Man, do you remember the November update for Gran Turismo 7 back in 2024? Even now in 2026, it stands out as one of Polyphony Digital's finest content drops. The sheer joy of driving those five new cars—especially that historic Mercedes F1—still gives me goosebumps. I've got to tell ya, if you missed it or just want a nostalgia trip, let's dive deep into what made that update so legendary. It's the kind of thing that makes you fire up the old PS5 again, strap on the PSVR 2, and lose a whole weekend. Seriously, the hype was real, and the delivery was chef's kiss.
Before We Pop the Hood—Other Sweet Additions
Okay, let's get one thing straight: this update wasn't just about the rides. Polyphony Digital dropped some serious QOL and content additions that, honestly, I still enjoy daily. First up, the Sophy AI got pumped into more tracks. If you haven't raced against Sophy at Trial Mountain Circuit and Tokyo Expressway – East Clockwise, dude, you're missing out. This AI is an absolute unit—it'll push your limits without being a total pain. It feels like racing against a real human who actually respects racing etiquette. For a chuckle, I tried to defend the inside line at Trial Mountain against Sophy and, no joke, I was sweating bullets.
Then we got the photo curation space in Colorado. If you're a Scapes junkie like me, you know how awesome it is to have fresh backdrops. The Colorado locales are drop-dead gorgeous—think wide-open skies and rugged terrain that make any car look like a million bucks. I spent a solid hour just snapping pics of the Jimny in its natural habitat. It’s these little things that keep me coming back.
And oh boy, the new events. Three fresh World Circuit events were added:
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Jimny Cup at Grand Valley – South: Who would've thought a boxy SUV could be this fun on tarmac? It’s pure, unadulterated joy.
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Porsche Cup at Laguna Seca: A no-brainer. The Corkscrew in a 911 Turbo S? Perfection.
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Race of Turbo Sportscars at Mount Panorama: Absolute madness. The uphill section in a turbo beast is white-knuckle territory.
For the collectors out there, the Extra Menu: Ferrari Speciale arrived, demanding you own the Ferrari F40, F50, and Enzo. It's a Level 48+ affair, so if you're still grinding, better put in the hours. Finally, Rotiform wheels joined the brand list. As a total wheel snob, I can tell you, Rotiform has some jaw-dropping designs that transformed my garage instantly. The customization game just leveled up.
The Main Event: Five Cars That Slap
Alright, enough chit-chat. You came for the metal, and I'm here to deliver. These five cars—well, four legends and one quirky SUV—are the reason this update still lives rent-free in my head.
1. 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R – The GOAT's Chariot
Let's kick off with the crown jewel. When I first saw the 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R pop up in the dealership, I actually gasped. This isn't just any F1 car—it's the machine piloted by Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss. They won nine out of twelve races that season, capturing the world championship in both years it competed. Driving it in VR is a spiritual experience. The open-wheel cockpit, the skinny tires, that howling straight-8 engine note… it’s like stepping into a time machine. And let’s be real, the W 196 is the reason to dust off your PSVR 2. I lapped the Nordschleife with it and my heart was pounding the whole time. No driver aids, no nonsense—just you, the road, and history. If you haven't added this one to your collection, what are you even doing?
2. Ford Escort RS Cosworth '92 – The Rally-Bred Hot Hatch Hero
Next up is a proper everyman hero: the Ford Escort RS Cosworth '92. This rally legend for the road is one of the greatest American hot hatches of all time. Oh, I know, the Escort was European-born, but the Cossie has a massive fanbase stateside. The signature whale-tail spoiler, the turbocharger whoosh, and that distinctive front grille—it's pure '90s cool. I threw it around Fisherman's Ranch and it felt like being a kid again, watching WRC footage on a CRT TV. The car is so communicative on the limit; you can feel every ounce of grip and then, just when you think it'll understeer, a little lift-off oversteer kicks in. Magic. For anyone with a soft spot for Group A rally specials, this is a straight-up must-have.
3. 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) – The Everyday Supercar
You know what’s better than a 911? A turbocharged 911 that can daily drive and then humiliate supercars at the track. The 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo S in GT7 is an absolute weapon. Acceleration from 0–60 in 2.6 seconds? Check. AWD grip that defies physics? You bet. I tested it in the Porsche Cup at Laguna Seca, and holy smokes, it just devours the track. The dual-clutch gearbox is seamless, the rear-axle steering makes it rotate like a smaller car, and the interior? Pure class. It’s the kind of car you take on a road trip across the game's highways and then, minutes later, set a blistering lap at the Nürburgring. If you’re looking for a no-compromise machine, this is it. Porsche fanboys (myself included) were over the moon.
4. 2023 Porsche Mission X – A Vision of the Future
If the 911 Turbo S is the past perfected, the 2023 Porsche Mission X is the future injected with adrenaline. This thing looks like a spaceship that escaped from a sci-fi movie. Officially a Vision Gran Turismo car, it's a hypercar concept with insane downforce and electric powertrain vibes. While its real-world production status was still up in the air back in 2024, in the game it’s a track monster. I drove it on Tokyo Expressway at night, and the LED light signature left skid marks on my retinas. It’s so low and wide you feel like a fighter pilot. The acceleration is bonkers—instant torque that pins you to the seat. I can't help but think this is what Porsche dreams up when they let engineers run wild. A true gem for any collection.
5. 2018 Suzuki Jimny Sierra JC – The Plucky Little SUV
Finally, we have the curveball: the 2018 Suzuki Jimny Sierra JC. Before you scoff, hear me out. This tiny SUV has more character than most supercars. With its retro boxy design, it looks like an old Land Rover shrunken in the wash. The JC trim added those chunky fender flares and a rugged stance that just begs for dirt. I took it to the Colorado off-road tracks and, man, it's a riot. The short wheelbase makes it bouncy, but you can thread it through narrow trails with surgical precision. Plus, the customization options are endless—lift kits, roof racks, even snorkels. It's the kind of car that makes you smile every time you see it in your garage. No, it's not a van (thank goodness), but it fills the quirky off-roader niche perfectly. If you ever get bored, just drop a rotary engine swap into it and watch the chaos unfold.
Still Buzzing in 2026
Looking back from 2026, this update exemplifies why Gran Turismo 7 keeps its community glued to their screens. The blend of historic icons, modern marvels, and oddball fun is unmatched. The Sophy AI expansion, new events, and extra customization choices only sweetened the pot. I still hop into the W 196 for a few serene laps at Monza when I need to clear my head. And the best part? All these additions are still here, waiting for new players to discover and veterans to revisit. So, if you haven't experienced this drop yet—or it's been a while—do yourself a favor and jump back in. The love for motor racing history and the joy of driving are alive and kicking in 2026, and this update is a testament to that. Peace out, and see you on the track!