Get Ready, Racers! Gran Turismo 7 is Dropping Three New Performance Cars Next Week!
It seems our suspicions were spot on! The highly anticipated first update of 2026 for Gran Turismo 7 is just around the corner, set to launch next week. Series creator Kazunori Yamauchi himself spilled the beans via a social media post this morning, and the buzz is real!
We're all set to welcome three brand-new vehicles into the game. One of these has already been teased externally, but the way they're being revealed this time is a little different. Instead of heavy shadows, we're seeing the cars presented under covers. This is the second update in a row to use this method, hinting at a potential new approach as the game gears up for its fourth year of life. It’s been a bit since we had a more standard content drop, especially after the massive Spec III update in early December 2025 and the five-car bonus from the September 1.63 patch. But it looks like we're returning to the familiar three-car expansion that has been a staple throughout the game's journey so far.
Let's dive into the confirmed and rumored rides:
1. The Hyundai Elantra N TCR: A TCR Pioneer in GT!
Kicking things off, and as many expected, is the Hyundai Elantra N TCR. This was officially announced during the 2025 Gran Turismo World Finals in Fukuoka, with Hyundai itself confirming its arrival. This marks a monumental occasion as it will be the very first true TCR car to ever grace a Gran Turismo title, despite the global popularity of the TCR racing category since its inception in 2015. TCR boasts series across four continents, has been featured in over 20 countries, and even has a world championship that Hyundai has dominated, securing five victories in eight seasons. The Elantra N TCR is Hyundai's third distinct model in this class, following the successful i30 N and Veloster N, showcasing their commitment to the category. Given the TCR regulations – requiring two driven wheels, a minimum weight of 1,250kg, and a maximum of 350hp – we're betting this beauty will slot perfectly into the Gr.4 class. This would make it the first new Gr.4 car since the Mazda 3 arrived in the September 2023 1.38 update. Fingers crossed it doesn't disrupt the already delicate Balance of Performance in that class as much as the Mazda did!
2. The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra: A Groundbreaking Chinese Debut!
Next up, and also highly anticipated, is the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. This car was initially announced way back in June 2025, with the promise of its eventual arrival. Its inclusion is a landmark moment in Gran Turismo history, as it will be the very first Chinese car to ever be featured in the game. While subsequent announcements have hinted at further collaborations with Chinese manufacturers, the SU7 Ultra will pave the way for this exciting expansion. Xiaomi, a name more commonly associated with mobile phones, made a strategic pivot into the automotive world due to evolving market conditions. It's impressive that it took just under three years from that decision to their first production car, the SU7, hitting the road. In its Ultra form, this electric sedan is a powerhouse, boasting an astonishing 1,525hp delivered through a triple-motor setup. This translates to a blistering 0-60mph sprint in under two seconds, a top speed of 217mph, and a remarkable Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record for production four-door cars at 7:04.957!
3. The Porsche 911 GT3 R: A Surprise Contender?
And finally, the third car is shrouded in a bit of mystery, and honestly, it's a surprise no matter how you slice it. Our best guess? It's the Porsche 911 GT3 R! If true, this would be the second GT3-class car to join the game in consecutive updates, following the recent addition of the Ferrari 296 GT3. Based on the 992-generation 911, the GT3 R would likely step in to replace the beloved, mid-engined RSR as Porsche's Gr.3 offering. This would be a rather unexpected arrival, with just one race remaining in the 2026 qualifiers. The Balance of Performance concerns we mentioned for the Elantra N TCR are even more critical here, given the competitive nature of the Gr.3 class. Interestingly, a striking example of the 992 GT3 R, adorned in a special Dunlop livery designed by Polyphony Digital to showcase their new tire technology partnership, was recently on display at the GT World Finals.
What Else Can We Expect?
Beyond the new metal, car teasers are just the appetizer for a Gran Turismo 7 update. While the exact details are still under wraps, given the recent substantial Spec III update, we're not anticipating a massive overhaul of additional content. New tracks are highly unlikely, especially since we just received two. However, there's a slim possibility of some of the alternative layouts for Yas Marina making an appearance.
We can also look forward to some new races in World Circuits, likely tailored to the new cars, such as WTC700 and WTC800 events. There might even be a tweak to the Japanese road car races to accommodate the new Korean and Chinese vehicles. A new collection task in an Extra Menu Book is also a strong possibility.
While Bonus Menu Books are less probable, we'll likely see new engine swaps and fresh Scapes locations. The minor 1.66 update did make some adjustments to the Power Pack DLC, so there's a chance for further circuit support for GT Sophy in the base PS5 game.
When Can You Get Your Hands on It?
If Polyphony Digital sticks to their usual schedule, we should expect more official information about the update to surface around Wednesday, January 28th, with the update itself likely dropping on Thursday, January 29th.
Stay tuned for all the latest developments!
Now, over to you! What are your thoughts on these new additions? Are you excited about the Elantra N TCR, the groundbreaking Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, or the potential Porsche 911 GT3 R? Do you think the inclusion of the first Chinese car is a sign of great things to come for GT7's global representation? Let us know your predictions and opinions in the comments below!
