Automobilista 2 V1.6.3 is here and it is a huge milestone in the development of Automobilista 2, but also for us sim racers. With a comprehensive set of improvements and new features, developer Reiza Studios has delivered a simulator - almost completely new - that solidifies its position at the top of the genre. What makes this update so special? Let's discuss the main innovations! Because this update is truly MEGA!

IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship: A High Point

One of the biggest additions is the introduction of the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship. Fans of endurance racing can enjoy vehicles, liveries and tracks from the 2024 season. New tracks such as Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Road Atlanta and Sebring International Raceway have been meticulously reconstructed to match the real racing experience.

What makes this addition extra exciting is that Reiza Studios has already indicated that more IMSA content will follow in the future. An absolute must-have for fans of long-distance racing.

Renewed Interface

With a completely redesigned user interface, Automobilista 2 now offers an intuitive and sleek experience. Navigating through menus feels more modern and uncluttered, with dynamic presets that adapt the interface to specific racing classes, such as IMSA or classic Formula 1. My first impression about the revamped interface was moderate and it's mostly a matter of getting used to it. Now that I am used to it, I cannot help but conclude that the new UI is a positive improvement.

Physics Upgrade

The renewed physics in AMS2 V1.6 bring unprecedented precision and realism to vehicle handling. Revisions to tyre models and brake simulation make cars feel more natural and responsive, while improvements in thermodynamics further refine handling. Each change builds on previous updates, making the underlying dynamics more intuitive without compromising on technical complexity. In addition, individual vehicles have been recalibrated to ensure consistency across the roster. These improvements not only make the driving experience more immersive, but also provide a stable foundation for future refinements to the simulation.

In addition, the sound and physics have been thoroughly overhauled. The sound of engines and environments now sounds more realistic than ever, while the revamped physics ensure unparalleled driving authenticity.

Free content and new DLCs

To celebrate the update, there will be four new cars free added. So you get the Audi Quattro (Group A), the Audi LMS GT3 as well as the Corvette Z06 (with Z07 upgrade) for free.

It also released three new DLC packs, which were available for free during the launch weekend. Below is an overview:

1. IMSA Track Pack DLC

- Canadian Tire Motorsports Park

- Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta

- Sebring International Raceway

2. Endurance Pack Pt2 DLC

- Alpine A424 (LMDh/GTP class)

- Ligier JS P217 (LMP2)

- Audi LMS GT3 Evo II

3. Lamborghini Dream Pack Pt1 DLC

- Lamborghini Huracán EVO2

- Lamborghini SC63 (LMDh)

Multiplayer Improvements

The multiplayer experience in AMS2 V1.6 has been significantly improved with technical refinements and new collaborations with platforms such as Low Fuel Motorsports and JustRace. The netcode has been optimised, resulting in smoother connections and more stable sessions, while new features such as setup sharing promote player interaction.

These developments make scheduled multiplayer events more accessible and attractive to the community. While the game is not yet the standard for online racing, the update provides a much firmer foundation for further growth and innovation. Players can now enjoy more competitive and less problematic online races, with a balance between technical improvements and usability.

Larger Grid Support Up to 48 Cars

With the introduction of support for 48 cars on the grid Automobilista 2 takes a big step towards realistic endurance racing. This expansion increases the intensity and dynamics of races, with vehicle interaction becoming more complex and challenging. This makes races more exciting, especially on large tracks where more cars compete.

Although only available to users with 12GB RAM in single player, it offers impressive simulation of large-scale races. Technical upgrades allow the game to handle more vehicles without performance degradation, although support depends on the type of track. All this highlights Reiza Studios' commitment to delivering a realistic and immersive racing experience.

Smarter and More Dynamic AI

AI improvements in Automobilista 2 V1.6 take the racing experience to the next level through more realistic and strategic behaviour of opponents. AI advancements make opponents smarter and more challenging, with new features such as modified pit stop strategies and better behaviour during overtaking. Additionally, AI opponents now react even smarter to race conditions, better protect their position and show more adaptability in crowded situations such as overtaking or multi-class races.

They also adapt their pitstop strategies more logically in longer races, making them a more credible opponent. Behaviour has been further refined, with more attention paid to on-track dynamics and following racing etiquette, such as making room at blue flags or avoiding accidents. As a result, the AI drivers feel like real, individual racers, contributing to an immersive and challenging racing experience.

Visual Update and Realism

The graphics update impresses. From realistic weather conditions to dynamic exhaust systems that light up at high speeds, the attention to detail is second to none. Environmental elements, such as rain leaving marks on tyres and even 3D trees getting wet, also add to the immersion.

LiveTrack and Dynamic Weather

With improvements in LiveTrack 2.0 and weather simulation, AMS2 takes race track dynamics to an unprecedented level. The track now changes more realistically as races progress, with rubber accumulation distributed more evenly across braking zones, corners and acceleration sections.

Rain and moisture affect grip more directly, with a clear visual and physical impact, while water accumulation and drainage are better modelled on specific tracks. This forces drivers to make strategic decisions, such as choosing alternative lines on wet race tracks. These refinements not only enhance technical authenticity, but make each race unique and challenging under changing conditions.

Who is this Update for?

Are you a seasoned sim racer or a casual player looking for the ultimate racing experience? Automobilista 2 V1.6 combines technical depth with accessibility. New players can now benefit from a temporary 50% discount on Steam, making getting in even more attractive.

Automobilista 2 V1.6: A Huge Step Forward

Automobilista 2 V1.6.3 sets a new standard in sim racing and this update is a huge step forward. Automobilista 2 has been one of my favourite SIMs, but with this update I can conclude that this game is in shared first place with iRacing. This game and update are really fantastic.

From the extensive content to the many technical improvements, this is a game that takes its audience seriously, with a huge range of tracks and cars on offer! And it is precisely this versatility that makes this game so unique. So start your engines, put on your headset and prepare for a racing experience you won't soon forget! What do you think of this major Automobilista 2 V1.6 update?