Polyphony Digital announced today that they would be making a version of Gran Turismo HD available for free download in Japan on December 24th. The company has decided to focus its development efforts on Gran Turismo 5, so it is unlikely that there will be a retail release of Gran Turismo HD. Polyphony instead is indicating that multiple Gran Turismo concept releases may be made along the path to the release of the final Gran Turismo 5. This initial Gran Turismo HD download should include ten car models, 1 course with two layouts, a time trial and drift tride mode, as well as support for online network ranking. While it is somewhat disappointing that Gran Turismo HD will not see a full retail release, given Polyphony’s somewhat lengthy development cycles of late it is perhaps best for the company to concentrate on getting Gran Turismo 5 and Gran Turismo 4 Mobile out the door. No announcement was made of a release in other territories.