Ever since 1997, Gran Turismo has always had Japanese cars as the showcase of the award-winning simulation game. This is partly because the developer of the game, Polyphony Digital, is located in Japan, where they're used to the many Japanese performance cars. But, in 2004, Gran Turismo's producer, Kazunori Yamauchi, took a different turn in things, by having American cars on the cover. Gran Turismo 4 introduced the legendary 2005 Ford GT in all it's splendor, with a special race version of the car only available to racers who were the best. Last year, during the release of the all new PSP Go, Kazunori introduced the new 2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 to Gran Turismo for the PSP. Many of his fans were thrilled to see the new "American King of Speed" on the cover of the highly-anticipated game. Kazunori Yamauchi is looking for the best of best to grace the cover of his games. This year, with Gran Turismo 5 coming next season, Kazunori has chosen a true legend reborn: the 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG.
Mercedes-Benz redefined the word design by creating a car with doors that lift up like eagle's wings. The Gullwing was first created in 1955, with the Mercedes 300SL coupe. Since then, it has become one of the world's most popular cars, with the idea of the gullwing doors used on cars today such as the Lamborghini Murcielago,
the Mclaren F1,
the Enzo Ferrari,
and many other exotics. The 1955 Mercedes 300SL was powered by a 212 horsepower V6 engine. The all new Gullwing SLS AMG is powered by a 563 horsepower 6.3 liter V8 engine. This car is one of the fastest V8 automatic transmission cars in the world with a 0-60 just under 4 seconds and a top speed of 198 mph. The fastest V8 automatic car happens to be the car's Predecessor: the SLR Mclaren. Kazunori Yamauchi chose this car to be the official car of Gran Turismo for it's unique design and exhilarating performance. "This car truly defines Gran Turismo", Yamauchi said during an interview. "The performance of this car is unbelievable. Driving this unique super sports car in Gran Turismo 5 will be a fantastic experience." The Mercedes SLS AMG will be in showrooms this spring with a price tag of about $200,000. If you don't have that much money in your bank account, then you can wait until Gran Turismo 5 arrives for the Playstation 3 this summer to virtually test drive this unique supercar.
okay so I'm not nearly car savy enough to comprehend most of the information in this...however, the middle part about the eagle wings made it on my radar. I had no idea that was a Mercedes invention or that it dated bac to 1955. Though I don't plan on beginning a career in Playstation 3, going 0-60 in 4 seconds sounds fantastic.
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ReplyDeletegran turismo is a great game. are u sure it will be released in the summer? from what ive heard the producers havnt released much info on its release date yet.
ReplyDeleteObi I really enjoyed this article. Although I am not the biggest "gamer," reading your review truly has interested me in Gran Turismo. Along with you I am a fan of cars and your article did Mercedes justice with your vivid details and factual descriptions. I am excited to read more!
ReplyDeleteHow life like are video game test drives compared to the actual drive? I mean, I know it can't be nearly as exhilerating...but there must be some appeal if people buy the games.
ReplyDeleteSome Formula 1 drivers use the top video games for simulation tests.
ReplyDeleteIt must be a sign of my not-old-ness (let's not say "youth") that I can't even comprehend the amount of money it takes to own one of these. Burr.
ReplyDelete"Mercedes-Benz redefined the word design by creating a car with doors that lift up like eagle's wings."
ReplyDeleteThe geniuses down at Benz should honestly get their own word in the dictionary. As Will Ferrel/James Lipton once said, "I will make one up myself...scrumtreluscent!"
The designers at Mercedes-Benz have created a concept that is simply scrumtreluscent!
Obi, have you ever been to Reno? That is quite possibly the skeeviest place on earth, but they host the best annual car show I've ever seen in my life. Check it out if you ever find yourself in the armpit of America.
I love the wings! Wonder how they would look on my Mini? LIke a bat car??
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