Introduced in the 2013 title Gran Turismo 6, Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) vehicles represent the pinnacle of car design, liberated from the constraints of reality and focused on the virtual world. Over the years, these futuristic cars have captured the imagination of gamers and car enthusiasts alike, appearing in Gran Turismo Sport (2017) and Gran Turismo 7 (2022). The VGT series has explored a wide spectrum of automotive possibilities, from mind-bending supercars to innovative electric hot hatches, such as the recent addition of the Opel Corsa GSE.
With this new addition, we take a look back at our top five favorite Vision Gran Turismo cars from the past three games, each representing a unique blend of creativity and engineering prowess.
Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
The journey began with the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo, the first car to grace the VGT series. Unveiled at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show, this vehicle set the stage for what was to come. Its design echoed the contemporary SLS AMG, yet it undeniably influenced the later AMG GT, which debuted less than a year later.
Under the hood, the AMG VGT was powered by a twin-turbo V8 engine, albeit with a 5.5-liter capacity compared to the production model’s 4.0-liter. Its racing variant featured the same naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine used by AMG’s GT3 contenders. Beyond the virtual realm, the AMG VGT made appearances in future Gran Turismo games and even in the 2017 film Justice League.
Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo
Inspired by the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Mazda 787B, the Mazda LM55 Vision Gran Turismo was the first VGT car to feature a rotary engine. It offered a theoretical glimpse of what Mazda could achieve if it re-entered global sports car racing. Although this hasn’t materialized, elements of its ‘Kodo’ design language continue to influence Mazda’s current road car range.
In 2015, Mazda showcased the LM55 VGT at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, alongside the iconic 787B. Despite the absence of a rotary engine revival, the LM55 remains a testament to Mazda’s innovative spirit.
Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a decade since Bugatti introduced its first and only VGT entry. Unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo arrived as production of the Veyron was winding down. It served as a precursor to the Chiron, Bugatti’s next hypercar.
Designed with the aesthetics of an LMP1 racer, the Bugatti VGT featured a quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine and could theoretically reach a top speed of 447 km/h. The display car was based on a pre-production Chiron chassis, though it was significantly lighter than the production model. The Chiron launched a year later, marking the end of an era for Bugatti’s famed W16 engine.
BMW Vision Gran Turismo
The BMW Vision Gran Turismo drew inspiration from the legendary 3.0 CSL, particularly in its striking paint job. With a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine, it directly inspired the first-generation BMW M2, which hit the roads less than two years later.
Nearly a decade later, BMW unveiled the M4-based 3.0 CSL, adorned with a similar livery and toned-down bodywork. While it paid tribute to the original, the influence of the VGT was unmistakable.
Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo
Finally, we arrive at the Genesis X Gran Berlinetta Vision Gran Turismo, one of the most recent additions to the VGT lineup. Launched in 2023 by Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, this low-slung, front-engined coupe embodies the elegance of classic European grand tourers.
Powered by a twin-turbo 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric supercharger, it captivated audiences at the Bathurst 12 Hour, where Genesis ambassador Jacky Ickx took it for a spin around Mount Panorama. Although the game concept features a V6 engine, the track version boasted a distinctive V8 howl, hinting at a potential production model.
The Vision Gran Turismo series continues to push the boundaries of automotive design, offering a glimpse into a future where creativity knows no bounds. As we look forward to the next wave of VGT innovations, these iconic models remind us of the limitless potential of the virtual world.
