The latest update to the acclaimed racing simulator Gran Turismo 7 has brought a surprising addition long awaited by technology and motorsport enthusiasts. The high-performance electric sedan, Xiaomi SU7, is now available to all players on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms, marking the Chinese technology giant’s debut in the franchise’s virtual universe.
The inclusion of the vehicle is the result of a strategic collaboration signed between Xiaomi and Polyphony Digital, the studio responsible for developing the game. The car was introduced as part of patch 1.42, released free of charge to all game owners, consolidating the presence of new emerging automotive brands on the global stage.
This digital launch allows millions of gamers around the world to experience the SU7’s performance even before its wide availability in several international markets. The initiative reinforces the trend of automakers using gaming platforms as a showcase for their launches and technological innovations.
The strategic partnership between Xiaomi and Polyphony Digital
The announcement of the collaboration between the two companies was met with great anticipation, uniting one of the largest electronics manufacturers in the world with one of the most respected racing franchises in history. The partnership was made official months before the car’s launch in the game, signaling a calculated move by Xiaomi to position its first electric vehicle on a platform with global reach.
For Polyphony Digital, the addition of the SU7 represents an ongoing effort to keep the Gran Turismo 7 vehicle catalog up to date with the latest trends in the automotive industry. The arrival of a car from a primarily technology company demonstrates the dissolution of barriers between sectors and the rise of new competitors in the electric vehicle market.
Performance and specifications in the virtual world
Within Gran Turismo 7, the Xiaomi SU7 has been recreated with the studio’s signature attention to detail. The virtual model reflects the aerodynamic design and futuristic lines of the real car, offering players an immersive driving experience that is faithful to the vehicle’s purpose.
While the production version of the SU7
The car’s physics have been carefully calibrated to simulate the instantaneous acceleration, weight distribution and dynamic behavior of a high-performance electric sedan, providing an interesting challenge for both casual drivers and e-sports competitors.
Other new features that arrived in the game
The update that brought the Xiaomi SU7 was not just limited to the addition of the new vehicle. Polyphony Digital took advantage of the patch to introduce new content that expands the gaming experience for users, while maintaining engagement with the gaming community.
Among the new features, new events have been added to the “Circuits Mundiais” mode, offering new challenges on several already known tracks. Esses events allow players to test their skills with different categories of cars and earn exclusive rewards.
Additionally, a new “Menu Extra” has been included in GT Café, the game’s career mode. With the theme “Collection: Jaguar”, players are challenged to acquire three historic models from the British manufacturer, deepening their knowledge of the history of motorsport.
For customization enthusiasts, the update also brought 29 new sets of stickers for the Editor of Visuais, allowing players to create even more creative and unique liveries for their vehicles, reinforcing the social and artistic aspect of the game.
The impact of the arrival of Chinese brands in Gran Turismo
The inclusion of the Xiaomi SU7 in Gran Turismo 7 is a significant milestone that reflects the growing relevance and innovation of the Chinese automotive industry. For decades, the franchise was dominated by traditional brands from Japão, Europa and Estados Unidos, but the rise of new manufacturers from the Asian giant is changing this panorama. The presence of Xiaomi, a company that built its reputation on smartphones and electronics, on the virtual grid of one of the most important simulators in the world, not only validates its entry into the automotive sector, but also introduces it to a global audience passionate about cars and performance. Este movement signals a new era, where technology and electric mobility become protagonists, and opens doors for other Chinese brands, such as Nio, BYD and Lynk & Co, to also gain prominence on gaming platforms, accelerating their international recognition and challenging the status quo of the global automobile industry.
How to access the new car
The Xiaomi SU7 is available for purchase in-game through the virtual dealership “Brand Central”. Players can use credits earned in races and events to add the electric sedan to their garage and use it in all game modes, from online races against other players to time trials and championships in single-player mode.
Digital recreation and player immersion
The Polyphony Digital is known for its extreme level of detail in vehicle modeling, and the SU7 was no different. Cada body curve, wheel design and, most importantly, the vehicle’s interior were meticulously recreated. Players can use the cockpit view to observe the digital instrument panel and the multimedia center that operates with the HyperOS system, the same found in the real car, significantly increasing immersion.
The sound of the electric motor also received special attention. Diferente Like combustion engines, electric vehicles have a unique sound signature, and the development team worked to capture and reproduce the SU7’s signature hum during acceleration and deceleration, contributing to an authentic driving experience.
