Gran Turismo 6 Message Board

Gentlemen, start your engines as we gear up for GT Academy 2014. The competition starts on April 21st and will be open to all entrants through June 16th.

This will be the biggest year yet in its history as our friends in Canada are added within the US competition*. This year’s GT Academy qualification demo will be available exclusively on Gran Turismo 6, so start practicing now as you now have less than a week before the start of GT Academy 2014.

As we enter our sixth installment of GT Academy in 2014, proof of the success of the virtual to reality competition can be seen in the on track results of its graduates.

Our first ever winner, Lucas Ordoñez, is racing Super GTs in Japan as his day job in 2014 and will also team up with 2012 European winner Wolfgang Reip at Le Mans this year to race Nissan’s fascinating ZEOD RC (‘Zero Emissions On Demand’) experimental car. Meanwhile, last year’s band of GT Academy winners from Europe, the USA and Germany were all in action last weekend at Monza in the Blancpain Endurance Series in a 500-plus BHP Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3.

2011 GT Academy North America winner Bryan Heitkotter has shown great promise, earning three pole positions, five front row qualifying spots and two podiums racing a Nissan 370Z NISMO for Doran racing in the Continental Tire Challenge Series in IMSA. GT Academy 2012 champion Steve Doherty notched two podium finishes in seven starts driving a Nissan GT-R in the Blancpain Endurance Series last year for RJN Motorsport. Last season’s GT Academy winner Nicholas McMillen is currently competing in the Blancpain Series and will experience his first start April 13 at Monza in Italy.

As well as entering GT Academy via Gran Turismo 6 on PS3, racing driver hopefuls can also get involved via a series of live events. Entry details can be found on the Gran Turismo and GT Academy Facebook pages, as well as at gran-turismo.com.

*The region of Quebec is not included in the 2014 GT Academy competition.

The latest update for Gran Turismo 6 gives players more to look at, as it adds multi-monitor support to the PS3 racing game. After updating the game, those with two or more connected screens simply need to hit the start button in the game, then select "options," then "display options" to enable the setting.

Update 1.05 for Gran Turismo 6 also adds the ability to search for cars using a number of parameters in the game's car dealerships. Racing gear has seen a price shift, as players can now acquire individually-colored items as opposed to full color sets. The update also adds other features, such as the ability to select karts in one-make races on weather-enabled tracks and select time trial, drift trial and free run options in the "event settings" screen. [Image: Sony Computer Entertainment America]

As with all updates for Polyphony Digital's latest racing simulation, Gran Turismo 6., 1.04 brings with it a number of new features and new vehicles.

The new additions to the Gran Turismo 6 garage include a special Gran Turismo Racing Series iteration of the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision, a Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept car, and two F1 cars, the Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Standard and the Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Fan Car. Those last two rides are available as part of the new Red Bull X Challenge, a series of races now found in the game's career mode where players are instructed on how to race an F1 car by current World Champion Sebastian Vettel.

Alongside this handful of cars comes an unexpected but thoughtful present from the developers behind Gran Turismo 6. Following the installation of the 1.04 update, Gran Turismo 6 will scan your PlayStation Network information to determine when you were born. Then, once your birthday rolls around, you'll automatically receive a car created in or near the year that you were born, totally gratis.

Here's to the video games that give you things for your birthday. Gran Turismo 6 is joining that too-short list with its latest digital title update, according to the PlayStation blog. What else is there? Animal Crossing? And?Read more...

GT fans! For those of you recovering from the release of Toyota FT-1 Concept and most recently the GT documentary, KAZ: Pushing the Virtual Divide, today’s 1.04 Update will surely keep you busy for the rest of the week.

Red Bull X Challenge

The 2nd half of the “Red Bull X Challenge” has been added to the Career Mode. In these new challenges, learn how to drive an authentic Formula car directly from the world champion, Sebastian Vettel. Check out the trailer below.

Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo Racing Series
An alternative version of the “Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo”, released on December 2013 as the first Vision Gran Turismo car, is now available. It is possible to obtain the car by participating in the new Seasonal Event, available for a limited time.
Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept
The “Corvette Stingray Gran Turismo Concept”, a car displayed at the 2013 SEMA show as a part of the collaboration between the Corvette development team and Gran Turismo, is now available in the Dealership in-game. It is also possible to obtain the car by participating in the new Seasonal Event, available for a limited time.

Birthday Login Bonus

An in-game car from a year near your year of birth will be sent as a gift when you log in to PSN. The gift car will be distributed within one week from your birthday (as listed in your Sony Entertainment Network account settings).

Remove Ghost Replay feature added

A Remove Ghost Replay button has been added to the Arcade Mode Time Trial and Free Run Quick Menu. You can display this feature by scrolling the right of the menu. This will allow you to remove ghost data that includes unintentional shortcuts.

Prize Information added to Seasonal Events

It is now possible to see what prizes are awarded in the Seasonal Events. This information is displayed on the right side of the Seasonal Events entry screen.

UPDATE: Catch the first 20 minutes of KAZ: Pushing the Virtual Divide on Twitch.tv/PlayStation this Tuesday, January 22nd at 5:00pm Pacific Time. Kaz will be on hand to chat during this exclusive sneak peek, and the Gran Turismo team will be on hand to give out $1 Million In-Game Credit packs for Gran Turismo 6. See you tomorrow!

The official Gran Turismo documentary, KAZ: Pushing The Virtual Divide, makes its debut through Hulu on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Developed over a period of a year and filmed in twelve international locations, KAZ transports the viewer through a cinematic journey of dedication and creativity through the lens of Kazunori Yamauchi, the architect behind Gran Turismo’s birth and 15 year evolution. The film reveals historical footage and never been told stories shared by some of the most influential people in the automotive and gaming industries.

For those deep into the automotive culture scene, KAZ is directed by Tamir Moscovici and captured by cinematographer Anthony Arendt (Avatar, Larry Crowne) – the same team that created URBAN OUTLAW, the rebel Porsche customizer who turned a hobby into an obsession, and an obsession into a successful business.

Tune into Twitch on January 22nd for a round table discussion with Kazunori Yamauchi, Tamir Moscovici, Jordan Greer of GT Planet, and 2013 GT Academy winner Nick McMillen – plus giveaways including $1MM in-game credits for Gran Turismo 6.

We’ll have more information on the film through PS.Blog and Gran-Turismo.com. For now, watch the launch trailer for KAZ: Pushing The Virtual Divide at the top of this post.

The official Gran Turismo documentary, KAZ: Pushing The Virtual Divide, makes its debut through Hulu on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Developed over a period of a year and filmed in twelve international locations, KAZ transports the viewer through a cinematic journey of dedication and creativity through the lens of Kazunori Yamauchi, the architect behind Gran Turismo’s birth and 15 year evolution. The film reveals historical footage and never been told stories shared by some of the most influential people in the automotive and gaming industries.

For those deep into the automotive culture scene, KAZ is directed by Tamir Moscovici and captured by cinematographer Anthony Arendt (Avatar, Larry Crowne) – the same team that created URBAN OUTLAW, the rebel Porsche customizer who turned a hobby into an obsession, and an obsession into a successful business.

Tune into Twitch on January 22nd for a round table discussion with Kazunori Yamauchi, Tamir Moscovici, Jordan Greer of GT Planet, and 2013 GT Academy winner Nick McMillen – plus giveaways including $1MM in-game credits for Gran Turismo 6.

We’ll have more information on the film through PS.Blog and Gran-Turismo.com. For now, watch the launch trailer for KAZ: Pushing The Virtual Divide at the top of this post.

The Gran Turismo 6 garage has grown a bit larger with the addition of Toyota's FT-1 concept coupe, a futuristic, high-powered sports car recently revealed at the ongoing 2014 North American International Auto Show.

Like most concept cars, the likelihood of the FT-1 ever becoming available to the public hovers between "probably not going to happen" and "seriously, stop asking, it's not going to happen." Luckily for virtual gearheads however, getting your hands on one of these things in Gran Turismo 6 is as simple as downloading the game's latest update, then joining a new "unique seasonal event." This event will see players racing the FT-1 around the diabolical curves of Laguna Seca, and those who earn a bronze medal or higher will get to keep the fancy new ride.

At this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Polyphony Digital Inc. and Toyota officially revealed the Toyota FT-1 Concept coupe.

Owners of Gran Turismo 6 will be the first to test-drive the FT-1 after a free online update that will be made available tomorrow, January 14th. After downloading the update, a unique seasonal event featuring the Toyota FT-1 will be made available in the game. If you receive a bronze or better in the FT-1 challenge at Laguna Seca, you will receive the car. Drivers will also be able to purchase the vehicle from the Toyota dealership without having to complete the seasonal event.

Calty Design Research has worked with Toyota over the last 40 years, concepting some of the manufacturer’s most cutting-edge vehicles, including the FT-1. As part of the design process, Calty approached Polyphony and asked the prestigious video game studio to recreate the concept digitally as part of the design studio’s pitch to Toyota executives. Watching the concept car in the Gran Turismo game engine helped Toyota make the decision to build the concept model.

“Thanks to the amazing capability of the Gran Turismo game engine, gamers can enjoy a very real simulation piloting the ultra-high performance FT-1 on the tracks it was designed to master,” said Kevin Hunter, President of Calty Design Research.

Be among the first to drive the future of Toyota design tomorrow!

A free update for Gran Turismo 6 has given players two new cars and a challenge in which to test their mettle - and their metal. Included in the 1.02 update for the game are the Red Bull Racing Kart and Red Bull X2014 Junior, as well as the Red Bull X Challenge. The challenge, as described by the PlayStation Blog, is designed to mentor players in "the art of driving an authentic formula car." Two more Red Bull cars - the Red Bull X2014 Standard and Red Bull X2014 Fan editions - will be coming to GT6 in a future update.

Things aren't all energy drinks and F1 karts in the land of Gran Turismo 6, of course. Mario Andretti's first car, a 1948 Hudson Hornet, is also now available in the game. Don't know why that's a big deal? First Love, a tie-in documentary presented by Gran Turismo 6 that tells the story of Andretti and his car, is now available to watch online for free.

The 1.02 GT6 update also brings with it multiple tweaks to the game's already-existing features. Credits earned in Career mode have been increased, logging online for consecutive days nets a bonus to all credits awarded - up to a potential 200 percent increase, and players now only need a National B license to participate in seasonal events. There are also two new seasonal events; one will run from December 20, 2013 to January 17, 2014, while the other goes from January 2nd to January 30th, 2014.

GT fans! For the last few weeks, many of you visited www.gt6firstlove.com and shared your incredible first love stories, and witnessed the rebuild of Mario Andretti’s first race car that started his illustrious career — the 1948 Hudson.

Well, the moment is finally here. The Reunion video captures the magical moment when Mario Andretti sees and drives the rebuilt Hudson for the first time in more than 50 years. Without giving too much away, the video also shows the intricate process that Polyphony Digital goes through to recreate the classic Hudson in GT6.

The process includes data capturing, 3D scanning, and sound recording of the engine at all ranges of the RPM. After this, you’ll get to see Mr. Andretti himself relive his first love driving experience in the rebuilt Hudson.

To properly celebrate the collaboration between Mario Andretti and Gran Turismo, a unique Special Event featuring the 1948 Hudson is available in GT6 starting today and running through January 16th, 2014. The 1948 Hudson Superlap challenge will take place on Willow Springs International Raceway “Streets of Willow,” giving players the opportunity to be rewarded with the historic race car upon conquering set lap times above a Bronze Trophy Target. Players will also have the option to purchase the Hudson through the Car Dealership if they so choose.

Click here to see the full gallery

“Gran Turismo is a legendary franchise with gamers and car enthusiasts which makes it a perfect fit,” notes Andretti. “Racing has been my lifelong passion and gave me an incredible career. When we first started discussing the ‘GT6 First Love Campaign,’ it brought back memories of some of the most defining moments of my life, and I’m so pleased to share them with GT fans. PlayStation gave me the opportunity to remember my ‘first love’ and to revisit what it felt like to be a young man taking that old Hudson around the track. I’m really happy fans are enjoying my story and sharing stories about their own first loves.”

Gran Turismo 6 will be updated today with two new Red Bull cars and the Red Bull X Challenge. The challenge is part of a collaboration with Infiniti Red Bull Racing that includes 2013 Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel mentoring players in the art of driving an authentic formula car.

Owners of GT6 will have the opportunity to select the first two of four new Red Bull cars. The Red Bull Racing Kart and Red Bull X2014 Junior will arrive in dealerships in-game via the update, while the Red Bull X2014 Standard and Fan cars can be expected to join them at a later stage. All of the new Red Bull X2014 cars have been designed for GT6 in conjunction with Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s legendary Chief Technical Officer Adrian Newey.

The collaboration between Polyphony Digital and Red Bull is another project which celebrates the franchise’s 15th anniversary, and the free update has been provided as a special end-of-year gift for Gran Turismo fans.

“We are very grateful to Adrian Newey, Sebastian Vettel, and Infiniti Red Bull Racing for providing this special gift for Gran Turismo fans. To be taught how to drive downforce cars by the best racing driver in the world is very special, and the new Red Bull X2014 cars are another exciting addition to Gran Turismo 6. This is the latest update for the game, and there are more to come,” President of Polyphony Digital Kazunori Yamauchi said.

Red Bull Racing’s Sebastian Vettel added, “I’ve been playing Gran Turismo since I was 12, so to appear in the game myself as a mentor is great. I hope everyone enjoys the game.”

Click here to see the full gallery

A second phase of the Red Bull X Challenge, along with the other two Red Bull cars, will be made available in a future update for GT6.

Here’s a list of what’s included in this latest 1.02 update:

• Consecutive Login Bonus: when you log online for consecutive days, a bonus to all credits awarded will accrue up to a potential 200% bonus on the fifth day. Be sure to login everyday to earn more credits!
• Earned Credits in Career Mode Increased: enough said.
• Entry Requirements for Seasonal Events Lowered: players will only need a National B licence in order to participate in Seasonal Events and, for a limited time, there will be unique special events that will reward cars as prizes, so don’t miss this opportunity and remember to log online!
• Bonus Events within Seasonal Events: two new Seasonal Events will run from December 20th, 2013 to January 17th, 2014 and January 2nd to January 30th, 2014. These unique events marking the seasonal holidays and the new year will feature special bonus credits.

There’s a lot more coming to Gran Turismo 6, so keep your eyes on gran-turismo.com and here on PlayStation.Blog for more news.

The 2014 BMW M4 Coupé is slated for public release in June of next year, but thanks to the car industry connections of Polyphony Digital, you can drive the thing right this very minute from the convenience of Gran Turismo 6.

But wait, wasn't the M4 only being officially debuted two days ago? It was, but like we mentioned, Polyphony has deep connections. Instead of waiting for production models to roll off the line, Polyphony's engineers were given early access to the BMW M4 Coupé during its initial concept car phase so that they could ensure the in-game version would feature the series' trademark attention to detail. As a result, the M4 found in Gran Turismo 6 should be the closest thing to owning a real one many of us will ever see - especially given the car's nearly $92,000 suggested retail price.

To celebrate the virtual launch of the M4 Coupé, Gran Turismo 6 is hosting a Seasonal Event from now until December 26 that pits M4 drivers against one another for the fastest time through the Nürburgring Grand Prix track. This is mainly an effort to introduce people to the car's quirks on one of the world's most famous courses, but there's also bragging rights at stake here.

The best news to emerge from this announcement is the virtual car's price. Instead of shelling out real-world cash to download the M4 into your copy of Gran Turismo 6, it's already there. Fire up your game, take a look at the BMW section of the car showroom, and you'll now find the 2014 BMW M4 Coupé, ready to be driven by the first racer with enough cash to afford its upper-middle class accoutrements.

According to a reader, one of the quirks of Gran Turismo 6 is the ability to turn their vision cars, like the Mercedes Vision Concept, into almost infinite money by taking advantage of a pudding-esque loophole that turns a gift into sweet, sweet cash money. Here's how.Read more...

GT fans! For those that are still waiting for the perfect reason to pick up Gran Turismo 6, we may have something for you. Starting today, the newly announced BMW M4 Coupe is available for your virtual test drive in GT6, before the actual car goes on sale in 2014.

As a celebration of this collaboration between BMW and Gran Turismo 6, a unique seasonal event featuring the BMW M4 Coupé is available to all on GT6 for two weeks, from today until December 26th, 2013. The BMW M4 Coupé Superlap challenge will take place on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, and gives players the opportunity to drive the car to complete the event, giving anyone the chance to experience this stunning new vehicle in the virtual world before it launches in the real world.

Until now, the BMW M4 Coupé has only been shown publicly as a ‘concept’, but thanks to an innovative collaboration with BMW, Polyphony Digital was able to get early access to the car during its development phase in order to meticulously recreate the BMW M4 Coupé for Gran Turismo 6.

Go to www.gran-turismo.com/us for more info.

Collector and auto expert Jay Leno took two cars from Gran Turismo 6 for test drives in the latest film episode of JayLenosGarage.com: his own 1000 horsepower Oldsmobile Toronado, and also the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept car designed especially for the game. In addition to being one of the first to drive the Vision Gran Turismo in the game, Leno is the first person outside Mercedes-Benz to pilot the Vision GT concept car — which was revealed at the recent LA Auto Show — in real life, using a radio controller through his LA garage.

Mercedes-Benz brought the AMG Vision Gran Turismo to Jay’s garage directly from the LA Show. The Vision is the first of a series of concept cars from various manufacturers made for Gran Turismo 6. But, so far, the only one to be turned into a real car. Leno said he thinks games are taking over in determining what cars achieve cult status.

“Video games are where cars will achieve cult status going forward and, like the Mercedes-Benz, where we will see cars make their debuts before being made for real.”

Jay’s cars are also making a return in GT6. The 1966 Toronado is the second of Jay’s cars to be featured in Gran Turismo. The first was his Tank Car, a behemoth of a dragster powered by an engine from a Patton tank. The Toronado mixes 21st Century chassis, suspension, and a twin-turbocharged engine from a Chevrolet Corvette with a 1960′s body. The result is a monster of a muscle car. In the film, Leno gives an insight to gamers in how to tame the Toronado.

“We love Jay’s knowledge and enthusiasm for cars,” said Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi. “It’s great having the Toronado in the game. I have driven it in the game and it’s a real challenge.”

“My Tank Car was in the previous game, so it’s great the PlayStation guys wanted my Toronado in this time,” said Leno. “It is in the same class as Le Mans cars because it has so much power. It is a real handful to drive.”

There is no more shining emblem of mankind's industrious nature than the motor vehicle. From the lowly Honda Civic to the Lamborghini Aventador, cars embody not just a mode of transportation, but a sense of freedom and fun unrivaled by anything mankind has created before or since (no offense, astronauts).

It's simple enough to create a video game about cars racing against other cars, but Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo franchise isn't just a series of racing games. It's a celebration of mechanics, car culture and that primal excitement one only gets from revving a turbo-charged Ferrari.

Now, the only question that remains is whether or not the developer's undeniable affection for cars can again translate into something that is both entertaining and informative. On release, Gran Turismo 5 featured far less content than Polyphony had promised fans, and this problem was only rectified by a massive patch released nearly a year later. Gran Turismo fans are a rabid lot, so with Gran Turismo 6 Polyphony has to be firing on all cylinders to once again earn their trust.

Fortunately, Gran Turismo 6 is the series' best entry, though it achieves this not through revolutionary design, but by incrementally building on past successes.

Normally when we show a comparison video like this, it's comparing the same game across platforms. But this one's different. It's two games across two platforms, which may sound pointless, but remember, these are driving games we're talking about. We can get away with it.Read more...

The latest "Real Driving Simulator" lets you really simulate driving on the moon. So here's how to unlock the "Lunar Roving Vehicle LEV-001 '71" in Gran Turismo 6, as well as a glimpse into the dangers of life on the Moon.Read more...

Today, Gran Turismo 6 takes to the track. In keeping with the series’ MO, Polyphony Digital has once again created an incredibly sophisticated and convincing racing simulation, which proudly wears the developer’s unconditional love for the automobile on its sleeve.

And alongside the huge roster of new cars available to take for a spin, and the 37 tracks waiting to be mastered, Polyphony has thrown in something of a surprise. For the first time ever in a Gran Turismo title, you have the opportunity to swap the racing circuits of planet Earth for the Moon, and pilot a lunar rover across its surface. Hands up if you saw that coming?

“We had been working for a while on simulating the stars properly in the game, and the moon was being recreated very accurately. While we were working on that, the idea just came out of the blue,” recalled Polyphony president and series creator Kazunori Yamauchi, when we caught up with him at the game’s launch in Ronda, Spain, earlier this week.

“We thought, ‘wouldn’t it be interesting if you could drive on the surface of the moon?’ So we did some research into the lunar rover and thought we should make it available in the game to drive.

“It was something we knew we could do with the technology that we had. It was really born out of curiosity. And if you remember in the opening movie, the opening music is Rachmaninoff and the theme of that piece is ‘the moon’. Things just connected one after another.

Considering the emphasis Polyphony places on realism and precision, transporting GT’s trademark action into zero-G was no small undertaking. The same eye for minute detail that the studio would apply to any earth-bound automobile would need to be applied to the lunar rover too.

“Researching the geography of the moon’s surface and going back and looking at the actual routes that Apollo 15 took was actually a lot of work!” insisted Yamauchi-san.

“It was a difficult process but we did as accurately as we could possibly manage.”

GT’s lunar adventure isn’t the only space-age inclusion in Polyphony’s latest. One of the most exciting additions to the series formula in Gran Turismo 6 is the Vision GT project. The studio has teamed up with a number of leading car manufacturers, including Alfa Romeo, Mercedes-Benz and BMW, to create concept models offering a unique insight into the future of automotive design. These pioneering designs will duly be fully drivable in the game.

“I think in terms of the beauty of the cars and the driving experience, the cars that are going to be released as part of the Vision GT concept, they pack amazing possibilities in terms of the enjoyment that people will experience.”

Back on the subject of the moon, while a huge amount of effort was put into making GT’s first extra-terrestrial outing both fun to play and a genuine simulation it’s, as Kazunori puts it, a “side dish” – “and the main course is just about to be served.”

And what a feast awaits when the game arrives on PlayStation 3 today.

“The objectives of Gran Turismo are very simple actually. We want people to enjoy the beauty of cars, we want people to enjoy driving, and we want people to enjoy the beauty of the environments. Those are things that have remained the same throughout the series, and it’s the same for GT6.”

Our car-loving pals at Jalopnik know their racing games. They also know cars. Who better to tell you what the deal is with Gran Turismo 6, the big new PS3 game out today?Read more...

Would you believe they put a man on the moon in a car... in a video game? Me neither.

Gran Turismo 6 will include microtransactions with in-game credits that players can acquire using real money, but Sony said the transactions are "not required" for players to advance in the game. In a statement to CVG, a Sony spokesperson said the publisher will "not penalize players for not making transactions (they still have access to everything) and it is completely optional." The microtransactions are so optional that players won't be prompted to buy-in during the game "at all."

"As with previous installments of Gran Turismo, users are able to earn in-game credits and unlock additional cars by competing in races or event challenges," the spokesperson said. Players will be able to purchase credits in increments of $500,000 on PSN to speed up the process of unlocking content. Sony also provided the opening cinematic for the Gran Turismo 6, which players can see firsthand when the game launches tomorrow on PS3.

Hey there, race fans. As many of you know, it’s a huge week for GT. Gran Turismo 6 storms onto PS3 tomorrow, and to mark the occasion we held a grand launch event in Ronda, Spain.

Polyphony Digital president Kazunori Yamauchi was present to make a number of announcements, including the arrival of three new Red Bull cars in GT6: the Red Bull X2014 Fan car (X2014/F), the Red Bull X2014 Standard car (X2014/S) and the Red Bull X2014 Junior car (X2014/J). These three cars were designed by Polyphony Digital Inc. in collaboration with Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer of four-time F1 champions Red Bull Racing.

Also present was a camouflaged version of the yet-to-be-launched BMW M4 Coupé. The stunning new car – shown publicly only as a concept until now – will go on sale in 2014. In collaboration with BMW, Polyphony Digital enjoyed unprecedented access to the car during its development, and it will be made available through a free update shortly after the release of GT6, allowing gamers around the world to drive it before it arrives in BMW showrooms

Not only that, but the city of Ronda also honoured Yamauchi-san by naming a street after him!

As part of the celebration, we also unveiled the official GT6 opening movie that features never-before-seen footage showcasing the game’s creation. Take a look below.

Finally, we also sat down with Kazunori to find out more about his vision for GT6, including the much-teased track set on the moon! Check back tomorrow to read the full interview.

I've had a tumultuous relationship with Gran Turismo over the years. I used to love it. Then I hated it, bored of how sterile and lifeless it had become. Now...I appreciate it for what it is. I've got Forza for when I want to get behind a car and go "WWWAAHAHHHHAHAHHAH". For those times I want to play the video game equivalent of sniffing an expensive car brochure, I've got Gran Turismo.Read more...

Gran Turismo 6 is coming to the PlayStation 3 on Friday, bringing with it the first real-money microtransactions in franchise history. It's a game where five bucks can buy you 27 1998 Mini Coopers, or 2.5 percent of a '66 Jaguar XJ13.Read more...

Car lovers, rejoice. This week marks the launch of Gran Turismo 6, the latest entry in the legendary racing series that has spanned three generations of PlayStation hardware.

Gran Turismo 6, which hits PS3 this Friday, is one of the most realistic racing simulators available in gaming. Developed by the passionate minds at Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo 6 features 1,200 beautifully modeled cars to drive across more than 100 circuit layouts. Kazunori Yamauchi and his team, ever focused on detail, have brought along a new physics engine with fully active suspension, tire, and aerodynamics models.

Those of you interested in true-to-life racing needn’t look further than Gran Turismo 6. But if you’re hungry to enhance your PS4 library this week, the co-op puzzle game Tiny Brains launches on Tuesday. Coming along with it is a familiar hit in the form of Escape Plan– fully optimized for play on PS4. The PS4 version of Flow has been rescheduled for a later date.

We hope you enjoy this week’s additions to the PlayStation family! For a complete list of new releases, head below, and enjoy the Drop.

New PlayStation Releases This Week Escape Plan PS4 — Digital (Currently Available for PS Vita) Help Lil and Laarg escape their unusual confinement in this delightfully dark puzzler. Comes with the original 78 puzzle rooms, and more. Cross buy. Gran Turismo 6 PS3 — Digital, Retail (Out Friday) The fan-favorite racing simulator returns to PS3 with a tremendous assortment of cars and circuits to enjoy. Powered by a true-to-life physics engine that delivers unparalleled authenticity to the driving experience. Rainbow Moon PS Vita — Digital (Currently Available for PS3) A rich, turn-based RPG with more than 40 hours of adventure waiting within. Rainbow Moon features six playable characters, runs at a smooth 60 frames per second, and supports cross save functionality between the PS3 and Vita versions. Stick It To The Man PS Vita — Digital (Currently Available for PS3) It seems like Ray woke up with a giant, pink, spaghetti arm growing out of his head. This is problematic for Ray, despite the fact that he’s gained extraordinary, mind-reading powers. Help Ray out of his quirky situation! Cross buy. Tiny Brains PS4 — Digital This cooperative puzzle game features four super-powered lab animals struggling for freedom. Each animal boasts a different power, and all four must work together to overcome the obstacles between them and a free life. Demos and Betas Rainbow Moon Demo — PS Vita
Tiny Brains Demo — PS4

The information above is subject to change without notice.

PlayStation is holding a Gran Turismo 6 contest for Europe's would-be speed demons. Don't think you'll be able to just waltz on in and snatch a spot in the drawing, though. In order to be entered, you'll have to take a multiple-choice quiz on the history of the Gran Turismo series. There are six questions, and the fastest time wins. You know what that means - no screen-looking Google searching.

Should you be one of the five grand prize winners, you'll receive an official Gran Turismo racing pod, a 40-inch Sony Bravia TV, a Thrustmaster Steering Wheel and racing seat, a PS3 system and a copy of Gran Turismo 6 Anniversary Edition. Ten runners-up will receive a copy of GT6 Anniversary Edition and a PS3 to play it on.

As far as we're aware, you won't be able to do any sick burnouts using the Gran Turismo racing pod. As far as we're aware.

Believe it or not, we are approximately one week away from the launch of Gran Turismo 6, and your window to take advantage of one of its pre-order offers is quickly coming to a close. Most of these items will not be offered through the PS Store after launch, so this is really your last chance.

To help with your decision making, here’s a breakdown of our pre-order offer:

GameStop – 15th Anniversary Edition Upgrade

Click here to pre-order

Here’s your last chance to get an automatic upgrade to the GT6 15th Anniversary Edition, equipped with the elite 25-Car Pack with unique performance and visual enhancements, as well as a set of custom paint chips, racing suits, helmets and PSN Avatars. This is a pre-order exclusive and not available anywhere else for purchase after December 6th so get it while supplies lasts.

Amazon – 5-Car Pack + $1 Million In-Game Credit

Click here to pre-order

Want to customize and build your own dream Gran Turismo garage? We’re confident a $1 Million In-Game Credit will help you do just that. In addition to getting the mentioned 5-Car pack, Amazon is offering our GT fans $1 Million In-Game Credit directly at start up, allowing you to buy, build, and race your own line-up of cars. Get a jump start in racing against your competitors online by reserving at Amazon.

Participating Retailers – 5 Car Pack

Click here to learn more

For the purists that wants to start with a small upgrade, our participating retailers is offering the 5-Car Pack that includes the Tesla Model S Signature Performance ’12, the Corvette Stingray C7 ’14, Audi R8 LMS ultra, SRT Viper GTS, and the Nissan GT-R Nismo N24

Digital Pre-Order (NEW) – 5-Car Pack + PS3 Theme

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Yes, the digital version is available for pre-order now, and you will get the same 5-Car pack + a dedicated GT6 PS3 Theme.

For more info, check out www.gran-turismo.com/us.

Every driver starts somewhere. Every driver starts with their first car – their First Love.

All great racers started their journey to greatness with their first car. The car that made them realize their dream of becoming a professional race car driver. You ask any driver or car enthusiasts about their First Love, and I’m sure they can remember the smallest detail, down to the long hours spent tuning the car up before a drive, or the thousands of hard earned dollars spent in making it just a bit (or a lot) faster than what factory delivered. I’m sure each of you have your own story of a First Love, and we want to hear about it.

For the legendary Mario Andretti, this is no different. He discovered his love and passion for racing after purchasing a beat up 1948 Hudson shell, which he and a group of friends hand-built, piece by piece, until it was ready to race two years later. The result of the project was ultimately the beginning of Mario Andretti’s legendary racing career though Indy, Daytona, and Formula 1.

To tell this story, we created a dedicated site experience for you to join others around the world to share your own first car memories, interact with special guests and other fans, and learn more about Mario Andretti’s legacy. The story will be unveiled in three chapters, each specifically concentrating on telling Andretti’s story, and how a beat up Hudson was the catalyst for his entire racing career. Additionally, follow the team from Polyphony as they rebuild the legendary Hudson and feature it as a playable experience in Gran Turismo 6.

Take part in the live rebuild experience, where you can share your first love stories! Join us at http://playstation.gt6firstlove.com/

Tune in to catch the three-part First Love documentary:

• Chapter 1 – The Mario Andretti Story (Available Now)
• Chapter 2 – Live Rebuild of the Hudson (Dec 2 – 7 @ 12pm – 8pm EST)
• Chapter 3 – Hudson Reunion with Andretti (Dec 16 @ 12am EST)

Join our live Expert Q&A events that will feature special guests who will field your questions about cars, this Mario Andretti campaign and Gran Turismo 6.

Tuesday, Dec. 3 1pm – 2pm Pacific

• Discussion with renowned engine builder Larry Slutter and our experts
• Discussion with Larry on airbag innovation, decisions to use smaller wheels, suspensions/springs, etc.

Join our guests:

• Andrew Comrie-Picard – Automotive Journalist
• Billy Hammon – Head Mechanic
• Larry Slutter – Engine Builder

Wednesday, Dec. 4 and Thursday, Dec. 5 1pm – 2pm Pacific

• GT6 experts discuss new features in GT6
• Q&A with users participating in the live feed

Join our guests:

• Andrew Comrie-Picard – Automotive Journalist
• Billy Hammon – Head Mechanic
• Taku Imasaki – GT6 Producer