Recently we wrote about emerging connections between automakers and video games citing the unveiling of the GTbyCitroën concept car developed for the upcoming Gran Turismo game. Last night PSFK checked out an event hosted in NYC by Staple Design, Lotus, and Polyphony Digital(the makers of Gran Turismo) called Downshift Sessions. Jeff Staple of Staple Design inspired by a recent visit to the Tokyo offices of Polyphony wanted to create an event that celebrated the connections of Automotive Design, Gaming, Art, and Music.
The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of a custom Lotus Exige which artist Eric Haze covered in hand painted graphics. The car will be auctioned on Ebay and proceeds will go to Studio in a School. The organization works to foster the creative and intellectual development of young people through quality visual arts programs directed by professional artists, and collaborate with and enhance the capacity of those who provide and support arts programming for youth.
Three Gran Turismo driving simulators were set up last night and a live time trial driving competition was held. The president of Polyphony Digital, Kazunori Yamauchi spoke about the new release and then got behind the wheel to set the first lap time to beat.
Jeff Staple hoped that Download Sessions would become an annual event. The attendees who packed The Classic Car Club of Manhattan on Hudson Street signaled the initial event was a success. Check out our gallery of photos of the event here.
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