This fortnight’s Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge takes us to South America and the Autódromo José Carlos Pace – better known as Interlagos.
Gr.2 cars are the order of the day, with classic 24 Hours of Le Mans challengers such as the Mercedes CLK-LM ’98 available to players. However, it’s Super GT GT500 contenders like the Nissan GT-R NISMO, Honda NSX CONCEPT-GT and Lexus RC F that lead the way in terms of lap times.
GT7‘s Lap Time Challenge is a time trial mode where you compete against other players to set the fastest time on the leader board. However, there’s a caveat: setting a lap within three per cent of the fastest time nets players 2,000,000 Credits.
If you aren’t quite quick enough for that then lapping within five per cent gains you 1,000,000 Credits, while a time inside 10 per cent of the fastest results in a 250,000 Credit payout.
Interlagos has hosted the Brazilian round of the Formula 1 World Championship on and off since 1973 (the 1972 edition was a non-championship race) but was often criticised for its poor surface, leading to safety concerns up and down the grid.
F1 returned in 1990, with the track’s layout shortened to resemble the track we see today. Although less quick than the previous configuration, the track’s quick first and last sectors blend nicely with its technical middle section. This also makes the circuit ideal for overtaking, as shown by Lewis Hamilton’s superb display in 2021.
Our top pick is the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500 ‘16. Powered by a 2.0l, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the GT-R has been the most successful GT500 model in Super GT history, winning titles in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.
The number one car represented in GT7 was driven to two race wins – the opening rounds of the season in the 2016 Super GT championship – by drivers Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli. Although their early-season form was prolific, they could only muster third place in the overall championship.
As of the week commencing 25th of April, if you don’t own the required Daily Races or Lap Time Challenge vehicles then GT7 allows players to rent them, so it’s worth trying out a few cars to evaluate the differences between rear and four-wheel-drive yourself. Only your fastest time will count, however.
For GT7 newbies, the Sport mode – where you can find the Daily Races and Lap Time Challenge – unlocks after completing Café Menu Book nine.
Recommended car: Nissan GT-R Nismo GT500 ‘16 (Brand Central 800,000 Credits or free rental)
Lap Time Challenge
Race Information
Car: Gr.2, Mid-speed (M) BoP
Track: Autódromo de Interlagos
Entry Period: 1st – 15th September
Regulations
Categories: Gr.2
Wide Body: Prohibited
Nitrous: Prohibited
Tyre Choice: Racing: Medium, Intermediate, Wet
Car Restrictions
BoP/Tuning Forbidden: Mid-speed (M)
Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car
Car Settings: Specified
Race Settings
Track Limit: Normal
Penalty Settings
Shortcut Penalty: Light
