Vision Gran Turismo

The Vision Gran Turismo program (commonly abbreviated Vision GT or VGT) is a series of fictional concept cars for the Gran Turismo video game series, developed by a cross-section of the world's top automobile manufacturers. These vehicles appeared originally in the video games "Gran Turismo 6", and later in "Gran Turismo Sport", both from Polyphony Digital. For the most part, they apply present-day technology and materials, with two notable exceptions that utilize novel propulsion and aerodynamic technologies. Their appearance as free in-game cars has been staggered since the launch of "GT6" in 2013, with each one being available for download upon release.
The cars have been met with critical acclaim for their novel approach to aesthetics and performance. Real-life full-size models have been shown at motor shows in Japan, Canada, Germany, England, the US and Switzerland.
Background.
The name "Vision Gran Turismo" was originally used for a "Gran Turismo HD" trailer in 2006. In 2013, to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the series, Polyphony Digital announced "Vision Gran Turismo", a special project featuring concept cars designed for the game by top automobile companies, as well as sportswear brands Air Jordan and Nike and coachbuilders such as Zagato.
"Gran Turismo 6".
The Vision Gran Turismo series began in "Gran Turismo 6." Each Vision GT vehicle added to the game after its initial release was accompanied with limited-time seasonal events, allowing players to obtain a vehicle by completing a full lap around a specific track.
Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo.
The first Vision Gran Turismo car was released on 20 November 2013 by Mercedes-Benz, known as the "Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo". It took the form of a long-hooded coupe (inspired by the 300 SL) with no rear window and an active rear spoiler. Eight rectangular exhaust tips are located above and below the single long taillight. The car is characterised as having an aluminum space frame and a twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre M157 AMG V8 engine with an output of .
Another virtual Mercedes-Benz model was the first Vision Gran Turismo release for 2014. Based on the original model albeit with racing modifications, the car was named the "Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series", and was released on 28 January 2014 as the second official Vision Gran Turismo concept car. This variant of the AMG Vision GT received a power increase to and a sequential transmission, among with some aesthetic upgrades and a weight reduction of .
BMW Vision Gran Turismo.
BMW released their own project almost six months later, with the "BMW Vision Gran Turismo" (released on 14 May 2014 in update 1.07). This was a coupe modelled after BMW's touring cars from the 1970s, with plenty of aerodynamic elements and a 3-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine producing .
Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV EVOLUTION Vision Gran Turismo.
Mitsubishi Motors followed with the "Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV EVOLUTION Vision Gran Turismo" (released on 30 May 2014 in update 1.08). Mitsubishi's entry was, as its name suggests, a plug-in hybrid with aggressive, rally-oriented wide-body styling.
Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo.
Volkswagen released the fifth Vision Gran Turismo concept car a month later, on 18 June 2014. Named the "Volkswagen GTI Roadster Vision Gran Turismo", the low open-top car was then included in the 1.09 update. It is powered by a 3-litre twin-turbo VR6 engine producing .
Nissan CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo + Aston Martin DP100 Vision Gran Turismo.
The next month had the unveiling of two Vision Gran Turismo cars that were both made available on 25 July 2014, and are from two separate brands, the "Nissan CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo" from Nissan, and the "Aston Martin DP100 Vision Gran Turismo" from Aston Martin. These are the seventh and eighth cars to feature in the program, respectively. Both cars have swooping aerodynamic profiles and are heavily inspired by design elements from their brands' past vehicles.
CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo.
The "Nissan CONCEPT 2020 Vision Gran Turismo" was conceptualised by young designers in the UK before being fleshed out with the assistance of Nissan's engineers in Japan. The end result contains an emphasis on handling and aerodynamics; the car's fenders cut through the air while the undertray creates a passive vacuum, and an active rear spoiler transfers downforce loads directly onto the rear axle. The CONCEPT 2020 is powered by a hybrid system consisting of a V6 engine and three motors (two for each of the front wheels, and one for the rear axle). A full-scale replica in a special "Fire Knight" paint colour was displayed at the 44th Tokyo Motor Show in 2014.
DP100 Vision Gran Turismo.
Aston Martin's Vision Gran Turismo car is called the "Aston Martin DP100 Vision Gran Turismo", with "DP" an acronym for "Design Prototype". It contains an twin-turbo V12 engine, headlights nestled within NACA ducts on the front fenders, active wheel "blades" to aid in brake cooling, and "light blade" taillights later seen on the limited-production Vulcan.
Toyota FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo.
The final four months of 2014 saw the release of five Vision Gran Turismo cars, with the "Toyota FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo" from Toyota (released on 16 September 2014, update 1.11) being the first. This was a virtual overhaul of Toyota's original FT-1 concept with Group GT3-style aerodynamics.
Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo.
The FT-1 VGT was followed by the "Subaru VIZIV GT Vision Gran Turismo" from Subaru (released on 19 November 2014, update 1.14), which designer Tomoyuki Kato states was inspired by katsuobushi. This is evoked by the solid, chiseled appearance of the VIZIV GT. It combines Subaru's signature flat-four engine and all-wheel drive layout with electric motors and a torque vectoring system.
Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo + Infiniti CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo.
The "Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo" from Chevrolet was released next, created in collaboration with Chaparral (released on 17 December 2014, update 1.15). Alongside it was the "Infiniti CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo" from Infiniti.
Chevrolet-Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Turismo.
This vehicle, operated in the prone position, uses pulses of light to propel it to speeds of up to . The vehicle can be seen as an extension of the driver's body, with controls located at the end of each limb in place of a steering wheel and the driver's head within a specialized helmet that integrates with the car's shape. The fictional laser propulsion unit, claimed to be developed by Chevrolet, can be aimed at a specific point on the track surface for increased downforce.
Infiniti CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo.
The "Infiniti CONCEPT Vision Gran Turismo" was created out of Infiniti's desire to create a "pure Infiniti GT car" for the Vision Gran Turismo project. It is powered by a 4.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 engine, and possesses a 45:55 front/rear weight balance for optimum driving enjoyment. In December 2018, the car was added to "", being the first Vision Gran Turismo car to appear outside of the "Gran Turismo" series.
Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo.
The "Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo" from Mazda was released on 24 December 2014 through its own update and originally found by players before its confirmed addition to the game. It is a low-slung Le Mans Prototype powered by a SkyActiv rotary engine with unknown specifications, and draws inspiration from the company's own 787B Group C car combined with their current "Kodo" design language.
The LM55 was included as part of a sculpture displayed at the 2015 Goodwood Festival of Speed, which was subsequently recreated in "GT6"'s version of the Goodwood course for update 1.20.
Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo.
Another nine cars were added in 2015 for "GT6", with a Mini being the first. Revealed as the "Mini Clubman Vision Gran Turismo", the car was added to update 1.16, released on 26 February 2015. A widebody hatchback with X-shaped stickers on the round headlights to simulate tape (used decades ago to keep broken headlight lenses from littering the track), the Clubman Vision Gran Turismo was designed solely for racing.
Alpine Vision Gran Turismo + Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo.
Three cars were revealed a month later on 18 March 2015 in update 1.17, with French automobile manufacturer Alpine's "Alpine Vision Gran Turismo", its racing counterpart, the "Alpine Vision Gran Turismo Race Mode", and Lexus' own "Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo".
Alpine Vision Gran Turismo.
The "Alpine Vision Gran Turismo" is an open-top car with a focus on agility. Active aero panels are integrated into the rear fenders and deploy upon braking; the inner faces of the panels contain brake lights that are only visible when the panels are deployed. The "Alpine Vision Gran Turismo Race Mode" is essentially the sportiest version, with a new rear wing for improved handling.
Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo.
Much like the earlier "Toyota FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo", the "Lexus LF-LC GT Vision Gran Turismo" is a touring car-style refresh of Lexus' earlier Lexus LF-LC concept car. The in-game car sports a unique livery featuring iridescent brush strokes on the otherwise white body.
Volkswagen GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo.
Volkswagen's second Vision Gran Turismo car was added to the game on 13 April 2015 in update 1.18, known as the "Volkswagen GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo". Unlike its Roadster counterpart, the Supersport is a closed-cockpit car, with larger headlights and taillights. Its engine is assumed to be the same as the one in the Roadster, with an identical configuration and power output.
Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo.
Peugeot would release their first of three Vision Gran Turismo cars in the program, the first one known simply as the "Peugeot Vision Gran Turismo". The car was added in update 1.19, on 31 May 2015. It is powered by a midship-mounted 3.2-litre V6 and has an active rear wing.
SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo.
The final three cars added to the "Gran Turismo 6" game were all from SRT, the performance division of Dodge. The cars were collectively known as the "SRT Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo", and came in three different trim levels: S, GTS-R, and X. The Tomahawks, having been designed for 2035, possess various technologies that cannot be attained at the present day, such as graphene bodies and tires that can withstand speeds of over .
They were added in the game's third-last update patch, 1.20, released on 26 June 2015, owing to the upcoming cessation of support for the PlayStation 3.
"Gran Turismo Sport".
The first three cars to feature in Gran Turismo Sport were all included in the original release of the game.
Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo.
Hyundai Motor Company were the first to release their car, with the "Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo", first launched on 14 September 2015 and later first playable on the closed beta version of "Gran Turismo Sport". The car served as a launch platform for Hyundai's N performance division, as well as a glimpse into the future of fuel cell technology in motorsports.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo.
Bugatti were the second to unveil their car, with the "Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo", which was originally teased in a trailer titled #imaginEBugatti. The car was unveiled two weeks later, releasing on 24 September 2015. It is essentially a race-oriented precursor to the Chiron, with Bugatti's signature W16 engine, and pays homage to the Bugatti Type 57s that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1937 and 1939.
Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo.
On 1 February 2017, Fittipaldi Motors, headed by Emerson Fittipaldi, teased their Vision GT car, the "Fittipaldi EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina", a collaboration between Fittipaldi, Pininfarina, and HWA. The model for the car was revealed on 7 March 2017 at the Geneva International Motor Show. A limited production run of 39 track-only vehicles is planned, with owners eligible for race coaching from Fittipaldi himself.
McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo.
On 20 September 2017, McLaren Automotive teased their Vision GT car, the "McLaren Ultimate Vision Gran Turismo". It was revealed the next day. For a vastly improved field of vision, the car is driven in a prone position (but from within a closed cockpit and using a steering wheel, unlike the Chaparral 2X), and it also possesses a hybrid system and lightweight structure. The Ultimate Vision GT's design influenced the McLaren Sabre (codenamed BC-03), a limited edition model built by McLaren Special Operations for sale in the United States.
Daihatsu Copen RJ Vision Gran Turismo.
Daihatsu added their own VGT car, based on the second-generation Copen, called the "Daihatsu Copen RJ Vision Gran Turismo" ("RJ" for "Racing Jacket"). It is a closed-top version of the Copen with performance improvements.
Peugeot L500R and L750R HYbrid Vision Gran Turismo.
Peugeot also added a second and third car to the program, dubbed the "Peugeot L500R HYbrid Vision Gran Turismo", and its racing variant, the "Peugeot L750R HYbrid Vision Gran Turismo". Both cars were added in the first stable release of the game. The L500R had been initially been presented as a concept car honoring Peugeot's 1916 Indianapolis 500 victory in 2016, with no mention of the Vision Gran Turismo program in the car's initial launch.
IsoRivolta Zagato Vision Gran Turismo.
IsoRivolta and Zagato revealed their car on 24 October 2017, as the "IsoRivolta Zagato Vision Gran Turismo". The car was added in the 1.06 update and features a Chevrolet-supplied V8 with an output of .
Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo.
The last Vision Gran Turismo car of 2017 came on November 9, when Honda debuted the "Honda Sports Vision Gran Turismo". At its core a smaller version of the Honda NSX, it weighs just and is powered by a midship-mounted 2-litre turbocharged inline-four engine producing . Patent designs filed in 2015 for the car, alongside with the related "ZSX" trademark filing the following year, caused media speculation about a potential Honda S2000 successor positioned below the NSX; Honda has since denied any plans to put such car into production.
Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo.
On 4 April 2018, Audi Sport GmbH teased their Vision Gran Turismo car under the YouTube channel of "Gran Turismo". The car was revealed four days later in fully functioning form, and in "Gran Turismo Sport", as the "Audi e-tron Vision Gran Turismo". Another car was revealed alongside the e-tron, but abandons the "e-tron" moniker and uses a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6, making it a hybrid. This car was simply named the "Audi Vision Gran Turismo" and only exists in-game.
Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé.
After more than a year of inactivity concerning the Vision Gran Turismo program, Jaguar officially unveiled their "Vision Gran Turismo Coupé" on 25 October 2019. The car takes the form of a grand touring coupé and is powered by three electric motors, which produce a total power output of . It was added to the game on 28 November 2019.
Lamborghini Lambo V12 Vision Gran Turismo.
On 24 November 2019, Lamborghini revealed their Vision Gran Turismo entry—a single-seat performance car, loosely resembling a sports prototype, powered by the same V12 hybrid powertrain as the Sián FKP 37. The car is planned to be released in the spring of 2021.
Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV.
The Jaguar's Vision Gran Turismo SV is a racing variant of the Vision Gran Turismo Coupé.
Race-regulated variants.
Several of the Vision Gran Turismo cars have variants that have been modified to meet regulations for race classes, such as Group GT3 or WEC. All unmodified base VGT cars are in the "Group X" category, intended for vehicles not suitable for other categories.
Recognition.
On 23 January 2016, the Japan Car Design Awards ceremony (hosted by Car Styling) was held in Minato, Tokyo, where “Gran Turismo” received the Golden Marker Special Award in recognition of the contribution made with the “Vision Gran Turismo” project. The trophy was presented by a collection of journalists and car designers.