The popular Gran Turismo 7 racing game-slash-simulator is known for many things… A hugely competitive multiplayer scene, the best-of-both-worlds handling model and physics, a massive collection of cars, and the best photography mode in any racing game I’ve ever played. And, it has also become a playground for the world’s carmakers to display their prowess in creating a motorcar in the digital realm. These ‘Vision Gran Turismo’ cars have attracted the likes of Audi, Jaguar, Ferrari, Genesis, Lamborghini, Suzuki, and even Bulgari… The watchmaker.
Recently, however, the newest addition to GT7’s roster of awe-inspiring VGT cars is none other than Skoda. Inspired by the iconic Skoda 1100 OHC Spider race car of the 1950s, Skoda is trying to re-envision a mixture of their new Modern Solid design language, with the silhouette of a 1950s single-seater racer. Since it’s a concept car that’ll have no chance of actually becoming a production model, the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo (just like the other VGT cars) isn’t bound to reality, allowing them to be as creative with their design and engineering as possible.
Old School Design, New School Performance
As such, the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo is all-electric. And, with a total of four electric motors – one for each wheel – it features all-wheel drive and a mighty total output of 800kW. The latter equates to around 1,071bhp in Gran Turismo 7, and when combined with a total torque output of 1,020Nm, it’s likely a handful to drive. Elsewhere, each of the four electric motors revs up to a colossal 25,000 RPM, driven through a single-speed gearbox. Paired with an 87kWh lithium-ion battery, I think it should have ample endurance for your average GT7 Daily Race B.
There’s more to the Skoda Vision Gran Turismo than just raw power too, given the brand’s over 120-year history in motorsports. Putting it side-by-side with the original 1957 1100 OHC Spider, made specifically for the 24 hours of Le Mans, the Skoda VGT can’t be any more different. You can find space-age features like active aerodynamics, ensuring maximum downforce, as you’re barrelling into Monza T1. Once you’ve added the Skoda VGT to your garage, you can then pick between one of two special liveries, each reflecting Skoda’s rich history in racing.
120 Years Of History In Motorsports
To make sure that it has the best chance possible of winning out on the track, the Skoda VGT is rather lightweight. Tipping the scales at just about 1,300kg, the all-wheel drive system can use torque vectoring and rapidly distributes torque between the front and rear axles. This is further optimised with the adoption of racing-grade independent-arms pushrod‑type suspension, just like Formula E cars. All in all, it ought to guarantee a responsive and sharp driving experience, as well as immense stability at high speeds, a lower centre of gravity, and low body roll.
Step inside, and the driver naturally takes centre stage. A minimalist cockpit inspired by open-top race cars, the Skoda VGT has sports bucket seats that hug the driver’s body, secured with a six-point harness. Meanwhile, the cool-looking carbon steering wheel handily integrates much of your HMI and gauges, which also serves as a digital rearview mirror. Though I’m more of a fan of more grounded race cars whenever I’m playing GT7, it’s still pretty cool to see just how imaginative carmakers can be when they’re not constrained by the physical realm.
