Gran Turismo introduces none other than ambulances, allowing players to race and drift away while blasting their sirens

Gran Turismo 7 released its latest update, 1.36, on August 7. Among the various new features that the update brings, the unexpected addition of ambulances is particularly eye-catching. The ambulances were distributed through a campaign that began on August 14, and have taken the spotlight for how much fun they bring. 

Gran Turismo 7 is a racing game/driving simulator released for the PS4 and PS5 in 2022. In addition to having over 400 car models, from classic cars to racing cars available, the game also allows players to explore car interiors and take pictures in VR. 

The update released on August 7 included the addition of game elements such as new vehicles and courses, as well as some QoL-related adjustments. However, the arguably most fascinating detail in the announcement was the inclusion of the Toyota Ambulance Himedic ’21. The real-life ambulance that is still being used in 2023 being included in a racing game immediately grabbed the attention of users. The ambulances were available through a campaign that ran until August 20, and will be available in the in-game store in late September. 

As an inevitable result, users all over X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, etc. can be seen putting the pedal to the metal, blasting off in ambulances at full speed. The sight of dozens of ambulances driving on rough roads with their sirens blaring and dust billowing after them in realistic graphics is striking to say the least. Users can’t get enough of the gap of ambulances drifting and driving aggressively accompanied by polite announcements such as “we will be turning right.” Players are also putting the game’s photo mode into full use, taking scenic snaps of ambulances in stylish locations. 

The Fukuoka-based studio of Polyphony Digital, the developer of the Gran Turismo series, apparently cooperated with the Fukuoka City Fire Department in introducing the Toyota Ambulance Himedic ’21. The license plate on the exterior and the phone number on the rear gate are reportedly both from an actual vehicle. As mentioned earlier, the siren can also be turned on, and in addition to being able to switch between normal driving and being able to run through red lights, you can also play announcements such as “Entering intersection, please take care” and “Thank you for your cooperation,” which also mimics the real thing. 

The ambulance interior has also been recreated faithfully, medical system fully equipped. The element of transporting a patient has thankfully been left out, so you can race to your heart’s content guilt-free. When driving in a circuit race, there will, of course, be a pit stop for the ambulance, which is another sight you are likely never to see in your life. 

The Fukuoka City Fire Department stated in an official announcement, “We hope that the game will help to spark interest in the firefighting service among people.” Although the appearance of ambulances in the racing game may be somewhat surreal and comical, it seems to have a serious purpose. The city of Fukuoka has shown a proactive attitude toward incorporating game culture by establishing the Fukuoka Game Industry Promotion Agency in 2006 and making “World-Class Game City” into one of its growth goals. This may have influenced the Fukuoka City Fire Department’s collaboration with Gran Turismo. 

On the other hand, as far as unusual vehicles go, this is hardly a first for the Gran Turismo series, as the game had previously introduced cars such as the Lunar Rover and the first car in history, the Benz Patent-Motorwagen). The possibility to experience driving such an unthinkable variety of cars is one of the attractions of the series. Incidentally, Gran Turismo 7 does not include Japanese police cars, but it does include a Toyota Crown of the same model. 

Written by. Amber V based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2023-08-18 17:35 JST)