Gran Turismo, for the uninitiated, is simply the best racing game on the Sony Playstation (until Gran Turismo 2 comes out later this year that is).

I guess this is where I first came across the FTO in any detail. It's one of my favourite cars in Gran Turismo, especially in it's Limited Edition form. The LM edition has a turbo and 4wd, it has 541bhp, a six speed gearbox and on the max speed test I've had 210mph out of it.

In order to get the LM edition, you have to win the US vs JAP special event series. The two prize cars in this event are the FTO LM editon and the Dodge Viper GTS-R. However, it's completely random as to which car you'll be given, it took me ages before I finally got awarded the LM edition.

One of the best things about Gran Turismo is being able to modify your car. With full modifications, the FTO GP version R has 364bhp and weighs 1697lbs. By way of comparison, the Honda Integra Type R has 361bhp and weighs in at 1737lbs.

Strangely enough, according to Gran Turismo, the GPX and the GPvR are both lighter than the Integra. I always thought the Integra Type R was the lighter car. I think I best dig out the car mags and check the specs!

My all time favourite is still the Nissan Skyline GTR, fully modified it has 937bhp, and I've managed to get 256mph out of it. Like all the heavily modified cars with stage 4 turbos it suffers from major turbo lag - bad news if you spin off! Top tip : the best way to get going again after coming to a stop is to put the brake on and give it full revs then let go, otherwise you're going to be struggling to get back in the race!

Gran Turismo (USA version)

FTO Information Screen
FTO GR Specification
FTO GPX Specification
FTO GPversionR Specification
Integra Type R Info Screen
Integra Type R Specification