Audi has transformed a virtual car that was initially designed for the video game Gran Turismo into a real-life racing vehicle. Named the Audi E-Tron Vision Gran Turismo, it was conceived as part of a challenge set by the game’s producer for vehicle manufacturers to design cars for virtual races.
This originally developed exclusively for virtual races on PlayStation Audi, was transformed into reality in conjunction with Formula E. The all-electric concept car debuted at the Rome Formula E race 14 April 2018, used as a race taxi to transport Audi’s guests. Launched to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the game’s launch, in 2012, the Vision Gran Turismo has led many car makers to design virtual two-door racing cars, known as grand touring cars.
In 2013 Mercedes-Benz was the first to create a design for the series. Since then, the challenge has been taken by many car brands including BMW, Volkswagen, Honda, Nissan, Aston Martin and Toyota. Several of these concepts have been developed and built as full-scale models for motor shows. However, Audi says that their vehicle is the first that will run on actual race tracks as a fully functional vehicle.
