Gamers get first virtual drives in the seventh generation Corvette

Those utilizing Sony PlayStation3 to get their jollies are able to download a free camouflaged 2014 Corvette for simulated driving in the game Gran Turismo 5.

Chevrolet and Sony Computer Entertainment America, LLC have teamed up to provide a first-of-its-kind driving experience in the Corvette C7 Test Prototype in the video game arena. Polyphony Digital Inc, developers of the award-winning video game franchise collaborated with Chevrolet to create an authentic driving simulation in the seventh generation sports car currently available in the real world to a mere handful of people.

The prototype won’t even debut until next January 13, and only handpicked Chevrolet personnel have been allowed to seek the vehicle’s limits on the test track.

Close attention was given to the smallest details – from the light and dark creases and angles in the camouflage disguising the design to simulated handling characteristics currently being tuned and refined in preparation for the official unveiling.

"Until now, only the most skilled drivers on the Corvette team have been authorized to push the test prototypes to the limits on some of the most challenging track surfaces in the world," said Chris Perry, vice president of Chevrolet Global Marketing. "Through this unique collaboration with Gran Turismo, Chevrolet is able, for the first time, to give performance car enthusiasts access to such an exclusive driving experience."

A popular gaming experience in the Gran Turismo line, each of six previous embodiments of the legendary Corvette was available to gamers since its inception.

The camouflaged Corvette C7 Test Prototype is now available for download at the PlayStation Store – at no cost – for implementation on the world's renowned video race tracks, including Daytona International Speedway and the famed Nurburgring - one of the actual tracks used to test and tweak the new driving dynamics of the prototype.

"Gran Turismo has had many firsts and we're excited to partner with Chevrolet for yet another - bringing the first-ever Chevrolet prototype vehicle into a racing game," said Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital Inc. "As car enthusiasts, we're thrilled to give fans this extraordinary level of access to the seventh generation Corvette that otherwise would not be possible."

Gran Turismo has sold over 67 million units since its release and remains the highest-selling PlayStation-game of all time.
Chevrolet will debut the 2014 Corvette on Sunday, Jan. 13. Join the conversation and keep track of new announcements on Facebook and Twitter @Chevrolet. Fans following the #one13thirteen hashtag on Twitter can look forward to exclusive updates.