My GT7 Log: Yes, of Corsa!

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.

My GT7 Log: Skoda VGT

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.

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: 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.

My GT7 Log: The Genesis Vision Gran Turismo

Since its inception in 2013, the Vision Gran Turismo project has invited the world's best carmakers to create concept cars that fit the theme of the Gran Turismo franchise. As a general rule, since the Gran Turismo series is purely Japanese, they only allow carmakers, foreign or domestic, that are available in Japan. However, there's one carmaker that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

Can you guess what this is? I can tell you, it's not what you think it is. It's a car that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

This is the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. It's Genesis' entry to the Vision Gran Turismo concept and a real rulebreaker. Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, is not available on Japanese roads, yet it managed to slip into the world of Gran Turismo under the radar.

So, what's it all about the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo? This concept is the byproduct of Genesis' near-decade history since the brand emerged at the end of 2015. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series 2023 World Finals, this concept features the ultimate expression of Genesis' signature design elements that debuted on the GV80 crossover in January 2020 such as the quad lights and the grille inspired by the Genesis logo. 

It even sports a Magma exterior color that first appeared in the GV80 Coupe Concept, the exterior color no production Genesis model has, as of now.

Powering this concept is a twin-charged Lambda II V6 engine that produces 870HP of power and with the electric motor synchronizing the petrol engine, it produces a total output of 1071HP.

I'm going to take the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept for a one-lap time attack around Watkins Glen. I know because this is the only place I can let it loose because the USA is a huge market for the Genesis brand, therefore, it's ideal. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Having pushed this 4WD Korean cuisine around New York's finest race track, I did it in 1m52.075s. Not too shabby but a lot of effort is needed. Still, I did my best to get my first dibs on this Genesis Vision Gran Turismo concept.

For a concept that defied the general Vision Gran Turismo rule, because Genesis is not available in the Japanese market, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept demonstrates the Korean luxury brand's near-decade dedication to disrupting the rules of luxury cars. This is the template and the sign of things to come from Genesis. The more you know.

GT SPORT: Zagato's VGT masterpiece

Zagato was well-known for their coach-built masterpieces only the privileged few can get through with their handcrafted arts and crafts inside and out to deliver a living work of art that matches the theme of grand touring. When Gran Turismo asked Zagato what will their Vision Gran Turismo entry be, their response is their take on an legendary icon.



And this is their result; it's called the Iso Rivolta Zagato Vision Gran Turismo concept and when it was showcased at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, it became a playable car on GT SPORT via an update. So, what is this masterpiece Zagato talked about? First, and foremost, let's talk about Iso Rivolta.

Iso Rivolta was well known among wealthy clients since the 60's and the 70's for combining European design and drive train imported from the USA, resulting to excellent and reliable sports cars. Their cars took part in well-known races in Sebring, Nurburgring, and Le Mans. Iso cars can be recognizably known by the griffin emblem and for Zagato's modern take on an legendary icon, it really harks its motor racing pedigree back to its ancestors.





First impressions can be somewhat hawkish and just by looking at the Iso Rivolta Zagato VGT, the design has a clear reminder that it reminded you of a car you saw from a certain tokusatsu show several years ago. Zagato says that this VGT machine draws inspiration from the aerodynamic designs of great prototype endurance race cars and it was virtually built using realistic volume and base measurements, delivering a striking visual appeal to a contemporary gentleman driver's sportscar. It's powered by a 4.5L engine producing 559HP of power and 428ft-lb of torque while the whole car weighs two and a half tons.

Although, there's too little to say about the conceptual take of the legendary Iso Rivolta sports cars, the one way to get to know more about this machine a little further is to drive it and to do that, since it was showcased at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, I went to Suzuka Circuit and find out how the Iso Rivolta Zagato VGT is made for.



Doing sighting laps on Suzuka, I'm starting to get bewildered by how the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT behaves on the track and because being one of the Vision GT cars that adhere nothing to regulations, it's a shame that you can't really race it on official Sport Mode races but you can really admire its uncanny dynamics and its character reeling from within. The sound of the engine and the gear change is what I like most by the way because the engine sounded like an angry muscle car while the gear change sounds like hitting with a sledgehammer in the foundry, such character for this car really means that this car works hard to deliver the sensational feeling drivers possess like how the pioneers of the past experience the glory days of motoring with their Iso Rivolta cars. While the car's characteristics made it special, it serves as a challenge for those who are unfamiliar with this car because at first, it can be downright intimidating to drive but with practice, the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT could be the no-holds-barred racing machine you can really ignite your senses at.

And with that, let me show you how I wrestle with this griffin round Suzuka. Enjoy the clip.





Although being a concept car that exists only in the world of Gran Turismo, the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT is a futuristic take of a legendary brand with such impressive motorsport pedigree and by making the most out of it on the track with nothing to hold back, the charisma and the performance is something to behold and inspire for the next generation of vehicles in the future. It really is Zagato's work of art to motivate the future of sportscars into new and exciting ways unimaginable by many.

GT SPORT: Love GT by Copen

Daihatsu has a wide reputation for making fuel-efficient kei cars in history but in the eyes of speedo boys, none of these cars are worth promising to bring the fun factor to their senses until the year 2014 when they resurrected the Copen kei-convertible to bring the magic back to the speedo boys. With the revived Copen bringing a whole new bunch of fans, it wouldn't take long before they teamed up with GT SPORT to create a Copen unlike no other.



This is Daihatsu's entry to the long line of Vision Gran Turismo concepts that showcase the future of sports cars from the world of Gran Turismo. It's called the COPEN RJ VGT and this is what happens when you turn a Copen Robe into an oversized go-kart fit for track duty.



Made to commemorate the Copen's 15th anniversary when the first one was launched in Japan in 2002 as well as Daihatsu's 110th anniversary since its 1907 founding, the RJ (Racing Jacket) is a demonstration of what a fun Daihatsu should be. The base Copen Robe has a turbocharged 660cc engine that produces 64PS of power but in the RJ, no one knows what powers it especially when it churns out 146HP of power and 149.4ft-lb of torque. Because it weighs 1,323 lbs, which is incredibly the lightest Vision GT car ever offered, the Copen RJ VGT's power-to-weight ratio is around 0.11 horsepower per pound.



Although not much information is given about this heavily tweaked Copen Robe that is made with Gran Turismo in mind, the Copen RJ is one of the key reminders of why Daihatsu will always be part of Gran Turismo history ever since it made its first appearance in Gran Turismo 2 and catered fans with kei cars like the Move, the Mira, and the Midget, not to mention a compact car called the Storia. I really want to know more but now it's time for me to get to the fun part and since the Copen wants to stick to its "LOVE LOCAL" slogan, I went to Suzuka for some sessions.



Designed for those who are new to the Vision GT line of vehicles, the Copen RJ VGT's dynamics are beginner-friendly so there is no effort to get to know about the birthday present for both Daihatsu and their Copen kei-roadster but I do try to warn you that since this is a front-wheel drive roadster, just like the normal Copen, understeer is likely and looks like you'll going to need some painkillers for your arms because the steering is worth spraining your arms when it approaches a corner and understeer. That really is painful but with a little ease, you may find that the Copen RJ is worth fun to drive in the world of Gran Turismo and you will be able to tell the world that you've driven the revived Copen, in RJ guise. Anyway, wanna see how I do?



The tight corners in Suzuka really are a pain in my arms but I managed to finish the whole lap without going out of bounds.



The Copen RJ only exists in the world of Gran Turismo but its presence is a fitting tribute not just for Daihatsu's 110th year but also their Copen's 15th anniversary. It really is a cherry on the top of the cake worth biting for and it's a clear reminder that why Daihatsu is always here to stay in the world of Gran Turismo. It may not be as fast as the other Vision GT machines but for getting started, it really is a stepping stone you can learn something from when you come out of it. That is my bottom line.

GT SPORT: The birth of N

Since 2015, Hyundai commenced their little experiment to become a Korean take on Mercedes-AMG or BMW M Power, whatever it means, and that gave them the birth of their new brand called "N". Born in Namyang, Honed at Nurburgring, that's what N is made for and their newest experiment begins with a concept car like this.



It's Hyundai's entry to the Vision Gran Turismo project, that made its GT SPORT debut appearance.




This is the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and while this is unheard for a Korean car company to present their little proposal to the producers of the Gran Turismo franchise, it's a stunning vision of what will race cars look like in the next decade and the ideal metaphor of Hyundai's little experiment to create its high-performance division of the company.



So, what is it about the N 2025, apart from being a metaphor for their little experiment? Well, since hybrids are taking over the motorsport world like the ones from Le Mans, the N 2025 features a race-derived hydrogren fuel cell system that combines zero emission ecology and raw performance that most racing machines get. Sure, the Koreans did all the fuel cell work in their home base but the Americans skillfully perfected it and as a result, the power output is about 871HP courtesy of its eco-friendly system that's optimally delivered through four high-powered independent in-wheel motors for better traction. Thanks to its CFRP monocoque structure, the power-to-weight ratio is beyond supercar reach and because of its low center of gravity and Independent In-wheel motor Drive Control, it's phenomenal to drive.



This particular N 2025 I'm driving in GT SPORT is not the N 2025 that was been winded up to the max. In fact, this is the Group 1 version of it and it was specially tuned to meet Group 1 regulations in the game, even the FIA GT Manufacturer Series you are planning to go for. It may have 200 less than the normal Gr.X version of the N 2025 race car but it still performs pretty much like it and you can thank its unbelievable aerodynamics playing a key role to this car as well as its 4WD system. Upon driving it, I had the slight intention that it might actually go wrong by ending up on a catastrophic understeer but no. It drives like an art and you can't really tell the difference between going fast and taking a corner because this Vision GT car is tad fantastic drive and talking about here, I managed to take a stroll with this Korean future racecar around the Nurburgring.

 

Since this is what the N stands for, let's see if the N 2025, albeit in Group 1 spec, is true to the saying that it was "Born in Namyang, Honed at Nurburgring" as what Hyundai claims. With all of the ingredients here, time to let this bad boy shine in the Green Hell.



And here we are, one hot lap on a Gr.1-spec Hyundai N 2025 Vision GT. I even managed to do a 6:46.113 lap time, which isn't bad for someone who thinks that I can't drive round corners without crashing like the other guy.



Thanks to concept cars like the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, this experiment has commenced and as a result, Hyundai made their first N car based on a global five-door hatchback and it was available to order in Mainland Europe, sadly Hyundai withdraw the idea of selling their first N car in South Korea, which is a shame for Koreans who are getting cranky over Hyundai's first N car. I'm sure they will change their minds someday and let's hope for the best that the N cars from Hyundai deserve a trip to Busan.