Polyphony Digital may have taken a a break from free updates to the PlayStation racing game in July, but they’re back with four new cars for Gran Turismo 7 in the August 7th update.
Back on the normal schedule, CEO Kazunori Yamauchi shared the standard silhouette picture of the group arriving in August 2023, with some fairly recognisable outlines.
Starting from the top, there’s what’s reported to be one of Japan’s most commonly stolen vehicles, with the Toyota HiAce. Originally launched back in 1967, the nose suggests it’s a fifth generation model, which was produced between 2004 and 2019, but given that they were available as an MPV, minibus, panel van, taxi or ambulance, it’s a bit hard to work out the exact model or configuration.
Is the large rear step a sign it could be the Toyota HiMedic ambulance, or just for luggage? Either way, there’s an engine at the front, with rear or four-wheel drive. The engines offered range from 2 and 2.7 litre petrol or 25-3.0 litre diesel options, with a 5 litre diesel offered in some export markets.
Another Toyota is on the left, with the previously confirmed Toyota GR Corolla Mirozo Edition, which is being used for Round 7 of the Toyota GAZOO Racing GT Cup in Gran Turismo 7. And anyone who has participated in the qualifying rounds gets it as a free gift on Auguts 28th. The limited-edition, Japan-only run of 200 cars lose the back seats to save 30kg, and get shorter ratios across the first three gears and higher torque, better tyres, reinforced brases for better rigidity, forged wheels and more. The result is 300hp, 295 pound-feet of torque, and a curb weight of 3,186 pounds.
Bottom right is the Maserati MC20, launched in 2020 with a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 producing 621hp. It looks like the hardtop version, rather than the convertible Cielo or GT2 race variant. And with prices starting from £190,275, you get a top speed of 203mph, 538 lb ft of torque, and a 0-60mph time of 2.9 seconds.
And on the right is an instantly recognisable shape with an early Chevrolet Corvette. It’s definitely the first generation C1, produced from 1953 until 1962. And the slatted fake bonnet louvres confirm it as a 1958 model, which also got a longer front end with quad headlights. You get up to 290hp from the largest 5.4 litre small-block V8, a four-speed manual gearbox, and iconic styling which would have cost you $3,875 new, and would now set you back up to $825,000 at auction (£591,470).
The Corvette makes sense as every other era except the C5 is covered in Gran Turismo, and both the Maserati and Corolla Morizo should be fun to drive. And while a Japanese commercial vehicle might seem a bit odd, it’s not the first, with the 2018 Toyota Alphard Executive Lounge proving surprising popular since appearing with the March 2023 update.
Keep up all the latest news on Gran Turismo 7 or check out the latest reveals in our Gran Turismo 7 car list and the Gran Turismo 7 track list. You can obviously buy Gran Turismo 7 from the PlayStation Store or pick up physical copies from retailers including Game and Amazon.
Update – the 2021 Toyota HiMedic Ambulance has been confirmed, with exclusive early access if you watch the Gran Turismo World Series Showdown Nations Cup stream in game.
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