Project Motor Racing update reworks LMDh class, VR and triple-screen leave alpha

• New PMR update drops, overhauling LMDh category
• VR and triple-screen support now in beta stage and selectable in-game

A new update has been released for Project Motor Racing, continuing the recent trend of developer Straight4 Studios improving the beleaguered game’s physics.

The arrival of former Assetto Corsa franchise physics lead Aristotelis Vasilakos has led to several cars receiving handling overhauls, including a range of classic sports cars, GT3s, GT4s, and the Ford and Holden V8 Supercars featured in the game’s last big update, V2.1.

For V2.2, which is out now, the focus turns toward the game’s Hypercars: both LMH and LMDh, which sit under the in-game LMDh umbrella.

Cars in this class now apparently feature improved synergy between their internal combustion engines (ICE) and motor generator units (MGUs), leading to better throttle response, off-throttle behaviour, and braking.

New tyre and aero models have also been implemented, with LMDhs featuring revised default ABS and TC settings. Players can also now choose from three different tyre compounds. Straight4 has posted a full deep dive into all the LMDh changes here, and players should expect further improvements across the board. 

VR and triple-screen beta

Another important step has been made with the game’s VR and triple-screen compatibility. Previously in Alpha and prone to bugs, both modes can now be selected via in-game settings.

This means players no longer need to deal with the faff of manually typing command lines in Steam, with further optimisations and big fixes rolling out in due course.

A few GT3 tweaks have also been made in V2.2, with the game’s AI opponents given additional smarts alongside the usual array of bug fixes. 

PMR’s latest update arrives after a particularly tumultuous period for Straight4, with the studio’s former CEO Ian Bell departing and his number two, Kevin Boland, taking over the reins.

The full changelog for V2.2 of PMR is listed below.

Project Motor Racing V2.2 update changelog

PHYSICS & HANDLING CLASS SPECIFIC 

LMDH 

• The Antilock Braking System (ABS) assist now works in both safe and full regen modes with any amount of regeneration from the electric motors (MGU) for all cars in this class Improved inertia for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE)
• Improved throttle response for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) 
• Improved engine braking for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) 
• Improved steady-throttle response when driving (elimination of oscillations when driving, with some still present at idle) for Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) 
• Brake-by-Wire functionality improved. 
• As Motor Generator Unit (MGU) regeneration, speed, downforce, and brake bias changes in real time to accommodate the changes (real rules and features simulation). Also compatible with Antilock Braking System (ABS) assist if enabled 
• Motor Generator Unit (MGU) regeneration now varies with speed according to downforce, to avoid strange lockups at the rear or front axle 
• Motor Generator Unit (MGU) regeneration now varies with lateral G forces. If the driver asks for a lot of turning grip, regeneration is adjusted to avoid instabilities 
• The Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) power delivery respects Balance of Performance (BoP) power limitations as per real-world regulations throughout the rev range and attempts to do so smoothly. 
• Fixed massive Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) oscillations 
• Improved how the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) responds to Motor Generator Unit (MGU) power deployment 
• New tyre model with three compounds that vary mainly in internal heat generation and pressure 
• Grip variations are minimal and are mainly intended for different ambient and track temperatures. 
• New aero model with high pitch sensitivity. Respect of the 4:1 efficiency rulebook limitation. Low ride-height stalling. Vertical-fin yaw influence 
• Improved chassis and suspension model. 
• Improved centre of gravity, inertias, suspension geometry and setup limits. • New default setups available 
• New default for Traction Control (TC) at 6 
• New default for Antilock Braking System (ABS) at 4 

GT3 

• Fixed an issue that would cause tyre temperatures to rise when cars were still • Fixed an issue with cars in this class having two reverse gears
• Fixed an issue with heavily overheated tyres becoming super soft and slippery 
• Improved feel of grip for slick and rain tyres 
• Improved rolling resistance effects on puddles and deep water 
• Reduced dry grip levels for wet tyres 
• Wet tyres will react much quicker and overheat in dry conditions 
• Changed wet tyres surface footprint and made sidewalls to be softer • Improved stability and less yaw rotation on throttle 
• Improved tyre heat generation causing less overheat conditions
• Improved tyre surface rigidity on higher temperatures 
• Improved tyre heat relation to on ambient and track conditions 

ART – VEHICLES 

• Improved how the clearcoat works on metallic liveries and with stickers 
• Improved scratches on glass materials 
• Various smaller fixes on numerous cars 

ART – ENVIRONMENT 

Rocky Knoll Raceway 

• Adjusted lines for pit exit section 

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps 

• Improved general levels of grip 

AI OPPONENTS

• Improved pit strategy behaviour so that AI opponents pit on the next opportunity 
• Fixed an issue preventing AI opponents from overtaking slower cars in multiclass races 
• Improved behaviour for blue and yellow flag conditions 
• Improved behaviour for qualifying sessions where AI opponents now do multiple short stints with appropriate fuel levels 
• Improved behaviour and pace for San Marino and Mount Panorama 

ONLINE 

• Added filter options to display lobbies with joinable sessions. 
• In the event that a player jump-starts and hits another player, the offending player gets disqualified 
• Fixed an issue in Factory Driver mode where lap times would not get submitted after entering the pits 
• Removed pop-up dialogue box in Factory Driver mode that would appear after completing a valid lap 
• Introduced a time remaining countdown for the challenges in Factory Driver mode 

GAMEPLAY 

• Fixed an issue with the replay display area on ultrawide monitors 
• Fixed an issue with controller button mapping causing input conflicts 
• Fixed an issue preventing backfire from displaying properly during replays 
• Fixed an issue with the ‘shortcut’ at Nürburgring 24 Hours layout breaking delta times 

HUD & UI 

• Fixed an issue with tyre widget not displaying the correct tyre compound after a pits top 
• Fixed an issue with button inputs during menu transitions 
• Fixed an issue with the digidash text overlapping during overtime 
• Fixed an issue that was preventing session flags from resetting 
• Fixed an issue with measurement units not updating properly in the Pit Strategy menu 
• Fixed various minor bugs to improve menu flow navigation 

AUDIO 

• Enhanced road and wind effects at high speed in all cars • This effect is most noticeable in open cockpit cars 

CAREER MODE 

• Fixed an issue with filters showing cars that the player cannot afford 
• Fixed an issue with the player car not retaining damage when retiring from an event 

BETA STATE FEATURES VR 

• Further general stability improvements 
• Updated default cockpit camera position for better VR optimisation 
• Resetting to default values is recommended 
• Improved reflections in rear-view mirrors Triple Screen 
• Further improvements to shadow rendering 
• Further general stability improvements