Updated: Automobilista 2 to add Panoz Esperante GTR-1 in next free update

It was meant to take GT1 racing by storm. It didn’t. Porsche, McLaren-BMW, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz did a better job.

But the Panoz Esperante GTR-1 is at least cool. And really, really loud thanks to a front-mounted V8 engine.

The plucky eponymous American race team, funded by nicotine patch inventor Don Panoz, delivered (with the help of Reynard) a race car like no other. Consequently, it still piques the interest of motorsport aficionados to this day.

Which fits well into Automobilista 2’s esoteric car roster, as this model will be available ‘soon’ as a free update.

Earlier this year, the later Esperante GTLM was added to the GT2 class.

The performance of computer-controlled rivals is also said to be refined alongside the Esperante, when the  V1.6.9.95 arrives. 

Studio Head and Project Manager Renato Simioni has posted to the development forum with three key areas the AI should improve:

• AI and track edges – Should result in an enhanced ability to avoid hazards, curbs and walls
• AI Race lines – Additional alternative race lines
• AI track and brake skill scalars – Sim racers can adjust braking and traction proficiency

There’s no release window for the update yet, but creators Reiza Studios said it was “on the verge of a new update.” We’d expect it sometime later this month. It also provided an update on the ongoing McLaren F1 car licensing discussion.

Updated

The game update is now live, as of Saturday 12th September 2026, with the full patch notes below:

Automobilista 2 V1.6.9.95 Patch Notes

CONTENT

• Added Panoz Esperante GTR-1 to GT1 Class

GENERAL

• Added ‘Same Class’ private qualifying option for all game modes
• Made qualifying rules user configurable for single race and Multiplayer events without requiring presets
• Improved CPU performance during transitions between weather slots
• Fixed live track state during in-game Instant Replay
• Fixed a couple of CTD sources in Multiplayer mode

UI & HUD

• Added Parc Ferme and Qualifying Session Rules blocks to in-game pre-event screen
• Fixed Live Track Preset help text incorrectly stating that the default starting preset Green (default is Medium)
• Added a HUD message to remind drivers it’s the last legal lap of a qualifying stint
• Fixed missing Velopark STT UI string
• Fixed McLaren MP4/12 Low Downforce variant showing default model name
• Added Maserati Trofeo 2005 to ‘GT & Touring’ class filter

PHYSICS

• Further V1.7 tire tread & aero adjustments for classes previously under revision
• Fixed issue where hybrid batteries would continue to recharge when the engine was off

AI

• Introduced new AI track edge logic allowing AI drivers to see, explore & stay within race track boundaries with much improved accuracy
• Added new AI Traction & Brake Skill Scalars (see release notes)
• Added AI alternative dry & wet paths for several Grade 1 & 2 circuits (see release notes)
• Improved new AI wet lines behaviour and enabled them to work also in Multiplayer mode
• Different classes now may have distinct primary lines depending on the class performance properties
• Improved AI ability to chase the draft of a car ahead to gain speed on straights
• Adjusted AI drafting distance scalars for tracks with longer straights
• Fixed an issue where the AI wouldn’t try to draft the player car if the race started with rolling start and player had manual gears
• Reduced AI hesitation when moving to inside lanes and improved AI corner entry when holding a lane away from the fastline
• Increased the time AI will remain in blue flag mode after letting a car pass (applies to Race, Qualy, and Practice)
• Slightly increased the AI speed in the alternate garage extension paths
• Prevented AI from trying to draft the car ahead when too close to a corner
• Fixed AI wet distances being miscalculated when the player was on a drier part of the circuit
• Further AI dry & wet calibration pass for all classes with V1.7 physics revisions (including oval variants)

AUDIO

• Fixed suspension sounds continuing to be heard after returning to garage in some vehicles
• Ligier JS P4: Fixed starting sound loop issue
• Porsche 911 991 Cup: Prevent spectated car going mute in monitor
• BMW M3 Group A: Fixed chase cam sound going silent when viewing it from front
• F-V10 Gen1: Adjusted replay onboard sound parameters
• Disabled safety car sounds when it is parked in pits

TRACKS

• Road Atlanta 2005: Fixed a tire wall with a flipped physical barrier near the Esses
• Silverstone 2001: Fixed an issue where a timed lap would be incorrectly invalidated if the player car crossed into a region near the pit exit
• Bathurst Modern: TV cameras adjusted to fix triggering at multiple parts of the track
• Snetterton: Adjusted TV cameras for 300 layout to fix triggering at multiple parts of the track

VEHICLES

• LMP1 2005: Fixed Wet tyre related CTD for all models
• McLaren MP4/12: Fixed missing intermediate compound
• Dallara SP1: Fixed rear damage models
• Lister Storm GTM: Adjusted driver animations
• Audi R8 LMP: Fixed LODB and LODC mirrored paint mapping on right side
• Fixed mirrored driver head leaning in various vehicles
• Aston Martin Vantage GTE: Fixed red bonnet bug when using livery overrides
• Lola B0540 LMP2: Removed unused second page from the display
• TVR T400R GT2: Mesh fixes, detail improvements, headlight adjustments, fixed interior shadow casting