Gran Turismo 5 Spec 2.0 detailed, DLC teased

Polyphony Digital's Gran Turismo 5 has been receiving numerous incremental updates since its launch last year. However, series creator Kazunori Yamauchi has been promising a major update for quite some time. Dubbed "Spec 2.0," the free update adds a number of a new features, and attempts to address "the feedback we've received from all our players."

Yamauchi has revealed that the upcoming 2.0 patch--scheduled for release later this month--will include a new opening movie, "improved physics and AI," and a number of new vehicles.

On Twitter, he's revealed that Spec 2.0 will offer a simplified interior view for all standard cars, and the ability to change the weather. You can also save multiple car settings, and even save mid-race for endurance races. Replays now have a fast forward and rewind feature, and the photo travel feature has been expanded with the ability to take photos of cars together with your avatar. You'll also be able to take photos at the NASCAR Pit Scene stage.

The online features have been expanded, allowing you to narrow down car types, and shuffle races. In addition, the B-Spec remote race feature has also been expanding, with a new graph display showing changes in race rankings.

Spec 2.0 will add eleven 2011 model NASCAR vehicles, and the Nissan GT-R N24 Schulze Motor Sport (pictured above). Finally, Yamauchi promises "improved UI response and usability" as well as support for the Logitech G25/G27 steering wheel.

In addition to the free Spec 2.0 update, Gran Turismo fans will finally be able to pony up some cash for downloadable content. Yamauchi explains that there are multiple packs in the works: "we’re preparing a racing car pack, a course pack, and a racing gear pack." These add-ons are expected to arrive one week after Spec 2.0 launches, with more details to be unveiled soon.

Update The PlayStation.Blog has also announced a price drop for Gran Turismo 5. It is now available for $39.99.