Gran Turismo 7 Gets Real: Dunlop Tires Power the GT World Series and Your Next Lap
The tire brand that fueled Le Mans legends is now bringing its racing DNA straight into your PS5, starting with GT World Series Berlin.
On September 20, Polyphony Digital Inc. announced that Dunlop has been named the official tire partner of Gran Turismo 7 and the prestigious Gran Turismo World Series. For sim racers and motorsport purists alike, this isn’t just another corporate handshake—it’s a merging of racing legacy and digital innovation.
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A Tire Legacy Born in 1888
Car nerds know Dunlop isn’t just another name slapped on a tire sidewall. John Boyd Dunlop wasn't the first to invent the air-filled tire, but he is widely credited as the man who popularized pneumatic tires for racing and the auto industry. Back in 1887, Dunlop, a veterinarian by training, first put inflatable tires on his son's tricycle. Amazed at the results, he applied for and was granted a patent for his invention in 1888, not knowing that Robert William Thomson had patented similar technology in 1847. But it was Dunlop tires that cyclists would find advantageous in racing competition and by 1900, automobile tires would adopt the technology. Since then, the Dunlop brand—now under Sumitomo Rubber Industries in Japan—has racked up 130+ years of rubber-burning innovation, that includes breaking the 200 mph barrier in 1927, hydroplaning research in the 1960s, and the highest levels of motor racing. Dunlop conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans as early as 1924, and in 1991 supplied the iconic Mazda 787B during its historic win—the first overall victory at Le Mans by a Japanese manufacturer. For motorsport diehards, Dunlop is synonymous with racing performance and history.
Shifting Gears into the Virtual Arena
The partnership kicks off at Round 2 of the Gran Turismo World Series 2025 in Berlin, where Dunlop officially becomes the series’ tire supplier. In a future game update for Gran Turismo 7, Dunlop will be added to “Brand Central” museum, showcasing key moments in the brand's 130+ year history, including motorsports and key products developed with breakthrough technologies. The Dunlop logo will also appear on trackside branding on circuits in the game. And in the vehicle performance “Tuning Shop,” GT7 players will be able to select Dunlop tires. Last but not least, a Dunlop-themed time trial in-game event is in the works.
From left, Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo Series Producer, and Takehiko Tochio, Manager of the Global Marketing Department, Sumitomo Rubber Industries
Hiroshi Hamada, Senior Executive Officer at Sumitomo Rubber, put it best: “Gran Turismo is pioneering new possibilities in motorsports by bridging the real and virtual worlds… By combining our accumulated experience with cutting-edge simulation technologies, we are driving the development of high-performance and sustainable tyres.”
"We are very excited to welcome Dunlop to the Gran Turismo family. As a company with a significant legacy in automotive and motorsport history, DUNLOP continues to demonstrate innovation and competitiveness in the industry," said Kazunori Yamauchi, the producer of Gran Turismo, who is legendary for his attention to detail and passion for motorsports.
Why This Matters for Gamers and Gearheads
For hardcore sim racers, tire models aren’t just cosmetic—they affect lap times, grip feel, and strategy. Bringing in Dunlop’s century-plus of expertise could mean even sharper realism for GT7. For car nerds, it’s a thrill to see real-world legends like DUNLOP not only embracing virtual racing but enhancing it.