Celebrate 30 Years Of Gran Turismo With New Cars, Limited-Edition Controller

Apologies to anyone else who spent afternoons after class playing Gran Turismo, but the gaming series turns 30 next year. But if you can't wait that long to celebrate, here's a new update and merch for you to enjoy. At least the plus side is that the update is free and includes a Ferrari F355, a French economy car, and a minivan. If that's not Gran Turismo, what is? Let's dive into the details.

We've already briefly told you about the game's Spec IV update, but today, we know more about what's included. Released on October 15, update 1.72 adds six vehicles. They include the Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, the 1986 Citroën 2CV 6 Charleston, the 1987 Honda Civic Si Group A race car, the 2023 Honda Step WGN Spada Premium Line, the 2026 Mazda RX-VISION GT3 EVO, and Xiaomi Vision Gran Turismo. It's an appropriate lineup for a series that often includes both extreme concepts and cars like the Daihatsu Midget. On top of that, or below it rather, is a new track as well.

SUGO International Racing Course joins the game with 13 corners over the span of 2.23 miles. The Japanese circuit also features roughly 229 feet (70 m) of elevation change and a gradient of nearly 10 percent in its final corner. The new features don't stop at cars and courses either. Collectors get a new Vintage section for cars from, sigh, 2000 and earlier. Players who have already reached the ending can use Car Concierge to request a particular model, color, and condition. Depending on collector level, they can have up to four searches running at a time. In other words, simply finding the right old car is becoming its own activity.

A new piece of anniversary hardware arrives in the form of a Gran Turismo Limited Edition controller. It features a white base, racing stripes, motorsports graphics, a textured front plate, and a carbon-fiber-style finish. U.S. pricing is $84,99. Preorders open up on October 22, and the controller launches officially on December 10th. American buyers using PlayStation Direct can order starting at 10 a.m. EDT. Participating retailers will also offer the controller, and Sony says quantities are limited.

That's a hefty price tag for something most players have sans the fancy graphics. That said, if you've been in the market for a new controller, are a hardcore GT fan, and are capable of spending the cash, it's hard to think of a better alternative. Of course, the real win here is the inclusion of another massive update to the game that costs exactly zero bucks.

Don't forget, Gran Turismo 7 came out in early March of 2022. We're nearly five years into its life cycle and Polyphony Digital continues to reward players with new features, new cars, and new courses. Perhaps that's a good enough reason to kick a few extra bucks at Sony.