Simulator Gran Turismo 7, released in March 2022, is currently the last full-fledged serialized part of the famous franchise available on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 game consoles. Despite active discussions in the community and leaks, the project has a working title Gran Turismo 8 has not yet been officially announced by the developers from Polyphony Digital, which makes the current version the only relevant entry point into the series for new users. The lack of news about the next numbered project forces many car enthusiasts to closely monitor updates for the seventh part, which continues to receive large-scale patches and new content.
It is important to understand that by the term “last part” players often mean not only numbered versions, but also specialized projects, such as Gran Turismo Sophy, which is an experimental version with artificial intelligence. The current situation in the racing simulator market dictates high demands on graphics and physics of car behavior, which are fully realized in GT7. Owners of previous generation consoles may experience framerate limitations, while the version for PS5 Provides native 4K resolution and ray tracing.
The developers have confirmed that support Gran Turismo 7 will continue in the long term, but the transition to a new hardware platform is inevitable in the future. For those who are planning to buy the game right now, it is the seventh part that remains relevant, which offers the most complete and modern driving experience. In this article we will take a detailed look at the status of the project, technical features and what to expect from the series in the coming years.
Current status of the franchise and Gran Turismo 7
To date Gran Turismo 7 remains Sony Interactive Entertainment's flagship product in the driving simulator genre. The game has gone through a difficult development path: from problems with servers and microtransactions at the start to a deep reworking of the economic model and the addition of hundreds of new cars. Polyphony Digital concentrated all its resources on polishing this particular project, postponing the development of the next serialized part until the end of the life cycle of the current console generation.
The main emphasis in the latest part is on realism and “car culture”. Players can not only participate in races, but also buy, sell and collect rare pieces of equipment. A key feature is the integration of historical references and video materials, which turn the game into an interactive automotive museum. This sets the project apart from more arcade-focused competitors such as Forza Horizon.
⚠️ Attention: To fully experience Gran Turismo 7, especially in online modes, a constant internet connection is required. Offline modes are very limited in functionality.
The technical component of the game is based on an engine that is completely customized for the PlayStation architecture. Using Adaptive Controller Triggers DualSense allows you to feel the resistance of the brake pedal and the operation of ABS, which creates a unique level of immersion. For many fans, it was these tactile sensations that became the decisive factor in choosing a platform to play.
For the best experience, use a PlayStation compatible feedback steering wheel, as it unlocks the potential of GT7 physics better than a standard gamepad.
Is there any news about Gran Turismo 8
Question about exit Gran Turismo 8 remains one of the most discussed in the gaming community. At the moment, official information from Kazunori Yamauchi, head of Polyphony Digital, boils down to the fact that the studio is fully engaged in supporting and developing the seventh part. Industry analysts suggest that the announcement of the new project may not take place until 2026-2027, which coincides with the middle of the life cycle of the PlayStation 5 console or even closer to the release of PS6.
- 🚗 It is expected that the next part will be created with new rendering technologies and AI in mind.
- ⏳ The development cycle of modern simulators has increased to 5-6 years due to increased graphics requirements.
- 🎮 Deep integration with next-gen virtual reality is possible if Sony releases an updated PSVR headset.
- 🌐 The emphasis may be on cross-platform and cloud technologies, although exclusivity for PlayStation remains for now.
Rumors often indicate that Gran Turismo 8 may become the first part of the series developed for two generations of consoles with significant differences in the graphics engine. However, the studio itself has traditionally avoided rushing, releasing games only when the technology is ready to demonstrate a quantum leap. Therefore, the wait for the new part may be lengthy.
It is also worth considering the emergence of the project Gran Turismo Sophy. This is not just a game, but a research platform where AI learns to drive a car better than a human. The technologies developed in this project will most likely be introduced into future parts of the series, improving the behavior of bots and the safety system on the track.
Technical features and system requirements
Because Gran Turismo 7 is a cross-generation project, technical implementation varies significantly depending on the platform. On the PlayStation 4, the game runs at 1080p with a target frame rate of 60 frames per second, but the textures and detail of the car models are simplified. PlayStation 5 owners get access to the "Ray Tracing" mode, which adds realistic reflections in car interiors and on wet asphalt.
For PC gamers waiting for the port, the requirements will be high. Based on the optimization of other Sony exclusives, we can assume the need for a powerful GPU level NVIDIA RTX 3070 or higher for comfortable gaming in 4K. Using an SSD drive will be a must to eliminate twitching when loading track textures.
| Parameter | PlayStation 4 Pro | PlayStation 5 | PC (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1920x1080 (Checkerboard) | 3840x2160 (Native) | Up to 4K/8K |
| Frame rate | 60 FPS | 60 / 120 FPS (VRR) | Depends on hardware |
| Loading | ~40-50 seconds | ~2-5 seconds | Requires NVMe SSD |
| Textures | Average quality | High/Ultra | Customizable |
An important aspect is technology support VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) on new TVs and monitors. This helps smooth out frame rate stuttering, which is critical in simulators to maintain a sense of speed. On PS5, the game also supports 3D audio, allowing you to accurately determine the position of your opponents by the sound of the engine.
GT7 Optimization Secrets
Turn off ray tracing in the settings menu if you value 120 FPS stability over reflection visuals. This will significantly reduce the load on the GPU.
Comparison of versions: Standard and Collector's Edition
When purchasing the latest installment, many are faced with a choice between the standard version and the collector's edition. Gran Turismo 7 was released in several formats, and the difference between them is significant not only in price, but also in the player’s starting capital. The Collector's Edition includes digital bonuses that make getting into the game much easier by providing credits towards the purchase of your first cars.
The Standard Edition requires the player to plan their finances more carefully in the game. You will have to earn credits by participating in daily rotations and passing licensing tests. For beginners, this can be a barrier, since the prices for cars in the game are high, and the rate of earnings is limited in the initial stages.
- 🏎️ Collector's Edition includes 1 million game credits.
- 🚙 The set includes several exclusive car models that are not available in a regular store.
- 📀 Physical disc version may require additional content downloads.
- 💳 A PlayStation Plus subscription gives you access to additional challenges.
If you plan to play the simulator for a long time, investing in the version with bonus credits is often worth it in time saved. However, if you prefer a slow and thoughtful passage, the standard version will be quite enough to get acquainted with the mechanics.
Gameplay mechanics and driving physics
Physical model in Gran Turismo 7 has undergone significant changes compared to previous parts. Polyphony Digital engineers rewrote the tire simulation, making the car's behavior more predictable, but requiring precision. The cars have become sensitive to the temperature of the surface and the degree of wear of the rubber, which adds strategic depth to the racing.
One of the key mechanics is the system Weathering and dynamic change of time of day. Rain on the track dries unevenly, forming a racing line that adheres to the road better than the rest of the asphalt. The player must feel these changes through the steering wheel and visual cues to maintain control.
⚠️ Attention: Driving assistance settings (ABS, TCS, STM) in the GT7 affect not only the ease of driving, but also the number of credits you receive. Disabling assistants increases income, but requires high skills.
The license mode in the game serves not just as training, but as an essential element of progress. After passing all tests from Bronze to Super License, the player gets access to exclusive cars and events. It takes the series back to its roots, where skill was valued over simply having a fast car.
☑️ Basic checklist for a beginner in GT7
Development prospects and virtual reality
The future of the series is inextricably linked with the development of virtual reality technologies. Gran Turismo 7 became one of the few games to receive full VR2 support for PlayStation 5. The level of immersion in the cockpit in virtual reality is considered an industry benchmark, allowing you to evaluate distance and speed with a realism unavailable on a flat screen.
The developers do not hide the fact that the VR mode required separate, careful optimization. Almost all tracks and cars are available in virtual reality, which makes this mode a complete alternative to the traditional game. It is expected that in the next parts of the series, VR support will be implemented out of the box without the need for separate patches.
Additionally, the community is looking forward to introducing more advanced social features. The ability to create your own clubs, organize tournaments and share car settings (Tune sharing) has already been implemented, but the potential for the development of e-sports disciplines within the game is enormous. Polyphony Digital actively cooperates with the FIA, holding official online championships, the winners of which receive real trophies.
Gran Turismo 7 is not just a game, but a living platform that has evolved over the years, acquiring new content and improving physics, which makes the purchase relevant even at the end of the console's life cycle.
Do you need a steering wheel to play Gran Turismo 7?
You can also play on a gamepad, as the game has excellent support for the DualSense controller. However, for complete immersion and realizing the potential of physics, a steering wheel with feedback (Force Feedback) is highly desirable, especially in VR mode.
Is it possible to play Gran Turismo 7 on PS4 without the Internet?
Technically, you can launch the game, but the functionality will be extremely limited. Most career modes, buying cars and saving progress require a constant connection to the servers.
When will Gran Turismo be released for PC?
There are no official release dates for PC. Sony is gradually porting its exclusives to computers, but GT7 remains a PlayStation platform exclusive for now. You shouldn’t expect a port before 2026-2026.
How many cars are available in the last part?
As of the last major update, Gran Turismo 7 features over 700 car models from over 60 manufacturers, including historic vintage models and modern hypercars.