Big Mike’s tuned Honda Prelude will make it into a Gran Turismo game, at some point, after winning a Kazunori Yamuchi-fronted award.
The custom build uses a fourth-generation coupe as a basis, before tuning the 2-litre VTEC engine and adding a gigantic Garrett GT28X turbocharger and matching intercooler. The suspension brakes and gearbox have also been modified to suit, alongside a stripped-out interior.
“People all over the world will be able to select the car and race it in GT,” said Big Mike on social media.
“I have no words other than I’m honored, and I’m grateful. Thank you to any and all who were a part of this, I appreciate you.”
The tuner is well respected in Honda tuning circles, with his creations regularly featured on magazine covers and at car culture events.
Tuning-themed Gran Turismo Awards return
During the Gran Turismo World Series event in Los Angeles, the competitive event also featured a ‘Fan Fest’ with static displays and talks.
It was during this gathering that the Gran Turismo Awards returned for the first time in seven years – previously, it was part of the Las Vegas automotive aftermarket SEMA show. This was distributed to 16 cars between 2003 and 2018.
Each winner was recreated for a Gran Turismo game, spanning Gran Turismo 4 right up until Gran Turismo 7. Seven of the victors are in the current game, with the most recent – a Garage RCR Civic – added in September 2023.
The trophy sits alongside another ‘Gran Turismo Award’ that is handed out to historic vehicles each year at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. This was won by a 1931 Invicta 4½ Litre S Type Carbodies Tourer earlier this year.
Which game and a timeline for its virtual release are not yet known, as traditionally, it can take several years for the winners to make an appearance. For example, there are currently nine Pebble Beach winners not yet represented in-game.
Eight new cars are expected as part of a December Spec III update, including the Polestar 5, Renault Espace F1 and a F3500-B single-seater.
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