We're visiting a third "short course" event in succession this week, as the previous time trial at Suzuka East is replaced with a new one at the Nurburgring Sprint course — and a week remains on the Watkins Glen Short Course event too.
Three cars arrived in the update today, and one is immediately set to work as you'll be driving the newest GT-R model added to the game. This "T-Spec" car represents the final form of the GT-R as it's retired after almost 20 years.
It's still the same GT-R underneath, with a 562hp version of the VR38DETT six-cylinder engine driving all four wheels through a complicated, active four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering system. You're going to need that extra nimbleness here, with the Sprint course comprising the slow Mercedes Arena section and a frustrating cut-through to the often rebranded turn ten.
While it's still early in the event's life, we're starting to see some representative times as players race towards the bottom end of the 1:32s. There's a good chance that this will be beaten before too long, so the current gold marker of 1:34.9 is likely to be nearer 1:34.5 by the time the event closes. Aim for a flat-1:34 if you want to be a little more assured.
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 October 10.
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge October 3 – Nurburgring Sprint
- Track: Nurburgring Sprint
- Car: Nissan GT-R (R35) Premium T-Spec '24 – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (M)
- Tires: Sports Medium
- Settings: Fixed
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge September 26 – Watkins Glen
- Track: Watkins Glen Short Course
- Car: Alfa Romeo 155 V6 TI '93 – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (M)
- Tires: Racing Hard
- Settings: Fixed
