Some more of the recently added game content is starring in a new Gran Turismo 7 Online Time Trial, starting today, as you’re taking on an electrifying challenge.
That is, of course, the Hyundai IONIQ 5N, which makes its debut in a public, competitive event after first appearing in a qualifier at the Gran Turismo World Series finals in Amsterdam back in December 2024.
Rather than just being yet another overpowered electric box, the 5N has been worked over by Hyundai’s N division — named for the twin locations of the headquarters in the Namyang district of South Korea and the company’s development site near the Nurburgring — to be fun to drive. Reviews certainly suggest that’s been achieved.
However, a lot of the interactivity of the real car has been locked out of the virtual model which is seemingly configured in the highest-performance default modes. That means no drift mode, no simulated eight-speed gearbox, and sadly no torque distribution feature (despite VCD existing in the game).
Still, the 601hp 5N is plenty quick enough and the car still features the “N Grin” boost feature through the “overtake” function to unleash all 641hp — all lap long if you tape your mapped button down.
It’s a bit of a handful on the required Sports Hard tires, and braking distances are vast, but the top times are already tumbling towards the bottom of the 1:36s. The record is a fierce 1:36.149, setting the target for gold at 1:39.033, but chances are we’ll see some high 1:35s by the end of the two weeks. Aim to beat a 1:38.5 if you want to be a little more certain of staying there.
There’s also still a week remaining on the F3500-A time trial at Monza, and it’s looking to be a challenging one. That’s not stopped a couple of players from breaking into the 1:22s as we’d been somewhat expecting.
Times at the top are clustering up — in fact the current third- and fourth-best are tied — which suggests there’s very little left on the table with the record at 1:22.973. Gold is therefore a 1:25.462 at present and not likely to drop significantly; if you can beat a 1:25.350 you’re probably safe.
In order to access the Online Time Trials, you’ll need to unlock Sport Mode, by completing Menu Book 9 (“Championship: Tokyo Highway Parade”) in the GT Cafe single player hub. As it’s just you against the clock and not a direct, head-to-head multiplayer event, PlayStation Plus is not required.
You’ll usually need to be within 3% of the fastest time globally once the event finishes in order to secure “gold” status and a 2m credit bonus prize. There’s smaller prizes of one million for being within 5%, and 250,000cr for bronze at 10% off.
The events update every Thursday, with each individual challenge usually remaining available for two weeks and the oldest of the two events being replaced each week. You can look forward to the next new Time Trial arriving at 0700 UTC on Thursday February 13.
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge Febuary 6 – Nurburgring Sprint
- Track: Nurburgring Sprint
- Car: Hyundai Ioniq 5N ’24 – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (L)
- Tires: Sports Hard
- Settings: Fixed
Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge January 30 – Monza
- Track: Autodromo Nazionale Monza
- Car: Gran Turismo F3500-A – Garage/Rental Car
- Power/Weight/PP Limit: BOP (H)
- Tires: Racing Medium
- Settings: Fixed
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