• Xiaomi becomes the first Chinese automaker in Gran Turismo history.
  • The SU7 Ultra joins two hardcore race cars in GT7’s January update.
  • New World Touring Car events arrive at Nürburgring, Spa, Mount Panorama.

Several years after its initial release, Gran Turismo 7 continues to evolve. While January’s software update, version 1.67, may seem modest on the surface, it marks a genuinely historic moment. For the first time in the franchise’s long-running history, a Chinese car is joining the lineup.

That milestone belongs to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, arriving on January 29. Its inclusion represents a significant step not just for the Gran Turismo series, but also for China’s fast-growing automotive industry. And it’s not coming alone, as two other serious track-focused machines are tagging along.

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Xiaomi may be best known globally for its smartphones and consumer electronics, but its foray into performance EVs has been anything but subtle. The SU7 Ultra represents the sharp end of that push, pairing cutting-edge electric performance with a design and spec sheet clearly aimed at established players from Europe and beyond.

Its inclusion in Gran Turismo 7 is a big deal for Xiaomi as it signals recognition in one of the most important car game franchises ever.

Gran Turismo has introduced millions of auto enthusiasts to cars they didn’t even know existed. No doubt, more will learn about and get acquainted with the SU7 now than they would have before. That said, GT7 fans have a few other things to get excited about in this update, and they’re a bit more mainstream than the SU7.

Other Updates

For one , the Porsche 911 992 GT3 R is joining the game. Built specifically for GT3 racing, it’s the second such car in as many updates. In December, fans got access to the Ferrari 296 GT3. Now they’ll have a worthy competitor to match it up against.

In addition, Hyundai’s Elantra N TC is arriving as well. It’ll be a nice addition to another new feature, the Hyundai N collection in Gran Turismo’s cafe menu.

Three new world circuits are coming too. They include World Touring Car 600 at the Nurburgring, World Touring Car 700 at Spa-Francorchamps, and World Touring Car 800 at Mount Panorama in Australia.

Fans also get a new photo location in the USA called California Roadsides. Modeled after Huntington Beach’s Walnut Ave, the space gives players the option to take photos in one of the nation’s iconic cities. Hey, that’s one way to get a photo of an SU7 in the States.