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has a thing for all things automotive. Better yet, he has an affinity for all sorts of mechanical creations that happen to travel really damn fast. The man is the type of person that most car guys and gals aspire to be. He owns multiple exotics, tweaks his own tuner rides, regularly mingles with auto industry figures, dabbles in racing, and traverses the globe for the simple pleasure of driving the world's most enthralling machines. During his journeys, he meets plenty of equally enthusiastic and creative individuals who share in his obsession for high speeds and state-of-the-art video game technology. He's a humble individual and, as a perfectionist, strives to produce the best gaming products around.
Yamauchi-san runs Polyphony Digital, or better known as the Sony-owned firm responsible for each of the ever-popular Gran Turismo racing games. When he first established the company in 1998, he set out to translate his love for cars and motorsports into the finest virtual simulator ever created for a consumer audience. Many in multiple industries agree that he's done just that and has continued to do so throughout the four complete Gran Turismo editions.
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He and his team's latest development, Gran Turismo 5, is on the brink of a Japanese market introduction and despite a longer-than-scheduled wait, the charismatic executive points out that it will be the best yet. As you can probably guess, perfection in the video game realm -- or close to it using today's leading tech -- takes a considerable amount of time.
We caught up with Yamauchi-san for a quick GT5 update during the busyness of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Though he wasn't allowed to disclose many sought after details, it was clearly evident that when the time was right, he couldn't wait to reveal them.
Thank you to Takayuki Nushida for his translation.
Motor Trend: How far along is GT5 from completion?
Kazunori Yamauchi: It's almost done. We're at the final stages, just brushing up the finishing touches and raising the quality of everything right now.
There'll be 950 cars, 20 locations and 70 layouts. So it'll be packed.
Any EVs and hybrids included?
Yes, definitely. Prius and Tesla will be included, as well as some others in the mix.
Like the new Hondas, the CR-Z and HSV-010GT?
We're working on both cars right now, actually. The LFA too. There are plenty of cars being built as we speak.
We've heard rumors of a track editor. Any comment?
At this point, it's just a rumor. So you'll have to see. (It must be noted, he said so with a smile, leading us to believe that some sort of track editor is in the works for the new game.)
What was the reasoning behind choosing the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG as the cover car for GT5?
It just happened by chance, really. It's really luck more than anything. It was at the most opportune timing. I came across a beautiful new car and met the people making the cars over at AMG.
What's the process like?
Most of the time when we're picking cover cars, we're not actually looking for one. Again, it mostly happens by chance. This time around, we happened to make friends with AMG and when I was allowed to drive on the Nurburgring with the SLS for the first time, I came to realize what an amazing car it really is. It was just perfect for the package cover and that's how it came about.
Did you happen to record a time?
They actually had an AMG test driver driving in front of me in an SL Black Edition and they requested, "Please don't overtake him." So I couldn't really tackle it for time. But I saw him running off the track a few times, smoking the tires and kicking up dirt, struggling to best my pace. It was a really fun experience.
What are some of the features your most excited about releasing to the public?
With GT5, we're striving to redefine the racing game that we started with GT1. The game as a whole is completely new. But online functionality has to be at the top. We've worked so hard on it and we're hoping it's a hit.
Will users be able to set up car clubs and racing leagues?
Yes, they will. But I'm sorry but I can't elaborate much at this point.
Is Porsche involved in this edition?
Sadly no. There were some licensing issues.
How much will users be able to significantly tune their cars? Which type -- stock or tuned -- do you prefer?
They will be able to tune cars. It's another detail I can't disclose. But as for which type of car I prefer, I like both very much. I have both stock and fully modified cars in my garage.
Speaking of your cars, is your GT-R back from Nissan?
Yep. It's been fully upgraded to 2009 specifications with a few SpecV parts included here and there for a custom feel to it.
You're a very busy man nowadays. How often do you drive your personal cars?
You're right. Sadly, not that much. I find that nowadays time is hard to find, especially with GT5 culminating and also since I've recently started racing regularly last year. But that said, I do drive quite a bit. I try to get into every new car that's released in Japan.
Will you pursue racing as more than just a hobby?
Of course, I have no ambitions to become a professional driver. Racing is very segmented into levels with a clear career path. Like me, not every racer strives to be an F1 ace. I simply race to race and become a better driver on a particular circuit.
For me, racing is treated more like pastime. It's something that I can go do every weekend. I'm fortunate enough to treat it much like golf. Everything I learn on track also feeds back directly into Gran Turismo.
Racecar versus a tuned car.
A racing car is purpose built for a particular setting. You're more at one with the machine than you could ever be in a tuned or production car. That's one of the beauties of racing. Again, we're striving hard to communicate these differences in GT5.
Any favorite racing series?
I have no set favorite. If it has wheels and goes fast, I'll watch it.
That sounds like all of us here at MT. How about a certain driver?
Well, that depends on the series. For Formula 1, it has to be Ayrton Senna. In WRC, it's Sebastien Loeb. He's a great friend of mine -- a really good guy. We hang out quite often.
For North American racing, my pick would have to be Jeff Gordon. I once attended an event where I was his passenger in a rally car, and man, the guy can really slide!
So he's a pretty well-rounded driver then.
Definitely. His car control was more than impressive.
Favorite U.S. track?
While I haven't raced in the U.S. much, I have competed on Thunder Hill. I like that track very much. Other favorites are Laguna Seca and Sears Point.
Tracks in the U.S. are vastly different than they are in Europe or Japan. There are many more elevation changes, reverse banks, and sharp switchbacks. I'm a big fan of them.
One car that you haven't yet driven, but would love to.
McLaren F1 hands-down. The new Tesla S too.
Some of our readers would like to know about in-game weather changes and skidmarks. Will they be included?
I'm hoping our players won't be caught up with minor details. If they pick at every little thing, nobody will be satisfied. It's the overall evolution that will impress. Skidmarks should be of no concern. (He says with a laugh).
What's your opinion of 3D gaming?
The technology has come far, but it's still in need of major developments. Once it's up to par, it will be great. The GT series will be right there ready to adopt it.
You're a well-known perfectionist. Will it ever stop? Is GT6 being worked on?
GT5 will come to an end somewhere -- we've been working on it for five years since GT4. What's to come after that we can only see once GT5 is out.
GT5 is completely different from GT5 Prologue and GT PSP. It's something completely new. It's really got our soul in it.
Are you headed to this weekend's Tokyo Auto Salon?
Yes, my team and I will be there. We're planning to have one of the biggest GT5 displays we've ever built. There will be more manufacturer agreements announced there as well. It'll be a great show for us.
And lastly,when's it going to be released?
March 2010 is still the target release date for the Japanese market. As for North America, nothing has been set.
We can't wait.
EDIT: Sony Entertainment Inc. in Japan announced today another postponement of Gran Turismo 5. As of January 13, 2010, the anticipated Japanese market release date is indefinite, as is the North American debut.
Our source at Sony Computer Entertainment America stated the delay is a result of "further testing and development."
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