A new compact game engine will improve operation and increase the flexibility to expand it with downloadable content. Meanwhile, the game is also set for expanded connectivity with other devices such as smart phones and tablets and increased social and community functions.

All of the cars and tracks from Gran Turismo 5 will be retained in GT6. But notable new additions to the already impressive line-up of historic cars, road cars and the latest race cars, brings the total car list to 1,200 at launch, with new cars set to be continually added online. Several thousand aerodynamic parts and custom wheels will be available for almost all cars, and players can personalize their own custom cars in game to the greatest ever level possible.

The UK's famous Silverstone Circuit will be just one of seven new locations in Gran Turismo 6, taking the total to 33, with 71 different layouts available, 19 of them brand new. There will also be regular additions of new tracks set to be made available online. The improved course maker function will provide gorgeous scenery spanning several tens of square kilometers including the magnificent backdrop of Andalucia.

GT Academy 2013 will officially kick off with qualifications starting Tuesday, July 2, and ending Sunday, July 28, at 3:59 p.m. PST. The only way to qualify is by downloading the demo for PS3 and racing for the best qualifying times to advance to National Finals, where they’ll compete for a place in the Silverstone race camp to determine one ultimate winner from each country. This year, the stakes are even higher as players will get on the testing grounds with a new demo from the unreleased Gran Turismo 6 game for PS3, giving fans around the world a sneak peek into the biggest racing game of the year.

The demo will remain available to play even after the competition concludes until Aug. 31 and is open to all Gran Turismo fans, including gamers who do not wish to enter the 2013 GT Academy contest.

Kazunori Yamauchi, creator of the Gran Turismo series, has set an interesting challenge for Gran Turismo entrants featuring stunningly re-created Nissan cars including the Leaf, 370Z and GT-R. The GT6 demo will guide players through beginner rounds of a GT Academy-themed race camp before unlocking the final qualifying event featuring the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit, making GT Academy equally accessible to Gran Turismo novices and experts alike. Anyone who registers and submits a qualifying time will receive free bonus content.

Eligible entrants within the participating countries will need a Sony Entertainment Network account and access to a PS3 connected to the internet. They can download the free qualifying GT6 demo from the PlayStation Store, with no ownership of the Gran Turismo game required.