The Allure of the Apricot Hill Endurance Challenge
Apricot Hill Raceway stands as an iconic circuit in the history of Gran Turismo, a winding ribbon of asphalt that has tested the skills of countless virtual racers. Nestled within the digital world of Gran Turismo Two, the Apricot Hill Two Hundred is a particularly memorable event. This endurance race, while demanding, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of high-performance cars and valuable in-game assets. This article will delve into what makes the Apricot Hill Two Hundred such a compelling challenge, outlining the specific rewards for conquering it, detailing effective strategies for achieving victory, and ultimately explaining why this race remains a key milestone for Gran Turismo Two players.
The Apricot Hill Two Hundred isn’t merely another race in the Gran Turismo Two calendar. It’s a significant undertaking. As the name implies, the race covers two hundred kilometers around the Apricot Hill Raceway. This demanding distance requires careful planning, skillful driving, and a car that is both powerful and reliable. Access to the race is earned once you achieve a certain point in the game, requiring certain licenses to even be eligible to participate. It is considered a crucial point in the game for many players. It presents an opportunity to rapidly advance your career and build a formidable collection of cars. This race is considered important because of the prizes on offer for winning.
Unveiling the Prizes: Deciphering What You Win
Now, let’s address the central question: what does the Apricot Hill Two Hundred in GT2 give? The primary reward is perhaps not the most flashy, but it’s undeniably useful: the coveted GT Auto Oil Change Card. This is a single-use item but is very powerful for being able to restore a car’s engine to peak condition. There are some other cars you can win for winning the Apricot Hill 200.
Prize Cars
Beyond the primary reward, the Apricot Hill Two Hundred offers a chance to win a selection of incredible vehicles. The specific cars offered can vary slightly depending on game version and random chance, but some of the most sought-after include:
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33): A legendary Japanese sports car renowned for its all-wheel-drive grip and impressive power. Winning this can be used in many races due to how competitive this car is.
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV: Another Japanese rally-bred machine, the Lancer Evolution IV provides excellent handling and acceleration.
- Subaru Impreza WRX: A rival to the Lancer Evolution, the Impreza WRX is a capable all-around performer.
- Toyota Supra RZ: An iconic Japanese sports car offering impressive tuning potential.
- Mazda RX-7: Winning this can give you access to a car that is difficult to obtain any other way.
These are just a few examples, and the specific rewards available in your game may differ. However, the chance to add any of these cars to your garage makes the Apricot Hill Two Hundred a worthwhile endeavor.
Strategies for Conquering Apricot Hill
Tackling the Apricot Hill Two Hundred requires more than just a fast car; it demands a well-thought-out strategy. From car selection to tuning and driving technique, every aspect plays a vital role in securing victory.
Choosing Your Weapon: Car Selection
The ideal car for Apricot Hill is one that balances power with handling. You’ll need enough horsepower to accelerate out of corners and maintain speed on the straights, but also the agility to navigate the track’s numerous turns. Cars with strong mid-range torque are generally preferred.
Some excellent choices include:
- Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33/R34): These are always good choices for races like these. Offering excellent all-around performance and available early on.
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (various generations): Their superior handling and responsiveness make them well-suited for the track’s tight corners.
- Toyota Supra RZ: With proper tuning, the Supra can be transformed into a formidable contender.
Fine-Tuning for Victory
Tuning is essential to optimize your car for Apricot Hill. Here are some key areas to focus on:
- Gear Ratios: Adjust the gear ratios to maximize acceleration out of corners and achieve optimal top speed on the straights. Experiment with shortening the final drive to improve acceleration at the expense of top speed.
- Suspension: Stiffen the suspension to reduce body roll and improve handling, but avoid making it too stiff, which can lead to a loss of grip. Fine-tune the damper settings to control the car’s response to bumps and undulations.
- Downforce: Increase downforce to improve grip in the corners, but be mindful that excessive downforce can reduce top speed. Experiment to find the ideal balance for Apricot Hill’s layout.
Mastering the Track: Driving Technique
Even with a well-tuned car, mastering Apricot Hill requires skillful driving. Focus on maintaining smooth lines, braking early, and carrying momentum through the corners.
- Cornering Strategies: Practice entering corners smoothly, braking before the apex, and gradually accelerating out. Avoid abrupt steering inputs, which can upset the car’s balance.
- Overtaking Opportunities: Identify the best spots to pass opponents, such as the end of the main straight or the exit of a tight corner. Be patient and wait for the right opportunity to strike.
- Pit Stop Strategy: Plan your pit stops carefully. You’ll need to refuel at least once during the race, and you may also need to change tires. Minimize your time in the pits by practicing quick pit stops. Fuel management is key. Try not to fill to the top, as extra weight can negatively affect handling. Only fill what you need for the amount of laps remaining. Tire wear can become a factor too, so watch the condition of your tires and plan a tire change to give you the best possible race time.
Why the Apricot Hill Endurance Challenge Matters
The Apricot Hill Two Hundred is more than just a race; it’s a rite of passage for Gran Turismo Two players. It’s an early game challenge that offers rewards that can significantly boost your progress.
Early Access to Great Cars
The chance to win powerful cars like the Skyline GT-R or the Lancer Evolution early in the game provides a significant advantage. These cars can be used to compete in other races and earn even more credits and prizes.
Building a Competitive Garage
Winning the Apricot Hill Two Hundred is a great way to start building a diverse and competitive garage. Having a range of cars allows you to adapt to different track conditions and race requirements.
Accelerating Your Career
The rewards from the Apricot Hill Two Hundred can accelerate your progress through the game, allowing you to unlock new tracks, cars, and tuning options more quickly.
A Beloved Challenge
The race is a fan favorite because it combines a demanding track with valuable rewards, creating a truly rewarding experience. It’s a test of skill, strategy, and perseverance, and overcoming the challenge is a source of great satisfaction for many players. Because of this, it is still talked about and discussed today.
In Conclusion: Embrace the Apricot Hill Two Hundred
The Apricot Hill Two Hundred in Gran Turismo Two is a demanding yet rewarding race. What does the Apricot Hill Two Hundred in GT2 give? It gives you the Oil Change Card and the chance to win excellent cars. It also teaches valuable lessons in car setup, race strategy, and driving technique. By understanding the rewards, mastering the strategies, and embracing the challenge, you can unlock the full potential of this iconic race and take your Gran Turismo Two career to the next level. So, fire up your PlayStation, tune your car, and prepare to conquer the Apricot Hill Two Hundred. The rewards are well worth the effort. Will you try the Apricot Hill 200? What is your favorite car to use for this race?
