Video: How pitstops have changed in Gran Turismo
The Gran Turismo franchise has featured on every single PlayStation console, starting with the original game on the PS1 back in 1997, right through the current Gran Turismo 7 on PS5. Over a 25-year lifespan, the series’ core gameplay hasn’t changed a great deal, but during that time technological advancements have enabled the game’s designers to embellish some aspects for a more realistic presentation.
One of the areas that has evolved the most is pitstops, an integral element of many types of motor racing, and one that has been ever-present in Gran Turismo’s longer-form races where tyres and fuel management are essential aspects of your race strategy. Not only does tyre wear affect how your car handles but running out of fuel is less than ideal, so coming into the pits for some fresh boots and a top-up is something of a necessity.
During those earliest PS1 days, the hardware limitations restricted what could be achieved aesthetically during pitstops, cars would pull up to their garage and float in the air for a number of seconds while the game assured us the tyres were being changed. We didn’t see pit crews in the pitlane until Gran Turismo 4 on the PS2 when pitstops became a much more cinematic and immersive affair. That game also granted more strategic control over tyre choice and fuelling strategy.
As we’ve progressed through the PS3 and PS4 eras and onto the PS5 increased processing power has improved the drama of Gran Turismo’s pitstops no end, but there was something quite charming about those early floating car days.
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