A Closer Look at the Afeela Electric Car in “Gran Turismo 7”
Sony and Honda’s collaborative electric car project, the Afeela, has piqued curiosity since its unveiling. Despite limited information on the car’s technical aspects, the recent inclusion of the Afeela in the highly popular racing game “Gran Turismo 7” offers some interesting insights into its performance and characteristics.
Of course, it is important to recognize the limitations of drawing conclusions from a virtual driving experience. The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller cannot accurately replicate the feel of steering, and while Gran Turismo games strive for realism, they are optimized for accessibility and controller gameplay. However, within these constraints, we can still gain a glimpse into the mysterious Afeela.
Launching the game, one might hope for detailed specifications to be listed. After all, Polyphony Digital, the developers behind Gran Turismo, would require such information to provide a realistic driving experience. However, it appears that Sony and Honda have requested that specific numbers remain undisclosed. Horsepower, torque, and weight are all left blank, leaving players in the dark. Even purchasing the power restrictor part and adjusting settings only reveals a power percentage without a corresponding power curve.
Nonetheless, there are certain details that provide some insight into the Afeela’s performance. The weight balance of the car is disclosed as 53% front and 47% rear. Additionally, an estimated quarter-mile time of 12.65 seconds is given. Another notable feature in Gran Turismo 7 is the vehicle rating system, where cars are assigned performance points. The Afeela has a score of 546.75, but without comparison points, this number is meaningless.
Fortunately, we do have reference points in the form of Tesla models featured in the game. The Afeela falls between the 2012 Model S Signature Performance (single-motor) and the 2023 Model 3 Performance (dual-motor). With its 410-horsepower and weight of 4,449 pounds, the Model S scores 536.56 performance points. On the other hand, the Model 3, boasting 531 horsepower and weighing 4,038 pounds, achieves 582.67 points.
Having explored the menus, it’s time to take the Afeela for a virtual test drive. Comparisons are made with the Tesla models and laps are completed on the Nürburgring track. With its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, the Afeela feels akin to a conventional all-wheel-drive car. Unlike many electric vehicles that emphasize a rear-drive bias, the Afeela maintains balance and does not exhibit a strong inclination for oversteer. Acceleration does not cause any significant weight transfer, suggesting the slight front bias in weight distribution plays a role in this stability.
On the long straight of the Nürburgring, the Afeela reaches a top speed of 145 mph. In comparison, it outpaces the Model S by 10 mph but falls short by the same margin compared to the Model 3. It is worth noting that power seems to drop off more noticeably at higher speeds in the Afeela compared to the Model S. This indicates that the Afeela may be lacking in power but potentially compensates for it with a lighter weight. The Teslas’ heaviness is apparent through their rough left-to-right weight shifts while cornering, whereas the Afeela exhibits smoother deceleration.
Nevertheless, it is crucial to remember that these impressions are derived from a video game experience with a controller and lack complete specification details of a production-ready vehicle. The real-life driving experience of the Afeela may differ significantly. Nevertheless, this virtual expedition offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Afeela’s performance and leaves us intrigued. When and if the Afeela becomes a reality, experiencing it firsthand will undoubtedly provide a more accurate assessment.
In conclusion, while “Gran Turismo 7” cannot replicate the true essence of driving the Afeela, it does provide valuable insights that broaden our understanding of the car’s characteristics. The inclusion of the Afeela in the game not only generates excitement but also allows players and potential buyers to have a virtual encounter with this enigmatic electric car.
