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Spec III lands in December 2025 — what to expect
Gran Turismo 7 is getting one of its most substantial updates yet. Polyphony Digital confirmed Spec III will arrive in December 2025, bringing fresh circuits, a selection of new cars and meaningful gameplay tools aimed at racers who take lap times seriously. After years of incremental updates, this is the kind of release that can reinvigorate the online community and extend GT7's lifespan for another 12 months or more.
Two iconic circuits: Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina
Spec III adds two Formula 1–grade tracks that change how players approach setup and race strategy. Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve in Montreal returns to the series with its 4.361 km layout. The track has a mix of high-speed straights and tight chicanes, a perfect stage for slipstream battles and late braking maneuvers; in the real world it has produced lap times under 1:14 in modern F1 machinery.
Yas Marina Circuit is an even bigger draw. At roughly 5.281 km and with multiple technical sections, Yas presents supersmooth surfaces, complex corner sequences and the potential for night racing that is as photogenic as it is challenging for drivers. Expect plenty of scenic photo modes and dramatic race finishes under the lights.
Why these tracks matter
- Both tracks diversify circuit selection: one tight, one technical
- They open opportunities for F1-style events or F1-derived vehicles in the game
- Night races at Yas Marina will be particularly attractive to photographers and event organizers
Cars: Ferrari 296 GT3 and a mixed bag of classics
Polyphony has confirmed eight new cars for Spec III, including a headline modern GT3 entry: the Ferrari 296 GT3. For players who love contemporary GT racing, this is the update's showpiece. Built from Ferrari's mid-engine 296 platform, the race-spec 296 GT3 brings aggressive aerodynamics, race-prepared chassis tuning and the kind of braking and cornering balance that will reward setup knowledge and driving precision.
Beyond the Ferrari, the announced list so far teases a variety of tastes. Fans have been vocal about certain nostalgic picks: a fourth Skyline R34 GT-R variant is incoming, following earlier inclusions like the NISMO Z-tune and Mine's V-Spec N1, models famed for razor-sharp throttle response and legendary status among tuners and drift enthusiasts alike. The Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R has also been spotted on fan wish lists and could satisfy lovers of compact JDM coupes.
There are four more cars yet to be revealed. Community wishlists range from the first-generation Mazda RX-7 and the tiny Autozam AZ-1 to more offbeat or meme choices. Polyphony has flirted with quirky picks in past updates, so expect the usual mix of desirable hypercars, racing machinery and a couple of curveballs.
Gameplay and systems: telemetry, tires and Brand Central changes
Beyond new circuits and cars, Spec III introduces several systems-level updates that will change how serious players approach practice and progression.
Dunlop enters the tire options
After years of Michelin availability, Dunlop will become an option for tires. That affects grip profiles, tire wear and setup choices for players who want to fine-tune their handling characteristics across different tires.
Data Logger and telemetry
The new Data Logger is a welcome addition for lap-time chasers. It brings telemetry into the hands of drivers who want to analyze braking points, throttle application, steering inputs and sector performance. Telemetry is essential for anyone looking to bridge the gap between casual pace and consistent race craft.
Collector and Brand Central changes
Players can progress beyond Collector Level 50 — a nod to long-term players who have already maxed out. Perhaps most intriguing is "Unlimited car invitations in Brand Central." Interpreted by many as removing expiration windows on manufacturer invitations, this could finally make elusive buy-in cars more accessible, including those ultra-desired Ferrari invitations that have frustrated players in past versions.
Events and progression: Weekly Challenges, Special Events and Circuit Experiences
Spec III revamps the Weekly Challenges to include a short-format Time Trial as the opening event and introduces the One Lap Magic format from Mission Challenges. For players who found the previous Weekly Challenges predictable, this shake-up should offer a brisker, more varied competition rhythm.
Other additions include new curated scapes, fresh events in Circuit Experiences and a seasonal menu book that reshapes player objectives across the in-game calendar. Polyphony has highlighted a Special Event slot but remains tight-lipped on whether payouts will increase. Given recent whispers about higher prices in the Legend Cars dealership, players may still need to grind more credits to afford premium collector models.
Community reactions and speculation
Spec III has sparked immediate excitement and the usual rounds of speculation. Social feeds are already full of hopeful lists and jokes — some players asked for the Pontiac Aztek and the Reliant Robin in the same breath — but there is a grounded optimism this time. With a modern GT3 car confirmed and two world-class tracks added, the update favors both sim racers and car lovers who enjoy photography and event hosting.
Here are some realistic takeaways:
- Serious racers will immediately welcome the Data Logger
- Track photographers will flock to Yas Marina night shots
- Collectors are watching Brand Central closely for long-lost invitations
What this means for Gran Turismo 7's future
Spec III looks capable of keeping the GT7 community engaged into 2026. Polyphony has historically spaced major additions across years, and this release follows that pattern with enough content to fuel both competitive play and casual garage time. It also raises the perennial question of next-gen planning: is a Spec IV likely, or is Polyphony already shifting resources toward Gran Turismo 8? Industry timing and development cycles suggest the studio could be targeting a late 2027 or early 2028 launch window for a full sequel, but for now Spec III keeps GT7 relevant and rewarding.
Final thoughts
For players who measure progress in lap times, garage growth and those small collector wins, Spec III offers core upgrades: two high-caliber tracks, a headline modern GT3 car in the Ferrari 296 GT3, useful telemetry tools and meaningful progression tweaks. There will always be room for debate over specific car choices, but this update looks to strike a healthy balance between nostalgia, competitive racing and the photogenic variety that keeps Gran Turismo popular with both hardcore sim fans and general car enthusiasts.
Spec III may not answer every request, but it is the kind of update that can make players boot the game and stay for months. Whether you care most about shaving tenths on the Nordschleife, hunting down rare dealership invitations or staging night-time photo shoots at Yas Marina, December 2025 looks like a month worth circled on the calendar.
Highlights
- New tracks: Circuit de Gilles-Villeneuve and Yas Marina Circuit
- Confirmed car: Ferrari 296 GT3 plus seven other additions
- New systems: Dunlop tires, Data Logger telemetry, unlimited Brand Central invitations
- Event changes: revamped Weekly Challenges, One Lap Magic, new Seasonal menu book
Source: autoevolution
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