Gran Turismo 5 brings the world’s most realistic and comprehensive driving experience to fans in one of the most highly anticipated games of all time. Consistently setting the bar in terms of quality of design and physics technology with every product release, Gran Turismo 5 on PS3 is no exception and aims to set new standards in terms of graphics, presentation, and gameplay.

Gran Turismo 5 features more than 1000 licensed cars from the world’s top manufacturers and more than 20 tracks with more than 70 variations, including famous world circuits, city courses, and other environments. Featuring exciting gameplay and modes to suit newcomers, automotive enthusiasts, and seasoned fans, Gran Turismo 5 raises the bar on the franchise’s depth of content and unparalleled visuals including lifelike graphics that are difficult to distinguish from a live race. Further reflecting this realism, cars will feature real-time visual damage with adaptive and accurate car deformation based on point of impact and velocity. Additionally for the first time, Gran Turismo 5 will feature an extremely deep online and community feature set.

Players can progress and acquire credits through a variety of modes like GT Career Mode, Championship Races, License Tests and more, or they can explore different tracks and circuit variations in Arcade Mode. Additionally, players can race online with up to 16 players through PlayStation Network (PSN). Players can also participate in a robust online system, and transfer vehicles unlocked in Gran Turismo for PSP into their garage in Gran Turismo 5.

The X1 Prototype is the answer to the ‘What if' dream of a world where racing car design is no longer limited by regulation.  Forged by Polyphony Digital, working with world-class racing car constructor Red Bull Racing and aerodynamics expert and racing car design genius Adrian Newey, the result goes far beyond the startling new look.  If the performance of test driver Sebastian Vettel in a shakedown run at the Suzuka Circuit is to be believed, the driving experience will be unbeatable.

As with all design masterpieces, the Red Bull X1 has been through several iterations.  The starting point was a low drag single seat wing car with a glass canopy and covered wheels, powered by a forced induction engine.  The result was a startling set of figures; 1,483hp at 15,000rpm, a top speed of 400kmh and up to 6G of lateral G-force.  However under the expert eye of Newey and driven by his passion to realise the dream, the initial concept then took a big step forward.  He proposed the use of ‘Fan Car' technology - last seen and rapidly banned from F1 in the late 70s - where a fan is used to force air out from underneath the car, lowering the air pressure creating a huge amount of downforce. 

A redesign of the car showed its value on the track where traditional low speed corners could be taken at significantly higher speeds.  The new figures showed a maximum lateral G force exceeding 8G, pushing the limits for the human body, and a top speed of more than 450kmh.  The killer combination of low air resistance due to body styling, glass canopies and full tire cowlings; increased low speed down-force courtesy of the fans; and stability at high speed due to front and rear wings and rear diffuser, are what brought about this result.

For a nervous design team the last stage of the journey was the shakedown test.  Enter Sebastian Vettel who, on his first run, slashed more than 20 seconds off the course record on the Suzuka Circuit. 

As Adrian Newey, Chief Technical Officer of Red Bull Racing puts it: "The results were thrilling.  X1 is about evolution.  Delivering the optimum combination of tested technologies in a single integrated design.  This would be the future of racing were we not bound by regulations, but one that is achievable today.  And as Sebastian has shown, it is about devastating speed coupled with real handling control.  Today thanks to PS3 and Gran Turismo we can test drive the future."

Kazunori Yamauchi, President, Polyphony Digital Inc and creator of the Gran Turismo series commented: "X1 sees the marriage of virtual and real worlds as we explore the boundaries of our technology and aesthetic senses.  The X1 Prototype Project has been motivated by curiosity and passion, powerful forces that brought together the best the world has to offer in design, physics simulation, racing car product technology and driving."

Key Features:

• CARS THAT LOOK AND FEEL REAL
  • A first for the franchise, vehicles will now show real-time damage and wear that reflect the driver’s treatment of the car. Cars will collect dirt (and can be washed at car washes) and will feature adaptive and accurate body deformation and performance damage based on point of impact and velocity (on select vehicles).
  • Additional graphic touchups that add to the realism include smoke from tires, sparks that fly from vehicle rollovers, and dirt accumulation.
  • Brand new vehicle physics engine that replaces the engine from Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, making the action more realistic than ever.
  • PlayStation Eye camera features that add a new level of detail to the game, including face tracking for looking around the interior of vehicles while in the interior dash view.
• MORE CARS, MORE TRACKS, MORE MODES
  
  • More than 1000 licensed cars, including those representing racing organizations from around the globe such as NASCAR, World Rally Championship, Super GT and more.
  • More than 20 tracks with more than 70 variations featuring famous world circuits and real-world city locales.
  • Arcade mode lets players take in the stunning tracks and environments of
• Gran Turismo 5 alone or with a friend in split-screen two-player mode.
  
  • The fan-favorite career mode returns with a full world map, licensed car dealerships, tuning and body shops, and car washes. Start your car collection, customize them to your liking, and live the life of a pro racer.
  • Compete in franchise mainstays like point-based Championship Race series and hone your skills with License Tests.
  • Gran Turismo TV Video gives players access to an online clearinghouse of great motorsport video programming (both HD and SD – all broadcast quality) through PLAYSTATION Network. Users can now export this content to the GT PSP Museum (GT PSP required).
• CUSTOMIZE YOUR RIDE, AND YOUR GAME
  
  • Photo Mode and Photo Album allows users to capture their greatest GT moments, and share with friends. Players can stage and capture stylish shots from a number of angles and locations.
  • Photo Album can be shared online, and the Online Replay Album lets players capture replay video from their favorite races and upload them to YouTube for the world to see.
  • Players can create custom soundtracks from music stored on their PS3s to play in-game.
• RACE AGAINST THE WORLD, ONLINE
  
  • Online racing evolves in Gran Turismo 5 with robust racing options that are shaping up to deliver the deepest online racing experience available.
  • Players can join in on public races featuring up to 16 players at once with text and voice chat, or host private races with lobbies supporting up to 32 players per lobby.
• OTHER FEATURES
  • Players who own Gran Turismo PSP and Gran Turismo 5 Prologue can transfer cars unlocked in that game directly to their garage in Gran Turismo 5 for use in Arcade Mode through special cross-talk interoperability.
  • Gran Turismo 5 will feature full PSN Trophy support, making players’ accomplishments that much more satisfying.