Changes from Season 2:
- First thing you'll notice even before racing is the mod structure. We are doing the best we can to reduce the risk of mass CTD and decrease the download size per season. The biggest step for that was launched today with the
URL Mod V1, a package that will last for more than one season, with the season - by - season changes to performance / skins being on a separate file. Instead of downloading, for instance, 380MB for mod + skins on each season, you get a 320MB (one time) and minor 60MB ones per season. Saving bandwidth, saving the planet!
fftopic:
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Race length is now fixed at
45 minutes, no longer being either 45 min or a certain distance; the only exception is when racing on default tracks, where the game might set a shorter race distance.
- Track session times were changed.
Instead of using GMT as reference, we are now using British Time, and starting practice at
22:30 that time rather than 22:00 GMT.
Please notice the clock on top of all pages and use that for reference, so you never miss a race
This means races will be starting some 30 minutes later than before and people from Northern Hemisphere will virtually be immune to daylight saving time changes, giving specially the American guys a better chance of leaving their offices in time for the race;
- On physics front, both cars had their engine power reduced, but their masses were reduced as well (URL-1 from 1100kg to 900kg, URL-2 from 1320kg to 920kg). Power to weight ratio was kept similar, if not increased. The URL-1 engine (URL HTA 2012B) rpm red line was also brought 100rpm back: now it's set to 7900 rpms instead of 8000, with max revs still at 8500. No further changes were applied to URL-1, while
URL-2 got a brand new physics set, grippier, faster, funnier. The gap between URL-1 and URL-2 was decreased almost by half, and so was the URL-2 fuel tank capacity: only 40 litres, meaning one pitstop / race will be needed. I wish I could drive that...
- The largest number of different car models introduced at once over here. Growing from 4 cars in Season 2 to 8 models in Season 3, this season marks the retirement of Gallardo GT3 and debut of no less than 5 models:
URL-1: Audi R15 TDi, McLaren F1
URL-2: Corvette C5-R, Aston Martin DBR9, Audi R8 GT
Within our philosophy of a DRIVERS' championship, all models within the same class share engine, physics and tyres, so you just have to choose the one that you
like the most.
- Last but not least, the magic. Many thanks to our skinning crew led by Tibone and Scotty who came up with some great cars for this season. Out of the 42 (!) cars included in this seasons' mod, only 3 were brought from our previous seasons:
39 new cars (33 by them, 6 by me), in a total of 4 models per class. That's something, guys, that's something!
- And all those beautiful
42 cars also come with
matching helmets. While it may not be seen all the time, it's something extra, thanks to Nocunox who made a great work producing 75% of them.
- Did I mention the very first round is at the Daytona International Speedway?
- Talking about tracks, trackpack will be available for download in a day or two.
Themes to watch during this season:
After two seasons in the URL-2 class, top 2 on Season 2 decided it was time to up the ante and face the mighty URL-1 drivers in their own game. Nocunox, reigning URL-2 Champion, and runner-up Scotty already stated they will be moving up. With some great drivers left in URL-2 still to decide their future, both titles are up for grabs!
The decrease in overall car weight in both classes also means weight ballast will have a bigger effect on drivers' performance. There will be less chance of seeing a 100kg heavier driver winning races, setting fastest laps or pole positions.
Everyone wants to take Fernando off his throne and grab the #1 for themselves, and Season 3 offers the biggest chance for them. John Sportelli, fresh from a great comeback on late stages of Season 2, Edgecrusher, trying to overcome the late season bad luck, and Raider, still seeking his first victory, are certainly candidates. But let's not forget VonDutch, BigFudge, Dartguy, if they can make it this time, and of course the always favorites Berger R-74 and phantom16, used to win races like none else. And let's not forget the ex-URL-2 drivers!
