Gran Turismo 7 just got his 1.29 update, and it is a significant one. The patch introduces support for Sony’s new PlayStation VR 2 headset, a fearsome new racing AI, a classic GT track and five new vehicles, one of which – well, maybe two – can lay claim to being the coolest and most beautiful car to be that was ever produced.
The big news really is the virtual reality mode which, unlike the VR implementation in Gran Turismo Sports, is available in all races and game modes (except two-player split screen). There is also an exclusive VR showroom where you can admire the game’s beautiful car models. Accordingly John Linneman of Digital Foundry, this mode is quite special; could make this patch GT7
OK, GT7 in VR is amazing. One small detail that literally caught my eye – the HDR blend of the headlights in your mirrors during night races. It is so bright that it is very similar to reality in a similar situation. I’ve never seen anything like this in a game.
– John Linneman (@dark1x) February 21, 2023
PSVR 2 support isn’t the only notable technology added to the game by Polyphony Digital in the latest update. Developed by Sony’s AI labs and first unveiled a year ago, the “revolutionary AI superhuman racing agent” Gran Turismo Sophy was designed not only to be unbeatably fast, but also to compete aggressively against others while maintaining racing etiquette to respect. You can go head-to-head against Sophy in a special limited-time mode until the end of March – either one-on-one in identical machines or in other racing situations that might give you a chance.
The classic track is Grand Valley, one of the most technical and challenging of the Gran Turismo tracks originally designed by Polyphony. It returns to the series for the first time since 2013 Gran Turismo 6. And the five new cars are two versions of the Italdesign Exeneo (a Vision Gran Turismo concept car); the 1965 Honda RA272, a classic Grand Prix machine; the legendary 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS, perhaps the most coveted 911 of all time; and… the Citroën DS.
The Citroën DS is not a fast car. It’s not even remotely sporty. It’s a French sedan known for its use of quirky technologies like hydropneumatic suspension and directional headlights, and for looking like it’s from the future. Honestly, this car – which, remember, made its debut 1955
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24449803/52694147477_a47685cbf0_k.jpg)
Image: Polyphony Digital/Sony Interactive Entertainment
Polyphony Digital has chosen a late model, the 1970 DS 21 Pallas with its shark-like clad headlight units. Here’s another one, in the real world. just look at it. Have you ever seen a more elegant car?
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24449831/1414000276.jpg)
Photo: Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images
(At this point I should confess that my maternal grandfather, a lifelong Citroën loyalist, owned two of these things, so I’m a bit biased. But still!)
The DS is undoubtedly a car of historic importance – Flaminio Bertoni’s aerodynamic bodywork was shocking at the time and hugely influential, predicting at least the next half century of automotive design. But it’s also just incredibly cool and cool in a way race cars can never be. Gran Turismo mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi and the Polyphony team have once again demonstrated their class and deep affection for automotive lore by recording it.
And yes, I would probably have the Porsche too.
