Return to the future warfare with the newest Black Ops installment that promises to be the biggest Call of Duty installment yet.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (Xbox)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is the latest Black Ops installment that thrusts players back to future warfare with an intense solo-player campaign, ever-expanding online multiplayer, and Round-Based Zombies.
Beginning with the solo-player campaign, Black Ops 7 is set ten years after the events of Black Ops 2. As David Mason and the entire JSOC team, your mission is to fight through enemy forces and uncover a world-threatening truth. This campaign gives players a chance to see how Black Ops 7 works. You can take it by yourself or Co-op with another player as you embark through hostile territories, even within yourself.
If you're done with the campaign mission, you can take on online multiplayer against the world and put everything you've learned from the campaign to good use against the world's top soldiers with 16 6v6 maps and two 20v20 maps at launch. There will be more multiplayer content coming post-launch, so stay tuned.
Zombies became a hallmark game mode in the Call of Duty franchise, and BO7 is no exception. In this game's Zombies, you and other players must fight through the abyss of the Dark Aether against a barrage of zombies. You know what to do.
With its mind-blowing campaign mode, along with its signature online multiplayer experience and terrifying round-based Zombies mode, Black Ops 7 is a must-play of the season. Reality has drastically changed for the worse. Get ready.
The 2025 Gran Turismo World Series continues at the Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles for its third round. Before the race, the first-ever Gran Turismo Fest took place, bringing together car enthusiasts who showcased their vehicles and passion for the Gran Turismo series.
Additionally, this venue hosted the Gran Turismo Awards, where the winning modified car will be featured in the Gran Turismo franchise. Notably, this marks the first time the Gran Turismo Awards were held outside of the annual SEMA Show, which has been the tradition in previous years.
The Gran Turismo Awards 2025 winner, which will be featured in the Gran Turismo franchise, is none other than Big Mike's 1992 Honda Prelude.
This round also brought exciting news from the world of Gran Turismo: the first-ever Polestar 5 luxury electric saloon is set to be included in Gran Turismo's Spec III update. Unveiled two months ago, the Polestar 5 is the production version of the Precept Concept. In its full-spec Performance variant, the vehicle's twin-motor electric drivetrain produces an impressive 884 PS of power and 650 Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Polestar model currently available. It can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 kph. Gran Turismo 7 is the second game to feature the Polestar brand, but the Polestar 5 will be exclusive to the Gran Turismo series.
Screengrab from Gran Turismo
Onto the third round, the Manufacturers Cup saw Porsche narrowly defeat Toyota on a mad dash to the finish line of Road Atlanta, while Mazda completed the podium with a third-place finish. In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, it's a 1-2 Spanish finish with P. Urra the winner and J. Serrano the second-placer, with the Frenchman K. Drumont finishing 3rd.
Round 3 of the 2025 GTWS concludes with the Manufacturers Cup on a two-point title fight between front-runners Subaru, Mazda, and BMW, while the Nations Cup saw J. Serrano's lead trimmed to 5 points ahead of P. Urra.
Don't miss the 2025 Gran Turismo World Series finale at the Japan Mobility Show Fukuoka this December 20-21, 2025.
Let's get to know about the legendary cars that are hard to get in Gran Turismo 7's Legend Cars, not only because of their extreme rarity that appears once in a blue moon, but also their outrageous price tag that takes almost forever to save one. Today, let's get to know about the Honda RA272, the race car that gave Honda its first-ever F1 race win.
The Honda RA272 is a Formula 1 car from the 1965 season, known for being the first Japanese vehicle to win an F1 Grand Prix at the Mexican Grand Prix with Richie Ginther driving. It featured a 1.5-liter V12 engine producing 230 horsepower, the highest output of its era, with a unique sound and high performance. The car had an aerodynamically advanced aluminium monocoque chassis and double wishbone suspension, weighing just 498 kg, which gave it an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Although it initially exceeded minimum weight regulations, improvements were made during the season to enhance handling.
Let's give the RA272 a quick lap around Goodwood to prove the legend is real. Roll the tape.
It did it in 1m20.416s.
Thanks to the RA272, Honda became synonymous with F1 racing.
What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.
If there's one foreign carmaker that deserves to come back to the Japanese market, it's gotta be Opel. This latest entry to the Vision Gran Turismo project that made its way to Gran Turismo 7 is making fans beg Stellantis to bring back Opel to Japan.
Unveiled at gamescom 2025, Europe's biggest gaming showcase, the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo joins the list of the ever-growing Vision Gran Turismo concept roster. It showcases what the next-generation Corsa looks like, and by the feel of it, it might spawn a GSE variant with power figures similar to those of 1990s Japanese sports cars.
It's too early to tell what the future Corsa would look like, but anyway, let's focus more on the Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo. This concept embodies Opel's new-era GSE sub-brand, bringing performance and fun-to-drive mantra to the age of electrification. Staying true to Opel's current design language, donning the new Opel logo in this concept really is in tune with the times.
The electric powertrain is composed of two electric motors, one on each axle, for a combined output of 788HP and 800Nm of torque. Thanks to its 4WD drivetrain, it does 0-62mph in two seconds and has a top speed of 199mph.
One notable feature is its boost system, which can only be used four times per race. This limitation on the electric vehicle (EV) boost requires drivers to adopt a strategic approach while racing. It is essential to be mindful of when to activate it.
To showcase the features of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo, I visited Spielberg, the site of the F1 Austrian Grand Prix. Opel has seen better days during its DTM heyday. Times have certainly changed. Perhaps a lap around the Red Bull Ring could reignite its spirit, reflecting Opel's perseverance and determination in the world of DTM racing. No time to get sentimental, let's get on with this experiment.
Having used the limited amount of boost well, I've posted a 1m27.046s lap time around Styria. Not the fastest I've done, but it's a clear demonstration of the Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo's capabilities as an all-electric touring car that tries to reflect Opel's touring car success.
The Opel Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo Concept demonstrates the true colors of Opel's new GSE sub-brand, blending the lines between electrification and performance in the name of satisfaction. This is what touring cars of the future should look like, and with the GSE VGT, it's possible.
Hey Stellantis, Japan is calling. They want their Vita back. THEY WANT OPEL BACK TO JAPAN.
The current eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette has redefined the standard for American cars, even before the onset of the Long COVID era. Its ultimate version, the ZR1X, holds the record as the fastest American-made car to complete a lap at the Nurburgring Nordschleife. Despite its remarkable achievements, the Corvette team is not resting on its successes; they have also revealed a vision for what the future of the Corvette will look like.
No, these ain't the Corvette UK Concept envisioned by General Motors' UK Design Studio. This is the Corvette CX Concept that popped up at The Quail. These CX concept cars are playable exclusively in Gran Turismo 7.
Unveiled at The Quail, the Corvette CX Concept is featured in two forms: an all-electric concept and a race-spec CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept powered by a race-spec hybrid powertrain.
Starting with the Corvette CX Concept, this model imagines what the Corvette could become as an all-electric hypercar. Maintaining the shape of the current C8 model, the CX Concept is designed with active aerodynamics and a finely sculpted underbody. It features a fan-based downforce system with thrust vectoring, which allows for precise aerodynamic balance between the front and rear. With four e-motors integrated into its RESS understructure, the CX Concept generates an impressive 2,145 horsepower, driving all four wheels.
In addition to the CX Concept, Chevrolet has introduced the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo, marking their second Vision Gran Turismo project since the laser-powered Chevrolet Chaparral Vision Gran Turismo Concept in Gran Turismo 6. This concept race car commemorates the Corvette's 25 years of racing history and sports a striking yellow and black livery. Essentially a racing version of the CX Concept, the CX.R features an advanced E-Fuel/Electric Hybrid powertrain, combining two electric motors with a twin-turbo V8 engine, producing a total of 2,038 horsepower. It also includes F1-derived DRS, which can be activated by pressing and holding the right analog stick.
To unleash the full potential of these two CX Concepts, I went to Road Atlanta, which is the sacred venue of the IMSA season ender, the Petit Le Mans. Yes, the ideal setting for these two Corvette Concepts, what more can I ask for? Anyway, let's roll the VTR.
And now, the results...
CX Concept - 1m15.822s
CX.R VGT - 1m11.131s
Surprisingly, the all-electric CX Concept is a monster to drive because of the monster power output from its all-electric powertrain, but in the end, it's the hybrid-powered CX.R VGT that stands out between the two. Either way, these two concepts proved their worth.
The Corvette CX Concept and the Corvette CX.R Vision Gran Turismo Concept serve as a preview of what lies ahead in the legacy of America's true sports car. The world eagerly anticipates the next chapter in the Corvette lineage, which promises to implement a bold strategy that will elevate it to compete with the world's finest supercars.
The Katamari Damacy series returns in this latest installment! The Prince of all Cosmos and his cousins are excited for you to roll through this newest adventure!
Once Upon a Katamari Damacy (PS5)
Once Upon a Katamari Damacy (Nintendo Switch)
"Once Upon a Katamari Damacy" is the latest installment in the Katamari Damacy series after a 14-year hiatus. In this game, players traverse time and space as The Prince. Tasked by his father, The King of All Cosmos, your objective remains consistent with previous titles: roll, collect, and grow your Katamari to its largest size to please the King and help restore the stars.
Various levels feature various objectives to clear. Some are easy to fulfill, while some can be somewhat tricky to finish. Achieve it, proceed to the next level. Fail, and you'll end up getting punished by The King, and you'll have to do it over again. Kinda admit, the "game over" sequences can be amusing.
Aiding your Katamari adventure are power-ups scattered somewhere, such as the clock that adds extra time, a magnet to attract nearby objects, and a rocket for added speed. Make good use of these power-ups and aim for the biggest Katamari!
There are 69 unlockable cousins to collect and play from iconic favorites to new additions. Think you can roll them all? What's even amusing is that you can create a cousin! The more cousins you collect, the more customization parts you'll unlock. Feel free to mix and match to create your own cousin.
Up for a challenge? You can take on online multiplayer and compete with up to four online players.
In franchise traditions, Once Upon a Katamari Damacy features a setlist of songs performed by well-known artists, including singer Clementine's version of Katamari Damacy. There's even a song performed by Gakuen IDOLM@STER's Saki Hanami as well!
After nearly a decade and a half of waiting, Katamari Damacy is back in an all-new adventure, and it's about time...and space. The Prince of all Cosmos and his cousins are ready. Are you?
The ND-spec Mazda Roadster, known globally as the MX-5, is now officially 10 years old, making it the longest-serving generation in the history of the Mazda Roadster. To celebrate this milestone, Mazda's motorsports division, Mazda Spirit Racing, has introduced a special version of the ND Roadster: the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster. This exclusive car is available for you to drive only in Gran Turismo 7.
So, what's it all about, the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster? What makes it the King of Mazda Roadster?
First revealed as a concept in the 2024 Tokyo Auto Salon and then returned a year later as a full-fledged production model, the limited-edition Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster is the culmination not just of the ND-spec Roadster but of the whole lineage. It's the first of Mazda's new Mazda Spirit Racing brand, a brand synonymous with Mazda's motorsports activities.
Mazda Spirit Racing offers aspiring racers an exciting side hustle behind the wheel. Through its Challenge Program, participants will first compete in virtual e-sports using Gran Turismo 7, specifically in the Mazda Spirit Racing GT Cup. Afterward, they can progress to real racing events, starting with the entry-level Mazda Fan Endurance. From there, they can advance to the intermediate-class Roadster Party Race, ultimately having the chance to race in the prestigious Super Taikyu series while representing Mazda Spirit Racing.
The specifications of the MSR Roadster remain confidential since its addition to the GT7 car lineup. However, sources indicate that the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster will feature the same 2.0L four-cylinder engine found in the RF model. This marks a significant development, as it is the first time this engine will be available in the open-top ND model's decade-long history in Japan. While the open-top ND models in global markets have had this engine, it has not been offered in Japan until now.
The limited-to-2200-units, normal Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster has 184PS of power from the said engine, while the limited-to-200-units Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster 12R, seen here, got its 2.0L engine beefed up to 200PS of power, making it the most powerful Roadster ever made. Both are mated exclusively to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-MT.
The optional Sports Package features Advan sports tires, sports suspension, a two-way limited-slip differential, sports muffler, and sports brake system.
To demonstrate the full extent of the ultimate Roadster, I went to Fuji Speedway, the venue of the annual Mazda Fan Festa, where Mazda fans gather to witness Mazda's greatest hits from the legendary 787B race car to its rotary icons like the RX-7.
By Gran Turismo standards, this car has a 0-100 kph time of around six seconds and a theoretical top speed of over 250 kph. I know this because I tested the car on Special Stage Route X to confirm its capabilities. While it is theoretically faster than a European saloon, its speedometer indicates a maximum of only 200 kph.
Anyway, let's roll the tape and find out if the ultimate Roadster's worthy of its prowess.
My attempt around the Fuji Speedway set a 2m12.224s lap time, the best I can do. Still, the 12R proved its worth as the Roadster to end all Roadsters.
From its inception to the present day, the Mazda Roadster exemplifies what a true sports car should be. It prioritizes driving dynamics over sheer speed and power. Although it may not match the acceleration of today's sports cars, its enjoyable driving experience is unmatched. The Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster has pushed the boundaries of the original Roadster in its quest to become the best entry-level sports car that has ever existed.
With the Mazda Spirit Racing Roadster ultimately known as the King of Roadsters, what's next for Mazda in the age of the new normal? The world will never know, but in the meantime, let's salivate with Mazda's last true sports car to the last mile. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Come weekdays, both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N showcase their "everyday hero" potential, but come race weekends, their true colors as TCR competitors will shine. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got to sample the two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes that became staples for their TCR alter egos.
How do these two Asian turbocharged everyday heroes differ from each other? Let's begin with the Korean super saloon first, before the Japanese super hot hatch.
Launched in 2021, the Hyundai Avante N is the first N saloon based on the Hyundai Avante/Elantra CN7. Powering the Avante N is the same 2.0L Turbo GDI engine from the Veloster N, producing 280PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed wet-type Dual Clutch Transmission. With N Grin Shift, the car gets a 10PS boost, sprinting from 0-100kph in 5.3 seconds and an electronically-governed top speed of 250kph.
By calling the Avante N the road-legal version of its TCR machine, it has been festooned with numerous dynamic upgrades underneath, such as the N Corner Carving Differential, integrated drive axle, electronically controlled suspension, R-MPDS, rear stiff bar, and large capacity high-performance brakes.
In 2023, the Avante N received a minor change, featuring the same sharp looks as the normal Avante CN7 while maintaining the familiar specs from the pre-facelift model. A year later, a special TCR Edition of the Avante N was unveiled, complete with the same rear spoiler from its TCR equivalent.
Now, let's talk more about Honda's Super Hot Hatch, the FL5 Civic Type R.
Based on the 11th-generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.
It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8, but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.
With the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.
The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.
Recently, in 2025, a special Racing Black Package was offered for the FL5 Civic Type R, featuring a black interior.
To see which H-logoed car is the best, I went to Watkins Glen to have these two H-logoed turbocharged cars settle the score. Will it be the one with the H in the square or the other one with the H in the circle? It's Japan vs South Korea again. Let's roll the tape.
And here are the results...
FL5 Type R - 2m13.481s
Elantra N - 2m17.417s
Looks like the Japanese Agent H beats the Korean Agent H in the end. The Civic Type R has beaten its arch-rival, the Hyundai Avante N, by a huge margin. Looks like the Koreans aren't pleased about getting their behinds karate-chopped by the Japanese.
Both the Honda Civic Type R and the Hyundai Avante N worked well as everyday heroes. On weekdays, they are too busy to drive to work. On weekends, however, they became TCR superheroes ripping through the world's challenging racetracks.
TCR or not, both of these Asian turbocharged everyday heroes never fail to impress their followers, but in the end, it's the Civic that grabs more than the Avante.
What would Silent Hill look like if it were set in Japan? There's one answer to this compelling question: exactly the same.
Silent Hill f (PS5)
Silent Hill f brings the familiar psychological horror to a different setting, giving seasoned veterans and newcomers a terrifying new challenge that sets it apart from the entire franchise.
Set in Japan in the 1960s, the story revolves around a teenage schoolgirl named Hinako Shimizu who faces paranormal threats spreading across the quiet village of Ebisugaoka. It's about one girl, two worlds. The Hinako Shimizu in the living world is plunged into a living hell, and the Hinako Shimizu in the spirit world is vying for power.
The Japanese setting distinguishes Silent Hill f from the rest of the Silent Hill franchise, promising to engage players with its compelling characters and a narrative that captures the intensity characteristic of traditional Japanese horror stories.
How these worlds revolve around her provides various challenges you would expect in this different kind of Silent Hill. One such aspect is the critical melee-focused combat system, where players must be mindful of their health, stamina, and sanity while battling creatures. At the right timing, you can execute either a perfect evasion, which fully recovers stamina, or a powerful counter, dealing huge damage to enemies.
In the living world, weapons ranging from the steel pipe to the powerful sledgehammer will lose durability, and soon, they'll break unless you find a repair kit to fix them. In the spirit world, however, weapons such as the ceremonial dagger and the naginata won't break.
The enemy creatures you'll face in Silent Hill f come in all shapes and sizes. In the living world, when these creatures are killed, that's it. In the spirit world, however, defeating them is only temporary, so make use of their downtime to escape before they reanimate.
True to the Silent Hill lineage are the unforgiving puzzles that require your wits to move forward. Depending on the difficulty setting, puzzles can get more complex than before.
One unique feature of this game is its currency system. At save points, you can sell food and other valuable items in exchange for Faith, which allows you to randomly pull omamori that will be useful on your journey. Additionally, with enough ema, you can spend them on upgrades.
Silent Hill f is a unique entry in the Silent Hill franchise. What stands out the most is its Japanese setting, which adds a distinct charm to the horror experience. The game features a challenging battle system, intricate puzzles, and more. This truly embodies the essence of a proper Japanese horror game. A must-play of the autumn season.
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 is the biggest break in the history of electric cars, and here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first-ever all-electric N car from the rapidly growing South Korean motoring titan.
First and foremost, what is the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N?
Unveiled in 2023, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance version of the award-winning IONIQ 5 all-electric crossover and the first all-electric N car ever made.
The IONIQ 5 N features an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery and dual electric motors, delivering 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. With the N Grin Boost, it can reach up to 650 PS for ten seconds. It boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h. Recognized with the 2024 World Performance Car award and Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year, the IONIQ 5 N also set a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in its class, showcasing its impressive performance and design.
In Gran Turismo 7, use the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost by pressing and holding the right analog stick, great for overtaking. While the boost enhances acceleration, the handling can be challenging, especially on Sports Hard tires, with tense and fierce braking. I’ve experienced it myself.
I visited Fuji Speedway to demonstrate the IONIQ 5 N's capabilities, reminiscent of when IONIQ 5 N cars raced against other electrics at this track. Let's roll the tape.
As I said, the handling is challenging indeed, and the braking is fierce and tense, but I managed to lap around the track in 1m57.216s. In my standards, that breaches GR Supra territory. All thanks to the IONIQ 5 N's N Grin Boost feature that surely comes in handy in the straights. A real 10-second car with a ten-second overboost to hit.
The IONIQ 5 N proved to the world that even electric cars can break common sense in the pursuit of happiness behind the wheel. A real everyday racer for the everyday driver. Well done, Hyundai.
The 2025 Gran Turismo World Series continues in Berlin's Uber Eats Music Hall for the second round.
Before the major races, Gran Turismo announced that Japan's tire manufacturer, Dunlop, has been named the official tire partner for the Gran Turismo World Series and Gran Turismo 7. In upcoming updates for Gran Turismo 7, players can expect to see the Dunlop branding throughout the game, as well as the company’s history featured in Brand Central.
Screengrab from Gran Turismo
We have entered Round 2 of the competition. In the Manufacturer's Cup, Subaru secured another victory, successfully fending off BMW during the night race at the Nürburgring 24HR track. This latest win puts Subaru in the lead for the title with 12 points, two points ahead of BMW.
In the Nations Cup, J. Serrano from Spain achieved another victory at the Spielberg track, maintaining his position at the top of the leaderboard. V. Gallo from Italy finished in second place, while K. de Bruin from the Netherlands took third.
The 2025 Gran Turismo World Series will continue in Los Angeles's Orpheum Theatre this November 8, 2025.
The third and final facelift of the Nissan GT-R R35 marks the final evolution of Japan's longest-running supercar, which has been tearing down the world's roads and tracks since its 2007 Tokyo Motor Show world premiere. Although it's sad to witness the end of the R35's reign, it's time to have one last drive with the R35's final form on Gran Turismo 7.
What is the third and final minor change to the Nissan GT-R?
Released in 2023, this final evolution of the Nissan R35 GT-R features a redesigned front view that replaces the previous facelift's V-Motion grille with a smaller grille, along with a boxy air intake that enhances its aggressive appearance. The vehicle also includes new fog lamps shaped like the Arena logo.
The engine specifications remain unchanged. In the standard GT-R, the VR38DETT 3.8L Twin Turbo V6 engine delivers 570 PS of power and 637 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The fuel economy remains at 7.8 km/L.
The vehicle's dynamics have been slightly improved, offering better downforce, enhanced cooling, and reduced drag.
What better way to say goodbye to Japan's longest-running supercar in history than by taking it for one last drive around the Nürburgring? Instead of just a lap around the iconic Nordschleife like most people do, I chose to tackle the entire 24-hour layout, which combines the GP Track with the Nordschleife. Now that's a fitting farewell to Godzilla himself. Let's roll the tape.
I must admit, it's not my best attempt, but I gave the R35 GT-R the ultimate farewell it deserves. Like a true soldier, it saw it through to the end.
This marks the end of an era for what I consider the best Japanese sports car of the Heisei period: the Nissan GT-R R35. Since its world premiere at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, it has dominated the world's best roads and tracks. The GT-R has made appearances in films such as Fast and Furious 6, Elysium, and the live-action Gran Turismo movie. It even surpassed the Bullet Train and challenged Jeremy Clarkson to an exhilarating experience at Fuji Speedway. This encapsulates everything about the R35 GT-R, from its inception to its farewell.
Though its reign may have ended, Nissan has assured fans that the GT-R will return in the future. Ivan Espinosa, the current CEO of Nissan, stated, "To the many fans of the GT-R worldwide, I want to say that this isn't a goodbye to the GT-R forever. Our goal is for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a comeback."
Typically, car manufacturers available on Japanese roads, whether local or international, can only showcase their designs in the Gran Turismo franchise through their Vision Gran Turismo concepts. However, the inclusion of Genesis, a Korean luxury car brand that is not sold on Japanese roads, altered this precedent. Following Genesis, another carmaker that isn't available on Japanese roads has joined the Vision GT lineup: the Czech manufacturer Skoda.
The Skoda Vision Gran Turismo marks the Czech carmaker's debut in the world of Gran Turismo, showcasing its "simply clever" philosophy to the virtual world.
A simply clever project that began even before the COVID pandemic, Skoda designers were debating whether to restore the 1100 OHC, a Le Mans racer that never was, or create a futuristic iteration for the digital age. They went for the latter, and this is it.
Paying respect to the legendary 1100 OHC, the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo incorporates Skoda's new design language, first seen in the Vision 7S Concept in 2022. The concept car's styling mimics that of today's Formula E race cars in the name of active aerodynamics. Underneath its carbon monocoque bodywork, it features independent wishbone push-rod suspension for better high-speed stability, reduced body roll, and low center of gravity.
Powering the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is a dual-motor setup with one electric motor on each axle, producing a total power output of 1071HP of power. It even features a 4WD system with intelligent torque distribution for a balanced and responsive driving experience.
To fully demonstrate the capabilities of Skoda's Vision Gran Turismo Concept, I went to Le Mans to fulfill the duty it never carried out by its ancestor, the 1100 OHC Spider. Let's roll the video.
My experience with the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo has been somewhat nerve-wracking. Its electric drivetrain gives it impressive speed on the straights, but the grip is challenging, and I find it struggles to navigate corners even after braking. Despite these difficulties, I managed to record a lap time of 3 minutes and 44.797 seconds, proving that the Skoda VGT is a worthy successor to its Le Mans racer that never came to fruition.
The Skoda Vision Gran Turismo concept, created by Skoda for the Gran Turismo series, highlights the Czech carmaker's "Simply Clever" philosophy. This concept car embodies a blend of heritage and modernity, showcasing Skoda's unique approach. With this design, you truly take center stage.
