Automobilista 2 enthusiasts can look forward to the upcoming V1.5 milestone update, which promises to bring significant improvements, new features, and exciting content to the popular racing simulation game.
In this article, we’ll provide a summary of the key highlights from the recent development update and offer a glimpse into what players can expect.
Official notes can be found here!
Physics Overhaul
One of the major focuses of V1.5 is a comprehensive physics overhaul. Building upon the tire findings discussed in the previous update, the AMS2 team has been diligently working to revise and refine the physics for all car classes. While the tire updates serve as the foundation of the overhaul, the adjustments and refinements extend to various elements of the vehicles. A dedicated physics development update will provide technical details for those interested in a deeper dive into this aspect.
Adrenaline Pack DLC: Rallycross Racing
V1.5 will introduce the highly anticipated Adrenaline Pack DLC, expanding AMS2’s racing experience beyond tarmac. This DLC brings an array of off-road and extreme cars and tracks to the sim. The highlight of the pack is the inclusion of Rallycross racing, which benefits from the powerful Madness engine’s built-in support. The dynamic LiveTrack system seamlessly handles deformable terrain, ensuring smooth transitions between dirt, gravel, and tarmac. Rallycross enthusiasts can expect an in-depth rule set, including the use of joker laps.
The DLC will feature notable cars such as the Mitsubishi Lancer X and VW Polo RX, with at least two more models joining the grid. Additionally, Adrenaline offers other dirt-focused classes, including Rallycross Karts, known for their thrilling and fun-filled racing experience. Several Rallycross layouts from existing Grade A tracks, including Barcelona, Hockenheimring, Nürburgring, and Spa-Francorchamps, will be introduced. Furthermore, revamped tracks from the original AMS1, such as Ascurra, Foz, and Tykki, have been meticulously recreated in the DX11 engine, providing players with a fresh experience.
Further V1.5 Developments
In addition to the Adrenaline Pack DLC, V1.5 will include several noteworthy free updates. The Sigma P1 G5, originally planned for V1.4.8, will now be part of V1.5, alongside its direct rival, the Metalmoro AJR. The AMS2 team has made valuable improvements on the track front as well, with the ability to increase pit slots beyond the pit building’s capacity and support for setting start/finish points in previously unsupported positions. These enhancements allow for scaling up tracks that were limited to small fields, aiming for a minimum 26-car field with the potential to increase the grid size further.
The development team has been diligently working on improving the AI behavior and calibration, both in dry and wet weather conditions, along with refining AI racing lines and addressing performance discrepancies. Although significant improvements to the multiplayer experience are not expected for V1.5, efforts are being made to address potential sources of client disconnects and introduce quality-of-life improvements such as expanding voting options and enabling auto-advancing sessions without host interaction. Additionally, a Visible Safety Car will be introduced to lead the field during rolling starts and full-course yellow situations, enhancing immersion. Diverse pit crew sets and the option to set the HALO pillar transparent on F-Ultimates Gen & Gen2 cars further contribute to the overall quality-of-life enhancements in V1.5.
Le Mans is Coming
Exciting news for endurance racing enthusiasts: Le Mans will be coming to AMS2 later this year. The team has secured the rights to model the modern track using laser scan
ata, ensuring an accurate and immersive racing experience. In addition to the modern track, historical versions from the 70s and 90s will be included, allowing players to relive iconic moments from the past. To complement the Le Mans experience, a range of new cars will be introduced, including 2023 LMDh Hypecars, LMPs, and a fresh batch of 2023 GT3 cars. AMS2 already boasts a collection of Group C cars from the late 80s and GT1s from the late 90s, and the upcoming updates will expand the endurance racing timeline with prototypes and GT cars spanning from the early 70s to the mid-00s.
Introducing the AMS2 Paddock Club
With the release of the Adrenaline Pack and V1.5, the AMS2 team has outlined their plans for future DLCs and community engagement. Instead of offering a new Season Pass, they have decided to launch the AMS2 Paddock Club. This membership-based program allows passionate users to contribute to the future development of AMS2 and engage with the development process through access to the AMS2 Beta. While the existing plans for AMS2 are already on track, the additional support from the AMS2 Paddock Club can help expand and expedite the realization of these plans.
Looking Ahead
The V1.5 update and the forthcoming Adrenaline Pack DLC and Le Mans addition demonstrate the commitment of the AMS2 team to deliver an exceptional racing experience. The future of AMS2 looks promising, with ongoing developments, physics overhauls, new content, and community involvement on the horizon. Whether you’re a fan of rallycross, endurance racing, or simply enjoy the thrill of high-quality racing simulations, AMS2 V1.5 and beyond are set to provide an exhilarating and immersive experience for virtual racing enthusiasts.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of this development update, where more exciting highlights and details about AMS2 V1.5 will be revealed.
