Multiple manufacturers have released game-exclusive concept models in the Gran Turismo racing game for Playstation 3, including Mercedes, Toyota and Chevrolet. The latest piece of potential future tech to come to life digitally in the game is the BMW Vision Gran Turismo race car, which is what we imagine a BMW M235i DTM car might look like.
According to BMW, the Vision Gran Turismo follows the “tradition of the successful BMW touring cars of the 1970s.” It has a large front splitter and rear spoiler along with other air conduction pieces, all of which are made of lightweight carbon fiber to help keep weight down. It is finished in a classic and instantly recognizable livery with a white body and classic blue, red and light blue BMW M-style graphics.
Underneath the hood rests a similar version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine from the M235i, which BMW says is good for 549 horsepower and 680 Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear-wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission actuated by flappy paddles on the steering wheel. Of course, they’ve pulled nearly 400 kilograms of weight out of the car compared to the M235i, lending to its perfect 50:50 weight distribution.
Beginning on May 15, visitors to the BMW Welt in Munich will have the opportunity to take the BMW Vision Gran Turismo on a virtual track within the BMW M exhibition. The gaming stations will feature a dedicated racing seat with a specially designed three-screen display, giving the user a totally immersive driving experience. Eventually, the car will be available for download from the Gran Turismo 6 marketplace.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_obcI-bIS4Y[/youtube]
