Polyphony Digital is throwing a massive birthday bash, and everyone's invited! To celebrate a quarter-century of the legendary Gran Turismo series, the developers have rolled out the 1.26 update for Gran Turismo 7, and it's packed with more goodies than a prize car garage.

The update is a love letter to fans, marking the series' 25th anniversary with a special in-game theme that transforms the main menu and world map for a limited time. It's like the whole game put on its party hat! The centerpiece of the celebration is the Gran Turismo 25th Anniversary World Finals Monaco Demo Event. This isn't just any race; it's a full recreation of the game's intense esports tournaments. Players can jump in and compete for a hefty prize of 1 million in-game credits. The event features two thrilling cups: the Manufacturer's Cup and the Nations Cup. Feeling lucky? There's also a new Viewers Gift campaign where you can predict the winners of upcoming esports tournaments. Get it right, and you'll bag another cool million credits. Talk about high-stakes guessing!

Now, let's talk about the shiny new toys. Update 1.26 introduces four fantastic new cars to the lineup:

That's right, the stunning Red Bull X2019 with its exclusive 25th-anniversary livery is a free gift for all players. Just claim it from the special banner on the World Map before January 3rd, 2026. Don't miss out!

But what's a new car without a new road to test it on? The update also brings the iconic Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta to the game. This challenging circuit is known for its elevation changes and fast corners, perfect for putting those new machines through their paces. Speaking of challenges, the Café gets two new Extra Menus to complete:

• Extra Menu No. 12: 'Collection: Renault' (Requires Collector Level 31+)

• Extra Menu No. 13: 'Collection: Nissan Skyline GT-R' (Requires Collector Level 40+)

For those who love to share their creations, the Showcase feature gets some social upgrades. A new 'Popular Users' category helps you find top creators, and you can now see who liked or reposted your liveries, photos, or decals. It's all about that community vibe! And to get you in the holiday spirit, some festive Christmas songs have been added to the in-game music track list. 🎄

The update isn't just about content; it’s also about refining the experience. For the sim racing purists, there are crucial controller enhancements:

• You can now calibrate a handbrake controller in the settings.

• THRUSTMASTER® T-GT and Fanatec® GT DD Pro wheel owners can map race functions to additional buttons.

Under the hood, the physics model has been tweaked. The initial downforce values for the Super Formula Dallara SF19 cars (both Honda and Toyota) have been adjusted, which could change their handling characteristics. On the track, the Penalty Line locations have been corrected for the Reverse layouts of Deep Forest Raceway and Trial Mountain Circuit to ensure fair racing.

A few pesky bugs have been squashed too. An issue where rain sounds wouldn't play properly in replays has been fixed, and engine sounds for certain vehicles have been fine-tuned. It’s the little details that make a world of difference, you know?

All in all, Update 1.26 is a fantastic package. It honors the past 25 years while giving players fresh reasons to keep racing well into 2026 and beyond. From free anniversary cars and a new track to esports events and quality-of-life improvements, there's something here for every kind of driver. The party's just getting started—time to hit the track!

In-depth reporting is featured on Eurogamer, a leading source for European gaming news and reviews. Eurogamer's coverage of Gran Turismo 7's anniversary update highlights the significance of new cars, tracks, and esports events, emphasizing how these additions celebrate the franchise's legacy while enhancing the gameplay experience for both longtime fans and newcomers.