BMW Vision Gran Turismo virtual racer is a 3.0CSL for the 21st century

By Stephen Edelstein May 14, 2014

Following the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo concept unveiled last fall, BMW has created its own virtual racer for Gran Turismo 6.

The BMW Vision Gran Turismo is the latest in a planned series of cars designed specifically for the game. Like the Mercedes, it leverages the fact that it will never turn a wheel in the real world on a provocative design.

The car takes styling cues from recent BMWs – particularly the M4 coupe – to the extreme. Massive front fenders emphasize its scowling face, and there’s all of the scoops, ducts, spoilers, and diffusers one would expect of a race car.

However, the best part may be the paint job, which is reminiscent of 1970s BMW touring cars like the 3.0CSL “Batmobile”. In a scientific twist, the tricolor striping actually traces the airflow around the car.

Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, which produces 549 horsepower and is connected to a six-speed, paddle-shifted transmission.

Thanks to carbon-fiber bodywork, BMW says the Vision Gran Turismo weighs just 2,601 pounds, and it features a perfect 50:50 front-rear weight distribution. At least, in the game, it does.

After all, it’s only a virtual car. This racy BMW is the latest in a series of concept cars from different manufacturers planned to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Gran Turismo franchise.

So while you’ll never be able to physically get behind the wheel of one, you will be able to drive it. The BMW Vision Gran Turismo and the other cars will gradually be added to Gran Turismo 6 through online updates.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.