My GT7 Log: Beyond Competition

Japan and South Korea are known as “frenemies.” They have a checkered past since Japan split Korea into two. This past did not stop the two countries from jointly hosting the 2002 FIFA World Cup, which was a true display of frenemies. The same goes for present-day WRC when Toyota Gazoo Racing and Hyundai N clash for dirt supremacy.

In honor of the recent Hyundai N x Toyota Gazoo Racing Festival, we celebrate the rivalry between the two Far East motoring superpowers by comparing the two Vision Gran Turismo concepts from Hyundai and Toyota.

The Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo is a concept car that paved the way for Hyundai’s high-performance division. This hybrid race car has a hydrogen fuel cell system that delivers 871 horsepower through four independent motors. This fuel cell and motor combination allows the Hyundai N 2025 to have a phenomenal driving experience.

The FT-1 Vision Gran Turismo is what happens when the FT-1 Concept, which served as the blueprint for the Supra revival project, transformed into a race car. It's a futuristic version of the Toyota Supra used in the JGTC (Super GT) races in the past, but it's not a JGTC car. While it's just a concept, the FT-1 VGT proves Toyota has a lot of potential and passion for motorsports.

After a quick introduction of the cars from Toyota and Hyundai, let's pit these Far East rivals around Suzuka Circuit, which is considered the sacred ground of Japanese motorsports. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

FT-1 VGT - 2m05.872s

N 2025 VGT - 1m46.484s

It's a huge shocker of a result, judging by the fact that Hyundai's investing heavily in the world of electrification while Toyota's lagging behind and sticking to its old-school principles. Either way, while Hyundai has the upper hand against the Japanese motoring giant, the results don't really matter because this comparison is a demonstration of how capable these two Far East motoring giants are.

Hyundai and Toyota are known for shaking things up. They are both creating fun-to-drive cars as hinted by their high-performance divisions; Hyundai N and Toyota Gazoo Racing. While the N cars stick to the "never just drive" mantra, the TGR cars are all about "pushing the limits for better."

They've raced as competitors. But when they meet, a new thrill begins.

Beyond competition, united by passion.

My GT7 Log: 10-cylinder Salute

The Dodge Viper is the first road car powered by a V10 engine, but the Lamborghini Huracan is the last to have one. With the V10 engine officially laid to rest, it's time for a ten-cylinder salute with the first and the last to have the glorious engine that made such a glorious noise.

Here they are, the first-generation Dodge Viper and the Lamborghini Huracan on Gran Turismo 7, two sports cars that made their mark in the history of the ten-cylinder engine. Before having our last words with these ten-cylinder marvels, let's get to know them first.

Let's begin with the first-generation Dodge Viper, the SR model. The Dodge Viper was first conceived as a concept car in 1989. It was intended to be a modern interpretation of the legendary Shelby Cobra. The first-generation Viper was introduced in 1991 as the RT/10 roadster and was later joined by the hardtop GTS variant.

Now, let's get to know the Lamborghini Huracan, the last V10-powered road car. Launched in 2014, the Lamborghini Huracan is the successor of the Gallardo. It was named after a Mayan god. It was powered by a 5.2L V10 engine developing 602HP of power and when mated to a double-clutch gearbox derived from the Audi R8 as well as its 4WD system, it has a top speed of 202mph. The Lamborghini Huracan has gone through numerous updates over its near-decade lifespan and the STJ is in its final form with only 10 built and sold.

With their quick introduction done, it's time to drive these V10-powered road cars around Tsukuba Circuit just like the good old days. Obviously, the Viper came at a time when cars were fitted with ABS and Traction Control but being an all-American sports car, it eschews such driving aids in favor of total control from the driver. The Huracan, meanwhile, is all about relying on 2010s technology derived from its big brother, the V12-powered Aventador, but with a double-clutch gearbox to match its V10 performance.

Anyway, no time to mince more words. It's time to have a quick time attack with these two ten-cylinder legends. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Viper GTS '02 - 1m06.025s

Huracan - 1m02.212s

Even though the Huracan trumped the Viper by around four seconds, the results didn't matter because what mattered was that they'd fulfilled the V10 engine's dying wish, giving these two the biggest send-off to the greatest high-performance engine of all time.

From the Dodge Viper to the Lamborghini Huracan, the V10 engine powered some of the most iconic cars of our time. Now that it's permanently gone, nothing will ever be the same.

GOODBYE FOREVER, V10 ENGINE. You made us proud and loud.

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan is the penultimate venue of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024. Although this is basically the home turf of the Gran Turismo series as well as its hometown GT7 players taking part in the Manufacturers Cup and Nations Cup, this is no homecoming for them as there's a lot of action that deserves to be done before the big finale.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Beginning with the Manufacturers Cup, Lexus driver K. Kawakami is the solid winner of this round while T. Miyazono, the Subaru driver who is the favorite according to observers, settles for second place and S. Suzuki of BMW finished 3rd.

In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, K. Drumont from France is the winner while Spain's J. Serrano fended Japan's T. Miyazono off for his 2nd Place finish.

The Gran Turismo World Series 2024 will conclude in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, this December 6-8, 2024. Who will be crowned the champions? What surprises await for GT7 players? Don't miss it!

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Prague

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series is back in action in Prague, Czechia, this season's second entirely new city and country. New and familiar Gran Turismo players are picking up where they left off in Montreal.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Before the race begins, it is announced that the Gran Turismo World Series 2024 finale will be held in Amsterdam this December 6 to 8, 2024. It's a long schedule ahead but in the meantime, players in both Manufacturers and Nations Cup are clashing each other in the in-game Red Bull Ring track.

Beginning with the Manufacturers Cup, three newcomers took over the podium. Ferrari's Mohamed Buhdeima won the race, with Porsche's Benjamin Hencsei and BMW's Thomas Labouteley rounding out the top three. In the Nations Cup, Italy's Gran Turismo ace Valerio Gallo took first place, ahead of France's Kylian Drumont and Spain's Coque Lopez.

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series will continue in Tokyo this September 28th, 2024.

Gran Turismo World Series 2024 - Montreal

The 2024 Gran Turismo World Series has officially begun in Montreal, Canada. New and returning Gran Turismo professionals have been gathered in front of a sold-out crowd to kick off the four-leg tourney.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Before the first round of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series kicked off, Update 1.49 for Gran Turismo 7 has been announced. Coming this July 25th, the July update of Gran Turismo 7 brings back the Eiger Nordwand original track while bringing six new cars including the Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo, the racing version of the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta VGT that debuted from the last year's GTWS finale.

The Manufacturers Cup saw Lexus, with Igor Fraga representing, draw first blood by winning the race in front of Honda's Valerio Gallo and Porsche's Takuma Sasaki. In the Nations Cup, meanwhile, Japanese player Takuma Miyazono trumped the two Spaniards Jose Serrano and Coque Lopez.

The next event of the 2024 Gran Turismo World Series will be held in Prague this August 10th.

My GT7 Log: Sports Civic

If you were born in the early 1990s, you might remember seeing the fifth-generation Honda Civic for the first time. It was the first Civic of the Heisei era and stood out from other cars on the road. I bet you wished you were riding in one of those instead of the Toyota Corolla or Mitsubishi Lancer.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic, known in TV commercials as the "Sports Civic", was launched in 1991. It's the first Honda Civic of the Heisei era and emerged during the bubble economy's aftermath. It was offered in three body styles: the 3-door hatchback, the 4-door Ferio saloon, and the coupe version, CBU from the USA. Depending on the body style, the fifth-generation Honda Civic is powered by choice of a 1.3L, 1.5L, 1.6L SOHC, and the speedo boy favorite; the 1.6L VTEC.

The car featured in Gran Turismo 7 is of course the 3-door hatchback in SiR-II variant powered by the 1.6 L D16Z6 VTEC I4 engine.

In the world of Initial D, the EG Civic 3-door hatchback is the preferred car of Shingo Shoji, the half of the Night Kids duo. Shingo challenged Takumi Fujiwara in a duel with one twisted handicap; having their right hands duct-taped to the steering wheel. It was a sick duel but Takumi kept his cool. In the end, Shingo crashed and Takumi won the race.

I always wanted to ride in a Honda Civic. When I finally got to drive one in Gran Turismo, I realized just how good its dynamics are. Long story short but it's no wonder why so many people want to experience the Civic magic while they can. Some abuse the privilege by making their Civics loud enough to wake the neighborhood and fast enough to get themselves killed.

Today, I went to the eastern section of Suzuka Circuit to prove just how good the first Heisei-era Civic was. Don't worry, I won't be duct-taping my hand on the steering wheel just like in Initial D. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Small, nimble, and grippy. This is what the Civic of the early 90s feels like and how it became a standout even in modern times. Thank you, Initial D.

The fifth-generation Honda Civic rewrote the rules of what a Civic should be when it was launched in 1991. Although it has been coveted since its launch, it's still in the crosshairs of JDM fanatics worldwide today because of its appearance in the Initial D series.

Is this the kind of Civic you really want?

My GT7 Log: The First Feel

Sony is famous for its world-famous electronics such as the VAIO computers, XPERIA smartphones, Alpha DSLR cameras, CyberShot digicams, and of course, the PlayStation gaming consoles. Everybody knows that. What they didn't know is that Sony is venturing into the automobile business with Honda's help.

Sony is venturing into the automobile business in partnership with Honda to form Sony Honda Mobility in 2022 and their collaboration spawned the first of its kind.

Unveiled at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas, Sony Honda Mobility's new EV brand is called AFEELA and this fully electric saloon is the start of it. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got my first feel with the AFEELA but first, what is AFEELA?

AFEELA is formed with the concept of "moving people through the pursuit of innovation with diverse inspirations", by embracing cutting-edge technology and creating a new kind of joy in movement to inspire others. This car, as SHM CEO Yasuhide Mizuno said, would leverage Sony's experience with AI, VR, and AR to present a unique EV.

Sony began experimenting with their entry into the motoring sector with the Vision-S 01 and Vision-S 02 concepts, which featured numerous cameras, screens, autonomous driving capabilities, a catalog of streaming services, and the ability to connect a PlayStation gaming console. Seeing such proposals worth a risk, Sony joined forces with Honda to create a joint venture in the hopes of using the teachings from the two concept cars for public use and AFEELA was born.

The AFEELA features sleek aerodynamic styling as well as extensive use of devices such as LiDAR, image sensors, and radar, taking advantage of its autonomous driving capabilities. It might also feature a built-in PS5 and little did you know that the producers of Gran Turismo are involved in the making of the AFEELA's software.

Pre-orders for the AFEELA have commenced before the end of 2025 with the United States the first to get one in the spring of 2026 followed by Japan in the second half. It will be made at a Honda factory in North America.

I visited the Tsukuba Circuit to test drive the AFEELA, the first car from the Sony-Honda joint venture. I wanted to find out how good this car really is. Roll the tape.

Although specs remain unknown for now because this is the prototype offered in the game, I can tell you that it tends to understeer and is challenging to brake through the corners because of its mild driving feel and bulky hardware involved in this EV saloon but I find the AFEELA to be almost as enjoyable to drive as a GR Supra.

I've posted a 1m05.400s lap time, which is not bad for a stillborn EV saloon car created by the same folks that did the PlayStation.

It's too early for the verdict on AFEELA but thanks to a video game like Gran Turismo 7, interest in this electric car is growing slowly but surely. Imagine the potential AFEELA customers will be because of its GT7 debut. There will be so-called PlayStation babies, people born from the time the first PlayStation debuted, willing to fork their deposit money for the AFEELA. Again, this is too early to tell.

Can you feel it now?

My GT7 Log: The Genesis Vision Gran Turismo

Since its inception in 2013, the Vision Gran Turismo project has invited the world's best carmakers to create concept cars that fit the theme of the Gran Turismo franchise. As a general rule, since the Gran Turismo series is purely Japanese, they only allow carmakers, foreign or domestic, that are available in Japan. However, there's one carmaker that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

Can you guess what this is? I can tell you, it's not what you think it is. It's a car that broke the general Vision Gran Turismo rule.

This is the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept. It's Genesis' entry to the Vision Gran Turismo concept and a real rulebreaker. Genesis, the luxury arm of the Hyundai Motor Group, is not available on Japanese roads, yet it managed to slip into the world of Gran Turismo under the radar.

So, what's it all about the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Gran Turismo? This concept is the byproduct of Genesis' near-decade history since the brand emerged at the end of 2015. Unveiled at the Gran Turismo World Series 2023 World Finals, this concept features the ultimate expression of Genesis' signature design elements that debuted on the GV80 crossover in January 2020 such as the quad lights and the grille inspired by the Genesis logo. 

It even sports a Magma exterior color that first appeared in the GV80 Coupe Concept, the exterior color no production Genesis model has, as of now.

Powering this concept is a twin-charged Lambda II V6 engine that produces 870HP of power and with the electric motor synchronizing the petrol engine, it produces a total output of 1071HP.

I'm going to take the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept for a one-lap time attack around Watkins Glen. I know because this is the only place I can let it loose because the USA is a huge market for the Genesis brand, therefore, it's ideal. Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Having pushed this 4WD Korean cuisine around New York's finest race track, I did it in 1m52.075s. Not too shabby but a lot of effort is needed. Still, I did my best to get my first dibs on this Genesis Vision Gran Turismo concept.

For a concept that defied the general Vision Gran Turismo rule, because Genesis is not available in the Japanese market, the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo Concept demonstrates the Korean luxury brand's near-decade dedication to disrupting the rules of luxury cars. This is the template and the sign of things to come from Genesis. The more you know.

My GT7 Log: Head Honchos

Whenever I see the SLR McLaren and the SLS AMG, they remind me of those head honchos from certain racing video games. Before you take on the final boss, you'll gonna have to take the Number 2 first, some say.

Head honchos. Before taking on the final boss, you must get past its head honcho. These two Mercedes supercars played head honchos, and here in GT7, I got the chance to get to know...the semi-final bosses, if you catch my drift.

Let's begin with the SLR McLaren, a supercar you wish you would definitely want to invest yourself in the bull market. Get it? Bull.

Created from the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, the SLR McLaren comes with a 5.4L supercharged V8 engine specially developed for the SLR, generates 626 PS (460 kW; 617 hp) of power and 780 N·m (580 lb·ft) of torque, mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz said that this car has a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of around 209mph. Production ended in early 2010, and it was succeeded by the SLS AMG.

Lastly, the Mercedes-AMG SLS, the supercar that made AMG a force to be reckoned with. The car that separates the men from the boys.

The SLS is an AMG original masterpiece that serves as the spiritual successor of the legendary 300SL because of the gullwing doors it possesses. While the gullwing doors hark back from the said classic, the SLS AMG is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp) of power and 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) of torque. It was the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world when it was unveiled and when mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission, it does 0-100kph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 317kph.

Having been satisfied with these head honchos, I went to Watkins Glen to find out which Number 2 is...well, Number 2. It's either Bull or Garrett, you know what I mean.

Have you guys done with your number 2? Because these head honchos are primed and ready to rattle the Big Apple, just like the good old days. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

SLR McLaren - 2m08.366s

SLS - 2m07.507s

Looks like Garrett beats Bull by a margin. The SLS AMG trumped the SLR McLaren even in the Big Apple.

Before heading to the finals, you must get through these head honchos. Yeah yeah, I know how it ends, but hey, the SLR McLaren and the SLS AMG proved their point, with the latter the best right-hander for its commander.

So, up for The Finals? Oh wait...it's too early to say that but oh well...

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.