In the world of sim racing (racing simulation), the name Ian Bell is a legend. After having great success with GTR2 and series Project CARS, He's back with a new studio, Straight4 Studios, and an ambitious project called Project Motor Racing.
Many fans are wondering: Will this game be a “killer” Assetto Corsa Competizione? Or just simply Project CARS 4 by another name?
What is Project Motor Racing?
Project Motor Racing (PMR) is a new generation racing simulation game being developed by Straight4 Studios. The game is positioned as the spiritual successor of GTR2 a game that is often regarded as one of the best racing sims of all time.
PMR's main goal is to bring back the hardcore physics that are missing in modern racing titles, while still offering stunning visuals. Ian Bell has been vocal that the game won't compromise realism for accessibility. arcade.
Why should games try Project Motor Racing?
- The return of Ian Bell: The figure behind Need for Speed: Shift and Project CARS.
- Hardcore Focus: Targeting the serious sim racing market, not casual gamers.
- Partnership with GIANTS Software: Using a unique engine.
Technical Analysis: Engine and Physics
One of the biggest talking points in the Project Motor Racing review was the selection of the game engine. This is somewhat unique in terms of riding in the game. But overall it is more stable when going faster. There are some unique things when the car is traveling at 200km/h the engine is still running and the bumper body is not scuffed at all.
You can watch the video I uploaded below, start trying from high speed, tire grip, burnout, body etc.
1. From Unreal Engine 5 to GIANTS Engine
Initially, Straight4 experimented with Unreal Engine 5. However, they made the surprising decision to switch to Engine GIANTS. This engine is famously used in the Farming Simulator.
Why GIANTS Engine? As strange as it may sound, this decision was based on technical optimization:
- Frame Rate Stability: Racing sims require stable high FPS, something that UE5 sometimes struggles to achieve on a dense grid of cars.
- Custom Physics: Straight4 didn't use GIANTS' built-in physics. They injected their own physics module (AJAX Physics) into the graphics engine.
2. Aerodynamics and Tires
Project Motor Racing promises “next-level” tire and aerodynamics simulation. In contrast to Project CARS 3 which is more arcade, PMR will simulate:
- Tire deformation by real-time.
- Grip changes based on track temperature and dynamic weather.
- Airflow (dirty air) that realistically affects the car behind.
Gameplay and Content: What Can We Expect?
Career Mode
Based on developer diary, PMR will have an in-depth career mode. Players not only race, but also manage teams. This is reminiscent of the career structure in Project CARS 2, where you can start from karts and moved up to a Le Mans prototype car.
Car List and License
Although the full list is yet to be released, the teaser shows a focus on:
- GT3 and GT4: The most popular class in sim racing today.
- Classic Race Car: Given the legacy GTR2 and GT Legends.
- Endurance Prototype: Hypercar/LMDh class cars.
Modern Hypercar (LMDh/LMH)
- Lamborghini SC63
- Aston Martin Valkyrie Hypercar
- Porsche 963
- Toyota GR010 Hybrid
- Acura ARX-06
- Cadillac V-Series.R
GT3
- Audi R8 LMS GT3 Evo 2
- Ford Mustang GT3
- Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2
- Aston Martin Vantage GT3 (2022 & Evo)
- Porsche 911 GT3 R (992.1)
- Acura NSX GT3 Evo 22
- Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R
- Mercedes-AMG GT3
GT4
- Aston Martin Vantage GT4
- Audi R8 GT4
- Ford Mustang GT4
- Mercedes-AMG GT4
- Nissan Z GT4
- Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo
Group C (80s-90s)
- Porsche 962C
- Mazda 787B
- Mercedes-Benz Sauber C9
GT1 Classic
- Porsche 911 GT1-98
- Panoz Esperante GTR-1
- Aston Martin DBR9
- Lamborghini Murciélago R-GT
- Lister Storm
- Saleen S7-R
GTE (Pre-order Bonus - GTE Decade Pack)
- Aston Martin Vantage GTE 2020
- Chevrolet Corvette C7.R & C8.R
- 2020 Ford GT LM GTE
- Porsche 911 RSR GTE 2020
LMP (Classic Prototype)
- Audi R8 LM900
- Panoz LMP-1 Roadster-S
- Cadillac Northstar LMP-02
Sports Car 70s
- Lola T70 Mk3B GT
- Porsche 917K
IMSA GTO
- Roush Mercury Cougar XR-7
- Chevrolet Camaro Z28 IMSA GTO
- Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO
- Mazda RX-7
Porsche Cup
- Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)
- Porsche Carrera Cup 964
MX-5 Trophy
- Mazda MX-5 (ND) spec racer
Multiplayer and Esports
Straight4 works closely with online racing platforms to ensure a robust safety rating system and competition license. These are mandatory features to compete with iRacing.
Conclusion: Is Project Motor Racing Worth the Wait?
For automotive enthusiasts and sim racer, Project Motor Racing is a game that must be included in wishlist. Straight4 Studios seems to be learning from past mistakes and returning to its hardcore simulation roots.
If you long for the golden era GTR2 with modern graphics of 2025, this is your best hope. However, we'll have to wait until the playable available to prove whether Ian Bell's sweet promises can be translated into force feedback that is tangible on our steering wheel.
Project Motor Racing
Summary
Project Motor Racing game has a lot of potential for simulation fans hardcore, although it still requires some patch additionally to perfect the aggressiveness of the AI and technical performance which is somewhat less good. But if you're a fan of project cars, you can certainly try project motor racing games.
