Gran Turismo 7’s Lap Time Challenge, 21st July-4th August: Va-va-VTEC

This fortnight’s Gran Turismo 7 Lap Time Challenge uses everyone’s favourite hot-hatch: the Renault Clio. No, wait, it’s the Honda Civic Type R. Whoops. Papa and Nicole will be furious…

The new Lap Time Challenge is a simple 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 Credits pay-out. Well worth the couple of laps practise, then.

The FK8 version of the Civic Type R is the sixth generation of Civic to undergo the Type R treatment from Honda. Type R models generally feature uprated suspension, brakes and more power than standard Civic models, running with much stiffer set-ups to provide a sportier ride.

The latest generation of Civic Type R has a 2l turbocharged engine, sending 315bhp to the front wheels. The Limited Edition model used here differs from the standard Type R in that it has custom-tuned suspension and reduced weight.

Through the generations, the Civic Type-R has evolved from a Renault Clio-sized hot hatch into a wider, longer mini-GT car of sorts, and has won countless motoring trade and media awards thanks to its almost unbelievable handling and performance.

Its looks, on the other hand, are divisive. The timing of this Lap Time Challenge coincides with the recent announcement of the next generation of Civic Type-R, where the car has again evolved into a beefier machine but this time with less extravagant styling. Time will tell if it’s a success.

As of the week commencing the 25th of April, if you don’t own the required Daily Races or Lap Time Challenge vehicles then GT7 allows players to rent them. For GT7 newbies, the Sport mode – where you can find the Daily Races and Lap Time Challenge – unlocks after completing Café Menu Book nine.

The fictional Trial Mountain track is the venue for the Lap Time Challenge and it’s justifiably a fan favourite among the Gran Turismo (GT) fraternity.

Its undulating layout has appeared in all mainline versions of GT through the years and appears in GT7 with a tweaked configuration, bringing the total lap distance to around three miles.

Feel free to chuck the superb-handling Civic into its cambered corners for maximum fun – and watch out for Nessie!

Papa would be proud.

Recommended car: Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition (FK8) ’20 (Brand Central, 55,000 Credits)

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Lap Time Challenge

Race Information

Car: Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition (FK8) ’20

Track: Trial Mountain Circuit

Entry Period: 21st of July to 4th of August

Regulations

Categories:  Honda Civic Type R Limited Edition (FK8) ’20

Wide Body: Prohibited

Nitrous: Prohibited

Tyre Choice: Sports: Hard

Car Restrictions

BoP/Tuning Forbidden: On

Car Used: Garage Car, Event-Specified Car

Car Settings: Specified

Race Settings

Track Limit: Normal

Penalty Settings

Shortcut Penalty: Light