Why Drift Fans Are Hyped For The New Gran Turismo 7 Update

Drifting fans are calling Update 1.49 the biggest game-changer for Gran Turismo 7 yet, and here’s why it’s got the community buzzing.

 

What Makes The New GT7 Update So Good For Drifting Fans?

Gran Turismo 7’s latest update, Version 1.49, is rolling out to PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles today.

The free 4.9 GB update brings a wide variety of exciting new content and improvements to the game and is hailed by many as the best update ever for the popular racing sim.

Polyphony Digital skipped its usual monthly update cycle in favor of this larger package, and the extra development time was clearly well spent.

The revised physics system is at the heart of the update. For drifting fans, this could be a game-changer thanks to improved weight transfer and tire behavior that should make sideways action in the game more realistic than ever.

It also marks the return of a classic Gran Turismo track, the first “new” circuit addition to the game in eight months. The blast from the past features a series of tight hairpins, narrow sections, and significant elevation changes, making it an exciting opportunity for drifters looking for a fresh challenge.

Six new cars join the roster, with three standouts for sideways fans.

The rear-wheel-drive BMW M3 ’97 is a perfect classic drift chassis, and the RUF RGT 4.2 ’16 offers an opportunity to tame the rear-engined beast. Meanwhile, the Subaru Impreza Rally Car ’98 provides something different for those looking to refine their advanced drifting techniques.

If tuning and customizing are your thing, GT Auto brings eight new wheel designs from JDM legends, WORK Wheels, alongside an entirely new range from wheel brand Pokal Custom Felgen, allowing for even more customization options.

These new additions make it the perfect time to lay down some rubber on Gran Turismo 7’s virtual tarmac. Let’s explore each offering in more detail.

Overhauled Physics Engine

The biggest update is the significantly revamped physics engine, bringing new suspension physics and refined tire calculations that promise a transformative driving experience for drift and grip fans.

Although previous updates have tweaked car behavior since the initial release, particularly how rear-wheel-drive road cars break traction, this update marks the first dramatic change. The developers state that the new model provides “more natural weight shifting during cornering.”

Tire heating and wear have also been adjusted, which, combined with the suspension changes, should provide a much-improved drifting experience. While drifters may need to adjust their techniques, they’ll benefit from a more realistic and engaging sim experience, similar to that in games such as Assetto Corsa.

While it’s great to see the improvements, they’ve already created some hilarious initial bugs that the team will need to iron out ASAP.

#GT7
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— ぬえちゃんショッピング (@AIPhard_T0yota) July 25, 2024

A Legend Returns

Eiger Nordwand returns to the game, marking the first “new” circuit addition in eight months.

The Swiss Alps-inspired course, introduced in 2007’s Gran Turismo HD Concept, has been absent since Gran Turismo 6 in 2013, bringing a fresh challenge for drifters.

For those who are (shamefully) as old as we are, the track might bring back memories of the hill the Fiat 500F amusingly couldn’t go up in GT5.

It’s renowned for its picturesque setting and technical layout, which includes a series of tight hairpins and narrow sections and a significant elevation change of 246 ft. This is more than other “hilly” tracks in the game, such as Suzuka Circuit, Trial Mountain, and WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.

Two circuit variants have been added – full circuit, and its reverse configuration. This provides drivers plenty of opportunities to test their skills in both directions and doubles the track’s replay value.

Nordwand makes for great drifting, as showcased in this old-school video, where a TVR is pushed to its limits while maximizing the Eiger’s full potential on the retro game:

An Expanded, Drift-Friendly Car Roster

The update also brings six new vehicles to the game, including some significant returns from the series’ history alongside three newcomers.

The BMW M3 ’97, available from the Used Cars dealership, is a standout addition for enthusiasts. Known for its balanced chassis and tuning potential, the E36 M3 is a favorite among driving purists.

Renowned Porsche tuner RUF brings the RGT 4.2 ’16. Based on the 991 generation 911, offering a challenging drifting experience thanks to its rear-engine layout and powerful flat-six engine.

The 1998 Subaru Impreza rally car joins the Legend Cars pavilion. Colin McRae’s all-wheel-drive icon could provide an interesting challenge for those looking to push their AWD drifting techniques to the next level.

Meanwhile, the Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept, unveiled during last year’s World Series World Finals, now comes in a race-inspired version. While it’s not ideal for drifting, its hybrid powertrain boasts a bonkers 1,540 horsepower, making it ridiculously fun to drive.

Rounding out the lineup are two returning favorites: the Ferrari 430 Scuderia ’07 and the Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 ’08, both making their first appearance since GT6.

While some are disappointed that the update doesn’t include any new Gr.3 or Gr.4 cars, the diversity provides plenty of opportunities to enjoy something a little different.

Here’s the full list of new cars and their prices, ranked by (arguable) “driftability.”

1. BMW M3 ’97 (Used Cars) – 74,600 Cr. (RWD)
2. RUF RGT 4.2 ’16 – 360,000 Cr. (RWD)
3. Subaru Impreza Rally Car ’98 (Legend Cars) – 650,000 Cr. (AWD)
4. Ferrari 430 Scuderia ’07 – 380,000 Cr. (RWD)
5. Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4 ’08 – 260,000 Cr. (AWD)
6. Genesis X Gran Racer Vision Gran Turismo Concept – 1,000,000 Cr. (AWD)

Wheel Selection Widens

The update introduces a significant expansion for those looking for JDM-inspired aesthetics, with WORK Wheels introducing eight new designs. This includes more options from the popular Meister range, known for its deep-dish classic multi-spoke designs popular in both the drifting and stance scenes.

Meanwhile, the three-spoke WORK Ryver line also brings old-school vibes to the roster, perfect for those who love making their ride stand out.

That’s not all – the update also introduces a lesser-known new brand to the game – Pokal Custom Felgen. Thankfully, some of these will also make for a perfect addition to some of our favorite drift cars.

New Engine Swaps

There are also ten new engine swap options, unlocked at Collector Level 50.

Here are our favorite new engine swap options:

• The new E36 M3 and the M4 Gr.4 get the Chevrolet-sourced LS7 V8 from the Subaru BRZ drift car.
• You can now fit the Honda S2000 with the K24A engine from the Garage RCR Civic Type R.
• Hyundai’s Genesis Coupe receives the Ferrari-derived V6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia.
• The E30-generation BMW M3 Sport Evolution can now be equipped with the straight-six from the Toyota GR Supra.
• Nissan’s R31 Skyline GTS-R can now be fitted with the legendary RB26DETT from the R34 Skyline GT-R.

The full list of cars receiving new engine swap options includes:

• BMW M3 Sport Evolution ’89
• BMW M3 ’97
• BMW M3 Coupé ’07
• BMW M4 Coupé ’14
• BMW M4 Gr.4
• Honda S2000 ’99
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Track ’13
• Mazda Atenza Sedan XD L Package ’15
• Mini Cooper S ’05
• Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31) ’87

Michelin Brings Fresh Rubber

Michelin makes its entrance into the Gran Turismo series, expanding the game’s tire options. While typically designed for grip racing, the new tire options could potentially provide something different for those looking to fine-tune their drift cars for specific styles or track conditions.

Although not explicitly targeted at drifters, Michelin’s offerings could still prove useful in certain drifting scenarios, making them a noteworthy addition.

If you’re interested in learning more about Update 1.49’s changes, we recommend checking out the official changelog.

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