Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown has received a surprise Initial D-themed update, bringing a new game mode, a new car and numerous improvements for the core game.
One of the main highlights of Season 7‘s mid-season update is a new Duel mode. Inspired by the popular manga series, it sees players compete in head-to-head battles on narrow nighttime mountain roads, replicating Japanese touge racing.
Adding to the challenge, duels can be lost if you take too much damage or go off-road, with higher rewards earned depending on your car’s condition at the end of events.
“Our goal with this game mode is to give you an experience as close as possible to the races in the manga,” KT Racing wrote in a blog post.
“The tension comes from facing a tough opponent, but also from the challenge of the road itself. It’s all about bringing back the concept of ‘proper driving’, because in a duel, it’s not enough to drive fast, you have to drive well.”
Continuing the Initial D theme, a modified Mazda RX-7 Type R based on Keisuke Takahashi’s car in the manga series joins the car roster.
Available in the Asian Dealership, it features enhanced performance and can be fitted with a Manga-style livery resembling its appearance in Initial D. A separate bundle is also available, which includes a Keisuke Takahashi-inspired outfit and an Initial D-themed number plate among other items.
Befitting the Initial D vibes, the update also adds a new Eurobeat radio station featuring three tracks from the anime series: Déjà Vu, Gas Gas Gas and Running in the 90’s. An optional graphics filter can also be applied to mimic the manga series’ look, complete with speed lines.
Live events
As part of the collaboration, there are two Initial D Live Events split into two volumes featuring Duels, Taxi Missions and Deliveries. Each volume contains eight challenges with the following rewards.
Volume 1
Drive 15 km in a Japanese-made vehicle
Reward: ‘Myogi NightKids’ sticker
Solar Pass XP: 35,000
Earn a total of 100,000 Solar Coins while driving in the Victoria Peak district
Reward: ‘Akina SpeedStars’ sticker
Solar Pass XP: 35,000
Complete Keisuke’s Car Delivery contract with a satisfaction rating of 100%
Reward: ‘Emperor’ sticker
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Complete Keisuke’s Taxi contract with a rating of at least 4 stars
Reward: 75,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the first duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 75,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the second duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 75,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the third duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 125,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 90,000
Win the fourth duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 125,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 90,000
Completing these eight challenges unlocks Keisuke Takahashi’s ‘Hillclimb Ace’ outfit, as well as 250,000 Solar Coins and 250,000 Solar Pass XP.
Volume 2
Earn 100,000 Solar Coins in Tai Tam using Japanese vehicles
Reward: ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ license plate background (Design A)
Solar Pass XP: 35,000
Earn 4 stars on Speed Traps in Tai Tam using Japanese vehicles
Reward: ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ license plate background (Design B)
Solar Pass XP: 35,000
Complete Keisuke’s Taxi contract with a rating of at least 4 stars
Reward: ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ license plate background (Design C)
Solar Pass XP: 35,000
Deliver Keisuke’s car to the parts shop with 100% integrity
Reward: ‘Fujiwara Tofu Shop’ sticker
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the first duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: ‘Project D’ sticker
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the second duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 125,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 75,000
Win the third duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 125,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 90,000
Win the fourth duel against Keisuke with at least 75% integrity
Reward: 125,000 Solar Coins
Solar Pass XP: 90,000
Completing these eight challenges unlocks the ‘Project D’ license plate background and license plate text, as well as 250,000 Solar Pass XP.
Other changes
In addition to the Initial D content, the mid-season update adds a new chase camera with a tighter viewpoint providing a “more realistic look and FOV.”
The original camera option is still available if preferred, however. KT Racing says it is working to improve the cockpit camera and other third-person camera, while also adding new viewpoint customisation options.
Rim sizes can also be adjusted in workshops, clan shops, the casino and dealerships, though official manufacturer rims can’t be modified.
In a long-requested change, custom online friend group sizes will increase to eight when cruising around or entering races.
Beyond the current Season, Season 8 is set to add buyable and customisable houses – a staple of the franchise that players have been requesting since Solar Crown launched in 2024.
Originally set to arrive in July this year, the next season doesn’t have a release window, but the next reveal is expected in spring 2027 after Solar Crown’s real estate was showcased in August’s deep dive.
Test Drive Unlimited Solar Crown Season 7 mid-season update new content
New Duel game mode
New car: Mazda RX-7 Series 6 Type-R (FD3S) ‘Keisuke Takahashi Spec. V Edition’
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