Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 - no controversy this time?

Many people may equate supercars with an attempt to emanate the financial position of their owner. Well, it's hard to disagree. Very often, cars of this type are brightly colored and their sound is heard on the other side of the city, and by and large - in the field of comfort - they lose to the Skoda Octavia ... Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche with a huge spoiler is something more than shouting “Look at me"? Absolutely. The Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 event proves it best. This is an elite track day in Tor Poznań.

Quieter, but still fast - Gran Turismo Polonia 2019

Unfortunately, last year I had the opportunity to Gran Turismo Polonia 2018 on a flawed day, or rather ... controversial. Everything went according to plan. Drivers could freely use the forces hidden under the hoods of cars, and in some cases - under the covers. Unfortunately, some residents did not like this type of road-legal vehicle, such as the VW Golf TDI. The complaint was too loud exhausts (almost all factory). It is worth adding that the Poznan highway and the nearby Ławica airport generate a lot of noise and were built primarily in front of residential areas.

I mentioned last year's incident for a reason. It is doubtful that this will take place. From Gran Turismo Polonia Issue 15 in Tor Poznań this year. The event, however, took place, but changes were made. Which?

Each driver using the Toru Poznań route had their noise levels measured several times. Organizer Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 reports that the maximum loudness limit on the track in Poznan is 96 dB, for example, on the Nürburgring (Northern Loop) it is 130 dB.

The restrictions had a strong impact on the cars that traveled along the Poznań highway. Most of them were turbocharged cars, and as we know, turbochargers help dampen the final sound as we hear it.

The Ferrari 488 GTB and its track variant had the strongest representation, i.e. the Ferrari 488 Pista and a couple of Porsche GT2 RS models, a McLaren 720S/570S/675 LT and several Nissan GT-Rs. The very popular track variants of the Porsche 911, the GT3/GT3 RS, required a so-called dB-killer, i.e. a device that makes a fairly quiet Porsche even quieter. Lamborghini Huracan, Audi R8 and Ferrari 458 Italia were probably at their limit. The organizer even mentions that track varieties such as the Lamborghini Huracan Performante, Ferrari 458 Speciale and 430 Scuderia are not up to standard. In practice, such cars could move, but drivers had to use the gas very wisely to avoid the approach of people representing Tor Poznań. The sound of a V10 spinning up to 8 rpm is priceless, but this year it was a rarity.

However, the cars were still able to reach speeds close to 250 km / h on the starting line.

V12 won't be back

The sounds of naturally aspirated twelve-cylinder V-engines from manufacturers such as Ferrari or Lamborghini can be considered an amazing orchestra. It's a recognizable yet unique and desirable sound. Due to new volume restrictions during Gran Turismo Polonia in Tor Poznań, cars such as the Lamborghini Aventador or the Ferrari F12/812 Superfast must be parked in front of the hotel or the track. Such is the fate of this year's Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, a special, perhaps the latest limited version of the Italian manufacturer's iconic 770 horsepower model. By the way, I want to add that the Lamborghini Aventador, or the predecessor of the Murcielago, is the quintessence of the supercar segment. Opening door, huge V12 engine, completely impractical body - the perfect recipe for a supercar.

Italy vs Germany 

Supercars are a relative concept, it's like calling any carbonated drink cola. They seem to be similar in color and sugar content, but the final feeling is different. Therefore, while Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 in Tor Poznan Ferrari and Porsche cars were the main attraction. In my opinion, the most perfect among the wonderful ones, like Pepsi and Coca-Cola among drinks with bubbles.

Italian cars have always evoked and evoke amazing emotions. One of the most coveted brands of the Apennine Peninsula is undoubtedly Ferrari. Today it is not only cars, it is a recognizable brand, almost a social status. Nowadays, supercars from Maranello are very well polished and can easily compete with German rivals. At Gran Turismo Polonia 2019, the Italian brand was dominated by the 488 GTB and 488 Spider, but the real icing on the cake was the appearance of not one, but three examples of the Ferrari 488 Pista. A car designed for use on the track. The Pista is powered by a 720bhp turbocharged engine, but the biggest differences are design changes affecting handling and traction in fast corners.

Thanks to the courtesy of one of the participants in Gran Turismo Polonia 2019, I had the opportunity as a passenger to beat the Toru Poznań queue in the aforementioned Ferrari 488 Pista. It gives the impression that the car is in the big leagues, but the level of grip is even more impressive. Even as a so-called navigator, I felt like I was dealing with a tracked gun pointed in the direction of a Porsche.

Without a doubt, cars from Zuffenhausen are the second most popular group at the event. Track versions of Porsche, such as the GT3/GT3 RS and the 700-horsepower GT2 RS, are incredibly precise. In addition, naturally aspirated boxer models (GT3/GT3 RS are unique to the 911 range) provide an equally satisfying acoustic experience - 9 rpm is impressive. In the case of Porsche, I had the opportunity to do a few laps again as a passenger in the previous generation 911 GT3 RS (997). Unusual car, incl. thanks to a manual transmission, which was a rarity at the event.

I'm not complaining, it was great - results of Gran Turismo Polonia 2019

In fact, I started my relationship with less pleasant things like limiting the volume, but the final reception 15th Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 This is fantastic. The event is a mass of supercars of all time. You can see some of them in the photos prepared by me, because it is impossible to list them all. The event still has a lot of glitz that creates a special atmosphere, and supercars like the Passat on Saturday under the mall add to the charm.

I honestly confess that after a weekend spent in Poznań for Gran Turismo Polonia 2019 all the time I felt like I was about to get into a sports car with a kicking horse badge and a Swiss watch on my wrist. Unfortunately, I woke up, but it was a wonderful dream.