In most cases, virtual reality exceeds real life and BMW’s new virtual racecar called the Vision Gran Turismo makes no exception. Designed for the Gran Turismo 6 video game available exclusively on PlayStation 3, the Vision GT appears to be an evolution of the real-life BMW M235i Racing, both in terms of design and performance.

The car’s creators at BMW Group Design envisioned it with a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine developed by BMW M GmbH, promising a peak performance of 542hp (549PS), “fast laps and optimum handling and control.”

The engine produces a peak torque of 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) at just 1,900 rpm and is mated to a sequential six-speed transmission, operated by gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. The rear-wheel drive BMW Vision Gran Turismo weighs only 1,180 kilograms (2,601 lbs), evenly distributed on the two axles (50:50).

The car’s design reminds of BMW touring cars of the 1970s, with the crisp proportions and dynamic silhouette making it a joy to look at. The front and rear spoilers are designed to provide optimum down-force, while all air conduction elements reduce drag and lower the vehicle’s total weight through the use of carbon fiber. Finally, the paint finish in BMW M colors traces the flow of the airstream.

The BMW Vision Gran Turismo is obviously based on the M235i Racing – just look at the overall proportions and the shape of the taillights. So why would BMW design a virtual racecar based on a real car, when it could have opted for a futuristic proposition like Mercedes’ AMG Vision Gran Turismo? I can only hope it’s because BMW plans to actually build a similar model…

My hopes are kept alive by this statement from BMW’s vice president brand communication, Andreas-Christoph Hofmann: “The race car anticipates future racing trends and allows gaming fans even more to experience BMW racing quality.”

And even if the Vision Gran Turismo won’t be built, if the upcoming BMW M2 looks half as good as this it will clearly be a stunner.

By Dan Mihalascu

PHOTO GALLERY



VIDEO