Hello everyone! We´ve got another update for you, this time sharing some news about the upcoming V1.4.8 release, and some of what´s coming up next as we approach v1.5.0 and the definitive version of Automobilista.
A combination of things taking a bit longer than expected, some unforeseen issues demanding attention along with valuable improvements that we´ve found to be within reach have led to AMS development stretching a bit further still. All for the better though as it means AMS should end up in even better shape!
The next update is v1.4.8 and is going to bring some valuable improvements along with a new DLC:
New DLC - Brazilian Touring Car Classics
The next DLC will bring several "oldies" to AMS - the TC Classics are some of the cars that have made history in brazilian touring cars through the decades.
The DLC will include 4 models (Fusca, Gol, Passat, Uno), spread over 4 unique series:
Copa Classic - a modern mixed class series from southern Brazil running classic machines; DLC will feature Fusca, Passat, Gol and Uno with the specs these various cars run in the series.
Copa Fusca - a modern series from southern Brazil for Fusca (Beetle) enthusiasts.
Copa Uno - based on popular 1990s brazilian Formula Uno series, with the street car stripped down to the basics.
Hot Cars (brazilian TC series from early 1980s, derivative of the previous Divisão 3 from 70s), featuring seriously tuned up versions of these classic cars. DLC will feature Fusca, Passat and Gol.
All series feature the 4 models in a wide variety of configurations presenting very distinct challenges.
Special thanks on this one to the good people involved with the Copa Classic championship who have been super friendly and very helpful with information. It´s very hard to find data for these cars, specially the older ones from the early 80s so having people who have lived through this history be so engaged is both and a very pleasant experience. The series is based in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul which has some of the strongest motorsports culture in the country - it has been a great experience to get to know it better.
There are some other interesting models that some are sure to miss not being included - unfortunately we we had initially set out to do only 3 Hot Cars models and ended up going further with 4 models and a bunch of variations covering 4 different series, so we´d already stretched our schedule for it as much as we could. It´s not out of the question though that some new "old" models will be added further down the line.
V1.4.8 update
Further AI Developments
[USER=5]@Alex Sawczuk[/USER] took a break from track modelling this month to take a few stabs at the code, and he´s managed some valuable AI improvements in the process, including a revamped blue flag logic - AI cars now better evaluate approaching cars and move out of the way:
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We have also increased rate AI assesses situations by 4x which should result in more appropriate behavior in several racing situations - this makes it much less likely the AI will get confused and veer off the track, or not "see" a car coming up alongside.
DynHUD issues
We´re hoping we have a fix for the recent DynHUD issues that came up for Windows 10 users following a recent system update included in v1.4.8. In any case we´ll be also looking to improve some remaining niggles with DynHUD and also beef up the native HUD a bit more as an alternative.
The run down to 1.5.0
Following v1.4.8 we´ll be on the final stretch to the definitive version of AMS - at the moment we´re still undecided on whether there will be a public v1.4.9 or if we´ll go straight to v1.5.0 - depends on the rate of progress we manage next month.
Here are some of the goodies still to come:
Metalmoro AJR
As announced a couple of months back, the hot new prototype from Metalmoro is coming up next for AMS. The model is shaping up quite nicely :)
Turbo model
[USER=7]@Niels Heusinkveld[/USER] and [USER=9]@Luis Miguel[/USER] have been working on finalizing the turbo model and it will be included in time for v1.5.0, including updated physics for all turbo cars in the sim to use the new model.
Spielberg 2017
[USER=26]@ilka[/USER] has been working on an update to the modern Spielberg track, to include the latest reforms since the track was originally modelled. Although the track hasn´t had its layout altered, there are several curb and run-off changes, a new grandstand in the home straight along with other cosmetic modifications.
There is more still to come of course - look forward to sharing some final surprises with you all :)
That´s all for this month - hope you all enjoy the coming update!