Popular PlayStation video game franchise Gran Turismo isn't just famous among video gamers; thanks to the involvement in events like Goodwood Festival of Speed and Nissan GT Academy, the game has successfully maintained its cult status among car enthusiasts as well. Making its second appearance as the official partner of Goodwood Festival of Speed, Gran Turismo 6 promises to bring along a lot of interesting stuff, and not just a name on the banners.
A number of special concept cars made specifically for the game will be present in their life-size scale model forms. Certain carmakers, like Alfa Romeo, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volkswagen, will be hosting their respective GT6 experiences at the event. Also, to let professional drivers practise the run before gunning their cars up the hill will be a simulator at Tag Heuer Drivers Club. Talking about professional drivers, adding to the long list of well-known participants for the Hill Climb is 2011 Nissan GT Academy's champion Jann Mardenborough. He will be heading to compete in the Le Mans 24 hours this year, before showing up at the Goodwood Hill Climb testing out various Nissan cars.
The creator of Gran Turismo and a professional racer himself, Kazunori Yamauchi, will also be taking part in the Hill Climb this year. He said, "We are really pleased that the Goodwood Hill Climb has proved such a popular track amongst GT6 fans from around the world. I have always been a big admirer of the Festival of Speed. It feels that this year will prove even more special with so much new GT6 content being revealed at this annual automotive celebration. By sharing a common passion for innovation with so many manufacturers and partners it continues to bring the worlds of virtual and real driving even closer, which will be demonstrated at close quarters at the year's Festival."
About Gran Turismo's involvement with the Festival, Lord March said, "We are incredibly excited to welcome Gran Turismo 6 to Goodwood for the second consecutive year. The depth of Gran Turismo activities and Vision Gran Turismo concept car unveils taking place is impressive and we are delighted that the Festival of Speed has been chosen as a platform to showcase such innovative and visionary partnerships across the automotive industry. It will also be a great honour to welcome Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi to Goodwood who will support these host of activities first hand, including taking on our Hill Climb."
Anything else?
In conjunction with Aston Martin, Sony is currently running a contest for Gran Turismo 6 players, giving them a chance to get behind a recreated Aston Martin V12 Vantage on the Hill Climb course in the game. The winner of the competition will be invited to the Festival of Speed and will be honoured with a passenger ride around the course in an Aston Martin. Also, players winning Bronze, Silver, or Gold in the game will receive 1,000,000 in-game credits.