Reiza Studios has released the v1.6.8.5 update for Automobilista 2, a significant patch that adds two new paid DLCs focused on 2000s-era endurance racing alongside a deep overhaul of core game systems.
The update also includes the Milano GT36 GT2 (an analog for the Ferrari 360) as free base-game content for all players. For users who may encounter issues or have an imminent league race, Reiza has confirmed that the previous v1.6.8.1 build is available via the "previousbuild" branch in the Steam library's "Beta" properties tab.
DLC: Historical Endurance Pack Part I
The new car pack introduces 11 vehicles across 5 classes, reviving a popular era of endurance racing. The full car list is broken down by its official class below.
2005 LMP1 Class
- Audi R8 LMP1
- Courage C60
- Dallara SP1
2005 LMP2 Class
- Lola B0540 V8
- Lola B0540 Turbo
2005 GT1 Class
- Aston Martin DBR9 GT1
- Corvette C5.R
- Dodge Viper GTS-R
- Maserati MC12 GT1
2005 GT2 Class
- Porsche 996 RSR
2004 GTR Class
- BMW M3 GTR
DLC: Historical Track Pack Pt3
To accompany the new cars, the Historical Track Pack Pt3 provides period-correct 2005-era layouts for three iconic endurance venues.
- Circuit Du Mans 2005
- Road Atlanta 2005 (Full & Short layouts)
- Spa Francorchamps 2005 (GP & Endurance courses)
Core System & Visual Updates
The v1.6.8.5 patch is one of the most substantial technical updates to the game in recent memory, led by the introduction of a new anti-aliasing option: Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA). This can be enabled in the Graphics and Performance settings and includes a sharpening option. TAA functions by combining previous video frames with the current one to smooth jagged edges, which Reiza notes can provide "better results and in some cases improved performance over MSAA."
A critical quality-of-life fix has been implemented for setup management. The update has further mitigated issues with autosaving/autoloading setups and, importantly, now prevents users from deleting the currently active setup, which was a source of loading bugs. A related UI fix disables the "track tabs" on setup menus, resolving an issue where tuning changes could be ignored if a setup had been manually saved to a track's tab previously.
Visual updates are extensive. A new glass crack texture has been added. Endurance headlights for modern prototypes and GT cars (as well as the new 2005 cars) have been updated with a stronger glare effect. The base Le Mans circuit has received updated foliage, ground materials, and textures.
Numerous vehicles have received visual enhancements. The Lamborghini Miura SV has new paint materials with orange peel and metallic flakes, a fully updated cockpit with customizable leather, and new lights. The LMDh, LMP2, and GTE classes have all received updated materials, "extra dirt" textures, brighter light glows, and fixes for number plate "z-fighting." The Porsche 991 RSR GTE features a completely new, fully updated display.
A Major Overhaul for AI Simulation
The AI has received an extensive calibration for both behavior and performance. The most significant change is an improved AI throttle application logic, which adds several new functions to scale the rate at which AI goes to full throttle based on specific circumstances. This is designed to make AI performance out of corners more balanced against human players.
This change is part of a larger pass on AI racecraft. Adjustments should result in less twitchy and more natural line changes from the AI, less aggressive throttle stomping in mid-speed corners (which could cause understeer), and more balanced drafting.
The "rubber banding" effect of AI overtaking and then being re-passed has reportedly been reduced. Reiza has also increased the overall rate of AI driving mistakes, though the frequency will still vary by class and driver personality.
The different AI Aggression levels have been further adjusted for more distinct behavior. Reiza now generally recommends Medium (for longer/endurance races) or High (for sprint/formula races) for the most realistic racecraft. Low is intended for novices, while Max Aggression increases risks for the whole field.
Finally, AI in multiplayer has been "substantially improved" in both behavior and visual fidelity, fixing issues like cars appearing to move sideways.
Physics Revisions & Critical Setup Warning
A new round of physics refinements has been applied to many classes. The most notable revisions are for:
- GT3 (both Gens)
- GT1
- Group C
- BMW M1 Procar
- LMDh / GTP
Crucially, Reiza has stated that default setups and setup ranges for these classes have been revised. Old, saved setups "will probably not work... without significant adjustments, and it's better to start them afresh." Players should not expect their existing tunes for these cars to function correctly after the update.
Beyond this, minor tire tread adjustments were made to a long list of cars, including all F-Retros, F-Classics, F-V10S, and all modern GT/GTE classes. The Lamborghini Revuelto has also seen its hybrid system behavior improved, with peak torque adjusted and a new ERS-EV Launch (ICE starts at 60 km/h) added.
What This Means for Players
The v1.6.8.5 patch is a massive update that adds significant content (both paid and free) and re-tunes the core driving experience. All players should test the new AI settings and TAA graphics option. Most importantly, if you drive the revised GT3, GT1, Group C, M1 Procar, or GTP classes, your old setups are now obsolete and must be rebuilt from scratch.
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