Black Angel Team - Notizie

Automobilista 2 V1.6.9.5 - The Formula Era Begins

Release Date: April 2026

Reiza Studios releases Automobilista 2 V1.6.9.5, the first of two heavily "formula-centric" updates that will transform the Brazilian simulator into one of the most complete destinations for single-seater enthusiasts. This update represents not only a significant expansion of the formula roster but also introduces new features, rules, and improvements that elevate the quality of simulation and gameplay for these iconic classes.

Although formulas are the main focus, the update doesn't neglect other areas of the game, continuing the improvement and maintenance path in preparation for the big V1.7 update expected later this year. Users who encounter issues with the new version or have imminent championship races can remain on the previous V1.6.9.3 version through Steam's beta system.

?️ NEW CLASSES: F-Edge and F-Hybrid Gen1

Formula Edge: The End of an Era

The single-make Formula V12 class has been completely reinvented and replaced by Formula Edge, a name celebrating the regulatory changes that caused the largest downforce drop since the 1983 season. This isn't a simple rebranding: it's a radical transformation of the class philosophy.

The Multi-Model Revolution:

Where previously existed a single F-V12 car, players now have three distinct models, each with unique strengths and weaknesses:

F-Edge Model 1 (formerly F-V12):

• Engine: V12
• Character: Most powerful of the group and very tractable
• Strength: Excellent on very high-speed circuits
• Weakness: Not the absolute fastest on most tracks
• Strategy: Ideal for drivers who prioritize consistency and ease of driving
• Technical notes: Received complete visual facelift with new UV mapping

Important: Custom liveries created for the old F-V12 will require updates to work with the new Model 1 due to UV mapping changes.

F-Edge Model 2:

• Engine: V10
• Character: Twitchy and more demanding to drive
• Strength: Probably the fastest in the right hands
• Weakness: Requires experienced driver to extract maximum potential
• Strategy: For advanced drivers seeking absolute lap time
• Challenge: More delicate traction management, greater input sensitivity

F-Edge Model 3:

• Engine: V8
• Character: Most balanced and fuel-efficient
• Strength: Lower fuel consumption, easier at the limit
• Weakness: Missing some ultimate speed relative to the other two
• Strategy: Strategic choice for long races where fuel saving is crucial
• Tactics: Fewer pit stops can compensate for pure speed deficit

Competitive Implications:

This new multi-model structure completely transforms Formula Edge class competitive dynamics:

• Strategic diversity: Teams and drivers can choose the car best suited to their driving style and race strategy
• Circuit-specific: Each track might favor a different model, creating pre-race uncertainty
• Skill balancing: Less experienced drivers can compete with Model 1 or 3, while veterans can squeeze every tenth from Model 2
• Race management: Fuel consumption differences introduce more complex strategic decisions
• Setup engineering: Three different cars mean triple setup complexity for teams

Formula Hybrid Gen1: The Dawn of the Hybrid Era

The F-Hybrid Gen1 represents the very first generation of hybrid Grand Prix cars from just over a decade ago, a revolutionary era that transformed Formula racing forever.

Technical Features:

• Propulsion system: Thermal engine + Energy Recovery System (ERS)
• Combined power: Nearly 1000 HP
• Engine torque: Enormous availability thanks to hybrid system
• Aerodynamic philosophy: Reduced load compared to preceding and subsequent eras
• Main challenge: Extremely delicate throttle management

Gen1 Character:

This class is similar to Formula Edge in representing a dip in downforce levels relative to the eras that came before and after it. The new hybrid engines of the time provided:

• Massive torque: Available from low RPM
• Progressive power delivery: Thermal + electric engine combination
• Energy management: Electric energy distribution strategy during lap
• High technical demand: Constant "right pedal respect" necessary

Driving Challenges:

Gen1 requires a completely different approach compared to traditional aspirated formulas:

1. Throttle modulation: Massive torque requires progressive application to avoid traction loss
2. ERS management: Optimizing electric energy deployment to maximize performance
3. Aerodynamic balance: Reduced load means greater setup change sensitivity
4. Driver adaptation: Steep learning curve for those coming from aspirated formulas

Historical Context:

Gen1 hybrid represents one of the most significant moments in motorsport history:

• Transition from V8 aspirated era to hybrid era
• Introduction of kinetic and thermal energy recovery
• Energy efficiency revolution in racing
• Beginning of modern technological complexity era

Availability:

Both new formula classes are free additions to the base game, demonstrating Reiza Studios' commitment to providing ongoing value to the community at no additional cost.

⚙️ V1.7 PHYSICS REVISIONS - EVOLUTION PREVIEW

One of V1.6.9.5's most significant features is the inclusion of anticipated V1.7 physics revisions for an impressive number of classes.

Classes Receiving Physics Revisions

The complete list comprises over 40 different classes:

Complete Formulas:

• F-Retro (all generations)
• F-Classic
• F-HiTech
• F-V10 (Gen1 and Gen2)
• F-V8 (Gen3)
• F-Hybrid (all generations)
• F-USA (Gen1, Gen2, Gen3, 2023)
• F-3
• F-Trainer
• F-Inter

Sports Prototypes:

• LMDh / GTP (modern class)
• LMP2 (both generations)
• LMP1 2005
• LMP2 2005
• P1 (both)
• P2, P3, P4

GT and Touring:

• GT1 (modern and 2005)
• GT2 (2005)
• GTE
• GT3 (both generations)
• GT4
• GT5
• GT Open
• Porsche Cup
• Super V8
• G55 Supercup
• G40 Supercup

Specialty:

• Lamborghini Diablo ST
• Lamborghini Huracan ST
• Ligier EuroSeries
• Lancer Cup
• Copa Classic
• Copa Uno

Important note: More classes might be added before V1.7 final release.

Revision Philosophy

Reiza Studios clarifies these aren't fundamental physics rewrites but iterative refinements:

Guiding Principles:

• No major fundamental changes since V1.6 (late 2024)
• Iterative approach: Repeated review of each class to identify improvement areas
• Multi-area focus: Aerodynamics, chassis, suspension, powertrain, tire modeling
• Setup optimization: Default setups and force feedback properties revised
• Continuity: Existing setups remain valid, no drastic performance swings
• Incremental improvement: Collection of minor refinements adds up to improved driving experience

Specific Improvement Areas

Aerodynamic Modeling:

• Load behavior in different conditions
• Front/rear aero balance
• Ride height variation sensitivity
• Aerodynamic wake ("dirty air"): More accurate modeling of following another car effects

Chassis and Suspension:

• Dynamic load response
• Behavior over curbs and bumps
• Weight transitions during braking/acceleration
• Optimized suspension geometry

Drivetrain:

• More realistic power delivery
• Vehicle-specific traction characteristics
• Refined differential modeling
• Improved gearbox response

Tire Modeling:

• Optimal operating window
• Degradation and thermal management
• Limit behavior
• Progressive vs sudden grip

Force Feedback:

• Information communication to wheel
• Surface feedback detail
• Grip limit sensations
• Consistency between different cars

Aerodynamic Wake Modeling: The Big Step

One of the most notable areas in development for V1.7, already present in V1.6.9.5, is aerodynamic wake or "dirty air" effects modeling when following another car.

What "Dirty Air" Means:

When a car follows another closely, it drives in the "dirty air" left by the front car:

• Aerodynamic load loss: Up to 30-40% in modern formulas
• Altered balance: Often greater loss at front
• Induced understeer: Difficulty following optimal trajectory
• Tire management: Greater oversteer tendency from compensation
• Overtaking strategy: Necessary to understand where aero loss is minimal

AMS2 Implementation:

New modeling considers:

• Distance: Effect intensity varies with proximity to front car
• Lateral position: Lateral offset reduces aero loss
• Speed: More pronounced effect at high speeds
• Aero configuration: High-downforce cars suffer more
• Impact zone: Different car parts affected differently

Gameplay Impact:

This change profoundly transforms close-driving experience:

• Overtaking realism: More difficult to follow closely in fast corners
• Race strategy: Necessary to choose when to attack and when to conserve tires
• Skill differential: Experienced drivers better manage dirty air
• Setup implications: Car balance must consider driving in wake
• Wheel-to-wheel battles: More realistic and challenging

Particularly Evident in High-End Formulas:

Formulas with greatest aerodynamic load show most dramatic effect:

• F-Hybrid (all gen)
• F-V10
• F-V8
• F-Edge
• Modern F-USA

? HIGH DOWNFORCE CONFIGURATIONS

Update V1.6.9.5 introduces a sophisticated system of high downforce configurations for classes that historically use them.

Classes with High Downforce Configuration

The following classes now feature HD variants:

• F-USA (all generations)
• F-Retro Gen3
• F-Classic
• F-HiTech
• F-Edge
• F-V10 (both)
• F-V8 (all)
• F-Hybrid (all)

How the System Works

Automatic Loading:

When one of these classes is selected for a circuit designated as "high downforce," the game automatically:

1. Loads appropriate HD configuration
2. Applies high-load default setup
3. Activates high-downforce aero package (when available)
4. Shows corresponding visual updates

Two Implementation Levels:

HD configuration can manifest in two ways:

Level 1 - HD Default Setup:

• Same aero package as standard configuration
• Setup optimized for maximum aerodynamic load
• Wing angles adjusted to maximum allowed
• Reduced ride height
• Stiffer suspension

Level 2 - Dedicated Aero Package:

• Greater wing surface front and rear
• Additional aerodynamic elements: Flaps, dive planes, special configurations
• Greater absolute downforce compared to standard configuration
• Greater aerodynamic drag: Trade-off top speed for corner grip
• Visual updates: Wings with greater angle of attack, cosmetic details

Visual Updates

All classes with HD variant now include relevant visual modifications:

Front Wings:

• Wing planes with increased angle of attack
• Flaps adjusted in maximum downforce position
• Modified endplate elements

Rear Wings:

• Main plane at greater angle
• Upper flap in maximum configuration
• Beam wing (when present) optimized

Other Details:

• Front dive planes (on some models)
• Rear diffuser configurations
• Minor cosmetic details specific to configuration

Designated High Downforce Circuits

Currently, the following 12 circuits are assigned as high-load tracks:

Europe:

• Silverstone (UK) - Fast Maggots/Becketts corners require high load
• Jerez (Spain) - Technical configuration with many medium corners
• Oulton Park (UK) - Hilly technical track
• Cadwell Park (UK) - Very technical short circuit

Americas:

• Laguna Seca (USA) - Famous Corkscrew requires grip
• Long Beach (USA) - Street circuit with tight corners
• Buenos Aires 6 & 6S (Argentina) - Technical city layouts

Brazil (Local Circuits):

• Curvelo - Brazilian technical track
• Salvador - High-grip configuration
• Velocitta - Modern technical circuit

Others:

• Azure (French Riviera) - Monaco-style layout
• Adelaide (both layouts) - Australian street circuits

Selection Logic:

These circuits were chosen because they:

• Have few or no very high-speed zones where drag penalizes excessively
• Present many medium-fast corners where downforce is crucial
• Are technical circuits where mechanical and aerodynamic grip is essential
• Historically see teams use maximum aero configurations in real motorsport

Contrast with Low Downforce Circuits:

Circuits already in the game like Monza, Spa (certain configurations), Indianapolis oval, etc., use low-load configurations where top speed is priority over corner grip.

? ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IMPROVEMENTS

AI receives important attention in this update, with fixes and improvements making virtual opponents more realistic and less problematic.

Curved Grid Start Fix

The problem: AI cars starting from curved grids (common on many circuits) often went off-track during the start, ruining the race at the very beginning.

The solution: Completely revised start algorithm to handle non-perfectly straight grids. Now AI:

• Correctly calculates exit trajectory considering curvature
• Adjusts acceleration to maintain control
• Avoids collisions with adjacent cars on angled grids

Improved Blue Flag System

New "Buffer Time":

A historical problem with AI was the tendency to behave erratically after letting a blue-flagged car pass. Now:

• Implemented buffer time: AI doesn't immediately return to normal race behavior
• Gradual transition: After letting pass, waits several seconds before resuming pace
• Re-overtake prevention: Avoids situations where AI lets pass then immediately re-overtakes
• Improved realism: Behavior more similar to real drivers under blue

Practical Impact:

This change is particularly important in:

• Multi-class races: Where blue flag interactions are frequent
• Endurance: Where lapping is common
• Championships with AI: Cleaner, more realistic experience

AI Mistake Logic with ABS

The change:

"Locking a wheel entering a corner" is no longer considered a potential AI mistake if the car is equipped with ABS.

Rationale:

• With functioning ABS, it's physically impossible to completely lock a wheel
• AI shouldn't "mistake" by doing something the system prevents
• Makes AI behavior more consistent with car technology

Implications:

• Modern cars with ABS: More consistent AI, fewer artificial mistakes
• Cars without ABS: Wheel-locking mistakes remain possible and realistic
• Competitiveness: AI slightly faster and more consistent on cars with ABS

? GRAPHICS IMPROVEMENTS

Update V1.6.9.5 brings significant visual refinements in several key areas.

Tire Smoke and Rain Spray

Improved Smoke Particles:

• Increased visual quality: Denser, more realistic smoke
• Significantly improved rendering performance: Optimization maintaining high frame rates
• Off-racing-line dust: Also improved dust raised going off-track

Wet Conditions Spray System:

Important fixes to rain spray system:

• Fixed bright flash: Spray particles no longer flash brightly near player car at night with headlights on
• Optimized rendering: Better performance even with intense spray in multi-car wet races

Gameplay Impact:

These improvements are crucial for:

• Visual immersion: More spectacular and realistic wet races
• Visibility: Fewer disturbing visual artifacts
• Performance: Possibility of wet races with full grids without FPS drops

Livegrass LOD Transitions

Improved Livegrass System:

• Optimized LOD transitions: Smoother change between different grass detail levels
• Camera FOV respect: Furthest LOD transition now considers field of view
• Reduced pop-in: Less obvious detail changes at distance

What It Means:

With wider FOV (often used in triple screens or for greater spatial awareness), grass maintains greater detail at distance, preventing sudden transition to simplified model that breaks immersion.

Undercar Shadows

Improvements to shadow rendering projected from underside of car, contributing to greater sense of "ground" and car weight on track.

Foliage Movement with Wind

Trackside vegetation now reacts more convincingly to wind, with movement respecting:

• Wind intensity (variable per track/conditions)
• Wind direction
• Vegetation type (trees vs bushes vs tall grass)

Cockpit Shadow Adjustment Reversal

A recent adjustment to cockpit shadow distance caused flickering, so it was reverted. This demonstrates Reiza's pragmatic approach: if a change causes problems, it's quickly removed even if theoretically improving.

?️ HUD AND INTERFACE

New WIP Tachometer Widget

HUD overhaul continues to progress with addition of new work-in-progress tachometer widget to beta HUD version.

Expected Features:

Although still in development, the new tachometer should offer:

• More modern, readable design
• Greater customization options
• Better integration with other HUD elements
• Additional information (shift light, limiter, etc.)

Access:

Users can activate beta HUD from settings to test the new widget and provide feedback to Reiza for further refinements.

? MULTIPLAYER FIXES

Multiplayer receives important maintenance with critical bug fixes.

Standings Bug During Race

Fixed problem #1: Some participants appeared erroneously one lap down during entire race, even if actually on same lap.

Impact: This bug made it difficult to understand real positions and distance from opponents, ruining race strategy.

Official Results Bug with Race Director

Fixed problem #2: When server used Race Director, the last-placed participant could be erroneously displayed as first in official race results.

Impact: Beyond obvious confusion, this could invalidate championship results and statistics.

Drive-Through Penalty System

New behavior:

Previously, a driver with unserved drive-through could continue breaking rules without further punishment until serving the first.

Now:

• Receiving second drive-through while having one unserved results in immediate disqualification (DQ)
• Incentivizes drivers to serve penalties promptly
• Prevents infinite penalty accumulation

Logic:

This makes the penalty system more severe but fairer - if a driver completely ignores a penalty and continues driving incorrectly, consequences are immediate and definitive.

? VEHICLE UPDATES

Numerous cars receive specific improvements in various areas.

Revised Cockpits for High-End Formulas

Models receiving updated cockpits:

• F-Classic
• F-HiTech
• F-V10 Gen1
• F-V10 Gen2
• F-V8 Gen3
• F-Hybrid Gen2

Specific updates:

• LCD/Display: Updated cockpit screens with improved graphics
• Cockpit materials: Refined textures and shaders for greater realism
• Animations: Smoother wheel, gear lever, button movement
• Object shadow casting: More accurate internal shadows
• Interior pivot points: Better 3D element positioning

Cockpit POV Adjustments

Camera viewpoint optimized for:

• F-V10 Gen2
• F-V8 Gen3
• F-Hybrid Gen2
• F-Hybrid Gen3

These adjustments improve:

• Corner apex visibility
• Natural driver eye position
• Mirror line of sight
• Visual comfort for long sessions

Fixed Damage Models

F-V10 Gen1 and F-V8 Gen3:

• Fixed damage visualization issues
• Damage model now correctly shows progressive breakage
• Damaged parts behave realistically

Specific Other Vehicle Fixes

Ligier JS2 R:

• Added missing driver for livery #04 (Karl Pereira)

Caterham SuperSport:

• Fixed tachometer needle rotation for accurate reading

Corvette C5R:

• Added fuel value on cockpit display

McLaren 720 GT3 Evo:

• Fixed windscreen banner override issue

McLaren Senna:

• Increased central display screen resolution for greater readability

Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo:

• Updated override paints with orange peel effect and metallic flakes for greater realism

?️ TRACK UPDATES

Numerous tracks receive improvements and fixes.

Garage Layout Reorganization

Increased pit box capacity when possible for:

Bathurst, Barcelona, Campo Grande, Curvelo, Kansai, Indianapolis, Hockenheimring, Laguna Seca, Monza, Mosport, Road America, Road Atlanta, Santa Cruz, Sebring, Silverstone, Watkins Glen

Benefits:

• Larger championships: Support for more numerous grids
• Multi-class endurance: More space for different categories
• Organizer flexibility: Possibility of events with more participants

Specific Track Fixes

Buenos Aires #15:

• Reset special waypoints
• Pit entrance corridors trimmed to fix pitbox errors

Goiania:

• Added safety car pitbox (previously missing)

Guapore:

• Further reworking of building material settings
• Fixed abnormal cockpit specular flickering when parked in garage shadow

Laguna Seca:

• Fixed warning while exiting pits
• Added pitlane extension to pit exit limits

Interlagos:

• Updated grid and start/finish line road markings

Interlagos Historic:

• Fixed safety car pitbox

Oulton Park:

• Fixed pit lane extension start and end points

? AUDIO UPDATES

Minor sound adjustments for:

• F-V10 Gen1
• F-V10 Gen2
• F-V8 Gen3

These updates refine:

• Engine audio sampling
• Engine RPM transitions
• Shift sounds
• Exhaust audio

? GENERAL FIXES

Local Yellow Flag System

Fixed: Local yellow flags weren't working in single player practice sessions (both in race weekend practice and championship practice).

Now: Fully functional flag system in all modes, allowing realistic practice with incident response.

? FUTURE PROSPECTS

The Second "Formula-Centric" Update

Reiza confirms this is only the first of two updates heavily focused on formulas, with the second expected within a few weeks.

Expectations for second update:

• Additional formula classes (not yet announced)
• Completion of V1.7 physics revisions
• New formula-specific features
• Possible new single-seater-oriented circuits

Toward V1.7

The big V1.7 update is confirmed for late 2026, promising:

• HUD overhaul completion
• Physics revision finalization for all classes
• New gameplay features
• Further graphics and performance improvements

CONCLUSIONS

Automobilista 2 V1.6.9.5 represents a transformative update for formula racing enthusiasts. The introduction of F-Edge class (with three models) and F-Hybrid Gen1, united with high downforce configurations and anticipated V1.7 physics revisions for over 40 classes, significantly elevates single-seater simulation depth and quality.

AI improvements, multiplayer fixes, graphics upgrades, and countless refinements to vehicles and tracks demonstrate Reiza Studios' continued commitment to refining every aspect of AMS2.

With a second formula update coming soon and the big V1.7 on the horizon, Automobilista 2's future looks brighter than ever. For formula enthusiasts, this is undoubtedly the best time to dive into the Brazilian simulator.

https://automobilista.gg/