A few weeks ago we noted the conspicuous absence of Gran Turismo 7’s latest free update. Previously you could set your watch by Polyphony’s monthly patches, but July’s took a bit longer and that led to speculation that something big might be coming.
The good news is the July free update has now released, and you’ll never guess what: Something big was coming.
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Usually these free updates add some cars and tracks, or extend GT Sophy AI compatibility to a few more tracks, but this time there’s been a major overhaul to the handling physics that you notice straight away when you hit the track.
Specifically, it’s the suspension and tire modelling that the labcoats at Polyphony have been tinkering with, leading to “much more natural weight shifting during cornering", according to the developer’s post on the PlayStation blog.
“Tire response has also been improved,” the post continues, “along with more realistic tire heating and wear. Look forward to more dynamic car movement and a further polished driving feel.”
We’ve had a quick spin and can confirm that with road cars in particular, there’s a clearer sense of where the weight’s distributed as you’re heading in and out of corners, and that gives you a bit more confidence to be stampier on the throttle if you’re searching for an extra few hundredths.
It doesn’t feel like Gran Turismo 8, but rather a subtle refinement to the existing game with some interesting new possibilities - it feels like there’s more grip to be found off-line now, particularly in wet conditions.
Elsewhere, the usual drop of new cars, tracks and Sophy AI compatibility are all present and correct. This time there are six vehicles: the '97 BMW M3, a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4, RUF RGT 4.2 and Subaru Impreza Rally Car, aka Colin McRae’s ‘if in doubt, flat-out’ machine. Finally there’s a Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept, just in case you weren’t sick of Gran Turismo Concept cars in this game yet.
Eiger Nordwand joins the track roster, a lovely undulating run through alpine scenery which appeared in previous Gran Turismos and has now been modernised, and GT Sophy’s been trained up on the Nurburgring 24h circuit layout and the Autodrome Lago Maggiore.
New car parts and GT Cafe content have also been added. If anyone needs us, we’ll be razzing that E36 M3 around Eiger Nordwand for the foreseeable.
NOTE: This story first appeared on TopGear.com. Minor edits have been made.
