Gran Turismo 6: Peugeot Vision GT

In the distant past, Peugeot has been well known for creating sturdy cars like the 504 Break, sporty cars like the 205 GTi, and now, terrible cars like the 307 and the 407. Peugeot is all about changing their minds through the years and because of their unquestionable automobile history, the French carmaker decided to create an unquestionable concept car capable of unleashing its unquestionable potential.



This is the Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo, the latest entry of Gran Turismo 6's Vision Gran Turismo lineup of concept cars that are suitable in the world of Gran Turismo. It incorporates Peugeot's motorsport history into one unique package and it delivers unquestionable aerodynamics that generate powerful downforces directly through the body panels, reaching to a mere 1.04 meters.

This car has an uncanny performance because the 3.2L V6 turbo engine delivers 875PS of power and the same amount for weight, meaning it can deliver an unparalleled 1kg/ps weight-to-power ratio and a 0-100kph time of less than two seconds. Less than two seconds in a concept car made by the French!

Peugeot claims that this car has an ultra-direct steering but sadly, its handling is very sensitive so when you turn hard at high speeds, it tends to understeer without warning so you have to be very careful while trying to handle this car with precision. If you set it up right, it becomes much easier.



I managed to try this one in a Special Event held at the Tokyo R246 track and what am I doing is aiming for the Gold Target Time, knowing how good this car is. While plagued by the diabolical understeer at high speeds, the straight line speeds are unquestionable and having managed to survive the Peugeot VGT's unquestionable mobility and stability, I managed to clear the Gold Target Time and I did it in 1:29.559. Not the fastest I ever done, but this is proof that how good this Peugeot concept car is.



The Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo is one of the fastest-accelerating cars in Gran Turismo 6 but it requires precise driving skills to get this thing round corners due to its understeering issues. This car is one of the many proofs why Peugeot remains one of the most unquestionable carmakers in history because of its unquestionable history of making tough cars, sporty cars, and terrible cars.

Expect more cars coming at the Vision Gran Turismo range very soon!

Gran Turismo 6: VW GTi Supersport Vision GT

Last year, Volkswagen wowed the GT6 players with the VW GTi Roadster VGT, which is part of the game's Vision Gran Turismo lineup of unorthodox concept cars built exclusively for this game, and now, they've introduced us their second chapter to Volkswagen's Vision Gran Turismo entry. Meet the VW GTi Supersport Vision Gran Turismo.



Their latest entry to the Vision Gran Turismo range is what everything a hyper hatch should be, possessing uncanny mobility and speed that only this V-dub can take advantage of.



For a start, this car looks a lot like the latest version of the VW Golf GTi but with all that enhanced aerodynamics, it's becoming to be more of a racecar rather than a hot hatch and like the GTi Roadster VGT from last year, it comes with the same 3.0L twin-turbo VR6 TSi engine which develops 503HP of power and 665Nm while mated with a 7-speed DSG.

Amazingly, the Supersport weighs exactly the same as the GTi Roadster by about 1200kg and when you handle both of these cars, you can't really tell, except by my further understanding that the hardtop version is the better handling one rather than the open-top one even though they both have aggressive aerodynamics and the clever four-wheel drive system.

To find out just how good the GTi Supersport really is, I took on the challenge at the Nurburgring GP/D and I have to aim for the gold target time of  1:28.000.



Hot hatches are great on the racetrack but because of their front-wheel drive layout, they tend to do understeer and no matter how hard you turn the wheel, it doesn't feel like they're responsive enough for your actions. Not so in this GTi Supersport because even when you have the hammer down, it will still do as you ask it to do. With the four-wheel drive layout, light bodywork, and race-inspired aerodynamics, the GTi Supersport can handle like a top-class racecar at ease and even a race-shy rookie can handle this machine at ease.

Thanks to its amazing handling, I managed to beat the gold target time at one go and I did it in 1:27.902. Not the quickest lap I ever made but it's a definitive proof that the GTi Supersport might just be GT6's best handling car you can try.



Expect new additions to the Vision Gran Turismo range soon!

Gran Turismo 6: Lexus LF-LC VGT vs. Alpine VGT

The Lexus LF-LC Vision Gran Turismo...



...and the Alpine Vision Gran Turismo.



These new additions to the Gran Turismo 6's Vision Gran Turismo roster of concept cars will surely make petrolheads coming back for more and even though they're different in any way, these machines are always up for new challenges this game could throw at them.



First, let's take a look at the Lexus LF-LC Vision Gran Turismo, although this is odd to make a GT version of a concept car that already spawned the production version called the RC, if you know what I mean? Looks like the folks from Gran Turismo never understand about the Lexus RC and stuck with the concept car but look at this way, at least it's menacing to look at so lighten up a little, huh?

Having learned their lesson from last year's Super GT season, Toyota's luxury brand wanted to make a racecar capable of tackling GT3-class touring cars dominated with the likes of European makes, and with this car, this is Revelation to them. It's not just a Revelation but this is a warning sign that Lexus will be joining the GT3-class fray very soon.



The Alpine VGT is also like Revelation because by the time we witnessed how its made, the folks from Renault announced that they'll be bringing back the Alpine name next year. Info remains scarce but the legend that was forged by the legendary Jean Redele will return. You can count on it. It comes with two distinct flavors; one is the standard model and the other is the Race Mode, which is the Alpine VGT at its best. Whichever Alpine VGT you choose, you will be blessed by its A110-inspired front, lightweight bodywork, unbiased handling, and a unique way of braking where two airbrakes from both sides will show up.

Both of these machines seem to be evenly matched on the track and to be honest, they want to find out which of these new additions is the best and to find out, I shipped them to the Midfield Raceway. In case you missed it, the Gran Turismo original track has returned from a recent update. How nice it is to have this classic fan-fave track back, right? Anyway, less hands, more drive, and it's time to find out which of these new VGT additions is the best.



Because the LF-LC VGT features a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, it develops around 621HP of power output, while the Alpine VGT is almost 200HP less than the LF-LC VGT. Although specs remained classified, the Alpine VGT feels more lighter than the LF-LC VGT and it handles well than the LF-LC VGT as well. Those three machines are surely trying to familiarize the corners of this classic GT original track and no matter how hard they try, it's all in a name of luck and skill.

In the end, here are the results:

LF-LC VGT - 1:08.324
Alpine VGT - 1:09.463
Alpine VGT RM - 1:09.271



It kinda looks like the Lexus LF-LC VGT has triumphed both versions of the Alpine Vision Gran Turismo but sometimes the results don't really matter because both the Lexus LF-LC VGT and the Alpine VGT done a really good job showing off their motorsport finesse and their teachings from their past motorsport involvements. Looks like these machines are ready to take on the world after all. I just really wish those carmakers behind these creations the very best of luck to push their dreams into reality.

With the Lexus LF-LC VGT and the Alpine VGT part of the roster, which carmaker will be joining the Vision GT family? Find out soon!

Gran Turismo 6: Mini Clubman VGT

Take a normal Mini Clubman Concept, strip it down, give it racing credentials, have it featured in Gran Turismo 6, and what do you get? This:



This is the new Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo, Mini's entry to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup, a series of concept cars that can be played on Gran Turismo 6 and by the looks of it, it looks more like the new Mini of today, only a little more shouty in the character traits.

 

Drawing inspiration from Mini's involvement in motorsports, the Mini Clubman VGT is built to be a Mini that can adapt through any racetrack it sees fit. The power output of the Mini Clubman VGT is said to have a 395PS of power output and it weighs a very light 1050kg, so the 0-60mph time is under the 4 second mark, namely 3.5 seconds, and it can flat out in over 180mph, meaning that this Mini's like a rocket.

It's not just the speed that makes the Mini Clubman VGT bewildering but the handling is superficial for a Mini, thanks to its low center of gravity and the wheels positioned far outside the body. It has better aerodynamics as well thanks to its split rear spoiler and a fully enclosed underbody.



I once tried it at the Brands Hatch Indy Circuit and based on my experience, the Mini Clubman VGT doesn't feel like any other Minis at all, in fact, its starting to feel like the Minis of yesteryears when they pit these machines on the track and triumphed against the bigger racecars. It's kinda like the David and Goliath effect but in a spectacular fashion.

Although I don't find the handling to be as go-kart as they've promised but for a Mini, it's starting to show off its true character. It just starting to show what a real Mini can do, adapt through any corners of the track and show them who's the boss. When the pace gets pushed further, this Mini is not out without a good fight and it just keeps on going as it pleases.



The Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo has proven to be one of the best handling cars in the Vision GT roster and it expresses the ultimate definition of what a Mini should: NOT NORMAL. It shows that this Mini can be very adaptable on any corners of the racetrack as long as the driver meets up to its expectations. Get out there and try the Mini Clubman VGT by yourself on GT6.

More cars are coming on the Vision GT roster very soon!

Forza Horizon 2: Nissan's IDx NISMO Concept

So this is what "First in Forza" really means on the recently-launched G-SHOCK Car Pack for the Forza Horizon 2 XBOX One game and the arrival of one of Nissan's coolest concept cars really sizzled me to bits. Although it looks a bit boxy and small, the IDx NISMO Concept tries to trace the legendary 510's footsteps in a whole new way.



This experimental sports car concept was premiered at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show and it was based on the IDx Freeflow concept. It was designed entirely by young people who spent their time playing racing games that features cars of the past and from all corners of the globe. They used the legendary Datsun Bluebird 510 as an inspiration to create a modern-day interpretation of a legend.

The design of the IDx NISMO is purely race-inspired inside and out and as proposed, the iDX NISMO is powered by a high-performance, eco-friendly 1.6L DIG TURBO engine mated with a CVT gearbox with 6-speed manual model.

I know it's a bit odd why we had a car mated with a CVT gearbox but on this game, it doesn't feel CVT-ish and by being true to the proposals, the CVT's 6-speed manual mode kicks in. Six simulated gears. That's right. You can really shift this thing with a bit of drama for later but despite the questionable gearbox on a concept car that appeared for the first time on Forza Horizon 2, it feels fantastic to drive for an experimental vehicle.



I was given an opportunity to try one out on a monthly rivals event made specifically for this car. On that monthly rivals event demonstrates the full nature of the IDx NISMO. So I took part on it to find out just how good this concept car is...






It's no surprising for a small car like this, the IDx NISMO Concept really fares well in terms of speed and agility. Although trying to mimic the progress of the legendary Datsun 510, this car never fails to impress me no matter what and I'm actually rather fond of it even though I'm not a fan of concept cars.



The IDx NISMO Concept is part of the G-SHOCK Car Pack on the Forza Horizon 2 XBOX One game and if you want to try out Nissan's coolest concept car, don't hesitate to do it.

Gran Turismo 6: The Mazda LM55 VGT

So, this is Mazda's Christmas Present to all of the players of Gran Turismo 6, their representative of the game's Vision Gran Turismo range called the LM55 Vision Gran Turismo.




So, what's it all about the LM55? For a start, Mazda's virtual racing is the pinnacle of Mazda's motorsport heritage which dates back to the 787B, the first and only Japanese machine that won the 24 Heures du Mans since 1991. By the looks of it, it really resembles like the legendary 787B and this racing machine incorporates Mazda's Kodo -Soul in Motion- design philosophy that has been stapled through their production vehicles.

This is the first time I have ever seen a Kodo-designed Mazda in the history of video games but not what I'm expecting at because this is a fantasy machine forged from the minds of both carmaker Mazda Motor Corporation and developer Polyphony Digital Inc.

Its performance remains a mystery but the drivetrain is 4WD, allowing this machine to get through corners with unprecedented grip and agility. Aside from that, the extensive use of carbon fiber components and an advanced drivetrain technology, which remains a mystery for now, provides the LM55 an outstanding power-to-weight ratio beyond compare of its class.



I tried one of these via a special Seasonal Event made specifically for this car and whatever lap they set can own the LM55 VGT for no charge in-game but I decided to go for the Gold Target Time to see how good the LM55 really is. It feels twitchy at first and it's a bit difficult to master for a future LMP prototype like this when going too fast but when I'm becoming more careful and brave through the LM55's key fundamentals, I'm starting to realize how the LM55 learned its lesson from its 787B predecessor and no matter how tight the bends are and how high the elevation is, this machine really does the talking and with my great execution towards this machine, I've snagged the Gold Target in 1:15.509. Regardless of lap time, I got to keep it for use in-game.



With the LM55 under my care, looks like I decided to challenge this car against its predecessors at the Circuit de la Sarthe. First up is the 787B, the first and only Japanese Le Mans contender to win this enduring race and the other the Furai Concept, the concept that was once destroyed by a famed motoring show by accident. You may remember that pitiful moment, right? But no matter. I pit these two predecessors to the famed Le Mans Circuit and keep track of the times set. The legendary 787B set a lap time of 3:41.058 while the Furai Concept's lap time is 3:59.366.



The LM55 Vision Gran Turismo combines the best of both worlds. From the heritage of the 787B to the future technology of the Furai, the LM55 harmonizes both past and present from Mazda's motorsports involvement and when the going gets tough, this future machine keeps on going all the way through the very end. When I keep longing to this machine, I'm starting to respect its overwhelming performance carried out from the 787B and as the saying goes, great power comes great responsibility. It takes responsibility to master the LM55's hidden talent if I want to survive long tracks like this. After one lap round the Sarthe, the LM55 did it in 3:37.828, quicker than the 787B!

So there we are. The LM55 VGT follows where the 787B and the Furai Concept left off and when taken with great responsibility, this machine is worth capable of unleashing its inner potential, resulting to its winning formula that the 787B pulled off from its glorious past. With the LM55, the Vision GT lineup is now consisting of 12 fantasy machines starting from the Mercedes-Benz VGT. Look forward for more VGT cars coming this 2015!

Gran Turismo 6: Chaparral 2X vs. Infiniti Concept

Two new Vision GT cars have arrived in the latest GT6 update. One represents the future of Inspired Performance while the other revives a legendary marque that Gran Turismo fans truly remembered for its bizarre aerodynamics. The Infiniti Concept VGT and the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X VGT are now here and here's your chance to try out these two new machines only on GT6.



Let's talk about the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X first and this Vision GT could be our new favorite because for the first time, this concept racer features a unique powertrain that no racecar in the history has ever done before. Don't be surprised but this racecar's powered by laser pulse shock waves generated by an advanced propulsion system made by Chevrolet. That's right. This car's laser power...and it's diabolical indeed. The laser pulse shock wave generates an equivalent of 905HP of power and because it weighs 405kg, its power-to-weight ratio is on its explosive levels. Yes. Calculate that and that power-to-weight ratio is an exploding 2011 horsepower-per-tonne. WOW! No such car can get that kind of ratio! Not even the Bugatti Veyron!

Apart from its unique powertrain, it comes with a very unique cockpit where the driver has to lie down like a flying squirrel to operate it. That driving position looks awkward but when it's already in motion, this driving position for a future racing machine is worth thrilling. It's like you're on a free-fall from the sky, except you're going horizontally.

The bodywork is made up by its "layup schedule" which lets the whole structure to act alongside with its suspension and its super-ridged propulsion structure ensures optimal thrust parabola to the laser pulse cone. With the combination of the multi-vane adjustability and the lower Thrust Vectoring panel, the Chaparral 2X provides a greater downforce that fits on any track.

It's the hallmark of Jim Hall's legacy of motorsport innovation that was carried from his past creations such as the 2D and the 2J.



Now, let's talk about the Infiniti Concept VGT. You see, a group of a well-talented and creative men behind the project have been gathered at the Infiniti Design Beijing studio to design this one-of-a-kind Infiniti machine that carries out the luxury marque's Inspired Performance tagline. With its beautiful silhouette and its monstrous performance, this one-of-a-kind Infiniti dream machine liberates every driver to experience the full freedom of driving on the open world. The folks from Beijing worked really hard to bring this fantasy machine into virtual reality at their own hands and they did. Needless to say, this car is surprisingly Asian because this GT machine is packed with the "motorsport passion of Asia".

This car is rear-wheel drive and it's powered by a 4.5L V8 engine, which is the kind of engine Nissan no longer makes, and it's connected with an electric motor and a battery. Which means that the Infiniti Concept VGT is a hybrid sportscar with the combined power output of 535HP while mated with a 6-speed gearbox. Because it weighs 1680kg, the power-to-weight ratio is over 335 horsepower-per-tonne. That's more than what the TVR T350C gets. Not only that, its weight distribution is well-balanced enough to have this car do drifting on the corners just for fun.

With me being one of the many GT6 players who acquired both of these machines via Seasonal Events, I think it's time for me to compare these two and to do that, I went to Suzuka Circuit with the 2014 update in it, Yep. The revised one with the same layout as before.




First up is the Infiniti Concept Vision Gran Turismo. Because of its balanced weight distribution, this car feels so well-balanced on its mobility and it's very stable as well, although a little too much might cause some oversteer, suffering its lap time record until you can counter it. Still, this is a lot fun to drive than any other European VGT concepts I tried over a few months. There's no need to fighting over to get it through the bends and it feels so...easy to drive even for a rookie.



Now, for the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X. The sound of the laser generating is like fireworks on New Year's Day or some popcorn popping when you get the hammer down but despite its popping-like sound from the laser, it's probably hard to handle when going too fast, giving it a tendency to understeer. Even this car is a concept machine, its mobility and stability are on the same level as a NASCAR, so if you're a rookie, this racing machine is not recommended but if you're a highly skilled driver, it's just fine. The trick is not to overdo it aggressively when cornering because this is highly difficult to corner when going too fast.

After driving these two, here are the results:

Infiniti Concept VGT - 2:09.378
Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X - 1:39.758



Yes. This Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X is almost half a minute quicker than the Infiniti Concept VGT but it doesn't matter. Those records didn't matter to these anyway but what matters most is that these machines truly demonstrate the future of driving in different but exciting ways. The Infiniti Concept VGT ventures to the future of the brand's Inspired Performance tagline while the Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X puts a new twist to the legendary motorsport marque with three unique features; its powertrain, its driving position, and its aerodynamics.

Hope you'll look forward to driving both of these new VGT machines only on GT6!

Gran Turismo 6: The Subaru VIZIV GT

Normally, this looks a lot like the Subaru Viziv you've encountered from past car shows but it's not. What you're looking at is the Subaru Viziv GT, part of the Vision Gran Turismo concept cars you can drive in the world of Gran Turismo 6. And to explain what I'm on about, I'm taking on a special Seasonal Event challenge dedicated for this car. No matter what lap time you're setting at, one full lap is enough for the player to gain access to Subaru's entry to the Vision GT club but for me, I'm going on a Gold Target Time just to see how good is Subaru's high-performance concept car on the virtual world.




This concept racing machine started out in life as the Subaru Viziv 2 Concept from the 2014 Geneva Motor Show but the folks from Subaru incorporated some of their motorsport DNA and injected it to this concept. With its extensive aerodynamics and a sleek shooting brake design, the Viziv GT is a stand out among the rest in the game. Aside from its impressive aerodynamics, extensive use of carbon is part of the concept's lightweight body, resulting to the car's 1,380kg weight despite the extensive use of batteries and motors.

The engine is Subaru's two-liter direct-injected turbo engine but it's connected with batteries and motors, resulting to a power output of an impressive 591HP and 800Nm of torque. That's more than those production Subarus and thanks to the legendary AWD drivetrain, this car is still controllable and more enjoyable even when taken things seriously.



Even at the hands of beginners, the Viziv GT's grip is not quite bad at all and it still behaves like what a Subaru does. The only downside is the understeer which even the most serious cornering is not more than enough to do as exactly told. If you're acting aggressively, then you'll end up spiraling through the wrong places but with your calm driving style, it takes time until you've mastered this machine to its highest potential. After spending time with this machine, I'm starting to learn more and I managed to beat the Gold Target Time barely. I did it in 1:18.897, which is the best I can do but nevertheless, I think I'm glad to say that this car still has its Confidence In Motion, just like the Subaru slogan says.



Despite its flaws, the Viziv GT is the coup de grace Subaru has ever made for this game and even though it's a concept that is born in the world of Gran Turismo, it still behaves like a Subaru and I have to say, I am very pleased with it.



Oh man. I got pulled over by a specially-designed BMW M4 with some flashers at the top. Stay tuned as I'm going to drive this special M4 in GT6 very soon. Until then, be sure to take on the challenge while you can to get the Viziv GT!