Update 0.35 has become one of the most ambitious in the history of BeamNG.Drive. The developers redesigned the popular Hirochi Sunburst car model, added a voice navigator in rally, updated the interface, improved physics and optimization, and provided new tools for modders. 

Improvements even affected the behavior of artificial intelligence, the work of variators (CVT) and the process of loading cars. All in all, there is a lot to discuss. So let's go!

Global interface update and new features

Let's start with the HUD. The car interaction menu (radial menu) has undergone a lot of changes. It is now more convenient for use on the gamepad. Also, the developers have done a good job on the organization of elements, it has become intuitive.

In addition, there are two new game functions:

• Instant Torque (“Instant Torque”) - allows you to dramatically increase engine power at any moment, which can be useful for tests and stunts.
• Instantly Destroy Vehicle - gives you the ability to instantly wreck a car, which is useful for crash simulations and content creation.

These tools focus on experimenting with physics and give more freedom to interact with cars.

Rally with voice navigator and improved navigation

Rally mode has become even more immersive with the addition of a voice navigator. Two voice-over versions are now available in the game, which dynamically inform the player about upcoming turns, track difficulties and high-speed sections.

The voice guidance is complemented by an updated system of visual cues. Now they are placed at the bottom of the screen, so that it did not distract you from the game and you could better focus on the track itself.

The tracks themselves have also been updated. There are new routes with a variety of terrain, and some roads have changed weather conditions.

Improved CVT physics, reworked AI algorithms and other technical changes

The variator system (CVT) now works differently. A new sport mode has been added, which mimics the operation of a classic automatic transmission, with a better feel for gear changes. Cars with variators have become more responsive in dynamic modes.

Artificial intelligence has also been improved. Now bots better analyze the road situation, correctly rearrange, avoid collisions and behave more adequately in races. Races with AI rivals became more realistic.

As for the technical side, the file format has been updated, due to which the loading time of cars has decreased. The developers decided to switch to a new improved .cdae format, which allows to use all the advantages of the caching and data compression system. This is especially noticeable when quickly changing configurations. In addition, RAM consumption has been optimized.

New tools for modders and expanded customization options

BeamNG.drive has always been known for its developed community of modders, and the 0.35 update further expands their capabilities. The new “Building Architect” tool allows you to easily create and modify buildings in the map editor. This simplifies the development of new locations and makes the map creation process intuitive.

Additionally, the mechanics of working with custom vehicle configurations have been improved. Modders now have powerful new tools to customize suspension elements, engines and transmissions and other important car parts.

Map updates: new tracks, drift zones and drag strip

Cartographic changes haven't gone unnoticed either. West Coast USA has a new drift zone, as well as an updated drag strip.

Hirochi Raceway now includes a separate drag racing section. New elements have been added to the rally tracks, including safety barriers, signage, and areas with different surfaces that affect grip.

Hirochi Sunburst full remaster: a new level of realism

Hirochi Sunburst has received a complete update that touches almost every aspect of the model. Firstly, a new body variant is now available - a station wagon. The very approach to the engine layout has also changed: instead of a transverse arrangement, it is now longitudinally mounted. Most versions are equipped with opposition motors.

Not only the model and textures, but also the internal mechanics of the car have been reworked. Suspension detailing has been improved, body damage has been reworked. The sound of the engine has become deeper and more realistic. Sunburst has a more natural behavior on the road and improved handling.

Separately it is worth highlighting the configurations, their number has grown to 39, including rally, police, civilian and even hybrid versions. At the same time, the developers abandoned some of the old versions in favor of more detailed and believable modifications.

0.35 can be called one of the most significant updates in the history of the game, which has not been for a long time. The game has undergone a lot of changes and it gives hope that the game continues to be worked on and developed. So, perhaps, in the future we are waiting for more interesting innovations. We are waiting for more details and follow the news around BeamNG together!