Mount Panorama will be included in the upcoming Gran Turismo 6 video game, for the first time in the franchise’s 15-year history.
The Mount Panorama Motor Racing Circuit, Bathurst, to give the track its full name, will be one of “the most demanding and mentally challenging” tracks on offer in Gran Turismo 6. The first race at the iconic track was held in 1938 for the Australian Grand Prix, and the site is now home to the Bathurst 12 hour and Bathurst 1000 events.
Gamers will be able to choose from more than 1200 cars as they compete to become the King of the Mountain, in a recreation of the 6.2km circuit.
Mount Panorama will be one of 33 tracks on offer in the game along with fellow GT debutants the Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit and the famous Goodwood hillclimb.
“We are very pleased to be able to include Bathurst in our expanded selection of race tracks available in Gran Turismo 6,” said Gran Turismo creator Kazunori Yamauchi.
“It seems only right that the legendary Mount Panorama circuit is included as fans will now have a chance to drive one of the toughest tracks out there. Described by some as Australia’s very own Nurburgring, this is a formidable track that will provide an exciting new challenge”
The trailer for Gran Turismo 6 throws up the usual, dizzying array of performance cars for gamers to choose from, including a Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, Aston Martin V12 Zagato and new Corvette Stingray, as well as less predictable cars like the cruisy BMW Z8 and eco-friendly, if highly combustible, Fisker Karma.
Gran Turismo 6 will be available on December 6th, and is available to pre-order now. It will also feature a series of‘Vision Gran Turismo’ concept cars from a variety of manufacturers, design houses and brands.