Gran Turismo players! This month’s Gran Turismo 7 update delivers a wide range of cars, from the original Gran Turismo F3500-A formula car to the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ’24. Be sure to experience the next-generation racing AI agent, Gran Turismo Sophy is now available on Autodromo de Interlagos and Mount Panorama Circuit.
Update 1.55* for Gran Turismo 7 is available as of Wednesday, January 29 at 10:00pm PT / January 30 at 6:00am GMT / 3:00pm JST.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.
4 new cars added this month
Gran Turismo F3500-A
(Can be purchased from Brand Central)
An original formula car created in the image of classic F1 cars.
The F3500-A is a Gran Turismo original formula machine born from a deep admiration for early 1990s F1 cars.
Looking at its construction, the chassis is made from negative molded carbon fiber which was the style at the time. The suspension arrangement also uses a classic layout, featuring horizontally mounted shock absorbers actuated by pushrods and bell cranks.
The power unit is a light and compact 3.5L naturally aspirated V12. Using pneumatic valves, it can reach 15,000 rpm, and variable length funnels on the intake system ensure ample torque across the rev range.
The screaming sound of the exhaust at high RPMs is a unique quality of naturally aspirated systems that cannot be recreated with turbochargers. The transmission is a 6-speed semi-automatic box with paddle shifters, which has been mounted laterally to avoid any interference with the shape of the rear diffuser.
Looking towards the aerodynamics, the monocoque uses a high nose design. Unlike modern front wings which tend to hang down from struts, this one uses an anhedral design where the wing spreads out diagonally from under the nose. There are several different wings, both front and rear, as well as engine cowl shapes available, allowing you to customize the car to your personal tastes.
Honda Civic Si Extra (EF) ’87
(Can be purchased from Brand Central)
A dominating force on the touring car circuit, this 4th generation Civic features the famous ZC engine.
In 1987, the Civic received a full model change, bringing the series into its fourth generation. Often known as the ‘Grand Civic’ or simply by its model code ‘EF’.
The exterior retains the broad strokes of the previous model while adding modern touches to the slightly larger body. One of the largest changes was the overhauled platform which brought with it a new 4-wheel double wishbone suspension setup. The wheelbase was also lengthened significantly, allowing drivers to enjoy the car’s sporty handling with more stability.
The lineup retained the same 4 body variations as before, a 3-door hatchback, 4-door sedan, and a 5-door shuttle along with the ‘Pro’ commercial model. Another carryover from the previous generation was the ‘Si’ sport models featuring 1.6L DOHC inline-4 engines. Additionally, this generation saw the introduction of the ‘Si Extra’ grade, which added a rich suite of equipment to the Si formula.
The ZC engine received extensive tuning to increase the compression ratio, reduce airflow restriction on intake and exhaust, and reduce piston friction among other improvements. The result was a maximum power output of 128.2 BHP and 14.7 kgfm torque net. The previous ‘Wonder Civic’ era boasted 133.1 BHP and 15.5 kgfm however these were gross figures. Net figures are typically 15% less than gross, which means that the new ZC unit was more powerful.
The Si and Si Extra models also saw extensive use in arenas like the Japan Touring Car Championship (JTC). Starting from the 1988 season, the car would receive its first race victory in Round 3 before going on to win the drivers title and manufacturers title. The car would prove its strength once again in the 1989 season where it would take the manufacturers title again.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 N ‘24
(Can be purchased from Brand Central)
A fearsome driving machine that challenges the preconceptions of BEVs.
The IONIQ 5 debuted in 2021 as Hyundai’s first electric only model. The car already had a clean modern look and excellent usability, but the real star of the lineup would come in 2023 with the introduction of the N model.
For Hyundai, the N stands for the two facilities where this car was developed, Namyang in Korea and the Nürburgring in Germany, which speaks for the car’s performance. With the addition of this name, the IONIQ 5 was transformed into the embodiment of driving pleasure.
The drivetrain is a four-wheel drive system with motors on each of the front and rear axles. These provide a combined power output of 478 kW (641 BHP) / 770 Nm (78.5 kgfm) in overboost mode. Additionally, the system allows for adjustment of the front-to-rear power distribution, which makes it possible to drift the over 2 ton body when set to a rear power bias. A virtual dual-clutch transmission is also provided using regenerative braking power, with further driving euphoria provided by simulated exhaust sound.
The IONIQ 5 N also features a multitude of exclusive furnishings on both interior and exterior. This monster of a car pushes the boundaries of what is possible for BEVs.
Toyota C-HR S ’18
(Can be purchased from Brand Central)
The unconventional crossover SUV that took on the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Toyota has produced a number of world cars, such as the Corolla and the Yaris. In 2016, Toyota released a new global car developed for the 21st century, the C-HR.
The car’s most notable feature is its compact crossover SUV design. In order to meet the needs of people’s various lifestyles, Toyota developed an all-new model that combines the comfort and space of an SUV with the active character of a coupe.
The origins of this model lie in Toyota’s new generation TNGA platform which was first employed in 2015 on the 4th generation model Prius. The suspension features a newly developed strut system on the front end, with a double wishbone setup on the rear. On top of this, sits a coupe style body featuring a complicated series of faceted surfaces.
For the power unit, the car is available with the same 1.8L hybrid engine as the 4th generation Prius or a downsized 1.2L 4- cylinder turbo engine. The former is provided as a front-wheel drive powertrain and the latter as four-wheel drive. The S model featured here is hybrid entry grade model for the Japanese market which features 17-inch wheels.
Exactly as Toyota had planned, the C-HR found support in areas all over the globe, and soon became a bestseller. An unconventional crossover SUV, though popular for its economy and ease of use, it also found a place within motorsports, with a prototype car competing in the Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Café / Extra Menus
The following Menu has been added to the Extra Menus section:
- Extra Menu No. 43: Group C (Collector Level 47 and above)
World Circuits (Event)
The following new events have been added to World Circuits:
- Sunday Cup: Kyoto Driving Park – Miyabi
- Japanese FF Challenge 450: Sardegna – Road Track – C
- World Touring Car 600: Autódromo de Interlagos
Gran Turismo Sophy
The next-generation racing AI agent, Gran Turismo Sophy is now available on the following courses. Look for the GT Sophy icon in the Quick Race menu on each track to test your skills against Sophy.
Autódromo de Interlagos
Mount Panorama Circuit
Scapes
Chromatic Drive has been added as a featured Curation in Scapes.
We hope you enjoy all that’s in store with Gran Turismo 7’s update 1.55, available now.
