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500 PP Clubman Cup
rating: ***
Participants: 10
Matterhorn Rotenboden
(1,500) 13.76 -- 109 hp
(2,000) 14.49 -- 138 hp
(2,500) 15.62 -- 160 hp
(3,000) 16.57 -- 181 hp
(3,500) 16.75 -- 209 hp
Circuito di Roma
(1,500) 11.02 -- 136 hp
(2,000) 12.99 -- 154 hp
(2,500) 14.12 -- 177 hp
(3,000) 14.45 -- 207 hp
(3,500) 15.76 -- 222 hp
Mount Panorama Motor Circuit
(1,500) 9.78 -- 154 hp
(2,000) 11.97 -- 167 hp
(2,500) 13.46 -- 186 hp
(3,000) 14.22 -- 211 hp
(3,500) 15.42 -- 226 hp
Start these cars no higher than 2nd place
'08 BMW Z4 Coupe
'03 BMW M3 CSL
'03 BMW M3 GTR
'00 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
any Lotus Esprit (at Matterhorn)
'97 Mazda RX-7 Sprit R Type A
Start these cars no higher than 5th place
any Lotus Elise (at Rome or Mount Panorama)
any Lotus Esprit (at Rome or Mount Panorama)
'09 Lotus Evora
Grids which do not include any of these starting 2nd and/or 5th can have a small amount of power deducted:
-5 horsepower. Careful though, this can get risky! An NSX which starts 8th place for instance
might still claw its way toward the front.
Add + 5 horsepower per position if any of the 2nd place cars start on
pole, or 5th place cars start higher than 5th at Rotenboden or Rome. This bonus does not need to be added at Mount Panorama
since long-term drafting comes into play.
Tall models with iffy handling (Volkswagen Beetle 2.0, for instance) may need +5 to
+10 horsepower at Rome and Mount Panorama if the cars mentioned above start on 2nd or 5th. If none of these
show (or if they start below 6th), don't add power.
B-spec: +150 horsepower at Matterhorn, and +100
at the other two tracks. Soft Sport Tires as well.
Description
Unlike National B, National A starts off with a lot of welcome changes. First and foremost, TEN
cars per race, instead of the usual 6. And we start in last place! Theoretically, this makes GT6 more
challenging than GT5. In the previous game there may have been up to twelve cars per race, but there were never
more than 6 cars to pass, since we often started at 7th place.
More power is needed. In comparison to the 400 pp Clubman, I am using roughly 50 horsepower more, comparing
an equivalent amount of weight.
Two 500 pp tracks are completely new to the Gran Turismo series.
Matterhorn is interesting because it is not a real-life
track as I assumed; it is a PD original creation. Once again it is located in the Swiss Alps area, along with Eiger Norwand
and GT2's Grindelwald. Matterhorn is not as visually interesting as Eiger or Grindy...there are no cows grazing just
off-track, no colorful ski chalets to whiz by. In fact, Matterhorn's scenery is rather bare. What Matterhorn lacks
in charm though, it makes up in challenge. The entire track is narrow, with a dizzying array of high and low-speed turns,
I am already thinking there's no way the AI can drive this track well!
Rome is nothing new for most of us. I have tried to make this
particular race as nerve-racking as possible because of this. I am guaranteeing some really close finishes. ;)
Mount Panorama, on the other hand, is a real-life track. It
is located in Australia, making this the first Aussie track used in a Gran Turismo game. Like Matterhorn, Panorama is tricky,
but not overly difficult to learn. A half-hour (or so) of slow-driving followed by three or four hot laps is all it takes
before you'll be able to skool the AI.
Though I am rating this series with 3 stars, Mount Panorama occasionally rates an extra star in my book,
meaning that occasionally three or more cars will be ganging up for the lead toward the end of the race! This is especially
true if small mistakes get made after the lead gets taken by us. All the sudden those half-doofusy drivers seem
to get REALLY angry their comfortable lead has been stolen.
Opponents
The 500 pp Clubman Cup also changes that cast of characters. Faster cars, and better
cars, to race against. Fortunately, there aren't too many jackrabbits to discuss, and they've all been listed right under
the math ratios section.
Though the cars are faster, the drivers are still operating on a Freshman Cup level. They drive as
though it's their first or second time around each track. Reaction times are slow, and they rarely take chances in those
turns. So (again) it's all about those straighter sections, for them. And it's all about those curves, sweepers, twisties,
and hairpins for us.
Note that everybody has switched from hard sport tires to soft sports. I made a mistake when starting this
portion of the guide, thinking everyone's on hard sports, which is why I'm recommending hard sports for this series. Truthfully,
even with these harder tires, many cars will simply eat up the competition during those turns, as they "grandma mode" their
way through most hairpins, chicanes, and even high-speed sweepers.
Parts Used
Hard Sport Tires
Racing Suspension
Racing Brakes
Close-ratio Transmission is most popular choice. Some will need factory or full-customized.
Twin-Clutch Kit, with other drivetrain parts as needed
Limited-slip Device for those which lose serious traction.
Cars Used
'97 Daihatsu Mira SR-XX (1,500 / Flyweight)
'03 Scion xB
(2,000 / Lightweight)
'95 Honda Civic SiR-II (2,500 / Middleweight)
'00 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 (3,000 / Middle-Heavyweight)
'05 Volkswagen Golf V GTI (3,000 / Middle-Heavyweight)
'09 Volvo C30 R-Design (3,500 / Heavyweight)
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Night Masters
rating: ***
Participants: 10
Mount Panorama
(1,500) 11.11 -- 135 hp
(2,500) 13.74 -- 182 hp
(3,000) 14.92 -- 201 hp
Matterhorn Rotenboden
(1,500) 17.44 -- 86 hp
(2,500) 18.52 -- 135 hp
(3,000) 20.42 -- 147 hp
Willow Springs - Big Willow
(1,500) 12.96 -- 121 hp
(2,500) 15.71 -- 159 hp
(3,000) 17.44 -- 172 hp
B-spec: +100 hp at all tracks. In some cases, the maximum pp rating
of 450 will be met, so go with this instead.
Though there are a few jackrabbits in this series, they only become dangerous if they start downfield,
oddly. If they are started on pole, the game seems to automatically rubber-band them, allowing slower cars to catch
up (including us).
Still, it's a good idea to start the Toyota FT-86 Concept, Honda NSX,
Renault Clio Sport V6 no higher than 5th place at Mount Panorama, and 3rd place at Matterhorn and Willow Springs.
The Volkswagen Scirocco R can also sometimes pull its way to the front, but not as reliably.
If none of the faster cars show up, -15 to -20 horsepower
can be used. Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Matterhorn is the most unpredictable track, so use the most judgment here.
Description
Here's a Polyphony Digital first: a series of races held only at night. Each race begins at the very end of a day,
but beware: night falls fast in the world of Gran Turismo 6. Within a minute or so, each car's Automatic Headlight
Module triggers. Full darkness envelopes the land!
Remember: Almost all vehicles have the ability to switch between low beam headlights and high beams,
including Standards. Switching to highs really becomes necessary sometimes, especially at Big Willow.
Two of the Night Master courses were just featured during the Clubman. Everyone expects Route 5 might also be an obvious
choice, but oddly, nether Clubman Stage Route 5 or Special Stage Route 5 get used.
Opponents
A similar grid of enemies to the previous Clubman race are hosted now (Lancer Evos, Skylines, Fairlady Zs, and so
on), with a few new faces, such as the Renault Sport Clio and 2011 Scirocco. The previous top cars which frequently were showing:
the C5-era Corvette and Lotuses, no longer do so. The Honda NSX is the only one left. We can't get rid of that guy so
easily.
As expected, many try their darndest to destroy us down those straights, but take many turns too cautiously, despite
being equipped with soft sport tires. What else is new though, right?
Parts
Hard Sport Tires
Medium Sports can be used for cars with poorer handling, Do the first race at Mount Panorama. Those
who struggle here with hard tires can try mediums.
Racing Suspension (Hard or Soft)
Racing Brakes for some
Transmission as needed. Many cars will be using factory parts at the first two tracks, with full-custom boxes only for
those with short stock gears.
Twin Clutch Kit. Drivetrain parts as needed.
Cars
'97 Suzuki Alto Works RS-Z (1,500 pounds)
'91 Nissan Silvia Q's (2,500 pounds)
'00 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 (3,000 pounds)
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Gornergrat League
rating: **
Participants: 10
Matterhorn Rotenboden
(1,500) 12.50 -- 120 hp
(2,000) 16.00 -- 125 hp
(3,000) 19.61 -- 153 hp
(3,500) 20.11 -- 177 hp
Matterhorn Riffelsee
(1,500) 8.33 -- 180 hp
(2,000) 10.15 -- 197 hp
(3,000) 12.66 -- 238 hp
(3,500) 13.06 -- 268 hp
Matterhorn Dristelen
(1,500) 9.04 -- 166 hp
(2,000) 10.64 -- 188 hp
(3,000) 13.21 -- 227 hp
(3,500) 14.05 -- 249 hp
B-spec: 500 pp or higher, +200 hp is typical
For those who are having trouble, try keeping those famous Group B machines off of Pole position. Group B includes
most every car from the mid 1980s.
More power can be removed for those who want an even more intense Gornergrat experience. I like to add slightly more
power than absolutely necessary, mostly to allow for occasional derp moments, when enemy drivers take turns too slow, and
we get stuck behind them!
Description
According to Wikipedia, Gornergrat is a "rocky ridge" which is specific to the Swiss Alps region of Zermatt. There are
three tracks to race here, all three of them are variations of Matterhorn, and all of them are three laps apiece.
This league features the first appearance of real-world racing cars in GT6, all of them are built for rallying. I am
still entering ordinary models though, and thankfully, Polyphony Digital allows this. To race a real-world racer of our
own means to severely limit its power, which creates inconsistent mathematical results sometimes. Severely-limited
engines will be making the same power between thousands of RPMs, and I try to avoid this.
Matterhorn Riffelsee is a vaguer version of the Matterhorn complex of
tracks. Its turns are mostly gentler, and aren't as memorable as those found during Rotenboden. However, many of them are
blind, high-speed, downhill slaloms! Roughly one-quarter of the track includes turns and straights found during the Rotenboden
version of Matterhorn. The main difference is a greater portion of the track is taken at higher overall speeds.
Matterhorn Dristelen: this is the "fun" track, with one very sheer cliff
off into the valley below, with only six inches of concrete guardrails to protect from falls. As usual, take the time
to really learn this track in detail. Dristelen hasn't got as many passing zones compared to the other two courses. Despite
this, it requires less power than Riffelsee.
Rally Suspensions are recommended at those final two tracks, to get firmer springs while not sacrificing
longer spring & shock extensions. There are some areas at these two tracks where losing grip with the road can become
a real problem.
Opponents
Don't let their competitive liveries fool you; the drivers inhabiting those heavily-sponsored automobiles are the same
idiots who've been showing up all along. They may have some very slight advantages during high-speed turns (due to altered
aerodynamics) but it's still very easy out-brake them, out-corner them, and blast out of turns, many positions ahead.
Some cars sometimes manage to get very far ahead of the competition, usually three or four way up front will do this.
But it doesn't matter; I always manage to catch up. Is this due to rubber-banding? Unseen computer decisions which cause front-running
jackrabbits to temper their speed? Those dirty words keep showing up in this racing guide, don't they?
Good news is, once again it seems PD has managed to get a vast library of autos onto the same page, meaning that
it's rare for any one particular model to totally destroy the pack.
Parts
Soft Sport Tires
Rally Suspension
Racing Brakes with Brake Balancer
Transmission as needed
Twin Clutch Kit with drivetrain parts as needed
Cars
'97 Suzuki Alto Works RZ-R (1,500 / flyweight)
'97 Toyota Starlet Glanza V (2,000 / lightweight)
'00 Nissan Silvia Varietta (3,000 / middle-heavyweight)
'09 Volvo C30 R-Design (3,500 / heavyweight)
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Clubman Kart Cup 100
rating: ***
Participants: 8
Description
Gran Turismo 6 really takes this karting thing seriously. For instance, we're supposed to buy a
go-kart for this Clubman version. That's right, there are more than one type of kart available in this game! Was
this true in GT5? I don't remember. Racing Kart Junior is what was raced during National B, but Juniors have now become
obsolete.
Next issue: where the heck are karts sold? Turns out, they are in the Japanese Dealership section, under "Gran Turismo."
At 6,500 credits apiece they are easily affordable.
There are two types of karts to chose from: the Racing Kart 100, or the Racing Kart 100 SPL. I am not sure what the difference
is between them, and the game's Car Info button doesn't say. They have twice the power though, compared to Junior karts.
Opponents
Autumn Ring Mini, 3 laps: is definitely easier than the previous kart
trial during National A. Maybe because there are three laps to beat 'em instead of two. Even so, I was leading the back halfway
during Lap 2, with a whole lap and a half left to strengthen my getaway.
Kart Space I, 5 laps: This is the place which looks like a miniature golf
course, and Kart Space II (which was used during National B) is the easier variant, compared to Kart Space I. It seems
the drivers who show up have actually practiced hard, they are tougher to beat. Those who have
trouble catching up at Kart Space I: learn the art of trail-braking (braking while turning) into this track's
hairpin areas and loops. Brake initially in a straight line, but learn how to curve this line inwards, as the kart nears the
inside of each turn.
Gran Turismo Arena (Layout A), 5 laps: Somehow, karting has now become
a spectator sport, as thousands pack the stands just to watch. Polyphony Digital gives a break here, since GTA Layout A is
the same track raced during the Karting Jr. league.
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NA Sports Series
rating: **
Participants: 10
Silverstone Grand Prix
(2,000) 11.69 -- 171 hp
(3,500) 12.19-- 287 hp
Suzuka Circuit
(2,000) 10.87 -- 184 hp
(3,500) 11.33 -- 303 hp
Brands Hatch Indy Circuit
(2,000) 11.98 -- 167 hp
(3,500) 12.37 -- 283 hp
Historic Class: +10 to 20 horsepower, depending how badly non ABS
cars brake.
B-spec: +100 to 120 hp
Start these no higher than 3rd (Silverstone and Brands Hatch)
'93 BMW M3 CSL
'03 BMW M3 GTR
'08 BMW Z8 Coupe
'03 Shelby Series One Super Charged
Start these no higher than 5th (Silverstone and Brands Hatch)
'04 Acura HSC
any Honda NSX
'09 Lotus Evora
'00 RUF RGT
At Suzuka Circuit, places can be changed up a notch: 2nd and 4th at this track, instead of 3rd and 5th. In some cases,
the '3rd place' starters can even be placed on pole.
Nothing is set in stone. It is possible to have an NSX start on 3rd place for instance, yet this car won't ever manage
to challenge for the lead. But the opposite is also true. I have seen that NSX start on 5th, get an early lead, and now it's
barely catchable.
Description
Here's another restrictied race series: Cars without turbos or superchargers. Unlike the days of GT2,
those to try to sneak a turbo under that hood after entering the race without one will quickly get slapped.
500 pp or less, and over 18,000 credits per win. Although only three cars are listed in the entry sheet, thankfully a
lot more than three models show up. And it's time to show them all how it's done, once again.
But first, how exactly is the Shelby Series One able to appear, if it's truly supercharged? Oops.
Opponents
There's a wide range of cars which show up, Some have been with us since the 500 pp Clubman, while others are new
as challengers: Holdens, the Hyundai Genesis, and so on. All of them are rear or all wheel-drives. Once again, it looks as
though we're about to get our asses handed.
But, have a look at that pp rating of "500" again. Mm hmm.
It's not that the enemy hasn't got some decent weapons to fight with. No, it is (once again) the fact that it doesn't
seem like they try hard enough. We might spar a bit once we're trying to pass them, and sometimes they do
catch back up down longer straight areas. But once the door has been firmly shut in their faces, it's like they seem
to give up. Develop engine misfires, or something. Fall waaaay behind.
Oddly, once the race is in its final lap will some drivers finally get a clue. All the sudden they're actually racing.
But this assumes they're way up front, and we've already passed them, or are about to do so. Because of this, I did a little
experiment for the first race at Silverstone. I entered a 2005 Mustang with 499 pp, almost exactly the max power allowed.
My aim to was to truly see if the game would rubber-band the AI, making that final lap tougher than the rest. Thankfully,
this was not the case. A Shelby Series One started on 2nd place, and this car was in the lead firmly by Lap 2, yet my 'stang
blew by the Shelby like it was a postal carrier, and won by over two seconds at the very end.
So that's comforting news I guess, for those who are out there wondering why anybody would choose to enter a Scion
hatchback. I still say there's some form of rubber-banding in this game. How else would an 18 second lead at the start
of Lap 3 dwindle down to a split second by the end of Lap 3?
Because of this, I rate the NA Sport Series a mere 2 stars. It could have been so much better. Such a disappointment,
in the long run.
Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit: by now this track should be familiar to all,
it's been used so many times in GT6.
Suzuka Circuit: Here's the first instance of the full Suzuka track showing
up in this game. This circuit should be well familiar to anyone who's raced any of the previous Gran Turimos from the last
two decades. The AI drives really badly at this track, almost depressingly bad.
Brands Hatch Grand Prix: This track hasn't been touched since the beginning
of the game, so beware. Some turns which previously required little or no braking now demand some heavier stoppage. Those
faster AI cars (Lotus, NSX, etc.) also do a better job at stealing back lost positions, and claiming new ones, than they did
at Suzuka.
Parts
Medium Sport Tires
Hard Sport Tires can be used for some who dominate too easily, making 2:30 or lower during
practice laps at Suzuka, or 1:49 or lower at Brands Hatch. Use these tires against
easier grids (with none of the alphas stated above on 2nd to 5th), as well.
Racing Suspension (Hard or Soft)
Racing Brakes for cars which haven't got race-ready handling
Transmission rated for 140 mph at highest
Twin Clutch kit. Other drivetrain parts as needed
Cars
'03 Scion xA (2,000 pounds / lightweight / Modern Class)
'05 Ford Mustang GT (3,500 pounds / heavyweight / Modern Class)
'65 Nissan Silvia (2,000 pounds / lightweight / Historic Class)
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Turbo Sports Series
rating: ***
Participants: 10
Deep Forest
(1,500) 13.39 -- 112 hp
(2,000) 15.62 -- 128 hp
(3,000) 19.11 -- 157 hp
Trial Mountain
(1,500) 11.90 -- 126 hp
(2,000) 13.79 -- 145 hp
(3,000) 15.96 -- 188 hp
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
(1,500) 9.68 --- 155 hp
(2,000) 11.36 -- 176 hp
(3,000) 14.02 -- 214 hp
B-spec: +100 horsepower or more for AWD and RWD cars
For the most infighting, it helps to start certain slower machines on pole at the first two tracks (pole and 2nd at Spa).
Examples: the 82 Audi Quattro, 90 Lotus Carlton, Mitsubishi Galant, Toyota Caldina, '03 Volvo S60, and other older
or clumsier vehicles. Pack a grid full of Skylines, Evos (etc.) behind these snoozers. There you go.
At Deep Forest and Trail Mountain, start the Lotus Esprit, Opel Speedster, and
1980 Renault 5 Turbo no higher than 4th place for closer competition, or higher than 4th for more challenge.
The Opel and Renault be started 5th at Spa-Francorchamps. The Lotus on the other hand, can claw all the way from 8th!
Mazda RX-7s and Toyota MR2s also play minor jackrabbit roles, these can be started
as high as 3rd at the first two tracks, 4th at Spa.
Keep in mind: trying to find that perfect grid can take a long time. Thankfully, there are a lot of average
grids for those who don't wish to wait. These are 2 star races compared potential 3 stars, though.
Description
Turbocharged or superchargers only, please. 550 pp is now the maximum power rating. "Enjoy the explosive
acceleration only a turbo can deliver!" quips the game's entry caption for this series.
Odd, because these races are even easier than the Natural Aspirated Sport Series. In past games (GT2, GT3, and GT4)
the turbo races always required more power than the naturally-aspirated ones. Now they definitely do not.
Oh, each lap is TWO laps apiece. Not three.
Opponents
Very few opponents stand out when placed one against the other, and they've all been noted above. As long as they are
placed appropriately, none of them ever storms way ahead of the pack like the NSX, Acura HSC, and a couple others do
during the NA Sport Series; instead, it's the lesser cars of the Turbo Sport Series which can sometimes do so on their
own.
Only exception is the Lotus Esprit. Be careful including this guy, sometimes it can gain to the front,
even if it's started 7th or 8th place.
And come prepared. I have tried my darndest to provide some tight competition at these three tracks.
Deep Forest: Not much to report here. The racing remains rather "bleh" with
a few inspired moments during some final laps. They still take the final downhill turn onto the straight with too much braking.
Time your exit right, and it's easy to destroy them down this straight.
Trial Mountain: beware at this track. Sometimes a couple rogue racers
manage to get far ahead at this track, impossible to catch. There aren't any particular cars that are more prone to this behavior
than others; It seems to happen when one car is able to draft another, way up front (an Impreza and a Lancer Evo, for
instance). Fortunately, these jackrabbit moments are infrequent.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps: Located in Belgium, this is the first instance
of Spa appearing in Gran Turismo's main series. I do believe there was a GT2 license test devoted to the downhill / uphill
sweeper section after Turn 1, and it's possible Spa appeared in Tourist Trophy, but I've personally never tried that game.
Not into bikes. Spa is a scenic course, with mostly gentle turns mixed with a few benders, and several long straight
sections.
I am glad Spa is appearing in the game now, since not much power is demanded. Makes it easier to learn, satisfying to
conquer. Again, sometimes there will be a couple drivers way up front who stomp far ahead of everyone else. Add more power
if you want to avoid this, but also keep in mind that this can lead to a boring race if that lead is taken too early.
Parts
Comfort Soft Tires
Racing Suspension (some can go with factory parts)
Transmission as needed. Top speed of 130 mph is possible at Spa in particular.
Twin Clutch Kit
Cars Used
'97 Suzuki Alto Works RS-Z (1,500 pounds)
'03 Scion xA (2,000 pounds)
'00 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 (3,000 pounds)
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MR Challenge
rating: *1`/2
Participants: 10
Madrid Mini
(2,000) 9.76 -- 205 hp
(3,000) 10.79 -- 278 hp
Trial Mountain
(2,000) 11.17 -- 179 hp
(3,000) 12.13 -- 247 hp
Apricot Hill Raceway
(2,000) 10.10 -- 198 hp
(3,000) 11.72 -- 256 hp
B-spec: + 100 to 120 horsepower
Start the '04 Acura HSC, '66 Ford GT40 Mark I, and any Paganis no higher than
3rd place.
... and notice how often those mentioned above start on pole, 2nd, and 3rd place!
Sometimes, the Lamborghini Miura can also be added to the above list, although sometimes not.
Description
MR means Mid-Engine / Rear-Drive, and don't even think about entering some other drivetrain. I have deemed this a one-star
series of races (well, one and a half), the third low-rated series so far. How can this be?
We're back to three laps now, and these three stints feature some decent speed. Nothing blistering, but speedy enough
for some satisfaction. But still, the GT5 version of the MR Challenge, for instance, required a RUF 3400S to be at its
very peak echelons of power at a couple tracks. Power was definitely King.
But in GT6, now I'm actually limiting this car's factory-rated 305 hp. It seems now that the competition's
got some serious restrictor plate action going! That 500 pp rating is a dead giveaway, but I don't think they're
even using this much. Because there's no way a Pagani or an NSX should be getting blown away by my 200 horsepower MR2
Spyder.
But that's not really why I rate the MR Challenge so low. The MR Challenge is a rather disappointing cache of
races, as it forces us to rely more on power at times, than handling; it's the only way to catch up to whoever's leading The
nine cars ahead of us follow each other like a train, and rarely are there any dramatic moments when one car is able to advance
on another. They're spaced too far apart from one another.
To put it succinctly, the MR Challenge feels more like a set of Missions than a group of races.
Opponents
As per earlier versions of the MR Challenge, this series features a who's who of mid-engine supercars. Lamborghinis,
Honda NSX, Ferraris, Lotus. This list goes on. Unfortunately, none of them are really all that super in this series. On top
of this, PD has put them all on hard sport tires instead of the softs they've normally been using.
Don't spend too much time doing the MR Challenge, there's still a lot more racing to be done. Maybe some of it improves.
Parts
Hard Sport Tires
Racing Suspension for non-supercar types
Racing Brakes for non-supercar types
Close or factory gearboxes. Never should there be a need for full-customized units, unless maybe a historic
car with bad gearing is used. .
Twin clutch kit
I recommend not using a limited-slip device, just to keep things as edgy as possible. There are a few which may
absolutely need this contraption, though.
Cars Used
'99 Toyota MR2 Spyder (2,000 pounds)
'00 RUF 3400S (3,000
pounds)
Note: the RUF needed some significant power limiting at Trial Mountain and Apricot Hill, but so will a lot of other
mid-engine sports cars at the upper end of the weight category.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4WD Challenge
rating: **
Participants: 10
Brands Hatch Indy Circuit
(1,500) 11.63 -- 129 hp
(2,000) 14.49 -- 138 hp
(3,500) 19.12 -- 183 hp
Willow Springs International -- Big Willow
(1,500) 10.79 -- 139 hp
(2,000) 13.70 -- 146 hp
(3,500) 16.66 -- 210 hp
Grand Valley Speedway
(1,500) 11.90 -- 126 hp
(2,000) 14.28 -- 140 hp
(3,500) 15.02 -- 233 hp B-spec: +150
at Brands Hatch, +120 at Big Willow and Grand
Valley. Enter cars which are competitive, not SUVs or heavy machines.
Historic cars can use +10 to 20 horsepower.
Sometimes one car will jump way ahead of the field, but these instances are somewhat rare, maybe one out of every
20 races.
Description
Four wheel-drive, or all wheel-drive cars are accepted. The 4WD Challenge is not nearly as speedy as the MR Challenge,
matter of fact these three races feel as though they belong in National B, right after the Freshman Cup.
Opponents
Most of the cars which show up here are on the same page, competition-wise: lighter Audis, Evos, Skyline GT-Rs and STis,
pack these grids, and it's rare one of these will jackrabbit. Slower cars like Mitsubishi Gallants, GTOs, SUVs like the Infiniti
FX45 also can appear, though these are not as common. Those who are having troubles can try searching for easier grids with
these slower cars on 1st and 2nd place. These can take awhile to locate, unfortunately.
Brands Hatch Indy Circuit
This short track has an interesting effect: sometimes multiple cars will gang up for the lead during that last lap, which
is rather fun when it happens. Doesn't always happen, though. Note how the AI still hasn't figured out where and when to brake
at this track. It's criminally easy to destroy them going into Druids (the hairpin) and also Kidney Bend (the left-right area
after the short straight at the bottom of the hill).
Willow Springs International - Big Willow
Lots of space between each car, and this means Big Willow isn't always as close of a race, for us or our opponents. Again,
the first half of the track is where lots of passes can be made, as well as carefully flying into that final right sweeper.
The AI always brakes a little too much here. Understandable, because they're not in the habit of taking risks.
Grand Valley Speedway
Here's the first instance of the full Grand Valley course in GT6. PAY ATTENTION here, this race is two laps instead
of three.
Parts
Soft Comfort Tires
Racing Suspension (Hard or Soft) for some
Close-ratio Transmission for some at some tracks.
Twin Clutch Kit + carbon driveshaft (if needed)
Cars Used
'97 Suzuki Alto Works RS-Z (1,500 flyweight)
'02 Suzuki Kei Works (2,000
lightweight)
'03 Honda Element
(3,500 ultra-heavyweight)
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Electric Circuits
rating **:
Participants: 10
High Speed Ring:
(1,600) 26.66 -- 60 hp
(2,500) 28.09 -- 89 hp
Matterhorn Dristelen
(1,600) 16.16 -- 99 hp
(2,500) 20.49 -- 122 hp
Indianapolis Road Course
(1,600) 21.62 -- 74 hp
(2,500) 27.17 -- 92 hp Nissan Leaf: 98 horsepower
at High Speed Ring, 107 hp at Matterhorn, and 101 at
Indianapolis. B-spec: +50 horsepower all
tracks. Keep in mind many hybrids and some electrics won't be able to make this sort of power. Look for easier grids
for these cars.
Description
Electric Circuits (get it/?) is for electric, or gas/electric hybrid cars. Each race is two laps, which I think
is intentional. There's a possibility some of the batteries powering in these cars might not last more than two as they roll
along at full drain for most of each stint.
The first videogame hybrid appeared long ago in Gran Turismo 2, and this would have been the '97 Toyota Prius
G. That Prius was doing amazing things in real-life, but in the game it was just about useless. Things have changed,
eh?
But still, there are still some volt-boxes to avoid. The '09 Mitsubishi I-MiEV is a great example since it only
has 63 horsepower, and its power cannot be modified. Maybe this car can succeed if it's heavily modified but I haven't experimented
with it yet. Arguably, any Tesla should also be kept in the garage ... these will simply destroy the rest of the field. And
here's why. Nissan Leafs cannot have their power upgraded, yet they weigh over 3,400 pounds!
Opponents
The big question about these races: will a Tesla or two show up? If so, they'd definitely be the alphas
to fear! According to the pre-race Cars Used list, these cars are definitely allowed.
But the answer is "no." I have done multiple Electric Circuits, I have yet to see anything from Elon Musk. So we too
should not be entering these.
High Speed Ring
This track gets infected by that now-familiar GT6 phenomenon, as cars tend to sprawl far apart. But the good news is,
occasionally they will also draft & pass each other, which creates occasional moments of drama here and there.
Usually one or two will wind up way up in front. These might seem impossible to catch as Lap 2 begins. But no worries.
That rubber-banding effect (whatever it is) always takes care of this. As long as cornering is kept clean, it's possible
to squeak a tight win.
Matterhorn Dristelten
An unusual tryst here, as everybody has some real problems dealing with the uphill portions of this track. A lot
of extra power is needed at Dristelten because of constant pole-sitting jackrabbits who become impossible to catch.
Usually it'll be a Prius or two, or an Insight or two. They always jump far ahead of the others. Best
way to beat them at this track is to find a grid which starts a Toyota Aqua or Nissan Leaf (or two) up front. Of
course, it can take a long time to find such a grid.
Indianapolis Road Circuit
Here's a track which was first introduced in GT5, yet never got used during A or B-spec. So ... time for yet another
crash course! Fortunately, half the track is simply the oval part used during the superspeedway. The other half is easily
learned in a half-hour or so. No hills. No blind turns. Lots of space to make cornering arcs, and so on.
Some races at Indy feature a couple cars which begin drafting way up front. Sometimes not. I have included extra power
just in case this happens. If it doesn't happen, the race becomes much easier to win, of course. Unlike Matterhorn, Indianapolis
only features the 2009 Prius or Aqua starting pole. This won't matter for A-spec races, but B-spec might be in trouble, depending
which car is being used.
Parts
Soft Comfort Tires
Factory (default) suspension, brakes, and drivetrain parts are sufficient.
Close gearing for some which don't have CVT boxes. This unit can push the Honda CR-Z into overkill,
however. Nissan Leaf: full
weight reductions, Racing Suspension, and Hard
Sport Tires are necessary.
Cars Used
'99 Honda Insight (1,600 pounds)
'10 Honda CR-Z a (2,500 pounds)
Note: both cars used so far had some significant power-restricting. This could cause future cars (Prius, Leaf, Aqua,
etc.) to need slightly more than posted, if their weight is reduced. Then again, perhaps their CVT transmissions will prevent
any major discrepancies.
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Festival Italia
rating: **
Participants: 10
Circuito di Roma
(2,000) 15.50 -- 129 hp
(3,500) 18.61 -- 188 hp
Autodromo Nazionale Monza (No Chicane)
(2,000) 14.92 -- 134 hp
(3,500) 17.94 -- 195 hp
Cote d'Azur
(2,000) 16.53 -- 121 hp
(3,500) 19.34 -- 181 hp
B-spec: + 100 hp at Rome and Monza, +150 at Cote d'Azur
Start the '78 Lancia Stratos and '66 Dino Ferrari
246 GT no higher than 4th place (Rome and Monza). Keep in mind that finding grids which start these
particular cars on that position are rare. Not worth looking for unless you get lucky.
Description
It is official, Italian cars only are acceptable for this series. Each of these are 3 laps.
This is the first series during which it is possible to lap a car! If a '60s-eat Fiat 500 shows up, these races
are long enough that a 500 can be caught approaching in front of us. Watch out!
Other than that little surprise, there's nothing new here. Well, Monza's "no chicane" version removes the first
two set of turns.
Opponents
As per the GT5 version of Festiva Italia, it is easy to spot those which move faster than the rest. Here's a hint: we're
looking for low-slung 2-seater sports cars: the '73 Lancia Stratos and Dino Ferrari.
As mentioned, I am recommending starting these no higher than 4th. The annoying thing is when the game includes these two
models, it almost always puts them on pole.
Everyone else mostly are on the same page, with those cars more modern having a slight advantage over the rest of the
historics.
Parts
Soft Comfort Tires
Racing Suspension (some won't need this)
Close-ratio gearing for those with too-tall boxes, especially at Cote d'Azur
Twin Clutch Kit
Other drivetrain parts as needed, for some Histoirics.
Cars Used
'08 Fiat 500 1.2 8V Lounge SS (2,000)
'98 Alfa Romeo 166 2.5 V6 24.v (3,500)
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European Hot Hatch Series
rating London: *
Brands Hatch ***
Spa--Franc ***
Participants: 10
London -- (3 laps)
(2,000) 13.70 -- 146 hp
(4,200) 19.00 -- 221 hp
Brands Hatch Indy -- (3 laps)
(2,000) 15.50 -- 129 hp
(4,200) 21.32 -- 197 hp
Circuit de Spa Francorchamps -- (2 laps)
(2,000) 13.33 -- 150 hp
(4,200) 18.26 -- 230 hp
A few cars do better than others, and these are listed in the Opponents section below. Start
them no higher than 3rd, for those who are having trouble. Or keep them on pole or 2nd for more challenge.
Description
The description for this race is similar to the GT5 version. "A race event aimed at hot hatches," but in truth,
any European car can be used, as long as it's below 500 pp. Does not have to be a hatchback.
I originally was structuring Modern and Historic classes for this series, but there isn't much difference going from
cars with ABS braking versus those which haven't got these systems. Modern cars won't need as many aftermarket parts, basically.
Opponents
This is yet another series that feels more like a bunch of missions at first, than actual races. At this point in
my GT6 career I am seriously losing inspiration. Rush, rush, rush, avoid, avoid, avoid, Win. Yawn. Maybe it's finally
time for Forza.
That is London, though. Both Brands Hatch and Spa can sometimes feature more exciting trysts which feel more like
races.
The cars listed below pull a little stronger than others, and should be started no higher than 3rd place, lest they build
gigantic 9+ second leads over the rest of the field. Again, for those who are looking for more challenge keep them up front,
and play that exciting game of catch-up.
'11 Renault Sport Megane R.S. Trophy
'85 Peugeot 205Turbo 16v
'80 Renault 5 Turbo
'00 Renault Clio Sport V6
'03 Volkswagen Golf R32
'11 Volkswagen Scirocco R
Parts
Soft Comfort Tires (ABS brakes)
Hard Sport Tires (non-ABS brakes)
Factory suspensions for most Modern cars
Soft or Hard Racing Suspension for Historic (non-ABS braking) cars
Close-ratio or factory gears for most
Full-Customized gears for emergencies (Historic cars, mostly)
Twin Clutch
Drivetrain parts as needed for Historic cars.
Cars Used
'66 Volkswagen Beetle 1200 (2,000 pounds, Historic)
'88 Volvo 240 GLT Wagon (4,200 pounds, Historic)
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Schwarzwald League
rating: **
Participants: 10
Cape Ring - South-- 3 Laps
(2,000) 12.55 -- 154 hp (3,000) 17.04 -- 176
London / Reversed -- 3 Laps
(2,000) 10.10 -- 198 hp (3,000) 12,93 -- 232 hp
Nurburgring Nordschleife -- 1 Lap
(2,000) 12.27 -- 163 hp (3,000) 16.76 -- 179 hp
B-spec:
Start the '09 Audi TT-S or BMW M3 no higher than 3rd place at any track.
Start the Opel Speedster or '86 RUF BTR no higher than 5th place,
or 4th place at London.
Description
German cars only. Ironically only one of these three Deutches races are held on an actual German track. Historically,
there has always been an A and a B version of this series, representing easy to more difficult: city-type cars and
then Autobahn cruisers. GT6 seems to start us only with the faster ones.
Opponents
Audis, BMWs, Benzes, oh my! Mostly, it's the latest-model 2009 Audi TT-S, BMW M3s and some of those 2-seaters
which are ones to keep off the front lines. However, everybody moves really fast down straight areas.
Cape Ring South -- Note that there are several versions of the Cape Ring
complex, this is the first instance of the South track ever being used, in GT5 or GT6. Just one change has been made,
the track's final turn is a sharp left U-turn, which has not been used in the main GT series.
London, Reversed -- another doozy of a track, the reversed version of London
has also not been used in either GT5 or 6, and it's tougher than the normal, clockwise directioned track. Take time to practice.
If Cape Ring South is a 3 out of 10 in difficulty, London II takes all 10 of those 10, and magnifies them for those who
don't practice!
Nurburgring Nordscleife -- We've all been here before by now, right? We
all had to go through rigorous learning rituals to master this track, yet compared to London Reversed, the Ring doesn't seem
half-bad, now does it?
Parts
Medium Sport Tires
Hard Sport Tires can be used for those with superior handling.
Racing Suspension - Soft or Hard, cars with naturally gifted cornering won't need.
Racing Brakes for a few.
Close-ratio gearing is most popular. Some may need Full-custom gearing at Nurburgring.
Twin Clutch Kit + Carbon Driveshaft
Limited-Slip Differential for cars with traction problems.
Cars Used
'02 Opel Corsa Comfort 1.4 (2,000 / Leichtwicht) '00 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0 (2,000 / Schwergewicht)
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Classic Muscle Car Series
rating: *** Participants: 10
Willow Springs International - Big Willow
(2,500) 10.69 -- 234 hp (4,000) 13.33 -- 300
hp
Laguna Seca
(2,500) 11.01 -- 227 hp (4,000) 13.65 -- 293
hp
Matterhorn Dristelen
(2,500) 11.68 -- 214 hp (4,000) 14.03 -- 285
hp
Cobras, and GT40s are the ones to watch for,
and annoyingly, these are the ones which often start on pole, on pole and 2nd place, or even 1-2-3. This happens most often
at Big Willow, for some reason. Start these no higher than 5th place. Ban them entirely if possible. It
can take awhile to find such a grid, but they DO exist.
Description High on power but notoriously bad
with just about everything else, classic American muscle cars are what they want now. Nothing newer than 1980. The pp rating
is raised to 600, which may be the highest performance points needed thus far in the game. Each race is 3 laps of slipping & sliding, fishtailing burnouts, and hoping that brake pedal works! The way it
should be. I guess.
Opponents As noted above, there are a few which can destroy the entire grid, and PD often puts them up front. I would
rather not include them at all. The AC Cobra, Shelby Cobra and Ford GT40 are bona fide
sports machines based on real-life racing cars; they are not muscle. They do not belong. Because of this I like to ban all these automobiles, or start them low on
the grid. It can take a long time to find an appropriate grid, of course. This is Gran Turismo 6, after all. Secondary cars to watch for are the same guys which dominated in GT5: the pony
cars, Mutangs and Camaros. The Dodge Challenger can also make a good
showing at Laguna Seca, but its gearing is too short at the other two tracks. Chevrolet Corvettes can also
do slightly better than others. Finally, there's the '63 Buick Special. Though this has over 500 horsepower,
and it can zoom way ahead of the others down straight sections, it has some massive problems trying to corner. The Buick can
even be included on pole position, and still catchable. A lot of the abovementioned models do better mostly because their gearboxes are slightly taller. A lot of cars
(Chargers, Challengers, Mercury Cougars, Superbirds, etc.) are limited down long straights to 130 mph or less. Why? Because
PD still doesn't bother to tune their gearboxes. And
this creates a bit of controversy. Maybe some may feel different, but if a car can't make down a straight section without
over-revving, I spend that money to get those taller gears. Those who disagree can go with factory gearing. Factory gears
might be fine at Laguna Seca, but have fun getting possibly limited around Big Willow and Matterhorn. Depends on the
model, of course.
Parts Hard Sport Tires Racing Suspension No ABS brakes, no Traction Controls (etc.) Factory or Full-Customizable Transmission Drivetrain parts as needed. I tend to use factory clutch and flywheel, and also do not use limited-slip devices.
These parts can give too much of an advantage, coupled with that full-custom transmission.
Cars Used '66
Shelby GT350 (2,500 / Lightweight) '70 Dodge Challenger R/T (4,000 / Ultra-Heavyweight)
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GT National Championship
rating: **
Participants: 10
Silverstone International Circuit
(2,000) 11.36 -- 176 hp
(3,500) 12.68 -- 276 hp
Apricot Hill Raceway
(2,000) 12.12 -- 165 hp
(3,500) 13.26 -- 264 hp
Mount Panorama Motoring Circuit
(2,000) 9.95 -- 201 hp
(3,500) 11.55 -- 303 hp
Autodromo Nazionale Monza
(2,000) 10.20 -- 196 hp
(3,500) 11.82 -- 296 hp
Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit
(2,000) 12.27 -- 163 hp
(3,500) 13.51 -- 259 hp
Start these cars 2nd, or 3rd, sometimes 1st place
any BMW M3
'01 BMW Z8
'08 BMW Z8
'96 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport
'00 Chevrolet Corvette
'13 Ford Mustang Boss 302
'04 Holden Monaro
'98 Lotus Esprit V8
any Mazda RX-7
'00 RUF 3400S
'00 Tommykaira ZZ-II
Start these cars 4th or 5th place
'98 Lotus Elise Sport 190
'09 Lotus Evora
Start these 6th or 7th place
any Honda NSX
'04 Oulin Motors Spirra
If the NSX and Spirra do not show, remove 10 horsepower,
especially at Apricot Hill. The rubber-banding is especially bad at this particular track. And then depending how easy this
race is, continue to remove 10 at other tracks, as well.
Nothing from the "2nd and 3rd Place" section is written in stone, in fact it is okay to put
lesser cars up there too. But those listed above are the best ones to include.
Not every race features these faster automobiles closing in on those holding the front lines.
Best to stay prepared for the worst, though.
Description
3 Laps each these are. We get to race in England, Australia, and Italy. Where is Apricot Hill? I like
to think it's somewhere on the Mediterranean: France or Spain. Apricots grow there.
The rubberbanding is out of control during portions of this series, unfortunately. My first race at
Apricot Hill for instance, I drove off into the chicane sand trap, which really slows us down. The 2013 Mustang and '02 Jaguar XKR
both seemed to take pity. They stole my lead, got many car-lengths ahead, but then waited for
me to catch up to them.
Let's hope the I-B hall gets better. Who else wants this game to kick their ass? Right.
Opponents
A very large section of Gran Turismo's library opens up now. Rare, two-seater sports cars top the list (all
mentioned above), as well as Japanese models of all types, heavier muscle cars, some luxury autos, and even the
Chevy Silverado pickup truck.
Silverstone International: This track has been shuffled around
a bit on its far side, and includes one entirely new turn: a kink to the left in between a couple of right bends.
Parts
Hard Sport Tires
Racing Suspension
Racing Brakes
Brake Balancer for some with known slowing issues. Despite lowish power, braking
needs to be far above-average at times, to gain last-moment positions here and there.
Transmission can vary. Most can still get away with factory or Close gearing,
depending which car & track.
Twin Clutch Kit.
Carbon Driveshaft for some rear or all wheel-drives.
Cars Used
'03 Scion xA
(2,000 pounds)
'96 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT-B (3,500 pounds)
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