Like every month, a free update arrives for users of Gran Turismo 7 and in the March package (1.31), which will be available for download from tomorrow, there are much more than five new cars, as important adjustments to the simulation algorithms are expected, especially in brakes, suspension and assistance devices. There are also new layouts for the Nürburgring circuit.
PS5 users will also be able to access a new 120hz mode with variable refresh rate, to avoid image cuts and enjoy an experience that is twice as fluid as before, with a rate of 60hz.
Let’s review the new, before we get more anxious…
the new cars
Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge ’18 (Brand Central)
The Toyota Alphard is a well-known passenger van in Japan. It was born on the platform of the Toyota Camry and was created to generate a transport vehicle that is a little more affluent than a passenger utility van, such as the Toyota Hiace. In fact, the Toyota Alphard, in its third generation, lends its platform to the luxurious Lexus LM and replaced the Toyota Estima in Japan (Toyota Previa in other markets, surely sounds more familiar).
Why is this car in Gran Turismo? And why not?
Gran Turismo always had interesting cars to compete in alternative races and let’s face it, it is always very exciting to put cars on the track that are not exactly designed for that.
At least you can emulate your favorite passenger transport company and pretend you’re in a hurry.
We do not know which engine it mounts, but it is offered with options between 170 and 296 Hp.
Audi RS5 Turbo DTM ’19 (Brand Central)
If minivans don’t tempt you, the RS5 DTM will tempt you, especially since it fits the two new Nürburgring layouts like a glove. It falls into Class 1 of touring cars and comparable to the GT500 category of the Japanese Touring Car Championship.
With 12 wins, 12 pole positions and 18 podium finishes, the RS5 Turbo DTM is one of the five most dominant cars in German touring history. It is powered by a two-liter, four-cylinder Turbo engine, but it delivers more than 610 Hp.
Mazda 3 X Burgundy Selection ’19 (Brand Central)
A car known and loved by all, the Mazda 3, debuts its latest generation in Gran Turismo. The X Burgundy Selection model is the top-of-the-line model in Japan and is powered by Mazda’s most sophisticated engine, the 190hp, 240Nm Skyactiv-X.
The grace of this engine is that it has a combustion system that seeks to achieve ignition instantly, that is, only by compressing the mixture between air and fuel as much as possible. To aid the mixture, a supercharger and spark plug are fitted, which barely ignite along with a small spray of fuel at the pre-compression ignition point. This sophisticated and controlled system can achieve great efficiency and manages, Mazda-style, to further squeeze the properties of the combustion engine.
Porsche Carrera GTS (904) ’64 (Legends Cars)
A Porsche icon, the Carrera GTS 904 is a legend in its own right. Successor to the original 718, it cemented its reputation as a versatile and reliable sports car. The number of victories he has in different categories is remarkable, Le Mans, Targa Florio, Spa, different Rally and Endurance races. It is powered by a two-liter Boxer engine with 198 Hp and could reach up to 260 km/h.
Porsche 959 (Legends Cars)
It doesn’t look like it, but the Porsche 959 is one of the most sophisticated supercars of its day. Contemporary to models like the Lamborghini Countach or the Ferrari Testarossa, the Porsche 959 perhaps did not have the most extravagant design or the greatest “sex appeal” of its Italian rivals. However, Porsche put all the meat on the grill in this car, since it was a homologation sports car for Group B with 200 limited units for mass production.
The 959 won the Paris-Dakar twice and also won in its category at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (although it was the competition version, the 961).
With its 2.8 Twin Turbo Boxer engine, Kevlar-infused aluminum construction and sophisticated four-wheel drive system, the 959 went down in history as a true German thoroughbred, the kind of engineering display. For the same reason, with a speed of more than 317 km/h, it became the fastest car in the world in its time.
What else does the update bring?
- Two new layouts for the Nürburgring
- three new events
- New Car Collection Menu (GT Café)
- Display rate with 120 Hz and variable range (for PS5 only)
- Simulation improvements and redesign:
- Changes to suspension geometry simulation calculations
- Changes in damping characteristics
- Improvements in the simulation of the behavior of tires in high temperatures and in “aquaplaning” conditions.
- Optimization of the Anti Lag system
- Improvements in aerodynamic simulation
- Changes in the levels of intervention of the ABS, ASM and TCS system
- Adjustments in the algorithms that interpret the sensitivity of the buttons on the DualSense control (PS5)