By: IOL Motoring Staff
Tokyo, Japan - Mitsubishi has joined the distinguished list of carmakers that have created high-performance virtual cars specifically for the Playstation video game Gran Turismo 6.
The Mitsubishi Concept XR-PHEV Evolution Vision Gran Turismo, to give it its full title, was developed by the company's Advanced Vehicle Research and Development Group, and the Aerodynamic Engineering Development Group, in much the same way as a real prototype would have been.
In fact, it's based on a real car, albeit not a production model; the Vision follows was developed from the Concept XR-PHEV, first shown at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, using on-the-track know-how gleaned from years of motorsport experience to turn a pretty little show car into a serious competition machine.
AGGRESSIVE FEATURES
The design language has been pushed further, emphasising its more aggressive features; the grille is a study for next-generation Mitsubishi production cars, while the wedge shape extending rearwards from the triple diamond logo is intended to evoke an athlete crouched on the starting line.
An all-carbon fibre monocoque lends stiffness, front and rear diffusers provide downforce and 20 forged-alloy rims sit neatly in flared wheel-arches on high-performance sports suspension.
The drivetrain uses advanced development technology from the existing Plug-in Hybrid EV programme to transmit the high-revving power of the combustion engine and the instant torque of the electric motor to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Torque distribution is optimised by an electronic vehicle dynamics control system to keep the Vision GT going exactly where it's pointed.
HOW TO GET IT
After you've installed Update 1.08 on your console, you can buy the car from the [Vision GT] area within the [CARS] section in “My Home” - which is also where you will find the car's presentation video.
Alternatively, you can also get it - for a limited time only! - by completing a lap (regardless of the lap time) in the new Seasonal Event.