My GT7 Log: OPEN MIND VEHICLE

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V was launched in Japan in 2018 and introduced a hybrid powertrain for the first time. Unfortunately, it is also the last CR-V to be manufactured in Japan, as Honda closed its Sayama plant at the end of 2022. In Gran Turismo 7, I had the opportunity to drive this final Japan-made CR-V.

So, what's it all about, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V, the last CR-V made in Japan?

The fifth-generation CR-V had its Japan premiere at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale a year later, following its global release two years prior. This generation maintains the design language of its predecessors while introducing Honda's Solid Wing front fascia. Notably, it is the first CR-V to offer a hybrid powertrain, which you will be driving in this game.

The RT-spec CR-V Hybrid model features Honda's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, which includes a 145 PS 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson cycle gasoline engine paired with two electric motors that generate a total power output of 154 kW. The hybrid variant takes full advantage of the i-MMD's three-mode powertrain, delivering performance comparable to a three-liter class vehicle, with impressive fuel efficiency of 21.2 km/l under WLTC mode standards. Meanwhile, the 4WD variants achieve about 20.2 km/l.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is the last CR-V to be made in Japan following Honda's closure of its Sayama plant at the end of 2022.

To get the feeling of the CR-V Hybrid's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system, later called the e:HEV, I went to Willow Springs to demonstrate its capabilities. I know, having a commoner's crossover on a race track isn't common sense to us but this is common sense in a nutshell. Roll the tape.

My drive with the Honda CR-V Hybrid RT6 made me post a 1m49.388s lap time around the Big Willow, which isn't my quickest attempt yet, but it demonstrated just how much common sense the i-MMD hybrid system was in what's known to be the last CR-V from Sayama.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V may be the last one produced in Japan, but it highlights the practicality of its hybrid system. While many are unhappy about the decisions made by Gran Turismo, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of Japanese-made cars that have made an impressive impact not just in Japan but on the world market.

As said in the commercial, it really is the OPEN MIND VEHICLE.

One day, the CR-V will return, albeit a fully-imported one from a nearby Asian country. In the meantime, let's enjoy driving the last Japan-made CR-V on Gran Turismo 7.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

The creators of the Doom games envision what Doom would be like if it were set in medieval times. This is their answer.

DOOM: The Dark Ages (Xbox)

DOOM: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the DOOM remake saga that began with DOOM (2016) and continued with DOOM Eternal. This game delves into the secret origin of the Doom Slayer's rage as players combat countless hordes of demons during medieval times.

Featuring id's largest and most expansive levels to date, The Dark Ages allows players to explore through castles, forests, dungeons, and even spaceships as they vanquish against the legions of Hell by all means necessary. There could be hidden areas to find out for yourself, so be ready with everything you've got. The riskier it gets, the more rewarding the game's going to be.

As a DOOM for all slayers, The Dark Ages features a customizable difficulty setting, allowing seasoned veterans and newcomers to personalize their gameplay by just how difficult the enemy AI will going to be and others.

In addition to the iconic DOOM weapons, including the Super Shotgun, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a brutal new arsenal, featuring weapons like the Shield Saw. This weapon not only provides defense against enemy attacks, but it can also deliver deadly physical strikes. Mastering the Shield Saw is essential for effectively overcoming the relentless demon hordes.

Even in medieval times, it’s the DOOM fans who have been enjoying the series since the 2016 reboot and DOOM Eternal. This installment will overshadow Darksiders and Elden Ring in no time. For those seeking one of the deadliest games of 2025, look no further than this one.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Feudal Japan is the next destination in the Assassin's Creed series, featuring the latest installment of the popular open-world stealth adventure franchise from Ubisoft.

Assassin's Creed Shadows (PS5)

Assassin's Creed Shadows, one of the most anticipated video games of 2025, is the latest chapter in the Assassin's Creed universe. In it, players explore the feudal era of Japan through the eyes of two warriors: a heavily armed samurai named Yasuke and a shinobi named Naoe. Although they chart different paths, they have one thing in common: protecting the innocent and fighting against the guilty.

This game can be enjoyed in two different ways: stealth or brute force. Yasuke is mostly focused on offense and defense. Not only he can attack enemies with his katana, but he can wield ranged weapons such as the arrow as well as heavy weapons which are slow but powerful when used right. Naoe, meanwhile, centers on speed and stealth. She can hide through surroundings, using the top of the rooftops for observing areas, and like all good assassins in the franchise, the signature Leap of Faith. How you approach the quests is entirely up to you.

Mastering both protagonists is crucial in this game. If enemies or challenges get tougher, especially in familiar areas, you can always return later after gaining better abilities and equipment.

Assassin's Creed Shadows faithfully recreates feudal-era Japan, allowing players to immerse themselves in history as they explore villages, temples, shrines, and the rich flora and fauna of this period.

In addition to changes in time and weather, the changing seasons play a significant role in the game. As the seasons shift, your strategies for navigating familiar areas will also need to adapt. For example, during winter, the snowy paths muffle your footsteps, but sneaking across snow-covered rooftops demands careful precision, as you never know who might be lurking below.

As expected, you can expect post-launch content coming soon on Assassin's Creed Shadows such as weapons, equipment, quests, and more.

Setting the latest Assassin's Creed game in feudal-era Japan is a dream come true for fans of the franchise. Finally, this installment surpasses Tenchu, Ghost of Tsushima, and Sekiro by a significant margin. It really is one of the must-play games of 2025 and you can't argue with it.

My GT7 Log: Crossover The World

The crossover SUV market is as ever-growing as superhero movies in theaters, and Toyota continues to buck the trend with the compact SUV C-HR. In Gran Turismo 7, I uncovered this mega-popular but short-lived compact crossover.

So, what's it all about the Toyota C-HR, the compact crossover that became an immediate hit on its home turf, only to get shortlived after nearly a decade?

Introduced in late 2016, the Toyota C-HR is designed to entice customers with its coupe-like styling, efficiency as an eco-car, and dynamics supposedly inspired by the Nurburgring—although many would argue this is theoretical. The styling, which takes its cues from the 2014 concept car, gives the C-HR a coupe-like look that some believe makes it a high-clearance sports car.

This subcompact SUV shares the TNGA platform of the Prius and is available with a 1.2L turbocharged petrol engine with all-wheel drive, or a 1.8L hybrid with front-wheel drive. Both choices are paired with a CVT. The model featured in Gran Turismo 7 is sadly the latter.

In 2017, the Toyota C-HR was one of the best-selling cars in Japan until the arrival of the Daihatsu Rocky-based Toyota Raize in late 2019 outsold it. As a result, the C-HR was discontinued in 2023.

A pre-production prototype raced in the 2016 Nurburgring 24-Hour Race and achieved 3rd place in the SP2T class. In 2019, GAZOO Racing Team Thailand raced two C-HRs in the SP3 class with one of them finishing 3rd in the said class while the other failed to start.

I went to the Nurburgring to see if the Toyota C-HR's dynamics, thanks to its TNGA platform and meager hybrid powertrain, can keep up with the world's most punishing racetrack, just like in the past. Let's roll the tape.

How's my driving with the C-HR Hybrid at the Nurburgring? Well, despite its weak performance, it feels too easy to drive even in the Nurburgring and I managed to post a 10m20.835s lap time. Not much but it's clear that the C-HR's TNGA platform and sporty dynamics are not too shabby for a coupe SUV of this size. Why would Toyota stop making one?

The Toyota C-HR is an unconventional crossover that serves as both a practical daily vehicle and an underappreciated performer at the Nurburgring. Although no longer with us, the C-HR proved that it can, as the commercials said, Crossover The World.

Keep Yourself Alive.

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada

Bandai Namco, known for popular franchises like the Soul series, Tekken, and Ace Combat, has entered the survival game genre with its new intellectual property titled SYNDUALITY. Do you have what it takes to explore the post-apocalyptic wasteland?

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada

SYNDUALITY is Bandai Namco's newest intellectual property where players venture into the 23rd-century post-apocalyptic wasteland with the mechanical robot called the Cradle Coffin. Alongside is a humanoid AI assistant called the Magus which will guide you throughout your survival adventure.

SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada focuses on the story of a Drifter named Alba Kuze and a Magus named Ada as they embark on a challenging journey through a world devastated by the deadly blue rain known as The Tears of the New Moon, which occurred 123 years ago. Their mission is to track down the mysterious AO Crystals that formed from this catastrophe and uncover the truth behind the destruction of the underground habitat for humanity called Amasia—no matter the cost. Interestingly, this game is set 20 years before the events of the SYNDUALITY: Noir TV anime, which is available for streaming on Disney+ worldwide and on Hulu in the United States.

Your Cradle Coffin and your Magus are the only essentials in the world of SYNDUALITY and they can be personalized to your liking. Being a survival game, players must fight through hordes of Bandits or Enders to collect resources, including the mysterious AO Crystals. Collecting such resources gives you the chance to upgrade your Cradle Coffin in terms of firepower, endurance, speed, and other key necessities, not to mention some customization items to stand out. The more missions you complete, the more cool stuff you can unlock for your Cradle Coffin and your Magus. Be warned; collecting resources is the easy part, but getting back with it is the hardest part.

Being a game that can be played via online multiplayer, it showcases its dog-eat-dog nature because you and the other players can't tell if they're friends or enemies. If they're willing to cooperate with you, so be it. If they want to clash against you, be ready because rival players may take your resources and/or possibly your Magus if they defeat you. Either way, this is how SYNDUALITY is played.

SYNDUALITY features challenging yet addictive gameplay that can be experienced both solo and online. Many players who enjoy robot games are comparing it to Armored Core, suggesting that it has the potential to become the next big title in that genre. Bandai Namco is making a strong statement by launching this exciting post-apocalyptic robot adventure game at the beginning of 2025, making it a must-check-out release.

My GT7 Log: The Forever HiAce

The H200-spec Toyota HiAce has been in production for two decades, a record for Japanese cars currently in production. I got the chance to drive the immortal HiAce in Gran Turismo 7.

Launched in the summer of 2004, the H200-spec HiAce comes with a variety of configurations and trim levels to suit different needs. It offers a choice of three engines: a 2.0L petrol engine, a 2.7L petrol 4-cylinder engine, and a 2.8L diesel engine. One such fact is that Mazda borrowed one for the Bongo Brawny van.

The main reason the H200 HiAce has remained in production to this day is its affordability, reliability, and versatility in various situations, ranging from business to leisure. Whether it's for micro-business purposes or family camping trips, the H200 HiAce continues to be the obvious choice.

This version featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the 2016 MY model in the base DX variant. It is powered by a 2.0L 1TR-FE engine that produces 134 HP and 134.5 ft-lb of torque.

To demonstrate if the 20-year-old HiAce is still as capable in today's landscape, I went to Tsukuba Circuit to do a one-lap time attack. I did this with its ambulance equivalent, and I'll do it again in the normal HiAce. Let's roll the tape.

Although its age reached "senior citizen" status, it still got it. No wonder Toyota remained the H200 HiAce in production.

The H200-spec Toyota HiAce has been in production for two decades, a record for Japanese cars currently in production. The HiAce is known for its affordability, reliability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure activities.

As the world evolves, the H200 HiAce will live on thanks to numerous updates until the time comes to be euthanized.

This JDM van believes in "forever" in the world of "no forever". It really is...the Forever HiAce.

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 FINAL

Amsterdam, The Netherlands is the final destination of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series. Who will be crowned the champions? What surprises await for GT7 players? All will be revealed in this final event of the 2024 season.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

The finale of the Manufacturers Cup took place at Spa-Francorchamps, where teams faced off for the last time in the series. Although the BMW team secured victory in the final race, it was Lexus that narrowly clinched the Manufacturers Cup title, finishing just one point ahead of BMW.

Moving on to the Nations Cup, where the second race previews a new playable Gran Turismo original racing machine coming soon to GT7; the Gran Turismo F3500-A racing machine that was heavily inspired by 1990s F1 racers, the grand finale in the Nurburgring 24hr saw T. Miyazono snatched K. de Bruin's lead in the near end of the final lap to win not just this race but also the Nations Cup title.

Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series finale!

This concludes the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series.

My GT7 Log: Legendary Rivalry

The rivalry between McLaren and Ferrari has become a significant part of Formula 1 history. As the 2024 season finale approaches, it will determine which team will be crowned Constructors' Champion. Their Vision Gran Turismo concepts offered in Gran Turismo 7 will help predict which team is likely to claim the title.

Before my little prediction over the duel between the Papaya and the Prancing Horse, let's get to know these two Vision GT concepts envisioned by the two legendary rivals.

First off, let's get to know the McLaren Vision Gran Turismo. This concept imagines what motorsports might look like in the future. Apart from its center-positioned driving layout and futuristic cockpit surrounding the driver, its turbocharged 4.0L hybrid powertrain produces 1134HP of power and 627ft-lb of torque. There's a well-known fact that this concept spawned the track-only Solus GT, making it the first Vision Gran Turismo concept to spawn a production equivalent.

Now, let's get to know the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo Concept. Unveiled at the 2022 GT World Series Finals, the Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo celebrates 75 years of the Italian sports car maker while envisioning the future of motorsports in Ferrari's terms. Running on a 3.0L V6 hybrid powertrain through all four wheels, it produces 1363hp of power and 664.2ft-lb of torque.

With the VGTs' introductions complete, let's compare them at Suzuka Circuit, a racetrack known for memorable battles between the two sides, reminiscent of the Senna-Prost rivalry.

There's a well-known story about the decisive battle in this track. During the finale of the 1989 F1 season, Senna and Prost, the two McLaren drivers, collided in a decisive showdown. Although Prost retired from the race, Senna managed to finish, but he was penalized for corner-cutting after the crash, which dashed his title hopes and ultimately awarded the championship to Prost.

In the 1990 season, Senna sought revenge by crashing Prost, who switched to Ferrari, out of the race. Both drivers were forced to retire, but this incident allowed Senna to secure his second World Championship title.

Long story short but you get the point. It's time to decide which one stands tall as I search for the answer in this high-octane crystal ball. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

McLaren VGT - 1m50.147s

Ferrari VGT -  1m49.317s

Somewhere, Alain Prost is likely smiling. The Ferrari Vision Gran Turismo narrowly defeated the McLaren Vision Gran Turismo by less than a second, suggesting a small possibility that a Ferrari driver (I’m betting on Charles Leclerc) could outpace a McLaren driver (I’m betting on Lando Norris) by such a slim margin. I understand that neither team holds a clear advantage in today's Gran Turismo World Series finals, but our VGT machines offered us a remarkably close prediction for today's Formula 1 finale.

James Hunt vs. Niki Lauda, Ayrton Senna vs. Alain Prost, Lewis Hamilton vs. Kimi Raikkonen, and Lando Norris vs. Charles Leclerc—these rivalries have become legendary in Formula 1 history. The competition between McLaren and Ferrari is particularly infamous. With my prediction in place, whether it turns out to be right or wrong, I believe this upcoming duel will be the most exciting of the new era.

I wish them good luck to the two motoring factions.

My GT7 Log: 992 vs 992

The 911 Turbo S and the 911 GT3 RS, in their 992 glory, are yours to drive in Gran Turismo 7. With both variants present, it's time to find out who the King of 911 is.

Starting with the 911 GT3 RS (992), the one that popped up from last year's Gran Turismo movie where Jann Mardenborough drove one at the Nurburgring to recover himself from his on-track accident that nearly cost his life.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track toy that transforms into an extreme track toy at the push of a button. It has a styling identical to the normal 992 911 GT3. Still, it features front aero bars and air outlets at the front and rear fenders, an adjustable active diffuser, and a swan neck-mounted rear wing with an F1-style Drag Reduction System that allows it to be positioned flat at the touch of a button. The naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that powers it has a 15PS power hike compared to the normal 911 GT3, resulting in a 525PS power output and 465Nm of torque output. Mated exclusively to a 7-speed PDK, it has a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds, .2 seconds less than the normal GT3, and flat out in 296km/h, 22km/h slower than the normal GT3. Thanks to its extensive carbon fiber usage, courtesy of the Weissach Package, the 911 GT3 RS weighs 1,450 kg.

Now, let's talk about the 911 Turbo S, the flagship variant of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The all-new 911 Turbo S is a supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

Now that I know about the two best 992 911 variants, the Turbo and the GT3 RS, it's time to pit these two on a one-lap attack around the Red Bull Ring.

That being said, the 911 Turbo S, with its power output and 4WD system, can deliver a power-packed punch through the straights. But in corners, the 911 GT3 RS, in Weissach package configuration, shines through. The question is, which 992 is the pure alpha? Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) '20 - 1m41.254s

Porsche 911 GT3 RS '22 - 1m42.381s

The 911 Turbo S won by a hair over the 911 GT3 RS, which is a track-oriented car.

For eight generations, the 911 is Porsche's signature rear-engined rear-wheel-drive coupe that offers unique styling and spartan driving manners. Whether it's the power-packed 911 Turbo S or the track-oriented 911 GT3 RS, the capabilities as a sports car are what made the Porsche 911 a European superpower in its own right.

My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.

In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.

After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.

Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

Silent Hill 2 (2024 Game)

Launched in 2001 for the PS2, Silent Hill 2 cemented its status as one of the all-time greats because of its iconic storytelling and unforgiving survival horror mechanics players can't get enough of. Being the GOAT in the Silent Hill franchise, it became appropriate to resurrect Silent Hill 2 for the new generation.

Silent Hill 2 (2024 Game)

Exclusively for the PlayStation5, the reborn Silent Hill 2 welcomes fanatics back to the cursed town with new and unforgiving ways to survive while reliving the iconic storyline. It was the right thing to do because the Silent Hill franchise is still alive and creeping. Don't adjust your portable radios.

Like in the original, players assume the role of James Sunderland, who ventures into the cursed town of Silent Hill, believing that his deceased wife Mary is alive somewhere. Trapped in the never-ending nightmare, James must confront his past sins to uncover the truth.

Thanks to the Unreal Engine, the reborn Silent Hill 2 delivers a fresh new perspective on an iconic classic. From the fluidic graphics and sounds combined with the PS5's capabilities, revisiting a survival horror legend never felt this new.

As expected, survival is key in this game, and the remake features a reworked combat system that requires some strategy to fight back or escape monsters lurking around the town, especially the ones you know. It's not just the enemies and the scarce supplies you should worry about. It's the puzzles you may encounter throughout your gameplay, and in some cases, you may need to smash some objects to find something useful.

Of course, there are different endings in this game. How will you encounter them? You'll have to play the entire game to find out.

Silent Hill 2 was no doubt one of the all-time survival horror greats when it first came out in 2001. With this 2024 remake, there are plenty of reasons to revisit a terrifying classic from a whole new perspective. Brace yourselves. The Red Pyramid Thing is awaiting your unforgiving return to this worldwide phenomenon.

My GT7 Log: 10-cylinder Salute

The Dodge Viper is the first road car powered by a V10 engine, but the Lamborghini Huracan is the last to have one. With the V10 engine officially laid to rest, it's time for a ten-cylinder salute with the first and the last to have the glorious engine that made such a glorious noise.

Here they are, the first-generation Dodge Viper and the Lamborghini Huracan on Gran Turismo 7, two sports cars that made their mark in the history of the ten-cylinder engine. Before having our last words with these ten-cylinder marvels, let's get to know them first.

Let's begin with the first-generation Dodge Viper, the SR model. The Dodge Viper was first conceived as a concept car in 1989. It was intended to be a modern interpretation of the legendary Shelby Cobra. The first-generation Viper was introduced in 1991 as the RT/10 roadster and was later joined by the hardtop GTS variant.

Now, let's get to know the Lamborghini Huracan, the last V10-powered road car. Launched in 2014, the Lamborghini Huracan is the successor of the Gallardo. It was named after a Mayan god. It was powered by a 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power and when mated to a double-clutch gearbox derived from the Audi R8 as well as its 4WD system, it has a top speed of 202mph. The Lamborghini Huracan has gone through numerous updates over its near-decade lifespan and the STJ is in its final form with only 10 built and sold.

With their quick introduction done, it's time to drive these V10-powered road cars around Tsukuba Circuit just like the good old days. Obviously, the Viper came at a time when cars were fitted with ABS and Traction Control but being an all-American sports car, it eschews such driving aids in favor of total control from the driver. The Huracan, meanwhile, is all about relying on 2010s technology derived from its big brother, the V12-powered Aventador, but with a double-clutch gearbox to match its V10 performance.

Anyway, no time to mince more words. It's time to have a quick time attack with these two ten-cylinder legends. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Viper GTS '02 - 1m06.025s

Huracan - 1m02.212s

Even though the Huracan trumped the Viper by around four seconds, the results didn't matter because what mattered was that they'd fulfilled the V10 engine's dying wish, giving these two the biggest send-off to the greatest high-performance engine of all time.

From the Dodge Viper to the Lamborghini Huracan, the V10 engine powered some of the most iconic cars of our time. Now that it's permanently gone, nothing will ever be the same.

GOODBYE FOREVER, V10 ENGINE. You made us proud and loud.

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan is the penultimate venue of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024. Although this is basically the home turf of the Gran Turismo series as well as its hometown GT7 players taking part in the Manufacturers Cup and Nations Cup, this is no homecoming for them as there's a lot of action that deserves to be done before the big finale.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Beginning with the Manufacturers Cup, Lexus driver K. Kawakami is the solid winner of this round while T. Miyazono, the Subaru driver who is the favorite according to observers, settles for second place and S. Suzuki of BMW finished 3rd.

In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, K. Drumont from France is the winner while Spain's J. Serrano fended Japan's T. Miyazono off for his 2nd Place finish.

The Gran Turismo World Series 2024 will conclude in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, this December 6-8, 2024. Who will be crowned the champions? What surprises await for GT7 players? Don't miss it!

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Prague

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series is back in action in Prague, Czechia, this season's second entirely new city and country. New and familiar Gran Turismo players are picking up where they left off in Montreal.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Before the race begins, it is announced that the Gran Turismo World Series 2024 finale will be held in Amsterdam this December 6 to 8, 2024. It's a long schedule ahead but in the meantime, players in both Manufacturers and Nations Cup are clashing each other in the in-game Red Bull Ring track.

Beginning with the Manufacturers Cup, three newcomers took over the podium. Ferrari's Mohamed Buhdeima won the race, with Porsche's Benjamin Hencsei and BMW's Thomas Labouteley rounding out the top three. In the Nations Cup, Italy's Gran Turismo ace Valerio Gallo took first place, ahead of France's Kylian Drumont and Spain's Coque Lopez.

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series will continue in Tokyo this September 28th, 2024.

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Montreal

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series has officially begun in Montreal, Canada. New and returning Gran Turismo professionals have been gathered in front of a sold-out crowd to kick off the four-leg tourney.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Before the first round of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series kicked off, Update 1.49 for Gran Turismo 7 has been announced. Coming this July 25th, the July update of Gran Turismo 7 brings back the Eiger Nordwand original track while bringing six new cars including the Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo, the racing version of the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT that debuted from the last year's GTWS finale.

The Manufacturers Cup saw Lexus, with Igor Fraga representing, draw first blood by winning the race in front of Honda's Valerio Gallo and Porsche's Takuma Sasaki. In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, Japanese player Takuma Miyazono trumped the two Spaniards Jose Serrano and Coque Lopez.

The next event of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series will be held in Prague this August 10th.

My GT7 Log: Sports Civic

If you were born in the early 1990s, you might remember seeing the fifth-generation Honda Civic for the first time. It was the first Civic of the Heisei era and stood out from other cars on the road. I bet you wished you were riding in one of those instead of the Toyota Corolla or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic, known in TV commercials as the "Sports Civic", was launched in 1991. It's the first Honda Civic of the Heisei era and emerged during the bubble economy's aftermath. It was offered in three body styles: the 3-door hatchback, the 4-door Ferio saloon, and the coupe version, CBU from the USA. Depending on the body style, the fifth-generation Honda Civic is powered by choice of a 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L SOHC, and the speedo boy favorite; the 1.6L VTEC.

The car featured in Gran Turismo 7 is of course the 3-door hatchback in SiR-II variant powered by the 1.6 L D16Z6 VTEC I4 engine.

In the world of Initial D, the EG Civic 3-door hatchback is the preferred car of Shingo Shoji, who is half of the Night Kids duo. Shingo challenged Takumi Fujiwara to a race with a challenging handicap: both drivers had their right hands duct-taped to the steering wheel. It was an intense duel, but Takumi remained calm throughout. Ultimately, Shingo crashed his car, allowing Takumi to win the race.

I have always wanted to drive a Honda Civic. When I finally got the chance to drive one in Gran Turismo, I discovered just how impressive its dynamics are. In short, it’s no wonder that so many people want to experience the magic of the Civic while they can. Unfortunately, some take this privilege too far, making their Civics so loud that they disturb the neighborhood and so fast that they put themselves at risk.

Today, I went to the eastern section of Suzuka Circuit to prove just how good the first Heisei-era Civic was. Don't worry, I won't be duct-taping my hand on the steering wheel just like in Initial D. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Small, nimble, and grippy. This is what the Civic of the early 90s feels like and how it became a standout even in modern times. Thank you, Initial D.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic rewrote the rules of what a Civic should be when it was launched in 1991. Although it has been coveted since its launch, it's still in the crosshairs of JDM fanatics worldwide today because of its appearance in the Initial D series.

Is this the kind of Civic you really want?