--- title: "The 800-HP Renault Espace F1 Is Finally Returning to Gran Turismo" date: "2025-11-10" modified: "2025-11-10" authors: - name: "Adam Ismail" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/adam-ismail" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/the-800-hp-renault-espace-f1-is-finally-returning-to-gran-turismo" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "Video Games" --- # The 800-HP Renault Espace F1 Is Finally Returning to Gran Turismo ![Renault Espace F1 in Gran Turismo 7]() *\Sony Interactive Entertainment via YouTube\* Which *Gran Turismo* [game]() is your favorite? Personally, I go back and forth between *GT2* and *GT4*. The latter [probably has the edge]() because it was just so polished and, for that reason, is a bit easier to return to today than those jagged PS1 entries. But *GT2* was so unusually massive for its time and so *weird*, with many cars that we haven't seen in the franchise since, that it's hard to overlook. One of those cars, the Renault Espace F1, has become a favorite request among longtime fans, and we now know it's making a miraculous comeback in *[Gran Turismo 7]()*. Next month, *GT7* will receive a comprehensive and frankly unexpected Spec III update, as it approaches its fourth birthday. It'll bring eight new cars, including the Mine's R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, Ferrari 296 GT3, Mitsubishi FTO, and Polestar 5, as well as two new tracks—the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, and the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. We don't know what all eight of those vehicles are yet, but during last weekend's GT World Series esports event in Los Angeles, we learned that the Espace F1 would be among them. The Espace F1, if you're unfamiliar, was a concept that took Renault's 3.5-liter, 800-horsepower V10 engine out of Williams' 1993 FW15C [Formula 1]() car, and mounted it centrally in a beefed-up Espace minivan body. The French automaker built two with minor stylistic differences, though only one was ever running. Interestingly, the version used in *GT2* years ago was the non-functional car, which you can tell apart by the silver intakes on its front bumper, turbofan wheels, and the additional lights on its rear wing. ![ESPACE F1 AND WILLIAMS RENAULT FW16]() ![IDENTITIES]() In any case, the Espace F1 is a legend of oddball '90s concepts, partially because of its very premise and partially because Renault's manufacturing partner Matra actually built the thing to run. Its rear chassis was also lifted out of its Grand Prix-racing counterpart, as were its carbon-ceramic brakes. Thanks to a carbon fiber-reinforced body, it tipped the scales under 2,900 pounds, and since the V10 also developed 520 lb-ft of torque and revved to just shy of 14,000 rpm, it could scream to 60 mph from a standstill in 2.8 seconds. What's not to love? The Espace F1 appears [about 30 seconds into a just-released *GT7* trailer]() showcasing the new Abu Dhabi track. Frankly, I couldn't care less that this circuit is coming to the game; I think it's boring and horrendous to drive, and I'm much more enthusiastic about the addition of Montreal. In that context, seeing the Espace F1 emerge out of nowhere was a most welcome surprise. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6uJqzlA5I We don't have a release date for Spec III quite yet, but it shouldn't be more than several weeks away. Who knows what other surprises Polphony has lurking for us before 2025 winds to a close? *Got tips? Send ’em to tips@thedrive.com*[]()[]() ## Author Adam is a Senior Editor at The Drive, concentrating on curating and developing the site's slate of daily journalism, from initial pitch to final copy edit. When he's not at his desk researching leads and working with writers, he's testing vehicles or reviewing racing games, new and old. He joined The Drive in 2023, following seven years of covering consumer technology and cars. A car lover and gamer since his earliest memories, Adam came to know the automotive world through video games. First it was Daytona USA, Sega Rally, and Ridge Racer; then came Need For Speed, which inspired an encyclopedic knowledge of '90s supercars, and, of course, Gran Turismo. If not for them, he'd assuredly be doing something else right now. Adam is based in the suburbs outside Philly, where there are ample roads for his hot hatch to stretch its legs. In his car, he's probably listening to indie rock, drum and bass, or Yankees baseball. ### Author social links [Bluesky]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()