Gran Turismo 7 fans were disappointed when update 1.49 failed to arrive in June. Notably, this is the first time Polyphony Digital has skipped a monthly update this year. Luckily, the next update is just around the corner – and it should be worth the extra wait.
Polyphony Digital has confirmed that update 1.49 will be unveiled this weekend during the opening round of the 2024 World Series esports championship in Montreal on July 6 rather than the usual car silhouette from series creator Kazunori Yamauchi.
"The opening round of the Gran Turismo World Series 2024 on July 6 hosted in Montreal, Canada will be broadcast live," the official announcement reads. "There will also be an introduction of the July Update for GT7 during the broadcast, so don't miss it!"
It’s unusual for Polyphony to announce the next update this way. This could hint that GT7’s next update will be a significant one.
Will Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.49 add Circuit Gilles Villeneuve?
Ask any GT7 player their most requested feature, and there’s a good chance they’ll say new tracks. The last new circuit was the fictional Lake Louise snow course introduced in the Spec II update last November. Before that, the last asphalt circuit was Grand Valley Highway way back in February last year. To say that GT7 is overdue new tracks to race on is an understatement.
Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve has been rumored for GT7 since references to the Canadian circuit were discovered in a data leak last year. Coupled with the fact that the opening World Series round happens to take place in Montreal, it’s highly likely the next update will finally add Villeneuve to the track selection.
Home of the Canadian Grand Prix, Villeneuve would join other real-life circuits in GT7 like the Nurburgring to Suzuka and Willow Springs. While this will be a welcome addition, there are still plenty of classic fictional tracks missing in GT7 that are staples of the series, from Midfield Raceway to Autumn Ring.
Genesis X Gran Racer VGT Concept heading to Gran Turismo 7
As with every GT7 update, we can also expect update 1.49 to bring some new cars to drive. GT7’s monthly updates usually add at least three cars, though May’s bumper update added five including the return of Volvo. Polyphony has yet to confirm which cars update 1.49 will bring. However, Genesis recently unveiled a hardcore racing version of its Vision GT Concept known as the Genesis X Gran Racer VGT Concept, so this is a likely candidate.
Revealed at the Busan International Mobility Show last week, the radical concept boasts a hybrid setup delivering 1,540 horsepower and more aggressive aero, with a larger front splitter and rear diffuser.
Elsewhere, we can expect the usual GT Cafe Menu Books, World Circuit events, and Scape locations for virtual photographers. But given how much Polyphony is hyping the reveal, we’re hoping for a more substantial update in the vein of Spec II.
Of course, this is all pure speculation, so we’ll have to wait until update 1.49 is unveiled at the World Series in Montreal this weekend to find out more.
What are you hoping to see in Gran Turismo 7 update 1.49? Let us know in the comments below.
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