Tokyo: Gran Turismo 7 is set for one of its biggest updates yet, with Polyphony Digital announcing a major free Spec IV update that will arrive in two parts in October and December 2026.
The first part is scheduled for October and will introduce the new Sportsland SUGO circuit, six new cars and several features aimed at expanding the game’s car-collection and driving experience. A second update in December will add the returning Autumn Ring circuit, another six cars and new modes including Family Mode, Shuffle Races and Online Drift Trials.
The two-part update is being released ahead of the 30th anniversary of the original Gran Turismo, which arrives in 2027. Polyphony Digital president and series creator Kazunori Yamauchi said Spec IV is intended to begin the anniversary celebrations with players.
Sportsland SUGO arrives in October
The headline addition in the October update is Sportsland SUGO, a Japanese racing circuit known for its elevation changes, flowing layout and Dunlop bridge.
The circuit, located in Miyagi Prefecture, will make its debut in the Gran Turismo series with the Spec IV update. It is expected to provide a different challenge from many of the existing circuits in the game, particularly because of its undulating layout.
The October update will also add six new cars, although Polyphony Digital has not yet revealed their names. The company says a total of 12 cars will be introduced across the two Spec IV updates.
More details about the cars are expected later.
October update adds new car-collection features
Spec IV is not limited to new racing content. The October release will also make changes to how players interact with their garages and the game’s car-collection system.
One of the additions is Vintage, a new section featuring cars that are no longer available to purchase as new.
Another feature is Car Concierge, which will provide a service for ordering cars from the Used Cars and Legend Cars categories.
The October update will also introduce Experience, featuring brand-specific driving challenges designed to give players additional activities beyond conventional races.
A new Car Viewer will allow players to admire vehicles in their collection, while the game’s Collector Level cap will also be increased.
These additions are designed to give long-time players more reasons to explore their garages and continue progressing even after completing much of the existing content.
Six more cars and Autumn Ring arrive in December
The second half of Spec IV is scheduled for December 2026.
It will bring Autumn Ring, one of the most recognisable fictional circuits in Gran Turismo history. The track first appeared in the original Gran Turismo and is now returning to Gran Turismo 7.
Players will also receive another six cars, bringing the total number of new vehicles across Spec IV to 12.
Polyphony Digital has not yet disclosed the identities of the 12 cars. That means much of the vehicle-related excitement surrounding Spec IV remains to be revealed.
Family Mode is coming to Gran Turismo 7
One of the more unusual additions in the December update is Family Mode.
The feature is intended to make Gran Turismo 7 easier to enjoy with family and friends who may have different levels of driving experience.
Rather than focusing exclusively on experienced racing-simulation players, Family Mode is designed as a more welcoming entry point for people who are less familiar with the game.
Polyphony Digital says the mode will provide something new for existing players while also helping newcomers participate in the driving experience.
The feature could make the game more accessible in social and family settings, particularly for players who may find the simulation’s existing controls and racing systems challenging.
Shuffle Races return
The December update will also bring back Shuffle Races.
The mode introduces an element of unpredictability by randomly selecting cars and race conditions, forcing players to adapt rather than relying on carefully prepared vehicle combinations.
Shuffle Races previously featured in the Gran Turismo series and are returning as part of Spec IV.
The mode could add variety to online competition, particularly for players looking for races where vehicle selection and preparation are less predictable.
Online Drift Trials add a new competitive mode
Another new feature is Online Drift Trials, which will allow players around the world to compete based on their drifting skills.
The mode is intended to test control, precision and style rather than simply rewarding the fastest lap.
This gives Gran Turismo 7 another competitive format alongside its existing online racing activities and could appeal particularly to players who enjoy tuning cars and mastering controlled slides.
Polyphony Digital has said the mode will allow drivers to test themselves against other players globally.
More improvements are planned
Spec IV will also introduce a new evolution of Gran Turismo Sophy, Polyphony Digital’s AI racing technology.
The December release is additionally set to include a new Power Pack difficulty level aimed at advanced players.
Together with the new circuits, cars and modes, these additions suggest that Spec IV is intended to refresh both the competitive and single-player sides of Gran Turismo 7.
Update will be free for players
A major point for existing players is that Spec IV is being offered as a free major update.
Rather than releasing the content as a paid expansion, Polyphony Digital will distribute the two parts to Gran Turismo 7 players during October and December.
The October and December releases will collectively include:
- 2 new circuits: Sportsland SUGO and Autumn Ring
- 12 new cars: six in October and six in December
- Family Mode
- Shuffle Races
- Online Drift Trials
- Vintage car section
- Car Concierge
- Brand-specific Experience challenges
- Car Viewer
- Expanded Collector Level
- Updated Gran Turismo Sophy
- New Power Pack difficulty level
More details will be revealed in October
While Polyphony Digital has confirmed the broad content coming with Spec IV, several important details remain unknown.
The company has not yet revealed the 12 new cars, and exact release dates for the October and December updates have not been announced.
More information will be provided during the Gran Turismo World Series Round 3 in Singapore on October 3, 2026. Polyphony Digital has specifically said additional details about the new cars, circuits, modes and features will be revealed at that event.
This means players should expect the October update to be followed by another wave of announcements before the full Spec IV package arrives in December.
Gran Turismo 7 begins its 30th anniversary celebrations
The timing of Spec IV is significant for the franchise.
The original Gran Turismo will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, and Polyphony Digital is using Gran Turismo 7 as the platform for the beginning of those celebrations.
The combination of new tracks, cars, competitive modes and accessibility features represents a substantial expansion of the game more than four years after its original release in March 2022.
For long-time players, the return of Autumn Ring is likely to be one of the most anticipated elements, while Sportsland SUGO gives the game a completely new circuit to master.
With 12 new cars still to be revealed and additional details expected in October, Spec IV could become one of the most substantial content updates in Gran Turismo 7‘s lifecycle.