Gaming Inspired “Citrogen GT” Concept Car: A Look Back

By: | December 9th, 2014

The gaming industry has become so large and powerful that the launch of a new video game is sometimes accompanied by the production of a real life “concept car”, in this case, the Citrogen GT. The car was developed by world leading racing simulator developer Polyphony Digital and the game published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation 3 video game console.

The Citrogen GT debuted in 2008 at the Paris Auto Show. The auto appeared in a game called Gran Tourismo 5. The real life replica (see video) of the virtual game car, part of a Polyphony driving simulator, appeared around the world at promotional events for several years to promote the game.

According to Citrogen CEO Vincent Besson, the GT concept car was to have a production run of 15 vehicles priced at $1.8 million each. Later these numbers were revised to 6 cars costing $2.1 million each. No doubt Besson was encouraged by the reception of the GT concept car at the Paris Auto Show..

At least one prototype was made with a top speed of over 250 mph, a 789 hp engine, two seats, a 7-speed “circle” sequential gearbox and four-wheel-drive.

As late as 2010, rumors emerged that production of the limited-edition GT’s had been suspended.

So, in the end, this concept car was a flash in the pan, and did its job in promoting the video game.

The following video shows the life size car in action.

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David Russell Schilling

David enjoys writing about high technology and its potential to make life better for all who inhabit planet earth.

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