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: 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.

GT SPORT: Zagato's VGT masterpiece

Zagato was well-known for their coach-built masterpieces only the privileged few can get through with their handcrafted arts and crafts inside and out to deliver a living work of art that matches the theme of grand touring. When Gran Turismo asked Zagato what will their Vision Gran Turismo entry be, their response is their take on an legendary icon.



And this is their result; it's called the Iso Rivolta Zagato Vision Gran Turismo concept and when it was showcased at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, it became a playable car on GT SPORT via an update. So, what is this masterpiece Zagato talked about? First, and foremost, let's talk about Iso Rivolta.

Iso Rivolta was well known among wealthy clients since the 60's and the 70's for combining European design and drive train imported from the USA, resulting to excellent and reliable sports cars. Their cars took part in well-known races in Sebring, Nurburgring, and Le Mans. Iso cars can be recognizably known by the griffin emblem and for Zagato's modern take on an legendary icon, it really harks its motor racing pedigree back to its ancestors.





First impressions can be somewhat hawkish and just by looking at the Iso Rivolta Zagato VGT, the design has a clear reminder that it reminded you of a car you saw from a certain tokusatsu show several years ago. Zagato says that this VGT machine draws inspiration from the aerodynamic designs of great prototype endurance race cars and it was virtually built using realistic volume and base measurements, delivering a striking visual appeal to a contemporary gentleman driver's sportscar. It's powered by a 4.5L engine producing 559HP of power and 428ft-lb of torque while the whole car weighs two and a half tons.

Although, there's too little to say about the conceptual take of the legendary Iso Rivolta sports cars, the one way to get to know more about this machine a little further is to drive it and to do that, since it was showcased at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, I went to Suzuka Circuit and find out how the Iso Rivolta Zagato VGT is made for.



Doing sighting laps on Suzuka, I'm starting to get bewildered by how the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT behaves on the track and because being one of the Vision GT cars that adhere nothing to regulations, it's a shame that you can't really race it on official Sport Mode races but you can really admire its uncanny dynamics and its character reeling from within. The sound of the engine and the gear change is what I like most by the way because the engine sounded like an angry muscle car while the gear change sounds like hitting with a sledgehammer in the foundry, such character for this car really means that this car works hard to deliver the sensational feeling drivers possess like how the pioneers of the past experience the glory days of motoring with their Iso Rivolta cars. While the car's characteristics made it special, it serves as a challenge for those who are unfamiliar with this car because at first, it can be downright intimidating to drive but with practice, the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT could be the no-holds-barred racing machine you can really ignite your senses at.

And with that, let me show you how I wrestle with this griffin round Suzuka. Enjoy the clip.





Although being a concept car that exists only in the world of Gran Turismo, the IsoRivolta Zagato VGT is a futuristic take of a legendary brand with such impressive motorsport pedigree and by making the most out of it on the track with nothing to hold back, the charisma and the performance is something to behold and inspire for the next generation of vehicles in the future. It really is Zagato's work of art to motivate the future of sportscars into new and exciting ways unimaginable by many.

GT SPORT: Love GT by Copen

Daihatsu has a wide reputation for making fuel-efficient kei cars in history but in the eyes of speedo boys, none of these cars are worth promising to bring the fun factor to their senses until the year 2014 when they resurrected the Copen kei-convertible to bring the magic back to the speedo boys. With the revived Copen bringing a whole new bunch of fans, it wouldn't take long before they teamed up with GT SPORT to create a Copen unlike no other.



This is Daihatsu's entry to the long line of Vision Gran Turismo concepts that showcase the future of sports cars from the world of Gran Turismo. It's called the COPEN RJ VGT and this is what happens when you turn a Copen Robe into an oversized go-kart fit for track duty.



Made to commemorate the Copen's 15th anniversary when the first one was launched in Japan in 2002 as well as Daihatsu's 110th anniversary since its 1907 founding, the RJ (Racing Jacket) is a demonstration of what a fun Daihatsu should be. The base Copen Robe has a turbocharged 660cc engine that produces 64PS of power but in the RJ, no one knows what powers it especially when it churns out 146HP of power and 149.4ft-lb of torque. Because it weighs 1,323 lbs, which is incredibly the lightest Vision GT car ever offered, the Copen RJ VGT's power-to-weight ratio is around 0.11 horsepower per pound.



Although not much information is given about this heavily tweaked Copen Robe that is made with Gran Turismo in mind, the Copen RJ is one of the key reminders of why Daihatsu will always be part of Gran Turismo history ever since it made its first appearance in Gran Turismo 2 and catered fans with kei cars like the Move, the Mira, and the Midget, not to mention a compact car called the Storia. I really want to know more but now it's time for me to get to the fun part and since the Copen wants to stick to its "LOVE LOCAL" slogan, I went to Suzuka for some sessions.



Designed for those who are new to the Vision GT line of vehicles, the Copen RJ VGT's dynamics are beginner-friendly so there is no effort to get to know about the birthday present for both Daihatsu and their Copen kei-roadster but I do try to warn you that since this is a front-wheel drive roadster, just like the normal Copen, understeer is likely and looks like you'll going to need some painkillers for your arms because the steering is worth spraining your arms when it approaches a corner and understeer. That really is painful but with a little ease, you may find that the Copen RJ is worth fun to drive in the world of Gran Turismo and you will be able to tell the world that you've driven the revived Copen, in RJ guise. Anyway, wanna see how I do?



The tight corners in Suzuka really are a pain in my arms but I managed to finish the whole lap without going out of bounds.



The Copen RJ only exists in the world of Gran Turismo but its presence is a fitting tribute not just for Daihatsu's 110th year but also their Copen's 15th anniversary. It really is a cherry on the top of the cake worth biting for and it's a clear reminder that why Daihatsu is always here to stay in the world of Gran Turismo. It may not be as fast as the other Vision GT machines but for getting started, it really is a stepping stone you can learn something from when you come out of it. That is my bottom line.

GT SPORT: The birth of N

Since 2015, Hyundai commenced their little experiment to become a Korean take on Mercedes-AMG or BMW M Power, whatever it means, and that gave them the birth of their new brand called "N". Born in Namyang, Honed at Nurburgring, that's what N is made for and their newest experiment begins with a concept car like this.



It's Hyundai's entry to the Vision Gran Turismo project, that made its GT SPORT debut appearance.




This is the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo and while this is unheard for a Korean car company to present their little proposal to the producers of the Gran Turismo franchise, it's a stunning vision of what will race cars look like in the next decade and the ideal metaphor of Hyundai's little experiment to create its high-performance division of the company.



So, what is it about the N 2025, apart from being a metaphor for their little experiment? Well, since hybrids are taking over the motorsport world like the ones from Le Mans, the N 2025 features a race-derived hydrogren fuel cell system that combines zero emission ecology and raw performance that most racing machines get. Sure, the Koreans did all the fuel cell work in their home base but the Americans skillfully perfected it and as a result, the power output is about 871HP courtesy of its eco-friendly system that's optimally delivered through four high-powered independent in-wheel motors for better traction. Thanks to its CFRP monocoque structure, the power-to-weight ratio is beyond supercar reach and because of its low center of gravity and Independent In-wheel motor Drive Control, it's phenomenal to drive.



This particular N 2025 I'm driving in GT SPORT is not the N 2025 that was been winded up to the max. In fact, this is the Group 1 version of it and it was specially tuned to meet Group 1 regulations in the game, even the FIA GT Manufacturer Series you are planning to go for. It may have 200 less than the normal Gr.X version of the N 2025 race car but it still performs pretty much like it and you can thank its unbelievable aerodynamics playing a key role to this car as well as its 4WD system. Upon driving it, I had the slight intention that it might actually go wrong by ending up on a catastrophic understeer but no. It drives like an art and you can't really tell the difference between going fast and taking a corner because this Vision GT car is tad fantastic drive and talking about here, I managed to take a stroll with this Korean future racecar around the Nurburgring.

 

Since this is what the N stands for, let's see if the N 2025, albeit in Group 1 spec, is true to the saying that it was "Born in Namyang, Honed at Nurburgring" as what Hyundai claims. With all of the ingredients here, time to let this bad boy shine in the Green Hell.



And here we are, one hot lap on a Gr.1-spec Hyundai N 2025 Vision GT. I even managed to do a 6:46.113 lap time, which isn't bad for someone who thinks that I can't drive round corners without crashing like the other guy.



Thanks to concept cars like the N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, this experiment has commenced and as a result, Hyundai made their first N car based on a global five-door hatchback and it was available to order in Mainland Europe, sadly Hyundai withdraw the idea of selling their first N car in South Korea, which is a shame for Koreans who are getting cranky over Hyundai's first N car. I'm sure they will change their minds someday and let's hope for the best that the N cars from Hyundai deserve a trip to Busan.

GT SPORT: Art Meets Speed

Behind these closed doors lies one of the newest Vision GT machines you can only see in GT SPORT. In case you don't know what that is or if you need a refresher, Vision GT is a project that calls on the world's top car manufacturers to create a car that is uniquely Gran Turismo. Here in GT SPORT, new and returning Vision GT cars are joining the action and one of the newest Vision GT cars you can only see in GT SPORT is this...



Oh, sorry. Is the suspense killing you? Anyway, time for the big reveal...



Now this maybe a Vision GT car but the car company in question is pretty much new to us and it's named after a motorsport legend. Enter Fittipaldi Motors. And this is their maiden car, the EF7 Vision Gran Turismo by Pininfarina.

Situated in the Sunshine State, it was run by the two-time F1 champion and two-time IndyCar champion named Emerson Fittipaldi, a Brazilian, and its main focus is to create ultra-light supercars that utilize advanced racing technologies, efficient powertrain structures, enhanced safety features and autonomous vehicle intelligence. The EF7 VGT is the first of their kind and it is an all-carbon fiber supercar designed in Italy by Pininfarina, engineered in Germany by HWA AG.



Underneath the aggressive but beautiful exterior design, the EF7 utilizes a solid carbon fiber body and monocoque that not only is lighter by less than a ton but also very rigid. which exceeds FIA standards. Apart from the body, the engine is an old-school, naturally aspirated V8 engine that produces over 600HP of power while mated to a bespoke 6-speed gearbox that is positioned low for better center of gravity.

What's even more amazing is that unlike most VGT cars, the track-only EF7 VGT will be produced in limited quantities and potential customers can personalize the EF7 with their own signature Pantone color as well as their favorite racing number, along with customizable interior and wheel options. And unlike complicating track-only cars, it's surprisingly easy to operate. They can just turn the key and go racing at their favorite racetrack and thanks to its reliability and low maintenance costs, they can drive it faster and harder for longer.

Those who got their hands on the EF7 will receive a complimentary membership to the Fittipaldi Racing Club, where owner-drivers will take part to exclusive global VIP racing experiences and special perks and privileges, as well as private members-only races and on-track coaching with the one-and-only Emerson Fittipaldi himself.



On a normal track day, the EF7 is just so fun to drive for an extreme track toy and because of its low centre of gravity and impressive aerodynamics, you'll have more reasons to enjoy Fittipaldi's masterpiece, but when races get rough, the EF7 is less bark, more bite. Yes, this car can bite even in a middle of a race full of opponents driving these and because of its dynamic behavior, you'd best be careful with this powerful machine or you''ll end up cruising for a bruisin at the rough seas, but the more you drive with it, the more you will starting to realize its true potential as a car that was forged by motoring legends.



For a car commissioned by a motorsport legend, designed by Italians, and engineered by Germans, this car can really be considered a work of art that can be appreciated by those who answer its call. Speaking of which, let's find out how good the Fittipaldi EF7 is by taking a lap round the Big Willow, just to get you a glimpse of what is like when "Art Meets Speed" as they said.





Even if it was made by a new boutique car manufacturer and even if its a track-only car, the EF7 is all about honoring motoring greats with grace and grunt and because it was made by the hands of Mr. Fittipaldi himself, it really is a legend in the making for those who seek greatness from within and if you want to experience it by yourself, pick up a copy of GT SPORT now.

Gran Turismo 6: Goodwood 2015 and SRT Tomahawk

Coinciding with this year's event, the Goodwood Hill Climb on Gran Turismo 6 has been updated for 2015 and to match this year's event, a sculpture featuring the Mazda 787B and the LM55 Vision Gran Turismo has been featured. With this year's Goodwood FoS kicked off for the weekend, looks like this will be the ideal place to showcase some of the cars appeared from numerous updates but first, let's bring our very own VIP guests...



Well, this is one of them. This is the latest addition to the Vision Gran Turismo lineup; the SRT Tomahawk.

The Tomahawk Vision Gran Turismo is the two-decade vision of Chrysler's Street and Racing Technology division to deliver performance unlike any other. It's a single-seat MR-AWD (midship-engined all-wheel drive) created on a purpose-built composite chassis and designed around an aggressive powertrain. It's a hybrid racing machine armed with a 6.98L V10 engine and two Pneumatic Power Units; one is a Variable-Fin Quad-Stage in the front and a similar one connected to the V10 engine. This is the most powerful of the Vision GT cars because of its over-thousand HP of power output and that's not the end of the story because the Tomahawk comes with three versions;



This is the S model which is the entry-level version and considered as a beginner-level machine suitable for those who want to get to know more about the SRT Tomahawk in the first place before getting ready for more advanced versions like the GTS-R and the X versions. Despite being an entry-level model, it still has insane power-to-weight ratio capable enough to outpace even the feistiest of the racing machines.



Next is the GTS-R model, which is a track-focused version of the Tomahawk with increased power output, reduced weight, and increased handling grip. Because of such improvements, the driver needs to wear a special G-suit, provided as a gift after the update, to counteract the physiological effects of extreme lateral g-forces. The GTS-R's aerodynamics are enhanced with a dual-element version of the active rear wing and to avoid any high pressure buildup in the wheel wells, each of the four fenders in the car is vented.



Lastly and notably the most extreme of all the Vision GT cars, is the Tomahawk X. With over 2,000HP of power output and the cornering force of a fighter jet, this is the ultimate vehicle for the chosen elite because its performance completely shattered the laws of physics as well as the human reflexes.

The biggest party piece of the X is the low-drag mode and when you hold down the R1 button, all of the X's panels are retracted and seal against the body. This is handy when you're going on the straights and catch them by surprise.

With the three Tomahawks introduced, I sent them to the Goodwood FoS to see which one is the quickest but a word of warning for these three is because of such inhuman performance, drivers need some precise skills and talents to master the Tomahawk trio. Whichever Tomahawk you're driving, you need to be very careful about handling with Vision GT's most powerful machines because there might be some run-offs and run-offs can be very messy and painful if you're not careful. Anyway, not time for advice-giving because I managed to set these three some lap times round the Goodwood FoS and here are the results;

Tomahawk S - 0:44.304
Tomahawk GTS-R - 0:36.074
Tomahawk X - 0:32.117

Based on these results, it's no wonder why these three are like stages of manhood. You started off as a boy, then you work your way up to become a real man. Useful bit of science there but this is no Problem Solving here, this is the appliance of science with the SRT Tomahawk. You start mastering the essentials with the S and work your way up to master the extremely difficult but highly amusing X.

Anyway, with the Tomahawk trio done their thing, it's time for the other cars to let loose and enjoy Goodwood like they never done before!



At the end of the day, here are the lap times they've posted at my very own GT6 Goodwood Festival of Speed;

TS030 - 0:45.140
Concept 2020 - 0:48.300
DP-100 - 0:46.029
GT-R Nismo - 0:51.074
FT-1 VGT - 0:46.065
M4 M Performance - 0:54.625
VIZIV GT - 0:49.924
Chaparral 2X - 0:38.354
Infiniti Concept - 0:50.781
LM55 - 0:40.356
Clubman VGT - 0:49.157
LF-LC GT - 0:45.510
Alpine VGT - 0:47.464
Alpine VGT Race - 0:46.954
GTI Supersport - 0:45.604
Z11SN - 0:47.313
Peugeot VGT - 0:43.112
GT-R LM NISMO - 0:45.148

You know what, these lap times didn't matter here. What matters most in Goodwood is the pride of the cars themselves and it's a great way to represent a carmaker to a much greater audience for the greater good. That's why the Festival of Speed is made; not just for setting lap times but also impressing the crowd with its own visuals, vocals, and dances.