Gran Turismo 6: Concept Cars, Updates and Fixes

Like what feels to be the majority of big-name games released these days, the sixth full release in the Gran Turismo series has had a somewhat shaky start – and an equally varied reaction from GT fans.

A mere two weeks after the Version 1.03 update of mid-January, Polyphony Digital has created a new 1.04 revision of Gran Turismo 6. Some interim changes were pushed to consoles as ‘HotFixes’ on Thursday, just a couple of days behind the major v1.04 upgrade.

Those smaller corrections address the following issues:

• An issue wherein playing a Replay would cause the game to hang in some circumstances.
• The vehicle dynamics for some four wheel drive cars has been corrected.

Moving to Tuesday’s more significant Version 1.04 patch, new cars, features and events come with the advanced number.

Thanks to Gran-turismo.com, we have an outline of these changes and some description of the new contents.

Red Bull X Challenge – Part Two

The second half of the Red Bull X Challenge has been added to the Career Mode. In the new Red Bull challenges, players can apparently learn how to drive an authentic Formula car directly from the current and four-time Formula One World Champion, Sebastian Vettel.

As for other contents, the International B License is a pre-requisite for entry into the competition. Version 1.04 completes the current Red Bull design collaboration by adding the Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Standard and Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Fan cars of the above video to the in-game dealership. This pairing joins the Red Bull Racing Kart and Red Bull X2014 Junior of December’s Holiday Update.

Mercedes – Waiting to Pounce…

An alternative version of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo released last December as the first Vision Gran Turismo car is now accessible. For a limited time, players can obtain the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series car by participating in the new seasonal event.

Elegance personified…

…a sensual, gull-winged sports car designed in the image of a hunting feline.

It’s certainly a BIG cat (or, er… car) and one that carries design cues of the grand sports and luxury machines from the first half of the 20^th Century with its beautifully sweeping lines in road or racing guise.

Both visual and functional changes have arrived with the Racing Series edition of the AMG Vision. With the driving experience and stability surely in mind, the fixed wing not only demonstrates purpose but ensures increased downforce. Say ‘Hello’ to grip! LEDs adorn the new car and act not only as aesthetic points of interest but also serve to underline the Racing Series’ ‘futuristic’ tones – even compared to its already advanced road-going form.

Moving the the engine bay makes a suggestion towards the steps to build on the performance of the previous car. Horsepower has been increased, the transmission is about quick shifting rather than “driving comfort” and as one would expect for something aimed at the track, the AMG Vision Gran Turismo has been lowered and put on a slimming programme to meet the greater demands and expectations of its ‘Racing’ tag.

Corvette – An American Concept…

The Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept car displayed at the 2013 SEMA show as a part of the collaboration between the Corvette development team and Gran Turismo is now available through the GT6 dealership. Again available only for a limited time, the Stingray concept car will be awarded through taking part in the seasonal event.

Polyphony described the attention to fine detail on this car as being “flawless”, citing the examples of a colour change around the headlights (clear to yellow) and careful modelling of the front grille and bumper region, along with ventilation ducts at the rear of the car. Stepping inside the Stingray continues this theme of caring for detail as colour modifications to the dash and seats have been applied and extended even towards a co-ordinated leather-wrapped roll bar. The description suggests an interior in keeping with a place on the track and despite looking rather cushy in the cockpit, the sporty cues are clearly evident between the roll bar, flat-bottomed steering wheel, four-point harness and racing seats.

Happy Birthday!

An in-game car from a year close to your year of birth will be sent as a bonus when you log in to PSN. The gift car will be distributed within 1 week of your birthday.

Ghostly Goings On!

A Remove Ghost Replay button has been added to the Arcade Mode Time Trial and Free Run Quick Menu. The feature can be displayed by scrolling to the right of the menu. This will allow you to remove ghost data that includes unintended shortcuts.

Information is Knowledge…

Prizes are now visible for the seasonal events. This information is displayed on the right-hand side of the Seasonal Events entry screen.

Onward to Version 1.05 and beyond then! Gran Turismo 5 advanced greatly during its lifetime and we expect nothing less of its younger sibling between continued support and an evolution into new features, tweaks and of course, driving challenges.