Automobilista 2 physics update improves feel of several cars 

Reiza Studios continues its steady stream of improvements for its flagship sim Automobilista 2, as another update dropped onto Steam yesterday (11^th July 2022). 

The 106MB update file brings several minor car, track, AI and audio tweaks to improve overall game stability and ease of use, but it’s in the physics department where things get interesting. 

Thanks to the limitations of its Project Cars-derived MADNESS engine, Automobilista 2 (AMS2) has sometimes struggled to attain the satisfying physics of its predecessor, Automobilista.  

However, the Brazilian development team has strived to constantly improve the title, producing a constant flow of alterations to the way the force feedback (FFB) and tyre model work together to produce a more satisfying driving experience. 

In version 1.3.8.3, this corresponds to completely revised physics for the Lancer Cup, TSI Cup, Opala 79, Copa Fusca and Copa Uno cars, with reworked tyres on the F-Trainers, F-Vee, F3, F-Vintages, F-Retro Gen3, F-Classics, F-V12, F-V10s, F-Reiza, F-Ultimates, GTE, GT3, Group C, BMW Procar, Ginetta G40s, P1 and Vintage Touring Cars. 

Quite an extensive list, then. 

In terms of FFB, the new update improves the feel of the F-Vee, F-Trainer, Lancer Cup, Opala 1979, Opala 1986, Sprint Race, Copa Fusca, Copa Uno, VW Polo and VW Virtus cars. 

It’s heartening to see Reiza continue to focus on improving AMS2, as it’s an often-overlooked sim bursting with content like the official Stock Car Brasil Championship. It also has superlative VR performance and a plethora of interesting cars and tracks. 

What do you make of the new AMS2 update? Is Reiza getting a handle on the game’s physics? Let us know in the comments below. 

Automobilista 2 V1.3.8.3 CHANGELOG 

GENERAL 

• Fixed championship editor not respecting max opponents and max rounds in some cases 
• Fixed crash trying to start Stock Car Pro 2022 championship 
• Revised livery name alterations for Porsche Cup & VW TSI Cup, adding more distinctions to help prevent duplicated liveries with custom AI files 

PHYSICS 

• Fully revised Lancer Cup, TSI Cup, Opala 79, Copa Fusca, Copa Uno physics 
• Further tire tread revisions to F-Trainer (both), F-Vee, F3, F-Vintage (both); F-Retro Gen3, F-Classic (all gens), F-V12, F-V10 (both gens), F-Reiza, F-Ultimate (both gens), GTE, GT3, Group C, BMW Procar; Ginetta G40 (both), P1, Vintage Touring Cars 
• FFB Max force & smoothing adjustments for F-Vee, F-Trainer, Lancer Cup, Opala 1979, Opala 1986, Sprint Race, Copa Fusca, Copa Uno, VW Polo & VW Virtus 
• Ginetta G40 (both) Slightly adjusted CoG height, frontend aero 
• Further revisions to tire tread of all radial slicks & wet compounds when running on a wet surface (revisions in progress, to be completed by V1.4) 
• F-Ultimate (both gens): Adjusted ERS mapping for Silverstone 

AI 

• Minor adjustments to AI racing behavior: Reduced range at which AI car ahead will try defend from car behind; Increased range AI behind will try pass car ahead; Slightly reduced speed differential needed to attempt overtake; Slightly decreased avoid ratio at max aggression; Minor increase of care factor against human; Minor decrease of lateral range while defending 
• Slightly increased AI hotlap pace push for pratice / quali 
• Added Porsche Cup, GT4, GT5, G40 Cup custom AI driver names + Ai entries for the 5 new DPi liveries 
• AI calibration pass for Copa Fusca, Copa Uno, Opala 1979, Lancer Cup, F-3, TSI Cup 
• Adjusted AI grip for Spielberg (both layouts) 

AUDIO 

• F-Reiza: Increased DRS beep volume increase 
• Added & adjusted several soud effects from trackside objects – helicopter, 747 jet and turboprop animation sound effect 

TRACKS 

• Added real weather data for Buenos_Aires, Cordoba and Termas Rio Hondo 
• Buenos Aires: Added VR trackside cameras 
• Cordoba: Static object LOD corrections 
• Termas Rio Hondo: Additional static object, crowds, and marshals; Change Default race date to May 29 2022 
• Minor adjustment to grass friction coefficient 

VEHICLES 

• Corrected driver gear shift animation of Lancer RS, Caterham SuperLight & SuperSport to match the actual car gearbox (sequential or H-shifter) 
• Reduced frequency of exhaust backfires in vehicles in which that is not common