Skoda has joined the Gran Turismo franchise with its magnificent Vision GT concept

This is Skoda’s Vision Gran Turismo (VGT) concept, a single-seat, all-wheel drive electric spider with a motor at each wheel amounting to a seismic 1,073bhp and 752lb ft of torque. The whole thing only weighs 1,300kg, and since it’s a single-gear setup, that likely means 0-62mph is dispatched quicker than you can pronounce its name.

So welcome to the latest in a long, fine line of Vision GT concepts built for Gran Turismo, showing us what designers and engineers can do when the reigns are truly loosened. And this one's fully loose.

Skoda says the design takes inspiration from its vintage 1100 OHC Spider - built to compete in the 1957 24 Hours of Le Mans - but throws in a few modern cues to create a low-slung, slippery silhouette led by a bonnet that’s longer than the Mulsanne Straight.

Elsewhere, there’s a split rear wing which doubles up as an air brake, acute lighting signatures at either end, and aggressive seven-spoke hurricane alloys guarding the flanks of this Explorer Green bucket of active aero.

The cockpit also has a few interesting traits, including an orange six-point racing harness and flat carbon steering wheel, above which sits a ‘crystal stone’ that’s essentially a… fancy speedo.

You also get a digitalised display, outlining your driving mode and state of charge, while a small rectangular contraption shows drivers what’s behind them. We think that’s called a ‘rearview mirror’, or something?

Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said: “The roots of Skoda Motorsport go back more than 120 years, with countless successes. The next step? Joining the world of e-racing by launching a stunning new virtual concept car into the world’s most successful racing game, Gran Turismo.

“The Skoda VGT study bridges our rich heritage to our electric future and new 'Modern Solid' design language. Our customers are explorers, and the sleek Skoda Vision Gran Turismo car is a great way to enrich their experiences while also attracting new fans to our brand.”

The Skoda VGT has now been released into Gran Turismo 7, with gamers able to purchase it for the usual million-credit fee attached to any of the Vision cars.