Reiza Studios have released a new development update on the progress of their Automobilista title that is currently in Early Access state.
Following the latest 0.9.8 version release, Automobilista is now gearing up for it’s big 1.0 release that is expected to be out in early August, with beta testing starting soon.
The biggest content addition to version 1.0 will be the Formula Vintage cars, Reiza’s take on the ever-popular late 60s Formula One era that has been popularized by Grand Prix Legends.
Automobilista’s Formula Vintage will come with two different late 60s style Formula cars, one powered by a V12 engine and one powered by a DFV V8 engine, a very popular power-plant back its day. Furthermore, the vintage content will also include versions with early aerodynamic parts, recreating the advancements made on downforce that were made in the late 60s.
While the Formula Vintage content will be free with the 1.0 update, Reiza is also at work on new DLC content as the Brit pack is taking quick shape, as new previews show the progress made on the Ultima GTR and the MCR Sports 2000, two cars that will part of the pack alongside British tracks such as Brands Hatch & Cadwell Park.
Furthermore, the studio has also announced a new licensing agreement with Imola as the Italian track will be made available as part of the DLC scheme as well.
On the physics front, Reiza has been working on a new ECU model that will come with major advancements in the way engine torque is generated:
On the physics front, we??re working on the development of a brand new ECU model as conceived by @Niels Heusinkveld and developed by @Luis Miguel , which should provide a lot of important enhancements. So far, we’ve made considerable improvements to the way engine torque is generated as you ‘roll on’ the throttle, simulating the more advanced “throttle mapping” techniques from modern ECUs. Most noticeable in modern high powered cars, basically this will translate into more control when powering out of turns, as it will be easier to find the throttle position where you get the best acceleration without lighting up the tires in wheelspin. Your throttle ‘technique’ may need some adjusting though as the engine responds more directly at smaller throttle inputs.
The new model also allows us to do a few modern computerized engine control tricks such as changing power levels and engine braking for each gear. With the Formula Extreme up to v0.9.8 for example it is very tricky putting 900hp to the ground in 1st and 2nd gear, as you can very easily be turning half of that into white smoke. By limiting the engine power, it will be easier to optimize power delivery.
Engine braking can also have quite a disturbing effect on the balance of the car – this is specially so as you go down the gears, because the gearing amplifies the engine braking the more you downshift. The new model allows us to reduce engine braking in low gears so the rear end is less likely to lock as you’re downshifting and entering a turn.
This is all ‘passive’, not traction control so naturally you??ll still spin the tires by giving it too much throttle, but it may only happen at 70% throttle instead of 35% throttle which should be a big driveability improvement for the more powerful cars – a case of the sim becoming easier as models are developed to be more realistic.
We are pushing to have at least the throttle mapping side of the new ECU mode ready in time for v1.0 release.
For backers of Reiza’s crowd-funding campaign that was held in the summer of 2015, all DLC content is already included, regular buyers can choose to purchase the All-Inklusive pack that will include all future DLC content and beta access to new content.
Automobilista???s Early Access version is??now available for 32,99??? here, details on what purchasing the Early Access version means for customers have been??outlined in a FAQ.??Information on the different membership packages is available here.
