From digital to metal (not what you think).

Does life imitate art or vice versa? While we'll leave the definitive answer to cognitive psychologists or some such group, unquestionably the graphics that are the centerpiece of the "Gran Turismo" video game for Sony PlayStation that emerged in '97 have had an effect on a whole group of young drivers (and will-be drivers) and, as a consequence, an effect on the designs of vehicles that are being made or seriously considered by OEMs. Kids who might have otherwise been interested only in processor speed and graphics throughput are now interested in horsepower and torque due, in some measure, to their familiarity with the video game. A book that provides a look at the vehicles of the game--the real cars, not the digitized versions--is The Cars of Gran Turismo by Huw Evans (Motorbooks International; $14.95; www.motorbooks.com). Evans provides a two-page spread on each vehicle that includes an overview, photos, and specs. This is a great book to share with one's kids--especially those kids who don't realize that those cars in the game are, well, real cars.--GSV

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