GT7 Update 1.61 Brings NISMO’s Legendary GT-R, Two More Japanese Cars, Engine Swaps And More
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Gran Turismo 7’s latest free 1.61 update just dropped, bringing the ultimate R34 GT-R model (well, stock model, at least!) to PlayStation consoles, alongside plenty more new additions.
NISMO’s R34 GT-R Z-tune Arrives
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
Skyline fans will be aware that the Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-tune isn’t just a gimmicky GT-R with a fancy name.
NISMO unveiled the first Z-tune prototype at the 2000 NISMO Festival at Fuji Speedway, and it has a fascinating story behind its creation.
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
NISMO initially intended to build 20 units, but only 19 hand-built examples were made. This is because they demanded pristine donor cars, specifically V-Spec or V-Spec II models, with under 30,000 kilometers and minimal modifications.
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
When GT-R values began to climb around 2003-04, many owners refused to part with their super-clean GT-Rs for the program.
The Z-tune was created as part of NISMO‘s 20th anniversary celebrations, bringing some truly impressive upgrades. Under the hood, the RB26DETT features the 2.8-liter “Kai-Z2” variant, which is shared with NISMO’s GT500-class race cars.
With this, the power output jumps to just shy of 500 horsepower, which is a massive leap from the stock engine’s reported 276 hp (wink wink) under Japan’s old “gentlemen’s agreement.” (If you know, you know!)
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
Given their rarity and exclusivity, real-world Z-tunes have reached bonkers prices. One sold for nearly $2 million USD in 2022 (over $2 million, including shipping and taxes), making GT7’s 3,000,000,000 virtual price tag look like a bargain. Chances are, this is the closest any of us will ever get to getting behind the wheel of a Z-tune.
Talking of getting behind the wheel, in true Gran Turismo fashion, the interior details are stunning. As stunning as 90s interiors can look, anyway!
Two More Japanese Cars Also Join The Lineup
We’d call them JDM cars, but one doesn’t quite fit the bill. We’ll let you guess which one!
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
’22 Honda N-ONE RS
The awesome second-generation ’22 Honda N-ONE RS is set to be the next car to prove that GT7 fun doesn’t need to come in big packages.
This quirky “sporty” front-wheel drive kei car packs slightly less power than the GT-R (63 ponies, to be precise) but in an 860kg package.
Thankfully, Honda maximized the limited potential by equipping it with a six-speed manual transmission and a close-ratio gear set borrowed from the S660. It also comes with a MUGEN-inspired body kit for added JDM vibes.
Available for a bargain-priced 20,000cr (302.12pp) in Brand Central or Used Cars, the N-ONE RS is another offering we’re looking forward to adding to our garage.
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
’22 Nissan Qashqai Tekna 190 2wd e-Power
Yup, you guessed it – another pointless grocery-getter SUV joins the roster (yay!), this time with a hybrid. We can’t figure out why Polyphony repeatedly insists on adding crossovers/SUVs to a track game. Do they have a cult following that we’re not aware of?
The team talks about “sharp lines of the bold exterior” (which sums up the appeal, really.) Needless to say, we won’t be fighting to get our hands on this one.
At 420.67pp and 39,000cr, the Qashqai Tekna e-Power might be ideal for completionists who need every car in their garage, but probably not much more.
More Engine Swaps On Offer
Another highlight of Update 1.61 that’s fallen under the radar is that you can now drop Toyota’s legendary 2JZ-GTE engine into the Toyota 86 GT “Limited.” Finally, the rear-drive coupe gets the power it always deserved.
No 2JZ swaps for the Honda N-One just yet, unfortunately!
Additional swaps include:
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Final Edition Gr.4 (which gets the Nissan GT-R’s VR38DETT.)
- Renault Sport Clio V6 24V ’00
- Subaru WRX STI Isle of Man Time Attack Car ’16
- Toyota Celica GT-FOUR (ST205) ’94
All swaps are unlocked at Collector Level 50.
New Events and Content
Three fresh World Circuit races expand the campaign:
- Lightweight K-Cup at Nürburgring Nordschleife
- Japanese FF Challenge 450 at Alsace Test Course
- Race of Turbo Sportscars at Fuji International Speedway
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
Other additions include a new “Lone Pine” Scapes location and the ’17 Lexus RC F GT3 with ANEST IWATA Racing 2025 livery in the Lexus Showroom.
Image credit: PlayStation Blog
GT Sophy AI now competes against players on the High Speed Ring for PS5 players, although it still remains limited to single races rather than being integrated into career mode.
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Bill is a writer and photographer who has been part of the Drifted team since 2015. His work extends to various print and online publications, including Wangan Warriors.
As part of the King of Nations team, he traveled extensively for several years, capturing top-tier international drift events worldwide. His hands-on experience, including rebuilding his own Nissan Silvia S15 drift car, gives him unique insights into drift car building and global drift culture.
When not behind the lens or keyboard, Bill can be found browsing classifieds for his next JDM project or shredding virtual tires on popular simulators like Assetto Corsa, CarX, and Forza.
You can learn more about Bill’s story here or follow his socials on X (formerly Twitter), Flickr, Facebook, and Instagram.
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