Gran Turismo 7 Spec II Update Arrives With 7 New Cars And A Bucketload Of Features

With the recent arrival of Forza Motorsport, eyes had been on Sony to see if they’ll put out a challenge from Gran Turismo in the battle for console sim-cade racer supremacy. Well, GT7 Spec II is here - and it’s fair to say it’s delivered.

Headlining the update is the addition of seven new cars to the game. Leading the pack is the new 992 Porsche 911 GT3 RS, complete with functional DRS, with another exciting addition the Nismo 400R, a one-of-44 car based on the R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R.

One of the most requested cars, the Lexus LFA, makes a Gran Turismo return having been absent since 2013’s GT6, with its roaring V10 a contrast to the silent Tesla Model 3 Performance also included in the batch of new cars. Representing America is the Dodge Challenger Demon and the classic Charger 426, with a ‘90s homologation legend in the form of the Mercedes 190E Evo II rounding out the additions.

A fictional new rally circuit joins the game’s track line-up. Lake Louise is said to be nestled in the Canadian Rockies, and as such is a snow track - the first in Gran Turismo 7 - with three configurations to race on.

In addition to the new content, Polyphony Digital - the game’s developer - has added a shedload of features to GT7.

New to the game are weekly challenges - a varied set of events that, as you may guess, change on a weekly basis. You’re now also able to view every race available in the game through a new ‘event directory’, which is more user-friendly than the previous method of trawling each circuit’s ever-growing list.

Sony’s new AI technology, Sophy, now makes a permanent appearance in the game having previously been playable in limited-time testing. You can race against it on nine of the games’ circuits in a quick race mode, but only on PS5 (Sorry, PS4 users…).

Those with a penchant for Gran Turismo’s signature licence tests will want to sink their teeth into the new Master Licence. Available once you’ve obtained the pre-existing Super Licence, expect these to be pretty challenging.

Other interesting additions include four-player split-screen and a new ‘Paddocks’ online mode which replaces the existing track-day-like ‘Meeting Place’ with a car meet system ahead of taking to the circuit.

Gran Turismo 7’s Spec II update is now available as a free download for players on PS5 and PS4. Excuse us while we count the minutes to the end of our working day…