- Legendary F1 Debut: Introduced Ayrton Senna’s iconic McLaren MP4/4 ’88, which remains a cornerstone of the 2026 Gr.1 and historical meta.
- Catalunya Evolution: Added three distinct layouts for Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, including the “No Chicane” GP configuration now used in competitive World Series events.
- Dior Collaboration: Debuted the exclusive De Tomaso Mangusta (Christian Dior edition), merging high-fashion aesthetics with classic Italian performance.
While Gran Turismo 7 has evolved significantly by 2026, looking back at Update 1.20, released on August 25, 2022, reveals one of the most pivotal moments in the title’s post-launch journey. This update didn’t just add content; it introduced the McLaren MP4/4, a vehicle that redefined the “Legend Cars” marketplace and remains a top-tier choice for high-PP (Performance Points) grinding even years later. As a PlayStation exclusive for PS4 and PS5, this patch solidified Polyphony Digital’s commitment to blending motorsport history with technical precision.
The Arrival of Racing Royalty: New Vehicles
The centerpiece of Update 1.20 was undoubtedly the expansion of the car roster. For enthusiasts in 2026, these vehicles are now staples of “Extra Menu” completions and specialized manufacturer cups.
McLaren MP4/4 ’88
Arguably the most famous F1 car in history, the MP4/4 won 15 out of 16 races in the 1988 season. In GT7, it arrived as a high-downforce, high-intensity machine. Even with the 2026 physics engine tweaks, its power-to-weight ratio makes it a dominant force in the World Touring Car 900 series. Its inclusion was a massive nod to Ayrton Senna’s legacy within the Gran Turismo franchise.
Pontiac GTO ‘The Judge’ ’69
A quintessential American muscle car, “The Judge” added much-needed character to the classic US roster. It remains a favorite for drag racing builds and high-torque Scapes photography. Similar to how The Crew Motorfest celebrates diverse car cultures, GT7’s inclusion of the GTO bridged the gap between raw power and refined simulation.
Porsche Cayman GT4 ’16
For mid-engine purists, the 2016 Cayman GT4 offered a more accessible entry point into Porsche’s track-focused lineup compared to the 911 GT3 RS. It serves as an excellent platform for tuning in the 700 PP category.
Pro Tip: The McLaren MP4/4 is frequently available in the Legend Cars dealership for approximately 8,000,000 Credits. In the 2026 meta, it is highly recommended to use a Custom Gearbox to optimize fuel map settings for endurance races.
Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Three New Ways to Race
The update drastically expanded the utility of the Spanish circuit by introducing layouts that cater to diverse racing disciplines. The “No Chicane” layout, in particular, transformed the flow of the final sector, turning it into a high-speed aero test.
| Layout Name | Total Length | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| GP Layout (No Chicane) | 4,730m | High-speed final right turn; tests aero stability. |
| National Layout | 2,977m | Compact track; features a sharp hairpin after the straight. |
| Rallycross Layout | 1,133m | Hybrid dirt/paved surface with a central jump. |
The Rallycross layout was a significant addition for those who enjoy the off-road physics of Gran Turismo, echoing the longevity seen in other live-service giants like Dead by Daylight, which continue to iterate on core gameplay loops years after release.
Fashion Meets Fiberglass: The Dior Collaboration
Update 1.20 also marked a unique cultural crossover with the De Tomaso Mangusta (Christian Dior). This wasn’t just a simple livery; it was a curated aesthetic experience. The car features a chic cream finish with Dior decals and a bespoke racing suit for the driver. In the 2026 Scapes community, this car remains one of the most photographed assets due to its unique interior textures and period-correct 1960s elegance.
Gran Turismo Café: New Extra Menus
To provide players with more structured goals, two “Extra Menus” were added to the Café. These menus reward players for collecting specific car sets:
- Collection: Abarth: Unlocks at Collector Level 27. Provides a reward for completing the iconic Italian sub-compact set.
- Collection: Gr.2 Racing Cars: Unlocks at Collector Level 38. This focuses on the high-downforce Super GT machines that dominate the 800 PP meta.
As detailed in the official patch notes, these additions were part of a broader effort to refine the progression system which, by 2026, has expanded into a massive archive of automotive history. Update 1.20 was a bridge between the launch-era content and the expansive, multi-disciplinary simulator Gran Turismo 7 has become today.
“The addition of the MP4/4 didn’t just satisfy F1 fans; it provided a benchmark for high-speed physics that the community still references when testing new vehicle mods in 2026.” – Asumetech Technical Analysis
For those revisiting these classic tracks or hunting for the Dior Mangusta in the Used Car Pavilion, Update 1.20 stands as a testament to the “Gran Turismo” philosophy: constant refinement and a deep reverence for the machines that define speed.
