Drive Sony’s first EV Afeela 1 in Gran Turismo 7 before its 2026 launch
Sony's first electric car, the Afeela 1, is now available to drive in Gran Turismo 7 with Update 1.62. The free patch also adds new Corvettes, a Renault classic, extra races, and a Tokyo Bay Scapes location, giving players a mix of futuristic and retro rides.
New Delhi: Sony’s first electric car, the Afeela 1, is still months away from its real-world launch, but gamers can already get behind the wheel virtually. With Gran Turismo 7’s free Update 1.62, the sleek EV has joined the racing sim’s garage lineup, giving players a chance to experience Sony’s entry into the automobile world well before deliveries start in 2026.
The update rolled out this week on PlayStation, adding not only the 2026 Afeela 1 but also a couple of monster Corvettes and a rare Renault classic. For car fans like me who love testing futuristic models in games before seeing them on roads, this feels like a sneak peek at automotive history in the making.
Afeela 1: from CES reveal to GT7 circuit
First shown at CES 2025, the Afeela 1 made headlines as Sony and Honda’s bold joint EV project. The car is offered in two trims: the Origin starting at $89,900 (about ₹74 lakh) and the Signature at $102,900 (about ₹89 lakh). Deliveries are expected to begin in California by mid-2026, with a Japanese launch planned next year.
The Afeela 1 is loaded with tech, including 40 sensors ranging from lidar to ultrasonic, a powerful ECU with 800 TOPS of computing, and an entertainment system that turns the cabin into a mini theatre. In the game, players will notice the wide-screen dashboard and futuristic styling carried over from its real-world design. Under the hood, it packs dual 240 hp motors and a 91 kWh battery with an estimated 482 km range.
GT7 update brings more than just Sony’s EV
Polyphony Digital didn’t stop with Sony’s EV. The 1.62 update also added:
- ’25 Corvette CX Concept EV with a jaw-dropping 2,000 hp.
- Corvette CX.R Concept Vision Gran Turismo, a race-prepped hybrid with twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors, also producing 2,000 hp.
- ’02 Renault Avantime 3.0 V6 24V, a quirky French minivan-turned-coupe that feels right at home in GT7’s eclectic lineup.
Alongside these cars, the patch introduces an Extra Menu No. 47: Japanese Racing Pioneers, three new racing events, and a scenic "Tokyo Bay” location in Scapes mode.
Why this matters for gamers and car fans
The Afeela 1’s inclusion is symbolic. For Sony, the car is still in pre-production testing at Honda’s East Liberty plant in Ohio. In GT7, however, it’s already racing against Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Teslas. That crossover between gaming and real-world automotive tech is something I personally find fascinating. It’s like Sony is letting us "beta test” its first EV before the real ones hit the streets.
Update 1.62 isn’t just about adding horsepower to the garage. It’s also a bridge between two worlds: a future where EVs double as entertainment hubs, and a gaming space where those same cars can be pushed to the limit without worrying about battery range or repair bills.