-V, Peugeot 2008, Mazda CX-30, and Toyota C-HR. As July winds to a close, it looks like the Nissan Qashqai is about to join their ranks. I can stomach it, though, because on the other end of the spectrum, we're also getting the baddest R34 Skyline GT-R of them all, in the Nismo Z-Tune. GT7's Update 1.61 will go live in the early hours of Thursday morning, and it'll bring those two additions, as well as the Honda N-One RS: a modern kei car with a six-speed manual and turbocharged three-cylinder making the maximum 63 horsepower that Japan allows for vehicles in that class. The little Honda feels like one of those cars you'd expect to discover and fall in love with in a Gran Turismo game. The Qashqai, on the other hand, is a cynical reminder that the automotive landscape that the series reflects today is quite different from the one it materialized in during the late '90s. I understand that argument that today's crossovers are the compact commuters of yesteryear, but they're not as fun to drive or tune, with their tall centers of gravity and powertrains engineered for efficiency at the cost of all else. The CR-V that joined the game this past spring had a CVT, for example, which locks it out of any meaningful upgrades. The Nissan is expected to behave similarly, as it's a hybrid. At least in GT's early days, you could take your starter used Civic and upgrade it until it was nipping at the heels of Lancer Evos and Supras, but that just isn't possible with these small SUVs. So that leaves us with the Nismo Z-Tune, which isn't a terrible consolation prize at all. This is the ultimate R34 GT-R, commemorating the 20th anniversary of Nissan's performance arm back in 2004. Here, Nismo bored and stroked the twin-turbo RB26 to produce a staggering 500 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, and added a titanium exhaust, Sachs bolt-on dampers, and bespoke Brembo brakes, just to name a few performance-minded goodies. Only 20 Z-Tunes were built, both to represent the anniversary and because, by 2004, the R34 GT-R was already out of production. Gran Turismo has always been known for representing the Skyline GT-R lineage perhaps a little too well, but the Z-Tune has somehow never appeared in the franchise before, so this is a big moment. Sony Interactive Entertainment Elsewhere, you can expect the usual drip feed of races, a new track for the Sophy AI to compete on (High-Speed Ring), and new Scapes locales to snap photos. I say it every time I cover one of these updates, but you've got to wonder how many more of these Polyphony has stashed before it packs up GT7 and moves right onto GT8 . Then again, perhaps that won't land until the PlayStation 6 does. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Tom's Guide
I drove 1,000 miles with the Thrustmaster T598 — here's why it's the best sim racing setup you can buy for under $500
I've tried plenty of mid-range direct drive wheels — built to make the lofty heights of the premium sim racing experiences you see the likes of Jimmy Broadbent and SuperGT use all the more accessible. And all in all, they're great, but just fall slightly short of really giving you that same level of immersion that a $1,000+ rig can give you. But then, I tried the Thrustmaster T598, and I must admit this is the new budget king for PlayStation and PC racers alike. The secret sauce comes with Direct Axial Drive. This isn't your standard DD — rather a new kind of flux motor that alters how that magnetic field works to deliver smooth force feedback (I'll get more scientific about it in the review). What you should know about it from the get go is that it delivers an immense driving experience with really precise detail and a whole lot of intensity that can far exceed that 5nm number. Just like with vastly more expensive wheels, I found myself immediately in tune with any car I was driving — noticing small hints of oversteer to prevent and those tiny sensations that help indicate the right moments to trailbrake and apply the throttle. Speaking of, the pedals also feel great too, with a metal construction to withstand years of attack, along with plenty of customizability, and a load cell brake pedal for smooth inputs. Are there compromises? Of course, it's a $500 wheel after all. The chief one being that the wheel that you get is rather plastic fantastic. This is a modular setup, so you can upgrade that (and I did try the hypercar wheel that I'll talk about a little later on). But all of this is overruled by the simple fact I'm feeling a premium sim racing experience on a wheel that's a fraction of the price of it. If you are looking to elevate your driving on a budget (especially given the price of direct drive PlayStation wheels), this is the one to buy. Let me get into why. Wheel diameter 11.8 inches Wheelbase dimensions 15.7 x 8.6 x 7.9 inches Total weight 10.3 pounds Torque (strength of force feedback) 5Nm + 100% overshoot to 10Nm (strong) Connectivity USB-C, Proprietary pedal and shifter connection ports Ways to attach Desk/table mounting with included clamps, and sim frame screws (with included base plate and torque screw) for a sim rig. So here we are — all set up and ready to race. So I popped in Gran Turismo 7, hopped in the Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 from 2013 and burned a couple laps around the Nürburgring to get used to the T598. Getting to the point, this wheel feels phenomenal — gorgeously smooth with plenty of force resistance that feels true-to-life. But to give you the full context of the magic here, I have to get a bit geeky. Read the deep dive ▼ Traditionally, direct drive wheels have used what is called a radial flux motor. Basically, direct drive motors and magnets are placed directly on the steering column to create that smooth force feedback to the wheel. The magnetic flux flows (as the name suggests) radially from the center of the motor to the outside. It's been the best way to do it, but does come with its own issues such as 'cogging,' which comes as the magnets can awkwardly interact with each other some times, and it produces a lot of heat too — leading to higher-priced wheels with more materials to keep them cool. Instead, the T598 uses an axial flux motor, which was only seen in industrial machinery until now. Thrustmaster has put the magnets and motors to make the magnetic flux (yep, you guessed it) axially. This leads to that unique flatter design of the wheel-base, as everything happens parallel to the driving shaft, rather than outwards from it. This leads to more efficient cooling — requiring less materials and a cheaper cost, while also (as claimed by Thrustmaster) reducing cogging by over 99%. The end result is an incredible driving sensation. All the same granular level of detail you'd expect from more expensive wheels in something basically half-the-price. The concrete texture change when entering the Nürburgring's world-famous carousel is immediate with zero latency, which gives you confidence in understanding the speed, the turning angle and when to apply the throttle heading back out. Whether it was paying attention to the tiniest details in time trials to extract as much out of the car as possible, or getting tactical with a good old switcheroo in a race, nothing ever felt artificial — everything felt purer, smoother and less like a fight against magnets. Just make sure you set it up to make the most of that Overshoot, but more on that later. With a sturdy metal construction and with plenty of customizability built-in, the pedals were a pleasant surprise. I've tried wheels that compromise a little too hard with plastic here that makes you a little nervous of breaking them. Without needing a whole lot of time to build them, you're off to the races with a smooth accelerator and a load-cell brake system with various foam options to give you the stiffness you need. Travel can be altered too by moving the bottom of the pedal springs along the ridges. In use, when hurtling down to tight corners, I never felt betrayed by any bad inputs, and the control over trailbraking felt succinct. Not much more you could ask from a set of pedals! Although given the width, I'm a little nervous about how cluttered it may feel with an additional clutch here. Speaking of the clutch pedal accessory, the T598 fits into Thrustmaster's lineup with the modularity to boot and support for a lot of the company's lineup of racing wheels. The one you get in the box is a little cheap and flexes quite a bit under use (more on that later), but alternatively, the Evo Racing 32R leather wheel is fully supported for that more premium round rim experience. If you don't want to rely on the clamp-release of switching wheels, the quick-release upgrade SF1000 can be used too. But the add-on I've been testing is the new Hypercar wheel add-on. And I've got to tell you, firing up a Lamborghini with this wheel just feels elegant. Consider this a mini review — the flatter structure of the wheel, the well-placed buttons and the jog-wheel controls make this ideal for F1 track racing alongside having the luxury build quality to give you supercar vibes. The price may be a little steep, but it's a worthy upgrade with tactility right at its core. With the depth of Thrustmaster's ecosystem, from the hypercar wheel experience and formula wheels, to handbrakes and shifters for rally and more traditional touring car racing, you can tailor this to your racing needs as you go on. Speeding down the Döttinger straight at Nürburgring is a thrilling-yet-terrifying prospect — terrifying because how panicked I get about braking into the tight chicane at the end of it. And in this intense moment of frantic steering for car control, I noticed two key things. The included wheel with the T598 is a bit basic, and its plasticky build does mean it can flex a bit when you're steering hard — making me slightly nervous in the heat of competition. Buttons are placed OK-ish, but outside of the shoulder and face buttons across the top of the central rim, the directional buttons are a little mushy and a bit too close to each other for me to be able to hit the right one from memory wearing gloves. And the lack of any rotating dials makes changing the brake balance or fuel mapping a bit laborious. For a first wheel out of the box, it's fine. But you'll find yourself butting heads with it on some occasions. I'll be honest — this review was set to go south when I first drove. Remember when I said 'provided you tweak the settings?' This is mandatory, otherwise the T598 just feels weird. The settings are easy to change with the buttons on the wheel and the base, but to say you're not getting the best out of the box is a bit strange. Word to the wise, use these wheel settings: Sort these, and you'll get the best possible driving experience. My small gripes about the wheel and settings aside, this is a breakthrough for premium sim racing on a budget — force and detail you'd expect in much more expensive wheels for less than $500. And the other bit I almost forgot to really give props too… This is a PlayStation wheel too. Given the licensing and unique connectivity requirements for Sony's console, direct drive wheels that support PS5 usually come with a huge price tag. Thrustmaster just blew that expectation out the water with the T598. If you are in the market for a new wheel to elevate your experience, but feeling the hurt of the pricing, this is the one to buy!
Miami Herald
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
11 Cars That Need To Be Added To Gran Turismo 7 ASAP
As a loyal and avid fanatic of the Gran Turismo racing video game franchise, having played the legendary driving simulator since the release of its second instalment way back in 1999, it's a video game that holds a dear place deep within my heart. Even today, Gran Turismo 7 remains one of the only video games I still play, and is one of my favorite racing games of all time. Despite the commendable achievements and my lengthy seat time in other racing games such as Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Need For Speed instalments, Assetto Corsa, Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition, Midnight Club: LA, Driver San Fransisco, and many more, no racing game has ever captivated my attention as much as Gran Turismo 7 has. With its immersive attention to detail, gorgeous visuals, well-curated track selection and vibrant car list, it's the only game that can truly scratch my itch to go for a drive as much as actually heading out for a drive–something I am extremely gracious to have discovered considering how expensive gas and insurance can be. Polyphony Digital released Gran Turismo 7 way back in 2022, and with consistent free updates being rolled out on an almost-monthly basis, its car list is ever-growing. Despite this, many longtime fans of the iconic franchise remain vocal that the game's vehicle selection lacks the diversity found in past Gran Turismo instalments. In Gran Turismo 6, Polyphony's developers employed a two-tier model system, including "detailed cars" and "simple cars," which allowed the game to feature over 1,200 unique vehicles, compared to just over 400 vehicles contained within Gran Turismo 7. Although Polyphony made the intentional and frankly commendable decision to drop "standard cars" from the game in an effort to provide more focused attention to detail for the vehicles that are included and to maximize beautification, many of the "detailed cars" from Gran Turismo 6 are still missing from the franchise's seventh and most recent instalment, despite having high-quality models and brand licensing rights. Although there are more than just fifteen examples of "detailed cars" in GT6 that didn't make the cut for GT7, the following fifteen cars are the ones we miss the most, in no particular order. Packing 217 horsepower made from a naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an 8,400 rpm redline, it's genuinely surprising that the 2004 Integra Type R has yet to see the light of day in Gran Turismo 7, especially considering the massive popularity of the Integra Type R's previous generation within the game. Despite its front-wheel drive mechanicals, the Integra Type R earned its reputation for its rear-wheel drive-esque handling dynamics, light and balanced weight, and its sprightly, high-revving powertrain. Although you'll be able to find the 1999 Honda S2000 (AP1) occasionally in Gran Turismo 7's used car dealership, the updated, larger-displacement 2006 Honda S2000 (AP2) is absent in the game, despite its availability as a "detailed car" in Gran Turismo 6. With a 2.2-liter displacement, the AP2 Honda S2000 drops its redline from 9,000 rpm to just 8,000 rpm, but packs 235 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque beneath its bonnet. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, making a perfect platform to toss around a truck in Gran Turismo or to modify into a precision track machine. With a fierce, growling supercharged 5.0-liter V8 under the hood producing up to 542 horsepower, the 2011 Jaguar XKR-S is a serious high-performance machine that even gives far more expensive Aston Martins a run for their money. Thankfully, for now, the Jaguar F-Type R satiates our thirst for supercharged V8 Jaguar goodness in Gran Turismo 7, but we think the hardened, track-focused XKR-S would look fantastic alongside its baby brother in GT7's lauded photo mode. With its screaming, 661-horsepower naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12, the 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce seems like it would be an ideal addition to Gran Turismo 7. Although the game features the standard variant of the Lamborghini Murcielago and the SuperVeloce variant of the more recent Aventador, the striking hues of the Murcielago SV's vibrant paint colours and the polarizing screech of its high-strung V12 are sorely missed. The 2007 Lexus IS F is what happens when you cross precision Japanese engineering with the brute force of a V8 muscle car and the agile dynamics of a compact sport sedan. A cult classic in its own right, powered by a naturally-aspirated, 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, paired with rear-wheel drive, seems like the perfect recipe for an in-game BMW M3 fighter. Using a recipe akin to that of the timelessly iconic Shelby Cobra, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage stuffs a massive, 6.0-liter V12 into a small sports car chassis originally designed for a much smaller, 4.3-liter V8. With supercar-like horsepower and agile dynamics, the V12 Vantage can be quite a handful on a racetrack–exactly what longtime Gran Turismo players pine for. Sure, calculated and tame racing cars offer drivers precision tools for record lap times, but sometimes players just want something unhinged to challenge their own abilities. We'd love to see this hardcore machine in Gran Turismo 7 soon. The inclusion of the ever-iconic Mazda MX-5 in the Gran Turismo franchise seems inevitable, but Gran Turismo 7 seems to lack many variants of the MX-5 that seem like no-brainers to add into the game. Without the MX-5's second, NB generation, without the latest, ND-generation MX-5's 2.0-liter powered variant, and without the MX-5's third, NC generation, MX-5 buyers get the short end of the stick when they power up their PlayStations. One of the most insane performance station wagons of all time, the 2008 Audi RS 6 Avant saw a twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter V10 shoehorned into the front of a luxurious family estate car. With the recent additions of other family-friendly vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota C-HR, and the Mazda CX-30, one would think that a 580-horsepower, turbocharged V10-powered station wagon would be a better fit for a racing game franchise that wants to include family cars. Only time will tell if we'll ever see this monster in another Gran Turismo game. A favourite amongst AMG fanatics, the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8-powered 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG seems like it should be an obvious addition to Gran Turismo 7, combining the brute force of a 451-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with the oversteer-happy dynamics of the W204-generation Mercedes C-Class. Perhaps one day we'll be blessed with this brute in the virtual world of Gran Turismo once again, or better yet, the ferocious C63 AMG Black Series coupe. Something of a high-water mark for the performance sedan, the 2008 BMW M5 paired a mid-size executive sedan with a high-strung, 500-horsepower, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 and rear-wheel drive. Although the BMW M5 (E60) came equipped with BMW's notoriously finicky SMG-II sequential transmission, North American buyers had the option for a more traditional six-speed manual transmission–a recipe that resulted in one of the most beloved sport sedans of all time, and its appreciating market values are beginning to reflect this feat. Please, Polyphony, hear our cries, and bless us with this true God amongst mere sport sedan mongrels. A Pininfarina-penned masterpiece, Ferrari's 599 GTB is a fine example of the Italian legacy marque's excellence in crafting extraordinarily beautiful V12-powered Grand Tourers. And, well, isn't that precisely what Gran Turismo is all about? Although the gorgeous Ferrari F12 has been included in GT7 since day one, and the polarizing 812 Superfast recently made its in-game debut last month with the game's most recent update, we'd love to see the 599 included to further complete the Ferrari V12 Grand Tourer lineage in the racing game. As Polyphony Digital rolls out occasional updates containing oddball vehicles like kei trucks and mundane crossovers like the Toyota C-HR and Honda CR-V, fans are left wondering why we're given access to hybrid SUVs and diesel-powered Unimogs when iconic performance cars like the ones mentioned here are being withheld. Hopefully, Polyphony Digital will hear our cries and grant us more performance-oriented modern classics instead of dull crossovers and other vehicles that seem genuinely out of place in a game that brands itself as the ultimate racing simulator. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Auto Blog
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
11 Cars That Need To Be Added To Gran Turismo 7 ASAP
One of the best of its kind As a loyal and avid fanatic of the Gran Turismo racing video game franchise, having played the legendary driving simulator since the release of its second instalment way back in 1999, it's a video game that holds a dear place deep within my heart. Even today, Gran Turismo 7 remains one of the only video games I still play, and is one of my favorite racing games of all time. 0:07 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Despite the commendable achievements and my lengthy seat time in other racing games such as Forza Motorsport, Forza Horizon, Test Drive Unlimited 2, Need For Speed instalments, Assetto Corsa, , Midnight Club 3: Dub Edition, Midnight Club: LA, Driver San Fransisco, and many more, no racing game has ever captivated my attention as much as Gran Turismo 7 has. With its immersive attention to detail, gorgeous visuals, well-curated track selection and vibrant car list, it's the only game that can truly scratch my itch to go for a drive as much as actually heading out for a drive–something I am extremely gracious to have discovered considering how expensive gas and insurance can be. Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept — Source: Genesis Polyphony Digital released Gran Turismo 7 way back in 2022, and with consistent free updates being rolled out on an almost-monthly basis, its car list is ever-growing. Despite this, many longtime fans of the iconic franchise remain vocal that the game's vehicle selection lacks the diversity found in past Gran Turismo instalments. In Gran Turismo 6, Polyphony's developers employed a two-tier model system, including 'detailed cars' and 'simple cars,' which allowed the game to feature over 1,200 unique vehicles, compared to just over 400 vehicles contained within Gran Turismo 7. Although Polyphony made the intentional and frankly commendable decision to drop 'standard cars' from the game in an effort to provide more focused attention to detail for the vehicles that are included and to maximize beautification, many of the 'detailed cars' from Gran Turismo 6 are still missing from the franchise's seventh and most recent instalment, despite having high-quality models and brand licensing rights. Although there are more than just fifteen examples of 'detailed cars' in GT6 that didn't make the cut for GT7, the following fifteen cars are the ones we miss the most, in no particular order. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 1. 2004 Honda Integra Type R (DC5) Packing 217 horsepower made from a naturally-aspirated K20A 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an 8,400 rpm redline, it's genuinely surprising that the 2004 Integra Type R has yet to see the light of day in Gran Turismo 7, especially considering the massive popularity of the Integra Type R's previous generation within the game. Despite its front-wheel drive mechanicals, the Integra Type R earned its reputation for its rear-wheel drive-esque handling dynamics, light and balanced weight, and its sprightly, high-revving powertrain. 2. 2006 Honda S2000 (AP2) Although you'll be able to find the 1999 Honda S2000 (AP1) occasionally in Gran Turismo 7's used car dealership, the updated, larger-displacement 2006 Honda S2000 (AP2) is absent in the game, despite its availability as a 'detailed car' in Gran Turismo 6. With a 2.2-liter displacement, the AP2 Honda S2000 drops its redline from 9,000 rpm to just 8,000 rpm, but packs 235 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque beneath its bonnet. Power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, making a perfect platform to toss around a truck in Gran Turismo or to modify into a precision track machine. 3. 2011 Jaguar XKR-S With a fierce, growling supercharged 5.0-liter V8 under the hood producing up to 542 horsepower, the 2011 Jaguar XKR-S is a serious high-performance machine that even gives far more expensive Aston Martins a run for their money. Thankfully, for now, the Jaguar F-Type R satiates our thirst for supercharged V8 Jaguar goodness in Gran Turismo 7, but we think the hardened, track-focused XKR-S would look fantastic alongside its baby brother in GT7's lauded photo mode. 4. 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce With its screaming, 661-horsepower naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12, the 2009 Lamborghini Murcielago LP670-4 SuperVeloce seems like it would be an ideal addition to Gran Turismo 7. Although the game features the standard variant of the Lamborghini Murcielago and the SuperVeloce variant of the more recent Aventador, the striking hues of the Murcielago SV's vibrant paint colours and the polarizing screech of its high-strung V12 are sorely missed. 5. 2007 Lexus IS F The 2007 Lexus IS F is what happens when you cross precision Japanese engineering with the brute force of a V8 muscle car and the agile dynamics of a compact sport sedan. A cult classic in its own right, powered by a naturally-aspirated, 416-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, paired with rear-wheel drive, seems like the perfect recipe for an in-game BMW M3 fighter. 6. 2010 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Using a recipe akin to that of the timelessly iconic Shelby Cobra, the Aston Martin V12 Vantage stuffs a massive, 6.0-liter V12 into a small sports car chassis originally designed for a much smaller, 4.3-liter V8. With supercar-like horsepower and agile dynamics, the V12 Vantage can be quite a handful on a racetrack–exactly what longtime Gran Turismo players pine for. Sure, calculated and tame racing cars offer drivers precision tools for record lap times, but sometimes players just want something unhinged to challenge their own abilities. We'd love to see this hardcore machine in Gran Turismo 7 soon. 7. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Roadster RS (NC) The inclusion of the ever-iconic Mazda MX-5 in the Gran Turismo franchise seems inevitable, but Gran Turismo 7 seems to lack many variants of the MX-5 that seem like no-brainers to add into the game. Without the MX-5's second, NB generation, without the latest, ND-generation MX-5's 2.0-liter powered variant, and without the MX-5's third, NC generation, MX-5 buyers get the short end of the stick when they power up their PlayStations. 8. 2008 Audi RS 6 Avant One of the most insane performance station wagons of all time, the 2008 Audi RS 6 Avant saw a twin-turbocharged, 5.0-liter V10 shoehorned into the front of a luxurious family estate car. With the recent additions of other family-friendly vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota C-HR, and the Mazda CX-30, one would think that a 580-horsepower, turbocharged V10-powered station wagon would be a better fit for a racing game franchise that wants to include family cars. Only time will tell if we'll ever see this monster in another Gran Turismo game. 9. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG A favourite amongst AMG fanatics, the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8-powered 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG seems like it should be an obvious addition to Gran Turismo 7, combining the brute force of a 451-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 with the oversteer-happy dynamics of the W204-generation Mercedes C-Class. Perhaps one day we'll be blessed with this brute in the virtual world of Gran Turismo once again, or better yet, the ferocious C63 AMG Black Series coupe. 10. 2008 BMW M5 (E60) Something of a high-water mark for the performance sedan, the 2008 BMW M5 paired a mid-size executive sedan with a high-strung, 500-horsepower, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 and rear-wheel drive. Although the BMW M5 (E60) came equipped with BMW's notoriously finicky SMG-II sequential transmission, North American buyers had the option for a more traditional six-speed manual transmission–a recipe that resulted in one of the most beloved sport sedans of all time, and its appreciating market values are beginning to reflect this feat. Please, Polyphony, hear our cries, and bless us with this true God amongst mere sport sedan mongrels. 11. 2006 Ferrari 599 A Pininfarina-penned masterpiece, Ferrari's 599 GTB is a fine example of the Italian legacy marque's excellence in crafting extraordinarily beautiful V12-powered Grand Tourers. And, well, isn't that precisely what Gran Turismo is all about? Although the gorgeous Ferrari F12 has been included in GT7 since day one, and the polarizing 812 Superfast recently made its in-game debut last month with the game's most recent update, we'd love to see the 599 included to further complete the Ferrari V12 Grand Tourer lineage in the racing game. Final thoughts As Polyphony Digital rolls out occasional updates containing oddball vehicles like kei trucks and mundane crossovers like the Toyota C-HR and Honda CR-V, fans are left wondering why we're given access to hybrid SUVs and diesel-powered Unimogs when iconic performance cars like the ones mentioned here are being withheld. Hopefully, Polyphony Digital will hear our cries and grant us more performance-oriented modern classics instead of dull crossovers and other vehicles that seem genuinely out of place in a game that brands itself as the ultimate racing simulator. About the Author Cole Attisha View Profile
