Gran Turismo 7: Update 1.49 - New Track And Physics Model

Polyphony Digital has announced Eiger Nordwand will be added to GT7 in update 1.49 later this month. Unusually, news of the update came to light during today's live Gran Turismo World Series event in Montreal, wedged in between the on-track action of the Manufacturers Cup. A brief trailer, similar to the many we've grown accustomed to, boasted its contents, and it's pretty safe to say that it was a surprise — not least because it's the first road course added since Grand Valley in February 2023.

The PD team was presented with taking photographs of the landscape via a helicopter, and the slides showed a selection of 3D buildings, such as the Kleine Scheidegg railway station. Eiger Nordwand itself was one of the courses that were available in Gran Turismo HD, which was essentially the only course as such in the game, along with its reverse version. Though the track was concise - only 1.5 miles long, there's still plenty there to catch drivers out, and it comes with some truly breathtaking scenery.

The track made another return with Gran Turismo 5 Prologue before being given three new off-road courses for Gran Turismo 5 and 6. Yet again, though, these fantastic memories join so many others in the GT recycle bin (or perhaps an ashtray is more appropriate) as the location is one that did not make it into the selection for Gran Turismo Sport. For this 1.49 update, there is only a mention of the Eiger Nordwand track itself, so we're getting the hard-top original track only and not the later rally additions. It also looks to be very close to the original layout, unlike some of the other classics, which have been modified, although we're not quite sure where the pit lane is this time around.

New Update Highlights

• New Cars: Six new cars to the Gran Turismo 7 lineup. Some of them include the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, 2016 Ruf RGT 4.2, 1997 BMW M3 (E36), 1998 Subaru Impreza WRC, and Genesis Vision Gran Turismo car. Either these two vehicles provide an absolutely new experience that possibly never took place before, appealing not only to the vintage lovers but also to fans of contemporary supercars.
• Improved Physics: The physics engine receives many additions and would give more natural handling for cars. This update improves car feedback, reduces understeer, and improves traction control so that cars become more reactive and realistic. New tire models that come with the update ensure that tire wear from sliding is much more increased, adding to the sense of careful driving.
• Eiger Nordwand Track: The update's showpiece is the addition of the Eiger Nordwand track. The track is renowned for its narrow lanes, tight turns, and high speed—a perfect recipe for a driving experience rife with challenging elements. Although some changes have been made to the general landscape and mountains so that everything offers a better driving experience, changes are made while maintaining the spirit of the original GT4 design.

This update does not only show the explicit development but also shows further development processes that will follow. Player feedback is important, and the developers have promised to continue taking such input into future considerations. That ensures an iterative process where the game keeps evolving, making it an ever better experience.