The Online Time Trial events usually run for two weeks, with a new event each week, replacing the oldest of the two. However, the impending 1.49 update brings with it a change to the game physics which — per the comments of the drivers at the GT World Series event in Montreal, which used the new physics — means that "everything's faster".
If the time trial were to run for the usual two weeks then, the entire first week would be moot due to this change rendering everything faster overnight. Polyphony Digital has, accordingly, made the wise choice of making this a one-week only event — though we're not yet sure what will happen with scheduling of the Time Trials once the update arrives.
It's going to be quite the week too, with something of an aural treat. You'll be heading to the Sardegna Road Track location, and lapping the long "A" course which takes you into the Sardinian countryside. There you'll hear the sounds of a high-revving V10 bouncing off the trees.
That's because the car selected for this week's event is the fabulous Lexus LFA, a halo car like no other. This high-performance, carbon polymer-bodied beast popped up as easily the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car from the Lexus brand previously better known for its more aspirational sedans.
Whether you borrow a car or use your own, you'll need to be on Sports Soft tires for this time trial, and there's some pretty heady times already. At present the record is a 1:44.7 but this is also the only time under a 1:45 — which hints that there's not really that much left to gain. Gold is currently 1:47.9, so if you aim to hit 1:47.5 we reckon there's a good chance that'll be safe and sound for the 2m credit reward.
The Super Formula time trial event which began last week has another week to run too, with the times falling roughly into the area we expected. Right now the world record is a high 1:19.4, setting gold in the 1:21.8s. There's not much more potential for gains, so chances are that if you're in the 1:21.7s you'll be safe enough — but still aim for that 1:21.5 for more security.
In order to access the Online Time Trials, you'll need to unlock Sport Mode, by completing Menu Book 9 ("Championship: Tokyo Highway Parade") in the GT Cafe single player hub. As it's just you against the clock and not a direct, head-to-head multiplayer event, PlayStation Plus is not required.
You'll usually need to be within 3% of the fastest time globally once the event finishes in order to secure "gold" status and a 2m credit bonus prize. There's smaller prizes of one million for being within 5%, and 250,000cr for bronze at 10% off.
The events update every Thursday, with each individual challenge usually remaining available for two weeks and the oldest of the two events being replaced each week. You can look forward to the next new Time Trial arriving at 0700 UTC on Thursday July 25, along with the 1.49 update.
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge July 18 – Sardegna Road Track
- Track: Sardegna Road Track – A
- Car: Lexus LFA '10 – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (H)
- Tires: Sports Soft
- Settings: Fixed
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge July 11 – Fuji Speedway
- Track: Fuji International Speedway
- Car: Super Formula SF23 Honda/Toyota – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (M)
- Tires: Racing Soft
- Settings: Fixed
