Gran Turismo players! This month’s update brings back a few of the classic GT legends including the Honda NSX GT500 and the Nissan Skyline GTS-R ‘87.  

Update 1.48* for Gran Turismo 7 will be available as of Wednesday, May 29 at 11:00pm PST / May 30 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST.

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5 new cars added this month

Honda Civic SiR･II (EG) ’93
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)

The top-grade 5th generation Civic balances speed with comfort.

The Civic, now equipped with a VTEC engine and much faster, passed the baton to the 5th generation model in September of 1991. The body was available in a 3-door hatchback, the newly christened “Ferio” 4-door saloon, and the 5-door shuttle. The car’s tagline called it the “Sports Civic”. Engine variety increased due to the further development of the VTEC system. The base models were equipped with the carbureted 1.3 L and 1.5 L, on top of these were the easy to drive 1.5 L SOHC VTEC and the more fuel efficient 1.5 L VTEC-E. 

The top of the line was crowned with SiR model, which featured the high performance 1.6 L DOHC VTEC. All cars used Honda’s new standard double wishbone suspension. The SiR model, which served as the face of the “Sports Civic” boasted 9.9 BHP more power than the previous generation, achieving 167.7 BHP. Also for the suspension, the spring rate, amount of suspension stroke, etc. were revised, and were set to be more sports oriented. As with previous models, the SiR aimed for lower weight through simplified equipment, while the SiR･II featured a full suite of comfort amenities such as automatic air conditioning, power windows, and a genuine leather wrapped steering wheel.

Honda NSX GT500 ’00
(Can be purchased from Legend Cars)

A new design with a lower centre of gravity was the key to victory for this JGTC champion.

During the 2000 All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the three big automakers Honda, Toyota and Nissan engaged in an unprecedented war for the GT500-class title. The NSX development team decided on major changes to the 2000 model even going so far as repositioning the transverse mounted engine. Mounting a V-type engine in a transverse layout helps to shorten the length of the vehicle, but the layout creates problems in routing the exhaust pipes coming from the two-cylinder banks. Previously, the NSX’s exhaust pipes had ran under the engine, but the development team decided to re-route them to the sides and lower the engine itself. However, in this configuration the gearbox, which was mounted on the side of the engine, would be in the way. To make space for the exhaust pipes, the team set about redesigning a smaller gearbox. The result was a completely bespoke transmission that employed formula car gears, which are thinner and more compact than regular gears.

Five NSX teams were entered for the 2000 season. Among them, the Castrol Mugen NSX team, along with Takata Dome NSX, took on the role of advanced-development “works cars” inside the NSX camp. The Takata Dome NSX showed overwhelming performance, taking win. However, the unique weight handicaps in the JGTC rules resulted in the team missing out on the championship title. In its shadow emerged the Castrol Mugen NSX, putting in one solid run after another. It was driven by Ryo Michigami and Osamu Nakako, with Nakako being replaced by Hidetoshi Mitsusada halfway through the season. The Castrol Mugen NSX team were able to deftly handle the weight handicaps incurred from its 1st place finishes and went on to glory as the series champion.

Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31) ’87
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)

An unlikely monster machine born from the elegant lines of the 7th gen. Skyline.

Though it still retained the same sporty appeal of the previous generation R30 model, the 7th generation R31 Skyline marked a change of direction for the line when it was released in August 1985. In the Japanese car scene of the time, there was a growing trend in both the sales and general popularity of luxury outfitted ‘high-society cars’, typically either 4 or 2-door models. In response to this cultural boom, the Skyline was repositioned as a luxury saloon. At its debut, the new model featured a somewhat understated line-up, featuring a 4-door hardtop, a sedan and an estate. Fans would have to wait until May 1986 for the anticipated 2-door coupé.

The real attraction of the 7th generation would show up much later still though. This was the GTS-R, released in August 1987 in a limited run of only 800 cars. The GTS-R was developed to reclaim the Group A racing title and was a very sporty model. The powerplant was based on the turbocharged RB20DET DOHC inline-6 featured in the GTS, which generated 177.5 BHP and 23.0 kgfm of torque. The GTS-R version added a stainless-steel exhaust manifold and a T04E turbocharger, achieving 207.1 BHP and 25.0 kgfm torque. This was a very special engine, earning itself the designation RB20DET-R.

The suspension and exterior were also modified. While the normal GTS-X had an automatic front spoiler that deployed according to vehicle speed, the GTS-R instead used a fixed spoiler, with the rear spoiler also being upgraded to a larger unit. In addition, the car was offered in an exclusive ‘Blue Black’ body colour.

 

Volvo 240 SE Estate ’93
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)

A historic model which taught the world to love the station wagon.

When people think of Volvo, they think estate cars. And when they think estate cars, they think Volvo. Such was the automobile scene for quite some time until the worldwide SUV boom began gaining momentum in the late 1980’s. One car that cemented this maxim was the 240 Estate.

The 240 series itself had debuted in 1974, made up of the ‘244’ 4-door sedan, ‘242’ 2-door, and ‘245’ 5-door wagon. The 3rd digit of the model number denoted the number of doors. It wasn’t until 1983 that all these models were consolidated into a single ‘240’ model. Additionally, when the car originally debuted it featured round headlights, the iconic square lamps were introduced later in 1979. The 240 retained most of its original styling throughout its production until 1993, though its safety features were kept constantly up to date with additions like airbags and ABS as standard equipment. Even in an era where sedans ruled sales figures, over one third of total production was made up of wagon models, proving just how popular the Estate was in the 240 line-up.One of the most notable features of the 240 Estate was its styling, which appeared square no matter what angle the car was observed from. It features a long front overhang to incorporate crumble zones, and on the rear as well a long overhang facilitates both impact absorption and extra luggage space. This resulted in the car’s characteristically long thin silhouette.

Volvo V40 T5 R-Design ’13
*Can be purchased from Brand Central

The globally successful Volvo that serves as a saloon, estate, and coupe.

The V40 was revealed at the 2012 Geneva show as a C-segment 5-door hatchback. Though it was positioned as Volvo’s entry-level model, the V40 would actually play a huge role in the Volvo catalogue as it served as the combined replacement for 3 different models: the conventional S40 saloon, the V50 family estate, and the sporty C30 3-door hatchback. To create a car that could provide the comfort of a saloon, the utility of an estate and the youthful, sporty styling of a coupe, the car was developed completely from scratch. While the base structure utilized a platform in common with Ford cars, the styling is innovative and has no trace of Volvo’s conservative image of the past. Incorporating design cues from the classic P1800 of the 60’s and its later 1800ES variant, the car has flowing lines and a soulful silhouette that can be interpreted as a coupe or an estate. The car was an immediate hit from its debut, attracting worldwide attention for both its aesthetics and utility, able to comfortably seat 4 adults along with all their luggage. The T5 R-Design is the sportiest model of the series. Its 210.1 BHP 2L inline-5 turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration performance, and its sports suspension and 18-inch wheels provide both sharp handling and a smooth ride. The special front bumper and rear diffuser provide additional aerodynamic performance, as well as giving it a bold look.

Café / Extra Menus

The following Menu has been added:

Extra Menu No. 39: Racers of the Japanese GT (Collector Level 48 and above)

World Circuits (Event)

The following new events have been added to World Circuits:

Europe Sunday Cup 400 – Kyoto Driving Park: Yamagiwa

Japanese FF Challenge 450 – Autopolis International Racing Course: Short Course

Japanese FR Challenge 450 – Autodrome Lago Maggiore: West

World Tour Car 800 – Circuit de Sainte-Croix: A

Scapes

‘Move the camera up and down II’ has been added as a featured curation in Scapes.

*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.