Video game movies, once a source of dread for enthusiasts, have recently undergone a transformation.
In 2023 alone, we’ve witnessed the release of movies like Super Mario Bros and Dungeons & Dragons, as well as the announcement of TV series based on The Last Of Us, Twisted Metal, and Gears of War.
For sim racing aficionados, the movie adaptation of Gran Turismo offers a unique twist.
Table of Contents
Key Concepts in This Article
- The Gran Turismo movie tells the true story of gamer-turned-racing-driver Jann Mardenborough.
- It features cars and tracks not seen in Gran Turismo 7, hinting at future additions.
- A diverse range of racing cars, including the Ligier JS PX, share the screen.
- The movie showcases several tracks, with the Dubai Autodrome a potential addition.
- An unexpected police chase hints at a possible shift to a free-roam mode.
A Different Approach to Gran Turismo
Unlike many video game adaptations that aim to recreate the game’s storyline, the Gran Turismo movie takes a different route.
It doesn’t adapt the game’s content but instead tells the true story of Jann Mardenborough, a gamer who made the extraordinary leap from playing the game in his bedroom to becoming a real-life racing driver.
The Movie’s Connection to the Game
While the Gran Turismo movie has received mostly positive reviews, one aspect stands out – its incorporation of elements from the Gran Turismo game.
However, there are intriguing elements in the movie that aren’t part of the game’s current offerings. Could these elements find their way into Gran Turismo 7 in the future?
Unseen Cars: Potential Additions to GT7
Throughout the movie, numerous cars make appearances that are conspicuously absent from Gran Turismo 7. Notable among these are road cars like the Aston Martin Vantage GT12, Lamborghini Huracán STO, and a Porsche 992 GT3 Cup car from the Porsche Supercup, which featured prominently in Jann’s opening race in the game.
Interestingly, both the Aston Martin and Porsche were seen in the game, while the Lamborghini appeared to be in the process of being scanned, suggesting it might be added in the future.
These sightings raise questions about the developers’ intentions—were these cars shown accidentally, or are they planned additions?
A Parade of Racing Cars
As Jann’s journey unfolds in the movie, he shares the track with a diverse array of racing cars. Among them are the Aston Martin Vantage GT4, McLaren 720S GT3, Chevrolet Camaro GT4, and a race-ready Corvette C8, the exact variant of which remains uncertain.
However, it’s the Ligier JS PX, essentially an unrestrained LMP2 car with 825 horsepower and a weight of 910 kilograms, that steals the spotlight. Jann pushes this formidable machine to its limits during the movie’s climax.
If any of these cars were to be added to Gran Turismo 7, the Ligier JS PX seems the most likely candidate, possibly as part of an event or in a future update.
Unveiling Enigmatic Tracks
The movie introduces several tracks, some of which remain mysterious. One track features Kazunori Yamauchi testing a Honda NSX and Ford GT, while another is being designed on a computer.
Yet, there are familiar tracks that fans can readily identify, including one that has received its fair share of attention.
In the movie, iconic venues like Silverstone, Le Mans, and an unofficial “English Speedway” (bearing a strong resemblance to Brands Hatch) play pivotal roles, albeit with a twist.
Surprisingly, most of these venues are portrayed by Hungary’s Hungaroring, a detail that likely escapes all but the most attentive viewers.
Although the Hungaroring’s distinctive portrayal in the movie makes it an unlikely addition to the game, the Dubai Autodrome, which Mardenborough competes in, is a strong candidate. Known for hosting the 24-hour race and other prestigious events, this 3.35-mile circuit’s high-speed sections would likely resonate with Gran Turismo 7 players.
An Unexpected Police Chase
The movie’s storyline takes an unexpected twist early on when Jann is tasked with driving his brother home from a social gathering.
Their night takes a chaotic turn when they are pulled over by the police. Fueled by Jann’s determination not to miss his qualifying race the following day, the resulting police chase provides an adrenaline rush.
What’s intriguing is the appearance of Gran Turismo game graphics during the chase scene. Observant viewers will notice a mini-map with a street grid system—an unusual sight in a game series that has traditionally focused on closed-circuit racing.
While a foray into open-world gameplay may seem like a stretch, the inclusion of unexpected features, like ambulances, in previous game updates reminds us that Gran Turismo can surprise us.
A Potential Shift to Free Roam Play
Given the prevalence of “cops and robbers” themed multiplayer lobbies in Gran Turismo 7, the movie’s police chase scene raises intriguing possibilities.
Could the series be considering a free-roam mode to cater to fans of open-world racing, similar to Forza Horizon and Need for Speed? While this remains speculative, the Gran Turismo series has shown a willingness to embrace new experiences.
To Wrap Up
The Gran Turismo movie offers an exciting glimpse into the future of the franchise. While the game has already received post-launch content updates, could some of the movie’s elements make their way into Gran Turismo 7 in future updates?
Only time will tell, but for now, we can continue to speculate and enjoy both the game and the movie for what they are – epic experiences for racing fans.
