The past of it did. GT5, GT6, and GT Sport all had paid DLC (Sport's being largely inconsequential, though it did contain a couple of uniquely gussied-up versions of cars already in the game).
PD has been very reluctant to revisit the paid track DLC in the last decade.
I agree, but the ever changing dynamic greed of the consumer demands more. A decade or so ago, this paid dlc was in its infantcy. The consumer was more chilled/content and would concider paid dlc/micro transactions as a way of progressing a game, unlocking new items, that, ultimately enhanced the experience. I'm not sure previous GT titles offered that 'progress' at the time.
In a few years time when GT8 is released, PD will have to concider development time in keeping fresh content updated for a consumer that will only be more demanding than ever. There will be close competition (new and existing). Currently the only approach a player has is to partake in 'fresh' content is Daily or Custom races. The rest of the game is just wifwaf, if we are honest. Its done. Shelved.
Hypothetically, if this was a PS1 disc game with no 'free' dlc or weekly challenge refresh, it would be shelved alreaday or loaned to a mate and never played again. Is that really the only thing that keeps this current rendition of the francise going, the fact they drip feed nonsence for free?
Man, there is so much they could bring to this current game with regards to offline/online races and new content (cars, track, simulations etc). Its got zero to do with money/licencing, you can buy everything. PD do not want to spend the money of free updates (regarding licencing). Speaking personally, i am more than happy with free updates but give me the option, every 6 months at least, to buy some good content, to keep me engaged in the game from start to finish (whats the lifecycle: 6 years?)
A studio, developing 1 game every 6 years, turning over, to date, nearly $5bil, with only 300 staff, can do much better in my opinion. Damn, employ some more people.