Racing video games have been around since the invention of the video game console. In 1972, the Magnavox Odyssey was released, and the console included a game called Wipeout, which has been credited as the earliest racing video game. Technology has come a long way since that rudimentary racing game, and powerful consoles can facilitate high-definition games that look super realistic. This realism has attracted people to games like Forza Horizon 5 and Gran Turismo 7 as you can drive real cars, and finely tune, modify, and race them to your heart’s content. Have you ever wondered how much money are you going to have to save up to purchase your favorite supercar or hypercar? For a bit of fun, we have compiled a list consisting of the real cars from your favorite video games and their price tags. You never know, you may not be too far off!
Mercedes-AMG One (2021)
Game: Forza Horizon 5
Price Tag: $2.75 Million
The Mercedes-AMG One is the poster child of Forza Horizon 5 and there is no doubt why this car was chosen. Unless you’re Lewis Hamilton, chances are you’ll probably never get to drive one of these cars. Not only is this thousand-horsepower monster just under three million dollars, they have been limited to only 275 releases worldwide. This is why we love racing video games, because they give mere mortals like us the chance to ‘test drive’ the quickest and most expensive car in the world. Upgrade your set-up to a wheel controller and gaming chair, and you’re virtually driving it down the freeway!
Porsche 911 GT3 997
Game: Gran Turismo 7
Price Tag: $100,000
Featured in Grant Turismo 7, the Porsche 911 GT3 997 is a sweet-looking coupe that has the growl to match the looks. Gran Turismo has done a stellar job at recreating the engine’s roar in-game, and it sounds like the real thing with a good gaming headset. This car will do you well whilst progressing through the game, but you will probably have to upgrade it with plenty of modifications to keep it competitive. If you’re wanting to pick one up in the real world you’ll be forking out $100,000, which is relatively cheap compared to some on this list.
Ferrari 260 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto
Game: Gran Turismo 7
Cost: $8-10 million
Ferrari has a rich history of producing era-defining supercars. There might not be another car manufacturer whose badge is as instantly recognizable to motor heads around the world. Racing video games have always allowed historic car enthusiasts to geek out over virtual recreations of beautiful cars and this Ferrari 260 GT Berlinetta Passo Corto on Gran Turismo 7 is no exception. Originally released in 1962, a 260 GT Berlinetta is considerably hard to come by these days, and the most recent auction for one fetched a gigantic price tag of $8 million. We reckon you’ll have to fork out a bit more than that for the next one.
Ford GT
Game: Need For Speed: Heat
Cost: $500,000
At the end of 2022, Ford announced that they are going to end the production of the GT supercar, rounding off 17 years on the road. The Ford GT competed in multiple professional races and actually won the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours, as well as famously sweeping Ferrari in the same race back in 1966. If you’re wanting to test the car’s capabilities you can do so on Need For Speed: Heat. If you want to do so in real life then you’re going to have to fork out about $500,000 for one.
Koenigsegg Jesko (2020)
Game: Forza Horizon 5
Cost: $3 million
If you are asked to think of the fastest car in the world, you’ll probably think of something pretty similar to the Koenigsegg Jesko. This hypercar is thought to be one of the fastest cars ever made, with a claimed top speed of 330 mph. This is only a claimed speed, as no one has been bonkers enough to try and achieve its top speed. You can enjoy the car’s precision handling and breakneck speeds on Forza Horizon 5. This ultimate racing machine commands a massive $3,000,000 price tag, no small bit of change.