Video games have evolved significantly over the years, offering players an increasingly realistic experience. Developers are now incorporating real-life car characteristics into virtual racing games, making the distinction between simulated and real-world racing nearly indistinguishable.
Even professional motorsport teams, such as those in Formula One, rely on simulators for driver training due to the restrictions on in-season testing. This technological advancement has led to more immersive gameplay and has even influenced real-world automotive engineering.
Beyond realism, video games provide car manufacturers with an outlet to design futuristic concept cars without the constraints of physics or regulations. These virtual creations often showcase mind-blowing performance figures and revolutionary designs that would be impossible to achieve in the real world.
While we may never get to drive these cars in reality, they offer a glimpse into what the future of automotive design might hold. Some of these fictional cars are so impressive that they leave us wishing they could be produced in real life.
1. Red Bull X2019 Competition – The Ultimate Speed Machine
The Red Bull X2019 Competition car, featured in Gran Turismo Sport, is designed to be faster than a Formula One car. This mid-engined supercar boasts an 804 hp V12 engine, created in collaboration with Red Bull Racing’s Adrian Newey.
Free from regulatory constraints, the X2019 represents the pinnacle of racing car performance, pushing the boundaries of speed and aerodynamics. Unfortunately, it remains a virtual dream rather than a real-world powerhouse.
2. Audi e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo – A Digital Car Brought to Life
Unlike most video game-exclusive concept cars, the Audi e-Tron Vision Gran Turismo transcended the digital world and became a real, fully functional prototype.
Equipped with three electric motors generating 804 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque, this electric beast accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds. While it remains a one-off concept, it showcases Audi’s potential in the realm of high-performance electric vehicles.
3. Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV – The Future of Electric Racing
Jaguar’s Vision Gran Turismo SV is another electrifying entry into the Gran Turismo series. This futuristic race car is powered by four electric motors producing an astounding 1,900 horsepower.
It can achieve 0 to 60 mph in just 1.65 seconds and has a top speed of 255 mph. While this extreme performance remains confined to the gaming world, Jaguar hints that its design elements may inspire future electric production vehicles.
4. Ford GT90 – The Original Video Game Supercar
The Ford GT90 is one of the earliest and most iconic concept cars featured in video games. It debuted in Need for Speed II and was a spiritual successor to the Ford GT40. With a quad-turbocharged V12 engine producing 720 hp, the GT90 was ahead of its time.
Despite its cutting-edge aerodynamics and aggressive styling, the car never made it into production, making its presence in video games even more significant for automotive enthusiasts.
5. GT by Citroën – A Bold French Supercar
Citroën, a brand not typically associated with supercars, introduced the GT by Citroën concept for Gran Turismo 5. This sleek and futuristic vehicle featured three different versions in the game, with the most powerful model generating 778 hp from four electric motors. Although there were initial plans to bring it to production, the project was eventually abandoned, leaving it as an exciting digital fantasy.
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6. Volkswagen GTI Roadster Concept – A New Take on the Hot Hatch
Volkswagen joined the Gran Turismo universe with the GTI Roadster Concept in 2014. Featured in Gran Turismo 6 and Gran Turismo Sport, this radical take on the traditional GTI hot hatch was powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing 503 hp.
Combined with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, the car could sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. While it never materialized in reality, it remains an intriguing glimpse into VW’s design possibilities.
7. Infernus – Grand Theft Auto’s Legendary Supercar
Not all legendary video game cars come from racing simulators. The Infernus, an iconic supercar from the Grand Theft Auto series, has evolved over multiple game installments.
In Grand Theft Auto V, its design takes inspiration from the Lamborghini Murciélago and Pagani Zonda. Featuring an all-wheel-drive system and blistering acceleration, the Infernus is a fan-favorite vehicle for players who crave speed and style.
8. Rossolini Tempesta – A Burnout Paradise Legend
For fans of Burnout Paradise, the Rossolini Tempesta is one of the game’s most beloved supercars. Known for its excellent handling and high-speed stability, the Tempesta offers a thrilling driving experience.
The game also includes a racing variant called the Tempesta GT, which delivers superior top-speed performance but sacrifices low-speed stability. While it remains a digital creation, its sleek design and performance make it a dream car for many gamers.
9. Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo – A Fighter Jet on Wheels
The Lamborghini V12 Vision Gran Turismo is one of the most aggressive-looking concept cars ever designed for a video game. With sharp, angular lines and an almost aircraft-like appearance, it resembles a road-legal Apache helicopter.
Weighing just 819 kg and powered by a 6.5-liter V12 mild hybrid engine producing 808 hp, this digital hypercar pushes the limits of automotive design. Sadly, it remains confined to Gran Turismo Sport, depriving the real world of its breathtaking presence.
10. Overflod Tyrant – A Supercar to Rule Grand Theft Auto Online
The Overflod Tyrant is one of the most extravagant supercars in Grand Theft Auto Online. Inspired by real-world hypercars such as the Apollo Arrow and Intensa Emozione, the Tyrant boasts incredible high-speed stability and customization options. While its existence is limited to the virtual streets of Los Santos, its aggressive design and sheer speed make it a dream car for many gamers.
Video game concept cars push the boundaries of automotive design, offering players an opportunity to experience cars that might never see production. These vehicles blend cutting-edge technology, futuristic styling, and mind-blowing performance figures, often beyond what is currently possible in the real world.
While some of these creations inspire real-world designs, most remain exclusive to the digital realm, leaving car enthusiasts dreaming of the day when such supercars might become a reality.
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