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This year marks the 15th anniversary of 'The Real Driving Simulator' that is Gran Turismo. To celebrate this event and to coincide with the release of Gran Turismo 6 the producer of the video game series, Polyphony Digital, has created partnerships with numerous car manufacturers in order to showcase their individual concept cars in the new game.

The project is known as Vision Gran Turismo, and will turn regular concept models into working vehicles in-game, giving users a real insight into the future of automotive design.

One of the manufacturers involved is BMW. A bespoke concept for the game has been created by the brand's M Division. From the rendering BMW has provided, it looks as though we can expect a lot of angular detailing in the company's next generation of cars; as well as an updated headlight and grille design. Actually, there's nothing there that we don't like if we're being honest; with the outrageous front bumper design catching our eye the most.

"Gran Turismo and BMW share a genetic passion for cars," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "I've followed this racing game franchise from its beginnings and am extremely excited about the increased visual realism of Gran Turismo 6 and its incredibly authentic driving experience."

As well as BMW, Vision Gran Turismo has inspired the creation of the Volkswagen Golf GTi Vision Gran Turismo, the Alfa Romeo 6C Biposto Vision Gran Turismo and the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo; all of which are to be recreated in GT6. More concepts are expected to appear from the likes of Alpine, Aston Martin, Audi, Honda, Infiniti, Nissan, Peugeot, SRT and Zagato to name but a few.

"This is a very exciting project," comments Kazunori Yamauchi, founder of the Gran Turismo series and President of Polyphony Digital. "Vision Gran Turismo is probably our most ambitious project to date. We are extremely grateful to all our design partners, and look forward to sharing their creations with fans of Gran Turismo."

Anything else?

Gran Turismo has dipped its hand into the automotive world before, inspiring creations such as the Red Bull X2010 race car, the GTbyCitroen concept, the infotainment graphics for the Nissan GT-R and hosting the worldwide GT Academy competition.

Gran Turismo 6 will be released for the PlayStation 4 on 6th December 2013, with pre-ordered copies gaining extra material over other editions.

James Giddings - 21 Aug 2013