Black Angel Team - Notizie

Automobilista 2 V1.6.8.5: 2005 Endurance Racing Returns to Life

Reiza Studios releases massive update with new DLCs, free content, and substantial gameplay improvements

Reiza Studios has released the highly anticipated V1.6.8.5 update for Automobilista 2, bringing a wave of nostalgia for endurance racing enthusiasts. The update introduces two new DLC packages dedicated to the 2005 endurance racing season, accompanied by significant general improvements to the simulator.

Two New DLCs Dedicated to 2005

The Historical Endurance Pack PT1 represents the beating heart of this update, meticulously recreating the legendary classes of the 2005 endurance championship. The package includes 12 vehicles distributed across four competitive classes:

The LMP1 class features three iconic prototypes: the Audi R8 LMP1, winner of numerous endurance races, the Courage C60, and the Dallara SP1. For the LMP2 class, Reiza has modeled two variants of the Lola B0540, equipped with V8 and Turbo engines respectively.

The GT1 segment offers a stellar quartet of racing grand tourers: the Aston Martin DBR9 GT1, the Corvette C5.R, the aggressive Dodge Viper GTS-R, and the elegant Maserati MC12 GT1. The GT2 class is represented by the Porsche 996 RSR, while the GTR category includes the 2004 BMW M3 GTR.

The Historical Track Pack PT3 completes the 2005 endurance experience with three historic circuits recreated in their period configurations: the legendary Circuit Du Mans 2005, Road Atlanta 2005 (with Full and Short layouts), and Spa Francorchamps 2005 (in GP and Endurance configurations).

Free Content for Everyone

True to its policy of community support, Reiza has also included free content in the update. All AMS2 owners will receive the Milano GT36 GT2 at no additional cost, adding further variety to the simulator's car roster.

As is tradition for Automobilista 2 updates, the new DLCs will be available for free trial over the weekend, allowing all users to test the content before purchase.

Technical Innovations: TAA Arrives

From a technical standpoint, the V1.6.8.5 update introduces Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) as a new anti-aliasing option. This technology combines previous video frames with the current one, offering smoother edges and, in some cases, improved performance compared to traditional MSAA. TAA also includes an adjustable sharpening option to optimize image clarity.

Endurance car headlights have been updated with a slightly stronger glare effect during night sessions, affecting current GTP, LMP2, GTE, GT3, and the new 2005 cars.

Revolutionized Physics and Renewed Setups

The update brings a new wave of physics refinements for numerous existing classes. Particularly significant are the changes made to GT3 (both generations), GT1, Group C, BMW M1 Procar, and LMDh/GTP. For these classes, default setups and adjustment ranges have been completely revised, rendering old setups essentially unusable without significant modifications.

Dirty air effects have been revised for modern formulas, GTs, and Prototypes, improving the realism of on-track battles. Numerous vehicles have received specific adjustments, such as the Lamborghini Revuelto with improved active aerodynamic behavior and ERS-EV Launch system that activates the combustion engine at 60 km/h.

Completely Reimagined Artificial Intelligence

One of the most impressive aspects of the update concerns artificial intelligence. Reiza has implemented new throttle application logic for AI, which now considers various specific circumstances to determine how quickly or slowly to apply throttle. This has allowed for more balanced performance out of corners compared to human opponents.

Overall AI behavior has been refined to reduce "twitchiness" and ensure more natural and flowing trajectory changes, both when overtaking and defending. The AI's tendency to stomp the throttle in mid-high speed corners has been attenuated, reducing cases of understeer or track excursions.

Aggression levels have been further differentiated: Medium or High settings are now recommended for most cases, with Medium more suitable for long-distance races and High for sprints and club-level racing. The Low level is recommended primarily for beginners or those using controllers with limited precision.

Visual Improvements and Details

On the visual front, numerous vehicles have received substantial updates. The Lamborghini Miura SV boasts new paint materials with orange peel effect, extra dirt, and metallic flakes, plus an improved cockpit with customizable colors for leather and stitching.

The LMDh/GTP, LMP2, and GTE categories have received larger and brighter front headlights, while extra dirt has been added to all exterior materials for greater realism. Z-fighting issues on number plates have been resolved, and displays on various vehicles have been updated.

Updated Circuits and Presets

In addition to the new historic tracks, existing circuits have also benefited from improvements. Le Mans has received updated foliage and ground materials, new textures for curbs and racing line, plus slightly increased overall brightness.

New presets have been added for the 2005 Endurance content, emulating the FIA GT 2004 and 2005 seasons, as well as the ALMS and ELMS 2005 seasons, facilitating the creation of historically accurate grids.

Backward Compatibility Guaranteed

For users who might encounter issues with the new update or have imminent league races, Reiza has kept the previous V1.6.8.1 version available. It can be accessed via Steam by right-clicking on AMS2 in the library, selecting Properties -> Beta, and choosing the previousbuild branch.

Conclusions

The V1.6.8.5 update for Automobilista 2 represents one of the most substantial releases in recent months, combining quality historical content with significant technical improvements. The recreation of the 2005 endurance season, combined with artificial intelligence and physics refinements, further elevates Reiza Studios' already excellent simulator. The free trial period over the weekend offers the perfect opportunity to explore this fascinating chapter of motorsport history.

https://steamcommunity.com/games/1066890/announcements/detail/650333379098575778