Black Angel Team - Notizie

Le Mans Ultimate V1.3 - Final ELMS Content and Revolutionary Technical Improvements

Release Date: March 2026

Studio 397 and Motorsport Games have released Update V1.3 for Le Mans Ultimate, a substantial update that concludes the ELMS Season Pass and introduces significant technical improvements that redefine the gaming experience. After reaching new player records with the previous update, the team continues to demonstrate their commitment to building the definitive endurance racing simulator, with this release bringing anticipated content, new circuit layouts, and performance optimizations that will benefit all players.

ELMS Pack 3: Completing the Grid

Duqueine D09: The Third LMP3 Option

The third and final package of the ELMS Season Pass has finally arrived, bringing with it one of the "worst kept secrets" in the sim racing world: the Duqueine D09. This third-generation LMP3 chassis joins the other prototypes in the category, equipped with the familiar Toyota twin-turbo V6 engine that has become the class standard.

Duqueine D09 Features:

• Third-generation chassis: Cutting-edge technology for the LMP3 category
• Toyota twin-turbo V6 engine: The same reliable powertrain used by all LMP3 manufacturers
• Unique WTM by Rinaldi Racing livery: The distinctive decoration used by the team in the 2025 ELMS season
• ELMS grid completion: With three LMP3 chassis available (Ligier, Ginetta, and now Duqueine), players can finally recreate the complete variety seen in real races

The presence of three different LMP3 manufacturers completely transforms the racing experience in this category, allowing championship organizers and enthusiasts to recreate authentic grids with the visual and technical variety that characterizes the European Le Mans Series in the real world.

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Technique and Speed

The circuit accompanying the Duqueine in Pack 3 is one of Europe's most iconic: Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, which will host the ELMS season opener in a few weeks.

Circuit features:

• 2025 non-chicane layout: Modern track version favoring flow and speed
• 4,675 meters length: A complete track testing every aspect of a racing car
• 1 km main straight: Overtaking opportunities and maximum top speed
• Technical combination: Fast, flowing corners alternating with medium-speed sections rewarding refined drivers
• Additional layouts coming: Studio 397 confirmed that further circuit configurations will be added in a future update

Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya is historically one of Europe's most popular circuits for racing, used not only for competitions but also as the main location for pre-season testing. Its inclusion in Le Mans Ultimate adds a versatile and technically demanding track to the game's already impressive roster.

Availability and Pricing:

• ELMS Season Pass holders: Immediate free access
• RaceControl Pro+ subscribers: Immediate free access
• Separate purchase: €9.99 / £8.99 / $11.99

New Layouts: More Options, More Variety

Update V1.3 doesn't just bring new content but significantly expands options available for existing circuits, offering players unprecedented variety.

Silverstone: Three Layouts from Wing Pitlane

The legendary British circuit receives a substantial expansion with the addition of three complete configurations:

• National Circuit: Shorter, more technical layout, ideal for intense sprint races
• International Circuit: Medium configuration balancing speed and technique
• Grand Prix Layout from Wing Pitlane: Configuration used by WEC in past years, offering an authentic endurance racing experience

These additions transform Silverstone into one of Le Mans Ultimate's most versatile circuits, allowing championship organizers to create varied events on the same track.

Paul Ricard: Four New Configurations

Circuit Paul Ricard, known for its versatility thanks to variable run-off zones, receives four new layouts:

• 1a Layout
• 1av2 Layout
• 1av2-short Layout
• 3a Layout

As the developers jokingly admit, the names might not be particularly memorable, but the driving experience on these configurations certainly will be. Each layout offers a distinctly different experience, leveraging the unique modular nature of the French circuit.

ELMS Grid Expansion: 44 Cars on Track

For three key circuits, Studio 397 has implemented the 44-car ELMS grid configuration:

• Imola (Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari)
• Spa-Francorchamps
• Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portimão)

Implications:

• More realistic championships: Players can now experience real-size grids seen in ELMS
• More chaotic online events: Availability for custom events means denser, more competitive races
• Greater strategic challenge: Managing traffic with 44 cars on track requires superior stint management skills and spatial awareness

As the team provocatively asks: "More cars, more action, more chaos?" The answer will depend on driver skills and race organization quality!

Logitech TRUEFORCE Support and Haptic Feedback

One of the most requested additions from the community finally arrives with Update V1.3: native support for Logitech TRUEFORCE and generalized haptic feedback.

TRUEFORCE Technology

Logitech TRUEFORCE is an advanced technology that goes beyond traditional kinesthetic force feedback, using vibrotactile effects triggered directly from the game's physics engine.

How TRUEFORCE works:

• Real-time physics data: Effects are generated directly from Le Mans Ultimate's physics engine, not from pre-recorded effects
• Low-latency motors: Compatible Logitech wheels use specialized motors for instant response
• Improved dynamic feel: Combination of traditional force feedback and vibrotactile effects creates a richer, more realistic tactile experience
• Native SDK integration: Direct collaboration between Studio 397 and Logitech for optimal implementation

Customization:

Users can adjust TRUEFORCE effect intensity according to their preferences, balancing between extreme realism and driving comfort.

Benefits for All Users

The work on TRUEFORCE has unlocked two important advantages benefiting the entire player base, not just Logitech hardware owners:

1. Vibrotactile Effects in Standard FFB

The vibrotactile effects developed for TRUEFORCE are now included in the normal FFB stream for all users, regardless of hardware. As with TRUEFORCE, the intensity of these effects is adjustable, allowing anyone to experience a richer sensation even with non-Logitech wheels.

2. Universal Haptic Feedback Support

Le Mans Ultimate now supports haptic feedback devices like bass shakers and tactile transducers:

• Simple configuration: Device selection from dropdown menu in audio settings
• Plug and play: Once selected, the system is immediately operational
• Amplified immersion: Feel engine vibrations, gear changes, and track stresses through the simulation seat

This feature completely transforms the experience for sim racers with advanced cockpits, adding an additional layer of sensory realism.

Performance Improvements: Work Under the Hood

Update V1.3 brings some of the most significant performance improvements in Le Mans Ultimate's history, many of which derive from ongoing work for console version preparation but immediately benefit all players on all platforms.

New UI Middleware: From Chromium to Coherent

One of the most relevant technical changes is the user interface middleware transition.

The change:

• Old system: Chromium Embedded Framework (CEF)
• New system: Coherent - a lighter, gaming-oriented solution

Coherent advantages:

• Superior performance: More efficient framework specifically designed for gaming applications
• Forced V-Sync elimination: No longer necessary to run the game with v-sync enabled on mixed gameplay/UI screens like monitors and watch screens
• Crash reduction: Elimination of numerous persistent crashes related to old technology
• Reduced memory footprint: Lower system resource usage

Team note:

This is a significant change at the architectural level. Studio 397 recognizes that, as with every major technological transition, unforeseen issues might emerge, and the team will actively monitor and address any issues in the release.

Loading Times Reduced by 20%

After a complete performance review, loading times have been reduced by approximately 20%.

What this means:

• Faster track access
• Less waiting between sessions
• Overall smoother experience
• Particular benefit for players on older hardware

Occlusion Culling for Vehicles

A new optimization technique called occlusion culling has been implemented for vehicles.

How it works:

• Cars not visible from the player's camera are no longer rendered
• Significant performance savings, especially near the pitlane where many cars might be in garages
• Intelligent algorithm predicting visibility to avoid pop-in

Impact:

This improvement is particularly evident in multi-class configurations with full grids, where dozens of cars might be present on track or in boxes simultaneously.

Additional Improvements: Broadcast, Localization, and Telemetry

Broadcast Overlay Rewritten for WEC 2025

For championship organizers and broadcasters, Update V1.3 brings a complete broadcast overlay rewrite to mirror the WEC 2025 season update.

Features:

• Not just color change: Functionality completely updated
• Refined performance: Rewritten from scratch for greater efficiency
• Remote updates: Detached from game builds, allowing rapid updates without patches
• Continuous improvements: Studio 397 promises further refinements over time

This professional tool makes Le Mans Ultimate even more attractive for esports championships and high-quality streaming.

Korean Language Support

In preparation for Genesis team's arrival in the WEC 2026 grid, Le Mans Ultimate has added Korean language support.

This addition:

• Expands game accessibility in Asia
• Demonstrates commitment to supporting WEC's global growth
• Anticipates Genesis content coming "very soon"

New Telemetry Parameters

For telemetry enthusiasts and data analysis, the update adds numerous highly requested new parameters to the shared memory file.

Beneficiaries:

• Users of advanced telemetry software (MoTeC, Atlas, etc.)
• Custom dashboard builders
• Streamers with real-time data overlays
• Setup engineers requiring granular data

The team jokes that this "will keep many users with fancy equipment and software very happy indeed".

LiveSteward System Refinement

The LiveSteward system has been refined using user replays from the previous release.

Improvements:

• Faster review of false positives
• Reduced time to verify intentionally destructive behavior
• More accurate system distinguishing race incidents from deliberate sabotage

Team Endurance Races: Progress and Testing

12 Hours of Le Mans: Test Completed Successfully

Studio 397 thanks all players who participated in the recent 12 Hours of Le Mans test.

Results:

• Test largely positive
• 38-car events officially out of test program
• System now considered stable for long-duration endurance races

Next Steps: 24 Hour Test

There are still some pieces of work to complete before the next big test: the 24 Hours. The team invites players to watch for announcements about the next marathon test session.

These team endurance events represent one of the most authentic and engaging experiences available in sim racing, allowing driver teams to share a single car through realistic shifts just like in real races.

The Future of Le Mans Ultimate

Career Mode: Timeline Update

One of the most discussed topics by the community is Career Mode, a feature on the roadmap for some time.

Official statement:

"Career mode will be one of the most significant additions to Le Mans Ultimate which we are still committed to, and providing a great single player experience is still very much our ambition. Given the complexity of this feature, we are determined to give it the necessary time and it is now expected to be delivered later this year."

What this means:

• No rushed release: The team prefers dedicating necessary time rather than releasing an incomplete feature
• 2026 release confirmed: Although delayed, Career Mode will arrive within the year
• Ambition intact: The goal remains creating a high-quality single player experience

Future Content: What to Expect

With ELMS Season Pass completion, many wonder: what's next?

Official reassurances:

"I want to ensure everyone the remainder of 2026 already looks as exciting as ever for new cars and tracks."

Le Mans 2026 Announcement:

Studio 397 will share next Season Pass plans in June at Le Mans, where a bumper edition of news will be released before the world's greatest endurance race starts again.

Easter Eggs Coming:

The team mysteriously suggests: "We also hear Easter Eggs are popular this time of year so make sure to keep a lookout..."

This cryptic hint suggests there might be hidden surprises in Update V1.3 or imminent announcements related to the Easter period.

Message from the CEO

Stephen Hood, CEO of Motorsport Games and Head of Studio 397:

"We can't wait for players to try out the first major update of 2026 with the final ELMS Season Pass content and experience the new performance improvements for themselves! 2026 looks to be another extremely exciting year!"

Conclusions

Le Mans Ultimate's Update V1.3 represents a fundamental step in the simulator's evolution. Completing the ELMS Season Pass with the Duqueine D09 and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya provides players with the complete grid and a world-class technical circuit. New layouts for Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Imola, Spa, and Portimão multiply options available for championships and custom races.

The technical improvements are perhaps even more impressive than the new content. Logitech TRUEFORCE support and universal haptic feedback transform the sensory experience for all players, regardless of hardware. Performance improvements - from the Coherent transition to the 20% reduction in loading times to occlusion culling - demonstrate a serious commitment to technical optimization.

With Career Mode coming later in 2026, new content to be announced at Le Mans in June, and continued post-launch support demonstrated through regular, substantial updates, Le Mans Ultimate continues to consolidate its position as the definitive endurance racing simulator. The future looks bright for this ambitious platform.

https://lemansultimate.com/