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You can now drive Porsche’s new 1,274 hp Vision Gran Turismo concept from your couch

By Bryan Hood 8 December, 2021
porsche vision gran turismo

Porsche’s next concept is unlikely to ever go into production, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get a chance to drive it

The German marque unveiled its new Vision Gran Turismo concept last Sunday evening. The all-electric supercar will be available to drive in next year’s Gran Turismo 7, and is the first vehicle the automaker has designed specifically for a computer game.

Since 2013, Polyphony Digital, the studio behind the Gran Turismo franchise, has partnered with some of the world’s most respected automakers to design virtual prototypes that are playable in its games. Although brands like Lamborghini, Bugatti and Jaguar have all participated in the programme, Porsche had been a notable hold out – until now.

porsche vision gran turismo
This Vision Gran Turismo concept has a wide track and profile similar to that of a 718 Cayman

Unlike some past Vision Gran Turismo concepts we’ve seen, Porsche’s entry isn’t based on any of its current models. The new prototype has a wide track and a profile similar to that of a mid-engine sports car—like the 718 Cayman – despite not being powered by an internal combustion mill. Massive fenders, a front splitter with active elements and a massive rear diffuser are all part of an aerodynamic package designed to make the car slice through the air with ease. And while the body may be completely original, it does still feature some elements – rectangular LED headlamps and rear light strip – that have become increasingly common on the brand’s models.

porsche vision gran turismo
Carbon fibre and titanium are abound

The Vision Gran Turismo is explicitly be a race car, but it sure looks like one from the inside its clamshell-like glass canopy. Carbon fibre and titanium abound throughout the spartan setup. Our favorite bit is the holographic gauge cluster tucked in behind the vehicle’s squared-off motorsport steering wheel. While the car may only ever exist in computer-generated form, Porsche did say it only used vegan materials for the cabin.

The Vision Gran Turismo should win you some races as well. The concept features an all-electric drivetrain connected to a 87 kWh battery pack. The setup sends power to all four wheels and will be able to generate an impressive 1,274 hp. Thanks to all that oomph, the car can rocket from 0 to 100 km/hr in 2.1 seconds, 0 to 200 km/hr in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 349 km/hr. It’ll also get 499 km on a single charge, according to the automaker.

Unfortunately, it looks like the automaker’s latest concept will never see life outside of Gran Turismo 7, which will launch on 4 March 2022, for the Playstation 4 and 5 (and is available to pre-order now). Still, this is likely the only time you’ll get to drive a Porsche concept for US$70 (S$95). Just think about how much you’ll save on maintenance.

This story was first published on Robb Report USA