My GT7 Log: The other GR hot hatch

The Toyota GR Yaris is the closest thing you can get from its WRC-winning rally machine counterpart because of its rally-honed performance and dynamics that are deemed unrivaled even in the midst of the new normal. No one dared to take on the GR Yaris and this is why this super hot hatch is a class on its own.

As a matter of fact, the GR Yaris wasn't the only super hot hatch that emerged from the skunk works of Toyota Gazoo Racing. In fact, there's another hot hatch that belonged to the same bloodline as this, only bigger...

So, care to guess what that other GR hot hatch is?

What about now? Any takers? Well, there's only one answer...

This is the first-ever Toyota GR Corolla, the other super hot hatch from Toyota Gazoo Racing and you can drive one in Gran Turismo 7 right away.

So, what's it all about the GR Corolla? Based on the E210 Corolla Sport, the GR Corolla features a wider exterior design, improved aerodynamics, and better rigidity. Using the same G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder turbocharged engine from the GR Yaris, it's been boosted to produce 304PS of power and 370Nm of torque while mated exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. As for fuel economy, it's good for 12.4km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Just like the GR Yaris, the GR Corolla comes with the GR-FOUR active torque split 4WD system with a Torsen LSD for better cornering and stability on either tarmac, gravel, or snow.

For those who demand more for the GR Corolla comes the hardcore MORIZO Edition, which was named after the alias of Toyota boss Akio Toyoda, who is also the company's master test driver. The MORIZO Edition removes rear seats for weight-saving measures and uses a unique close-ratio transmission and final gear setup, increased turbo boost, unique forged wheels, and monotube suspension dampers.

When it was launched in Japan in December 2022, the GR Corolla was limited to 500 units, 70 for the MORIZO Edition. Therefore, a lottery system was implemented for those who were willing to purchase.

Yes, the GR Corolla is by no means one of the highly-anticipated models of last year following a series of cryptic teasers scattered throughout typical Toyota car photos, if you know what I mean. All those cryptic clues led to the unmasking of the most practical five-door super hot hatch in the world. You better thank Toyota for this one.

With all the suspense killing me, it's time to find out how much of a super hot hatch the GR Corolla is when compared to its little brother, the GR Yaris.

I've selected Bathurst as the playpen for the two GR hot hatches and as always, the one with the fastest lap time is the winner of this comparison. I know that the GR Corolla is the most powerful of the two but the GR Yaris is smaller and lighter, making the sibling strife one-sided. Up to me to find out which of the two super hot hatches is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

GR Yaris - 2m42.113s

GR Corolla - 2m40.546s

Talk about a nearly two-second gap between the two GR hot hatchbacks even though they have the same 1.6L turbocharged engines and the same GR-FOUR 4WD system, but in the end, it seems the most powerful hot hatchback from Toyota stands at the top.

Despite bearing a commoner's name, the GR Corolla managed to join the ranks of the list of Reiwa-era JDM sports cars spearheaded by the GR Supra thanks to its high-performance characteristics unheard for a Corolla. This car has proven worthy of bearing the GR badge and such anticipation really paid off with big dividends.

Case Closed.

The Crew MOTORFEST

Ubisoft's hit racing game series, The Crew, returns and this time, the stage is set at one of the most beautiful places in the world; Hawaii. Say aloha to Motorfest!

The Crew Motorfest (PS5)

The Crew Motorfest is the newest installment of Ubisoft's The Crew franchise where new and returning players set sail to Hawaii, which is of course a US state not covered in The Crew 2.

The Motorfest is a celebration of car culture for everyone and you're invited to take part in this high-octane extravaganza where speed and power are the biggest fun factor to this celebration. Players take part in this Hawaiian escapade by tackling through Motorfest-sanctioned playlists where each theme tackles a certain car culture or challenge. From 60 years of the Porsche 911 to 60 years of Lamborghini, from battling against a group of street racers with Japanese sports cars to becoming a drift king, from exploring Hawaii to tackling crazy challenges set up by Donut Media, and above all, conquering the Alpha Grand Prix, there's so much you can do in Motorfest.

The fun doesn't stop there because Motorfest features a wide variety of challenges to take on after winning playlists where you can unlock outfits and vanity items to personalize your rides. You can also take on weekly and monthly challenges to unlock special items unattainable through normal gameplay as well as big money and Legend Points which you can use to improve your abilities such as improved pay rate, better loot quality, improved nitro refill, improved ability to drive through water, and so on. It's an ever-evolving world out there so make the most out of it.

Motorfest features a wide variety of vehicles from new and returning favorites, especially specially customized cars. From the off-road-ready Ford Bronco, the timeless classic Shelby Cobra, the fast and furious JZA80 Toyota Supra, to the rampaging performance of the all-new Lamborghini Revuelto, there's no fighting which vehicle is the favorite. Just like TC2, the fun is not limited to cars because you can ride on motorcycles, powerboats, and planes, meaning you can fully explore Hawaii by land, air, and sea, whichever floats your boat. You can take advantage of the Fast Fav feature to switch various vehicles off the bat while on the go.

Almost all vehicles can be tuned and personalized to suit your fancies. In tuning terms, you can collect tuning parts by clearing race events, completing feats, or opening hidden treasure boxes. Depending on the rarity, some parts not only boost performances but also grant special attributes as well. In personalization terms, you can style your ride with some wheels, bumpers, and interior colors, or even slap it with liveries as well. Great if you want to rack some votes at the car show.

Also, TC2 players can import most but not all of their hard-earned car collection to Motorfest, which is essential because there are some challenges that require your imported cars to take part in.

Although this installment is not as big as TC2, Motorfest is proof that The Crew is here to stay, and with so many exciting surprises in store for this game, there's no doubt it's one of the most addicting racing games of 2023. Once you play with it, you'll get hooked not just by the wonders of Hawaii but by the motoring challenges you can't get enough of, more than enough to curate yourself some wonderful adventures.

Enjoy your stay at Motorfest and Aloha!

My GT7 Log: Know Your Legends - The McLaren MP4/4

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 the McLaren MP4/4, arguably one of the greatest F1 cars of all time.

Arguably one of the most dominant F1 cars of all time, the McLaren MP4/4 was known for winning 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 season. The #11 was piloted by Alain Prost while the legendary #12 was piloted by the legendary Ayrton Senna. The McLaren Formula One team scored 199 points to garner the constructor's champion title but it was Senna's performance of eight wins garnered him his world champion status for the 1988 season. Designed by Steve Nichols and Gordon Murray, the MP4/4 features a carbon fiber honeycomb monocoque for the chassis, double wishbones with pull-rod actuated coil springs and dampers for the suspension, a Weismann-McLaren 6-speed manual gearbox, and a 1.5L Honda RA168-E V6 turbo engine, one of the most powerful Formula One engines of all time.

Time to take a quick drive with the real Formula 1 legend around the Goodwood Motor Circuit and find out if the legend is real with this one.

It did it in 1:04.074 seconds and although not the quickest as such with me behind the wheel, it's proof that the MP4/4's legendary performance truly lives up to its reputation as the F1's GOAT. The Greatest Of All Time.

What other hard-to-get legendary cars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: Emergency Response

Those who watched last weekend's Gran Turismo World Series Showdown Amsterdam got themselves early access to one of the new cars set to be available in the Brand Central next month and looks like they'll need to be as quick as a first responder with this one.

This is the Toyota Ambulance Himedic, a H200-spec Toyota Hiace that was converted for first responder use. It was given away to those who watched last weekend's Gran Turismo World Series Showdown, early access before it's available to purchase in Gran Turismo 7 Brand Central next month.

Based on the H200-spec Toyota Hiace, which remains in production as of now even if it was preceded by the GranAce, the Himedic high-standard ambulance is made courtesy of Toyota Customizing & Development. While it carries most of the lifesaving necessities only first responders know, the Himedic is powered by a 2TR-FE 2.7L petrol engine that produces 157HP of power while mated with an automatic gearbox.

Do you remember the story of an ambulance driver who got recruited by a racing team to become a professional driver? No? Oh wait, that was from another game but anyway, to see if the Himedic is more than just an ambulance, let's take it to Tsukuba for a quick lap. 

However, due to Japan's weather conditions, it's raining outside. Still, first responders are always ready, no matter the weather, meaning the Himedic's prepared for a wet lap. Roll the tape.

It did it in 1m35.019s (wet), meaning even in this condition, the Himedic is nearly half quicker than the Quezon City Police's response time at this place. Perhaps the Japanese first responders always arrived on the scene a half quicker than the QCPD. Huhehe...

This is Emergency Response, the GT7 way. Hope you had fun driving and personalizing the Hiace Himedic in the game.

My GT7 Log: The First of its Kind

The Maserati MC20 is one of the most anticipated sports cars of the new normal and now that it made its way to Gran Turismo 7, there's nothing controversial about the new-era Maserati sportscar making its waves in the game.

So, what's it all about the Maserati MC20?

The Maserati MC20 is the brand's first mid-engined sports car since the Ferrari Enzo-derived Maserati MC12 of the 2000s. Although the styling is heavily inspired by the ancient Maserati supercar, the MC20 is powered by an all-new turbocharged 3.0L V6 Nettuno engine. It produces 630PS of power and 730Nm of torque and while mated to an 8-speed DCT, the MC20 can sprint from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and can go all the way to 325kph. Underneath, it features a double-wishbone suspension system with active shock absorbers as well as available carbon ceramic brakes and extensive carbon fiber bodywork, among others.

For Maserati's return to its sporty roots, it's difficult to explain how the MC20 behaves but I can tell you that it's putting a lot of emphasis on grip, meaning it takes time to get used to its dynamics that are questionable for an Italian sports car of this magnitude. It tends to understeer most of the time even with the traction control off but when things get rowdy, it spits it out like chewable tobacco, the Italian one. Also, the braking feels stuck even in a middle of a downshift, and above all, it feels mild and hypoallergenic.

To test out the MC20's mild but menacing dynamics, I went to Autopolis to prove my hypothesis, a true test to let its Nettuno engine do the talking while swiping through the technical portions of this Japanese racetrack. If by technical, it really is and I almost got away from them.

Roll the tape.

Having survived through Autopolis with the MC20, I managed to post a 2m05.943s lap time. That's the best I can do but whatever. At least, I have proven my point that the MC20 is downright mild but menacing in every way.

Despite its questionable grip that others would say it's dramatic, I am honored to experience the Maserati MC20 in Gran Turismo 7. I know I got hooked on it but because of its behavior, it takes time to get used to it and patience is a cliche. At least, the sensation made me thrilled to bits.

Thanks to the MC20, Maserati's back in the sports car business, and looks like they're on the roll right now. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed driving the MC20 in GT7.

Grazie.

My GT7 Log: Gran Turismo movie collaboration

The movie adaptation of Gran Turismo is hitting theaters this month and the producers had a special gift for all Gran Turismo 7 players; a 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 donned in the same livery as the one Jann Mardenborough used in the movie, which is based on real events.

Based on a true story, the Gran Turismo movie stars Archie Madekwe as Jann Mardenborough, a gamer whose life changed when he gained the biggest break in his life; becoming a racing driver. It also stars David Harbour and Orlando Bloom, among many others, and it's directed by Neill Blomkamp.

The #23 Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 is the one Jann drove in the upcoming movie. In the real world, this is the 2018MY Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3, a racing spec version of the GT-R R35 made in compliance with FIA GT3 regulations. While it carries over the racing mechanicals as the GT-R GT3 predecessors, the 2018 model year features a dry sump oil system that allows the powerplant to sit lower by 5.9 inches for a better center of gravity. It has improved weight distribution, repositioned cooling systems, improved body stability, stiffer front body rigidity, and an improved racing suspension system.

Players who booted up the GT7 game following the recent patch can obtain Jann Mardenborough's #23 GT-R NISMO GT3 by selecting the Gran Turismo movie banner. After watching the movie trailer, you'll receive the car free of charge. 

There's also an online time trial as well where you can drive the said hero car at the Red Bull Ring, one of the racetracks you'll see in the movie. A total of 3,250,000 credits can be won if you hit the ultra-difficult Gold target time. The collaboration ends on 9/27/2023 at 2359 UTC.

Having obtained the hero car from the Gran Turismo movie, the question is, what should I do with it now that I'm expressing so much hype for this movie. With that, let's drive Jann's GT-R NISMO GT3 on the racetrack that he said in the movie that he raced this track a thousand times in the game.

Let's take the GT-R NISMO GT3, donned in GT movie livery, at the Le Mans 24-hour track, just to get the thrilling experience of what's like to be in Jann Mardenborough's racing shoes. Send in the tape.

I managed to set a 4m11.118s lap time around the Le Mans 24-hour track in the GT-R NISMO GT3 that was driven by the movie's main character. Although not as quick as what he'll do in the movie, I strongly believe that the hype is real and I'm willing to watch the Gran Turismo movie at my heart's desire.

The Gran Turismo movie hits theaters this August 25th. If you're preparing for the movie, this would be your chance to add the GT-R NISMO GT3, donned in GT movie livery, to your car collection at no expense for a limited time. If you've enjoyed the game most of the time, I hope you'll enjoy the Gran Turismo movie as well. If Jann can make it to the top, anyone can.

Be a driver, drive hard, and stay focused.

My GT7 Log: The un-Corvette Corvette

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette defeated the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 to become the 2021-2022 Japan Performance Car of the Year, the first for an American-made car to win the title.

So, what is it then, this C8 Corvette?

The eighth-generation Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows because, for the first time in its history, it's been morphed into a mid-engined supercar, a move that displeased most Corvette purists. Being the first production mid-engined car from General Motors, the C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Corvette-first 8-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out in 312kph. It features a brand-new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds, as well as double wishbone suspension with height adjustable capability.

For the first time, the C8 Corvette is also offered in right-hand-drive configurations in such markets as Japan, the UK, and Australia.

Thanks to its midship layout, the C8 Corvette has transformed from a redneck muscle into a world-class supercar, capable of handling through the world's most challenging racetracks like a pro. Although it has the finesse of an Italian supercar, it still has the beating heart of a wild west Republican unleashing a barrage of firepower.

To find out if the C8 Corvette is still "America's sports car" despite a completely different approach, it's time to dish it out at Fuji Speedway, which is somewhat a coincidence because this is surprisingly the exact place where the C8 Corvette made its Japan premiere. Anyway, no time to get sentimental, it's time for action, pronto.

Let's see if the mid-engined Corvette is as good as any other sports car should be, although purists are not happy about this approach. Send in the tape.

They say it will take about two minutes to lap the C8 Corvette around Fuji Speedway. I did it in 1m58.813s. Guess the world's right after all, this is no longer the Corvette we're familiar with. It's turned.

The C8 Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows and thanks to such world-class performance thanks to its mid-engine layout, it truly is the world-class sportscar capable of taking all comers in a way it's never done before. I'm glad I got my dibs on this car here on Gran Turismo 7. Purists hate it but what the hey. It's the best Corvette of the new normal and I strongly agree with it.

America's sports car has turned.

My GT7 Log: Power and Honor

For 110 years, Aston Martin created some of the most beautiful sports cars on the road in the essence of power, beauty, and soul. What happens when Aston Martin ditched these essences and creates the most extreme monster machine that can be used on the road and on a track?

What you're looking at here is the most extreme Aston Martin road car ever made and it's making the rounds on Gran Turismo 7 for all the players to experience it; the Aston Martin Valkyrie.

This is by no means one of the most anticipated hypercars of the decade, the Aston Martin Valkyrie is primed and ready to take on the world's most demanding race tracks offered in the game and I got my dibs on the most extreme Aston Martin road car ever made. But first, just what's it all about the Valkyrie?

Made in collaboration with Red Bull Racing, the team that produced big-name world champions such as Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, the Valkyrie is a hybrid hypercar with F1-inspired, space-age aerodynamics that made it capable of taking corners at over 3.3G. 

The carbon blade designed by space shuttle engineers made it capable of impossible performance even at 220mph. 

The hydraulics, meanwhile, is heavily inspired by an Apache gunship, making it capable of taking on the most extreme hydraulic demands.

Apart from the F1-derived aerodynamics, extensive use of lightweight materials was involved in the making of this hypercar especially the part where the Aston Martin emblem was etched to the front instead of using badges and decals, all in the name of saving weight and airflow, of course.

Powering the Valkyrie is a naturally-aspirated 6.5L V12 engine developed by Cosworth mated to an F1-derived KERS, producing a total power output of a whopping 1139HP of power, making it the most powerful Aston Martin road car ever made.

Only 150 of these units were made and all of them are completely sold out immediately.

 

Although it sounds foolish to call this a road-legal Formula 1 car because of its aerodynamics, the Valkyrie is a terrifyingly demanding hypercar that takes a serious amount of time to master its extreme capabilities. Only someone who is as good as a Formula 1 driver can wield this terrifying road-legal track weapon in an extreme situation such as this...

Yes, I'm talking about the Nurburgring, the most intense racetrack ever assembled. The Green Hell. The perfect place to take full advantage of the Valkyrie's capabilities as a road-legal track weapon. It may sound extreme to all of us but feels like I'm up for the challenge, just to get a feel for just how extreme the Valkyrie is.  Space-age aerodynamics, weapons-grade hydraulics, 6.5L V12 hybrid, KERS, the Valkyrie is locked and loaded as it tries to unleash its impossible performance as it tries to do...the impossible.

Trust me, this is not going to be an easy task. Anyway, as I said before, let's see if it can do the impossible. Send in the tape.

Having attempted the most impossible attempt, thanks to its KERS usage on the fast portions, I managed to post a 6m31.763s lap time, which is impossibly fast for an Aston Martin, but I'm starting to feel guilty about the KERS usage. 

Guilty pleasure aside, should Aston Martin bring the Valkyrie to the Nurburgring Nordschleife for the real deal, this would become the fastest road car to lap the Nurburgring Nordschleife. 

Bring it on, Aston Martin. Show us what the Valkyrie can do at the Nurburgring.

IMPOSSIBLE. DRIVEN.

The Aston Martin Valkyrie pushed the British sports car maker to uncharted heights. With its space-age aerodynamics, weapons-grade hydraulics, 6.5L V12 hybrid, and KERS, this hybrid hypercar is the new platinum standard. A real Force Majeure not to be underestimated.

This is INTENSITY. DRIVEN.