Since 2017, Porsche has appeared in the Gran Turismo video game franchise; however, it has never had the primary role. The German automaker has now shown the Vision Gran Turismo, a prototype racecar that will be used for more than simply gaming.

The Vision Gran Turismo will appear in Gran Turismo 7, published on March 4, 2022, for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. According to Michael Mauer, Vice President Style Porsche, “a vehicle built entirely for the virtual world offers up interesting options for us that are otherwise tightly regulated in a typical design process for a series production automobile… Projects like the Porsche Vision Gran Turismo are especially useful to us in the creative process. Developing our clearly defined Porsche Design DNA and sharing ideas with designers from different sectors is a vital aspect of our job.”

In terms of the car itself, it’s classic Porsche — just newer. The car is low and broad, with a low-set bonnet and noticeable wings, and it has a rear-end evocative of the Taycan and a front that, again, leans to the Taycan with its choice of air intakes.

The inside is also futuristic, but it also represents a positive future for Porsche. “We spent a long time deciding on the best material design, which consisted of carbon and titanium.” “The goal was to minimise weight while enhancing performance,” explains Markus Auerbach, Porsche’s Head of Interior Design. “Sustainability also plays a part in forward-thinking developments.” In the concept automobile, for example, we solely used vegan materials.”

Inside, there’s a hologram-style head-up display that appears to hover above the steering wheel, preventing driver distraction, while the rest is relatively sparse, in line with the purist mindset that all Porsches have.