Ferrari has unveiled its VGT concept that, as the name suggests, is exclusively for the Gran Turismo 7 racing game. While this futuristically designed, 1356hp, single-seat racing concept will only be featured in the virtual gaming world, Ferrari says the VGT concept also previews what its next-generation road cars could look like.
- Design inspired by iconic racers of 1960s and '70s
- Aerodynamics plays a big role in the VGT’s design
- Powered by 1,356hp hybrid V6 engine
Ferrari VGT concept: design
Conceptualised by senior designer Flavio Manzoni and team at Ferrari Centro Stile in Maranello, the Vision Gran Turismo represents a “futuristic design manifesto” for the brand’s next-generation road and race cars. The car takes inspiration from the iconic racing cars of the 1960s and 1970s such as the 330 P3 and 512 S.
Aerodynamics play a big part in the VGT’s design, with two side channels that direct airflow around the cockpit and over the side pods, and a rear diffuser and biplane wing inspired by Ferrari’s real-world 499P LMHd racer combined to generate “extremely efficient aerodynamic downforce” that plants the car to the track, Ferrari says.
Although no real version of the Ferrari VGT has been announced, a full-scale physical study will be on display at the Italian carmaker’s museum in Maranello from December 15.
Ferrari VGT concept: powertrain
Underneath, the VGT receives a “more extreme” version of the 120-degree twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that powers the Ferrari 296 GTB road car and 499P racer. The uprated powerplant now pushes out 1,030hp at 9,000rpm (296 GTB: 830hp at 8,000rpm) and 900Nm at 5,500rpm, with an additional 326hp available through three electric motors – one on the rear axle and one on each of the front wheels.
This high-revving engine is connected to a Formula 1-derived, eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and can send the car from standing to 100kph in less than 2 seconds, and to 200kph in a blistering 5 seconds. Top speed for the 1250kg track weapon has been quoted as more than 350kph.
Vision Gran Turismo
Dreamt up by Polyphony Digital, the Vision Gran Turismo is a hugely popular racing game series. The programme invites major manufacturers to create advanced fictional cars to be added to the games.
Ferrari’s VGT concept follows a number of other manufacturers in the virtual racing sphere, including Vision Gran Turismo models from Suzuki, Jaguar, Bugatti and Lamborghini.
However, the recently revealed V10-powered McLaren Solus GT is one of the first virtual cars to make it into the real world. The sub-1,000kg special with 830bhp was limited to 25 cars at more than £3 million (over Rs 29 crore) each.
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