GTA VI: A Sim Racing Perspective

GTA VI is one of the most talked-about and eagerly anticipated games of recent years. As well as the open world and the storyline, fans of car racing and sim racing can apparently look forward to some interesting content too. The footage shown so far includes a permanent racetrack, street races, motocross and a thriving tuning scene. However, it is not yet known how realistic the vehicles will feel to drive. We summarise what is already confirmed about the racing content and which questions remain unanswered.

All We Know: What GTA VI has to offer motorsport and sim-racing fans

In GTA VI, Rockstar showcases various forms of motorsport. These include organised circuit races, night-time street races, and competitions involving dirt bikes and off-road vehicles. The different regions of Leonida provide suitable settings for these: from the streets of Vice City to long motorways and coastal roads, right through to rural and unpaved areas.

According to Rockstar, the Extended Look was created entirely from in-game footage on the PlayStation 5. As a result, the scenes give a good impression of the game world and its activities. However, it is not yet known how extensive the individual racing modes will be, or whether there will be championships or a dedicated career mode.

Gellhorn International Raceway: Rockstar’s first proper racetrack

Of particular interest is a permanent tarmac track on which several vehicles are competing in a classic circuit race. The on-screen HUD displays, amongst other things, the current position, the lap count and the lap time. The competitors are also shown on the minimap. This suggests that it is a structured racing activity and not merely a car chase within a mission.

Within the community, the circuit is often referred to as the “Gellhorn International Raceway”. A possible clue to this is the “Gellhorn International” inscription on an item of clothing worn by Lucia in Trailer 2. However, Rockstar has not yet officially confirmed the name or the exact location of the race track.

The GTA VI Mapping Project suspects the track is located in the Port Gellhorn region and has reconstructed its possible route based on the available material. This has led to comparisons with the Sebring International Raceway in Florida. In particular, the combination of the race track and the adjacent airfield is reminiscent of Sebring. However, the layout shown is not a 1:1 replica. It therefore remains to be seen whether Sebring actually served as inspiration. The Drive: Analysis of the GTA VI race track (https://www.thedrive.com/news/gta-6-drivers-can-finally-take-it-to-the-track-leaked-map-shows).

Handling and driving physics: Is GTA VI more realistic to drive than GTA V?

Based on the footage available so far, it is not yet possible to reliably assess the actual driving dynamics. The footage shows body movements during braking and steering, the suspension in action, and tyre smoke during burnouts and drifts. Whilst this may suggest more detailed vehicle behaviour, it says little as yet about grip, weight transfer or how the car behaves at the limits.

The key factor will be whether the different vehicle types feel noticeably different. A sports car should react differently to steering, braking and acceleration than a heavy pick-up or a classic muscle car. Equally interesting is the question of whether racing cars will have their own specific set-up or simply represent faster versions of standard road cars.

GTA VI is expected to remain more accessible than a simulation such as Assetto Corsa Competizione or iRacing. Nevertheless, Rockstar could further develop the driving model, which is relatively simple compared to that of GTA V. There is as yet no official description of the tyre, suspension or damage physics.

Steering wheel, pedals and force feedback: What is known about hardware support

For sim racers, hardware support is the key factor. So far, Rockstar has not confirmed whether GTA VI will support steering wheels and pedals. Consequently, there is as yet no reliable information on force feedback, direct-drive steering wheels, a clutch, H-pattern gearshift or freely assignable axes.

Telemetry, triple-screen support and VR have not been announced at this stage either. The race track shown therefore does not automatically mean that GTA VI can be played with a full sim rig. On the consoles confirmed so far, basic support for popular models from Logitech, Thrustmaster or Fanatec would be technically possible, but there has been no corresponding announcement from Rockstar.

A PC version released at a later date would be particularly interesting. This has not yet been officially confirmed. On the PC, more extensive hardware profiles, customisations and external telemetry applications would be more conceivable. However, until Rockstar releases specific information, steering wheel support should be treated as an open question.

Motocross, road racing and off-road events: the racing events at Leonida

As well as the tarmac track, the footage released so far shows other races. In one scene, several dirt bike riders compete against each other. Further footage shows quads and off-road vehicles in rural areas. It is not yet known whether there will be full racing series or just individual events.

Street racing also appears to play an important role once again. The footage features heavily modified vehicles, night-time meet-ups and races on public roads. Underbody lighting, eye-catching paint jobs and flames shooting from the exhausts are reminiscent of Florida’s tuning and street racing culture.

This suggests that GTA VI could cover three distinct areas: organised races on a permanent circuit, illegal street races and competitions on unpaved terrain. Rockstar has not yet revealed how many tracks and events each area will include.

Tuning, racing cars and car culture

The trailers give the impression that car culture in GTA VI will be portrayed in greater depth than in previous games. On display are classic US cars, modern sports cars, supercars, pick-ups, off-road vehicles and motorbikes. There are also heavily modified cars featuring large rear wings, custom alloy wheels, racing liveries and altered ride heights.

It has not yet been confirmed which parts can actually be customised. Options familiar from GTA V and GTA Online are conceivable, such as rims, paint jobs, spoilers, suspension and performance upgrades. Whether Rockstar will also offer more detailed tuning of gear ratios, tyre pressure, suspension or brake balance remains to be seen.

For sim racers, the key question is whether modifications to the vehicle will have a tangible impact on handling. The footage shown so far confirms a diverse tuning culture, but not yet a technically sophisticated set-up system. Until Rockstar provides further details, a distinction should therefore be made between visible cosmetic modifications and potential performance settings.