rF2 GT3 Power Pack Released Alongside New Update

[Paul Jeffrey]

Studio 397 have released the new 'GT3 Power Pack' DLC for rFactor 2, adding five new GT3 spec cars alongside a brand new build update.

Now unfortunately it looks like those of us excited to try out the new rain effects will have to wait just a little bit longer, as the new build update released today has more of a focus on some impressive new visual damage modeling and tyre model updates, as well as the new cars of course. Despite its relative compact size the improvements should immediately be noticeable for rFactor 2 fans, with some subtle but encouraging enhancements made across several areas of the simulation, and plenty more planned for the near future.

The new build and car DLC are both available now, with the update automatically installing when you next restart your Steam client.

Want to know more about the future of rFactor 2? Don't forget to check out our interview with Studio 397 head man @Marcel Offermans HERE.

Build Changelog:

• Added: An extended visual damage model featuring a combination of dents, scratches and cracks on the bodywork of cars, which has been implemented on the GT3 pack.
• Added: New window and headlight glass shader that produces more realistic reflections. All five GT3 cars use it.
• Added: Controller Profiles for Thrustmaster T-GT, T-GT Ferrari F1 Addon, TS-XW, TS-XW with Ferrari F1 Addon.
• Added: Updates to the CPM model.
• Fixed: Various small fixes to the no rain zone code that prevents rain from entering closed cockpits.
• Fixed: All controller profiles default inputs are now assigned to JOY1.
• Fixed: Bumped the rFactor 2 version for multiplayer compatibility to 1109 because of the new visual dents that required changes to the multiplayer protocol.

The GT3 Power Pack DLC
Available now via the Steam store, the GT3 Power Pack can be purchased as either a full five car package or as individual items. The pack retails for £13.35 and can be purchased HERE.

Bentley Continental GT3

The Bentley Continental GT3 was first unveiled at the Goodwood Festival Of Speed in 2013; and since has been competing in many different GT3 championships across the globe. Even though the car looks big, it is actually very light; and its 600 horsepower 4.0 liter twin turbo engine makes it a force to be reckoned with.

Radical RXC Turbo GT3

The Radical RXC Turbo GT3 is a bit of a rare appearance in the GT3 field, but it certainly is a very strong contender. Its light and stiff body holds a 3.5 liter Ford Ecoboost V6 engine with twin turbos and intercoolers, delivering over 500 horsepower. This car competes in the GT Open and debuted in 2016 at the season opener at Estoril. Of all the cars in the pack, this one probably feels the most like an open wheeler.

Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R

The Callaway Corvette C7 GT3-R, designed and built by Callaway Competition in Leingarten, Germany, started life on the drawing boards in 2014 and hit the tracks in 2016 when it started competing in the ADAC GT Masters. That campaign proved to be very successful; and recently it was announced that this car is now also ready to debut in the US, with GM giving permission to run in its home country. This 600 horsepower, 6.2 liter V8 packs a serious punch and sounds great. Nick-named “Darth Vader”, as it was first shown with an all-black carbon fiber body, this car will definitely remind you to hit your braking points and apexes if it shows up in your rear mirror!

Mercedes AMG GT3

The Mercedes AMG GT3 was presented to the world in March of 2015 at the Geneva Motor Show. The 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 engine and carbon-fiber body ensure this car can always be found at the front of the pack. Apart from racing in GT3, this car has also been entered in both the Super GT GT300 and IMSA GTD classes.

McLaren 650S GT3

The McLaren 650S GT3 is a car we already released earlier this year for the World’s Fastest Gamer competition. The car made its debut in 2015 and was designed and optimised to contest GT3 championships. Building on the MP4-12C GT3, it offered optimisations in many areas, including aerodynamics. Powered by a 3.8 liter twin turbo V8 engine that is known to spit fire like there’s no tomorrow, this car is definitely an awesome appearance on any track. We have updated this car based on community feedback and additional data we received.

rFactor 2 is a PC exclusive racing simulation available worldwide via the Steam network.

Check out the rFactor 2 sub forum here at RaceDepartment for all the latest news and discussion with regards to the simulation. You can take part in lively debates with fellow rFactor 2 fans and take part in some great Club and League racing events..! Head over to the forum now and share the love this simulation so very much deserves...

Excited to finally get chance to try the latest rFactor 2 DLC? What are your impressions so far? Which is your favorite car of the pack? What would you like to see next from S397? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

[ricerracer]

Radical?! Daaaaamn

 

[Chobonator]

 

[samcar304]

Looking forward to trying the Radical and the Callaway, Nice to see a different selection of cars other than the usual suspects. Just a shame the Aston V12 Vantage never gets any love

And whilst people give S397 some stick. what they are doing with rF2 is a breath of fresh air as opposed to what was previously happening (Nothing). A game i've loved since the first time I played its great to see it progressing, makes me happy.

Especially the new rain drops.

And shader thingy.
http://www.siliconstudio.co.jp/en/news/pressreleases/2017/en1710yebis/en1710yebis.html

 

[SirVanhan]

You need to use the latest build released if you want decent performance with these new GT3 cars, they seem to perform poorly on older builds.

I did it. I first used the new one on DX11, then went back to the previous one. Seeing that there weren't any differences, I put the new build, deleted Shaders and the CBash (if it's called like that lmao sorry bad memory) and started testing various car-track combos. On my end, the GT3s just perform poorly.

 

[pcraenme]

All the cars in the GT3 pack are great, but as already stated here, they seem to be a big hit on performance on some systems. rF2 has issues with extremely high PCI-E bus usage. I see bus usages of more than 60% on these cars on MSI afterburner (19 AI at the start of the race or driving from the pits on training/qualify sessions) and FPS dropping below 40FPS. When the field spreads out, bus usage drops below 50% and performance returns to normal (60FPS and above). The only thing that seems to help is to put Shadows on Low, but then the game (especially the cockpit) looks ugly. With other cars (e.g. the USF2000) it seems better (bus usage stays below 50% and FPS >= 60), but compared to other games bus usage is still very high. My system is an Alienware 15 R3 with a GTX 1070 and Intel Core i7 7700hq and 32GB RAM, running on 3440x1440 resolution (most settings on High, Shadows on medium). That system is limited to x8 v3.0 bus speed, but rF2 seems to require x18 v3.0 on high resolution with Shadows on medium or above.

 

[Dirk Steffen]

I to run triple screens in Assetto Corsa with most graphic settings maxed out and AC looks truly amazing at rock solid 60+ FPS.
The latest rF2 build with the GT3 cars does run somewhere around 30-50 GPS at mixed (some lowest) settings. I hope the priority on the switch from beta to full DX11 build is on improving overall performance.

Other than the performance issue I find the new GT3 cars interesting, especially the AMG GT3.
I have high hopes for rF2 finally getting the much needed overhaul to use its potential. We can only benefit from rF2 being successful after all.

Please S597, do continue in this direction with the DLC - next up a few offical tracks please that are used in current GT3 championships (how about the new Zhejiang International track or Shanghai International Circuit).

After that please continue with missing GT3 cars (a Porsche 911 GT3 R would be all I want) - or one or two offically licensed one make series (Porsche 911 Cup would be nice of course or how about a slightly more historic one make cup - anyone remember the TVR cup ?).

For now I am waiting for the final DX11 build and performance improvements - I cannot even think about any new features as improved rain or damage with the performance already below average in the dry not even with a proper full grid :-(

 

[samcar304]

(anyone remember the TVR cup ?)

If you are referring to the Tuscan challenge? Then yeah. First and only gaming encounter with these was on GRID 1. At the time i was fascinated by the convertible car with a roll cage showing. Not to mention the V8 noise. Another plus is that its a single car championship.

 

[leseb64]

wow! ok for a first "DLC" it's a very nice shot!!
very good sound, FFB top (rf2 not surprise), physique nice (i think, i'm not drivers)
Radical GT3 its a good surprise but, i think rf2 need Porsche, lambo, audi or Ferrari (for the next!)
Now laser-scan track is essential really!!!
Good Job @Studio397

 

[Rick Lopes]

wow! ok for a first "DLC" it's a very nice shot!!
very good sound, FFB top (rf2 not surprise), physique nice (i think, i'm not drivers)
Radical GT3 its a good surprise but, i think rf2 need Porsche, lambo, audi or Ferrari (for the next!)
Now laser-scan track is essential really!!!
Good Job @Studio397

I agree
Just do not kill the dx9 version until the dx11 is 100% ready
Otherwise many of us with triples or with low end gpu will have to upgrade

 

[gamer19]

This can't be rFactor 2 IN GAME screenshot !?! Can it ?

 

[Rick Lopes]

looks pretty awesome!!!

 

[Chobonator]

Another plus is that its a single car championship.

A lot more racing games should think about that, especially if they can't get anywhere near a full field.

Thin can't be rFactor 2 IN GAME screenshot !?! Can it ?

In-game bullshots are best bullshots.

 

[b)b]

All the cars in the GT3 pack are great, but as already stated here, they seem to be a big hit on performance on some systems. rF2 has issues with extremely high PCI-E bus usage. I see bus usages of more than 60% on these cars on MSI afterburner (19 AI at the start of the race or driving from the pits on training/qualify sessions) and FPS dropping below 40FPS. When the field spreads out, bus usage drops below 50% and performance returns to normal (60FPS and above). The only thing that seems to help is to put Shadows on Low, but then the game (especially the cockpit) looks ugly. With other cars (e.g. the USF2000) it seems better (bus usage stays below 50% and FPS >= 60), but compared to other games bus usage is still very high

Exactly. Shadows for some reason is the highest FPS killer (even at medium) and the best option it to set them on low. Other big FPS saver, especially on race start, is to set "Opponent car detail" to "Medium". Then as last resort lowering AA Level in the video config, which unfortunately increase jaggies. I haven't been able to force any AA through the NVIDIA Control panel with this game.

 

[samcar304]

A lot more racing games should think about that, especially if they can't get anywhere near a full field.

I think a lot of people frown upon it but i think single make championships are a great addition to any game. Spec series such as FIA F3, F3.5, Porsche Cup, Ginetta Challenge to name but a few would be very good for League racing too.

 

[Leonardo Ratafiá]

expensive, still people complain about Assetto Corsa's DLC prices which contain twice the cars usually

 

[Rastas]

Thin can't be rFactor 2 IN GAME screenshot !?! Can it ?

Yes it is

 

[NASCRAP]

expensive, still people complain about Assetto Corsa's DLC prices which contain twice the cars usually

And rF2 graphics and optimization are farcical.

 

[Rastas]

expensive, still people complain about Assetto Corsa's DLC prices which contain twice the cars usually

15€ is not expensive for me.i make that in 30 minutes of work.......

 

[ronniej]

Looking forward to trying the Radical and the Callaway, Nice to see a different selection of cars other than the usual suspects. Just a shame the Aston V12 Vantage never gets any love

And whilst people give S397 some stick. what they are doing with rF2 is a breath of fresh air as opposed to what was previously happening (Nothing). A game i've loved since the first time I played its great to see it progressing, makes me happy.

+1

 

[PresidentSmug]

15€ is not expensive for me.i make that in 30 minutes of work.......

30€ an hour??? might as well be on welfare