New GT7 Update Is Out and It's Not What We Hoped For

Everyone is almost desperately waiting for the new Assetto Corsa Evo title. The first game came out 10 years ago, so it's been a while. But until we get final confirmation of a release date, we can only try to find other ways to pass the time. Until I get a new gaming monitor, I'll continue playing Gran Turismo 7 for at least a few more months.

Most GT7 players were equally eager to get a new update for their favorite game, as the last one arrived over two months ago. It was pretty spectacular, with six new cars and the fictional Eiger Nordwand circuit. And it was only a few days ago that we saw a teaser image for what we'd get inside Update 1.52. While I'm happy to get a new, free DLC, I can't help but feel it's slightly underwhelming.

Some fans have been more vocal, arguing that the "wait wasn't worth it." But let's see what it's all about. The first of the three new cars is the 2016 Toyota Hiace Van DX. We already had the 2018 Alphard Executive Lounge and the 2021 Ambulance Himedic. So why did we need the Hiace? I imagine it boils down to lower development costs for the company, or maybe it even emphasizes the connection with Toyota.

But if it's about the latter, I can think of at least five other models from the Aichi-based manufacturer that should have come first. The Hiace Van DX is available at Brand Central for 25,000 credits. While the Himedic is free of charge, it's also 2,600 lbs (1,180 kg) heavier. The 2.0-liter 1TR-FE engine in the Hiace is only good enough for 134 bhp.

I still took it out for a test around Tsukuba Circuit, where it could barely reach 74 mph (120 kph). You don't need to brake for the last corner, but overall, the driving experience is still somewhat enjoyable. It took me 1:22.265 to finish one lap, and I doubt I will ever be driving it again. The only reason I'd ever use it would be if I wanted to build a replica of Daigo Saito's GTR-powered Hiace.

Moving on, you might have realized by now that all three cars come from the Land of the Rising Sun. You may remember that we got the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX MR GSR with update 1.43 in February. And now, there's a new Evo in town: the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII MR GSR. I guess the only players who will genuinely be happy about this car are those who own one or dream about that moment.

We asked for an Eclipse, but even a Pajero Evo would be cool! I paid 80,000 credits for the new Lancer at Brand Central (it was cheaper at 65,800 in the Used Car Lot). It's a fun car to drive; there's no denying that. I hit 105 mph (170 kph) down the main straight at Tsukuba, and you don't even need performance upgrades to enjoy the car.

There's a hint of understeer in some corners, but I still managed a fast lap of 1:06.471. I saved what's best for that, but even this is a "repeat," like in Hot Wheels cases. The 2024 Nissan GT-R Premium edition T-spec costs 200,000 credits, and I bought one in Midnight Purple. It's the 10th variation of the R35 GT-R: do we need this many of them?

No one would have been upset about a Liberty Walk spec R35 or the Bensopra one. Unsurprisingly, it makes the previous Evo feel like a plain old Hot Hatch. I hit 124 mph (200 kph) on the main straight, and it's just a tad heavy under heavy braking. Amazingly, Nissan has built the GT-R to a level where it laps Tsukuba in less than 60 seconds in stock form. A performance like this would have been unheard of 20 years ago. Update 1.52 has a few more bits, but we wanted a new track and some spectacular cars! Can we get that next time, please?