For years, these cars felt like the blandest, most lifeless class in the simracing world. Dull, impersonal, boring. So overrated that I often wondered if we were even playing the same simulator. From A Racing to every major title, no GT3 variant managed to spark any excitement in me. There was a disconnect—like we were speaking different languages.
But now… things have changed.
The game-changer: new tire physics
What iRacing has done with its new tire model is a game-changer. I already noticed it with the GTPs: the way the car responds at the limit, how it communicates with you through the force feedback… it’s simply a different world. And now that same technology has reached the GT3s.
Yes, the car models are the same—Ferrari, Audi, Mercedes, McLaren, BMW, Corvette, Porsche, and the rest—but their behavior is radically different. You don’t start a race like you’re glued to a Scalextric slot anymore. Now there’s a process: brakes, tires, temperature… you must warm everything up. And that, my friends, is wonderful.
Real differences, cars with personality
The most fascinating part is that each car now has a distinct identity. I tested them all under the same conditions (fixed setups), and the differences are clear:
- McLaren: A precision weapon.
- Mercedes: Exquisite balance. Fast through high-speed corners and very satisfying to drive.
- Corvette Z06: A true joy to drive.
- Ford Mustang: Oddly enough, used to be tolerable, but now feels the most uninspiring of the lot.
- Audi: Hard to trust.
- BMW: Probably the safest of the bunch.
A new driving paradigm
What truly won me over is the dynamic nature of driving. Previously, every lap felt like a copy-paste. Now, you have to feel the car. Adapt. Understand that lap 1 is not lap 4. Tires evolve. Grip changes. And every corner can surprise you.
This is what makes simracing beautiful: constant challenge, learning, progression. The car isn’t a dead block glued to the tarmac—it has soul.
I’m no engineer or real-world racing driver. I don’t know if this is more realistic or not. But I know this: it’s more fun. And if anything brings us closer to what real racing feels like, it’s these imperfections. These variables. These tiny differences, lap after lap.
Having to respect lap 1, build rhythm through lap 2, attack in lap 4… it’s brilliant. It’s how it should be. And now, it is.
More than just a physics update
Let me be clear: I’m not suddenly ranking them above the Porsche Cup cars, and I’m not abandoning everything to only race GT3s. Not even close. But what used to repulse me, now has me intrigued. Curious. Even excited.
For the first time in ages, I’m planning to join GT3 races in the official series. And that says a lot. Because honestly, I didn’t expect this.
This isn’t just a technical change. It’s a mindset shift. A renewed appreciation for a category I once hated. And it’s all thanks to something as seemingly minor as tire behavior.
A digital miracle? Maybe not. But I’m having more fun than ever. And that’s enough for me.
Have you noticed the difference too?
- Remember, you can join iRacing clicking here.
See you on the track!
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