Original Gran Turismo Circuit Returns To Series After 13-Year Absence

Developer Polyphony Digital has unveiled a massive two-part update for Gran Turismo 7, titled 'Spec IV', which is scheduled to roll out before the end of 2026. The announcement, which was made during PlayStation's recent State of Play broadcast, promises a wealth of fresh content for racing enthusiasts. Among the most notable additions is the long-awaited return of Autumn Ring, a classic fictional circuit that has not appeared in the franchise for over a decade, alongside a brand-new real-world Japanese racetrack and a dozen new vehicles.

The Spec IV rollout will be split into two distinct phases to distribute the content across the final quarter of the year. The initial phase is scheduled to launch in October 2026, bringing the first half of the promised content. This first drop will feature the series debut of Sportsland Sugo, a prominent real-life racing facility situated in Japan's Miyagi Prefecture. In the real world, this venue is famous for hosting major domestic motorsport events, including the highly competitive Super GT and Super Formula championships.

Alongside the Miyagi prefecture circuit, the October update will introduce six new vehicles to the game's roster. Players will also gain access to a brand-new 'Vintage' section, which is dedicated to showcasing and cataloging vehicles that cannot be bought as brand-new models within the game. To help players acquire these rarer machines, Polyphony Digital is introducing a 'Car Concierge' feature. This utility is designed to assist players in ordering pre-owned vehicles and highly coveted Legend cars.

The October release does not stop at vehicles and tracks; it also aims to expand the core gameplay loop and progression systems of Gran Turismo 7. Players can look forward to a fresh set of driving challenges to test their skills behind the wheel, as well as a dedicated car viewer mode to admire their virtual garage in greater detail. Additionally, dedicated collectors will have a new goal to strive for, as the update is set to increase the game's maximum Collector Level cap.

The second phase of the Spec IV update is slated to arrive in December 2026, carrying the highly anticipated return of the Autumn Ring circuit. First introduced in the very first Gran Turismo game, the beloved track was last playable in 2013's Gran Turismo 6. For its grand return in Gran Turismo 7, the developers are not only recreating the classic, nostalgic layout that veteran players remember, but they are also introducing a brand-new, significantly expanded alternative layout to provide a fresh challenge.

The December update will also deliver the remaining six vehicles of the promised dozen, alongside several new gameplay modes designed to appeal to different segments of the player base. For newcomers and casual racers, a new 'Family' mode will be introduced to offer a more accessible entry point. Conversely, players looking for unpredictable fun can participate in 'Shuffle Race', a luck-based event format that assigns random vehicles to competitors. Online drift trials and an elevated difficulty setting within the Power Pack will round out the December package.

The reveal of the Spec IV update was a highlight of a broader PlayStation State of Play presentation that featured several major industry announcements. The broadcast also showcased an extended preview of Square Enix's Final Fantasy VII Revelation, a promotional clip for the upcoming Resident Evil film directed by Zach Cregger, and a pair of limited-edition DualSense controllers themed around Grand Theft Auto 6. Despite these high-profile reveals, the event's live chat was heavily occupied by passionate fans loudly demanding news regarding a potential Destiny 3.