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.

The 2013 GT Academy competition begins today at 5:00pm Pacific Time when an exclusive demo of Gran Turismo 6 for PS3 becomes available to download.

The GT6 demo will guide players through GT Academy-themed driving school challenges before unlocking the final qualifying event. Players have the potential to qualify for this year’s GT Academy, kick-starting a journey that could lead to a real-life racing career with Nissan. The demo includes the following modes on the new Silverstone track:

• A quick tutorial that includes tips and tricks on the controls and navigating around the track
• Four warm-up races using two Nissan cars, the LEAF and 370Z
• Five time trials on the Silverstone track driving the Nissan 370Z, four of which take place on various sections of the track, and one being the full lap. That one full lap time becomes the entry time for GT Academy. Enter as often as you like before 3:59pm Pacific Time on July 28th.

Players who clear all five trials with greater than a bronze medal will receive a special 15 Year Anniversary bonus race event, which will appear in the demo after July 28.

The online qualification for GT Academy will lead to the 31 fastest racers being invited to the National Final events, where they will be joined by this year’s Racer X winner Armen Aghakhan, who earned his seat through the Racer X competition at E3. At the National Finals, the 32 competitors will be challenged in the game and on the track in real Nissan cars. From there, the action switches to the famous Race Camp at Silverstone, with the winner there set to potentially join the elite team of Nissan’s Nismo Athletes.

While the demo is open to all and available to play until the end of August, the GT Academy competition itself will close Sunday, July 28 at 3:59pm Pacific Time. Eligible players wishing to enter will register for the final round of the demo in-game by agreeing to the official rules of the competition. Anyone who registers and submits a qualifying time will receive free bonus content.