Version 1.6.9.5 of Automobilista 2 marks the beginning of a new phase in Reiza Studios’ development cycle. Presented as the first of two heavily formula-focused updates, this release does more than add content: it also introduces important work in physics, on-track behavior, graphical performance and quality-of-life features, reinforcing the sense that the studio is laying the groundwork for the long-awaited V1.7.
The most visible addition is the arrival of two new classes, both free to all base-game users. The former Formula V12 has been reworked and now becomes part of the new F-Edge class, which is split into three distinct models with their own characteristics. Model 1, derived from the old F-V12, remains the more powerful and tractable option; Model 2, powered by a V10, is more nervous and demanding; Model 3, using a V8, is the most balanced and accessible, even if it gives away some outright speed. The other major debut is F-Hybrid Gen1, inspired by the first generation of modern hybrid Grand Prix cars, combining major torque and power with a driving style that demands care on throttle application.
The update also deepens the simulator’s core vehicle work, with the first physics revisions already tied into the future V1.7 package. These changes cover not only multiple formula classes but also prototypes, GT machinery and other circuit categories. Reiza stresses that this is not a technical revolution, but rather an accumulation of refinements in aerodynamics, chassis, suspension, tyres, drivetrain, default setups and force feedback. The goal is clear: improve the driving feel without radically disrupting the existing balance.
One of the areas players are most likely to notice is the evolution of dirty air effects. The modelling of aerodynamic wake when following another car is already beginning to show in the top-level formulas, adding more depth to race behavior. At the same time, several classes now feature high-downforce configurations, loaded automatically at tracks designated as “high downforce” venues, such as Azure, Long Beach, Jerez, Laguna Seca and Oulton Park. In some cases, this is more than a setup change, as the game also applies specific visual and functional aero packages.
Beyond content and physics, 1.6.9.5 is also a major performance update. The simulator now uses “Coherent” as its UI middleware, replacing the previous Chromium-based frontend and helping prepare the platform for future console work. In practical terms, this should deliver a more efficient interface and reduce some long-standing issues. Loading times have been cut by around 20%, while vehicle occlusion culling improves performance when cars are outside the player’s field of view, especially in pitlane environments.
The overall driving experience also benefits from native Logitech TRUEFORCE support and haptic feedback for devices such as bass shakers, both long-requested additions. There are also improvements to tyre smoke, wet-weather spray, shadows and foliage movement, while the beta HUD receives new tachometer variations. On the multiplayer side, significant result and penalty-management bugs have been fixed, while AI behavior has been refined in blue-flag situations, corner mistakes and starts from curved grids.
Taken together, version 1.6.9.5 confirms that Automobilista 2 continues to evolve not only in content volume, but in technical consistency. It is a strongly formula-centric update, but one with a broader impact than that label suggests. And if this is only the first half of the plan, it already gives the impression that Reiza is using 2026 to consolidate the simulator before taking a bigger step with V1.7.
Changelog highlights
Arrival of the new F-Edge and F-Hybrid Gen1 classes; first wave of V1.7 physics revisions across a wide range of categories; new high-downforce configurations for top formula classes; support for Logitech TRUEFORCE and haptic devices; roughly 20% faster loading times; visual upgrades to smoke, spray, shadows and foliage; important multiplayer, penalty-system and AI fixes; and revised pit layouts and cockpit updates across several tracks and cars.
