Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.49 Now Available, Adds 6 Cars And Eiger Nordwand Circuit

Nearly three weeks after its original reveal, the bigger-than-usual update 1.49 is now available for Gran Turismo 7, adding a smattering of new content to the game as well as some major technical overhauls.

It brings a big change to how the game plays thanks to a reworked physics engine. Polyphony says the update mainly affects suspension and tyre models, which should result in more natural weight transfer in cornering as well as offering more realistic tyre heat and wear simulations. Complementing that is the addition of licensed Michelin tyres replacing the previously generic-branded options in-game. 

The physics reset has also led to a clean slate for all Circuit Experience, Licence Test and Mission leaderboards, with all the old, unrepresentative times deleted.

A classic track from the series returns too, albeit perhaps an unexpected one. Eiger Nordwand, nestled in the mountains of southern Switzerland, will be added having last been seen in GT6 and debuting in the often-forgotten Gran Turismo HD Concept. It'll become the 39th track in Gran Turismo 7. As expected, a new Circuit Experience event arrives alongside it, utilising the Group 4 Alfa Romeo 4C. You'll also be able to take images around the Eiger region in Scapes.

There are a half dozen fresh cars too, headlined by the 1998 Subaru Impreza WRC98 - the car that Colin McRae took three victories in during the '98 WRC season.

Two ‘00s Italian supercars join it, namely the Ferrari 430 Scuderia and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Meanwhile from Germany, the Ruf RGT 4.2 makes an appearance.

Bringing things a bit back down to earth is the arrival of the E36 BMW M3, while the Genesis X Gran Racer VGT Concept – a racing version of the brand’s VGT added to the game earlier this year – also features.

There's also a neat update to both the Nürburgring 24H layout and Lago Maggiore to allow races against Sony’s advanced AI, Sophy. A batch of new wheels from Pokal will also be available in GT Auto.

Four more races have been added to the games' World Circuits mode, two of which are at Eiger Nordwand, while a new McLaren extra menu is on offer for those of you keen on car collecting. This does require you to have the McLaren F1 road car though, costing an eye-watering 20,000,000 credits at the time of writing. 

Finally, the game's engine swap offerings have been expanded, with one entirely new engine – the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 from the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. This has two rather unexpected new homes under the bonnet of the Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Mazda Atenza – better known as the Mazda 6 in Europe.

Gran Turismo 7’s 1.49 update is available now, clocking in at 4.87GB on PlayStation 5 and 3.10GB on PlayStation 4.