The first domino has fallen. In our interview yesterday with Sector3 Studios Producer J-F Chardon, he mentioned that there are new GT3 cars that need to be added to RaceRoom. While he didn’t elaborate, we have a clearer idea today with the announcement of the McLaren 650S GT3 license.
The McLaren 650S is the successor to the very popular – and successful – MP4-12C that is currently in RaceRoom. The 650S, which is essentially an improved 12C, turned its first laps in anger in 2015. It sports a mid-mounted 3.8L V8 twin turbo engine that motivates the rear tires through a six-speed sequential gearbox.
The announcement of the McLaren 650S really puts us in a predicament. We were just saying how excited we are about the new Bentley Continental GT3 coming to RaceRoom. Now, Sector3 has gone and added my favorite GT3 car. I love the MP4-12C and the 650S is like it’s sexier twin.
Damn you RaceRoom for making me decide!
And while we’re on the GT3 topic, lets play the speculation game. J-F hinted that there will be multiple new GT3 cars. So, what other new GT3 cars aren’t in RaceRoom?
The first place to start is the ADAC GT Masters series – since RaceRoom owns that license – and see what new cars are in the series. As the series site shows, there’s plenty to choose from. There’s the new Audi R8 LMS that iRacing got first stab at. The Nissan GT-R NISMO that is currently available in Assetto Corsa. Lamborgini Huracan which is also in Assetto Corsa. BMW just upgraded from the Z4 to the M6. Mercedes also upgraded the SLS, which also recently came out in iRacing and was already in Assetto Corsa. Then you have the C7 Corvette GT3, a fascinating mash-up between Corvette factory and Callaway.
Considering RaceRoom has the old versions of the Audi, BMW, Corvette and Mercedes, I say there’s a fair chance we could see those. With that said, all the other cars have already been licensed in other titles, so they’re clearly available. This makes me think that there’s potential to see quit a few new GT3 cars, which I’m more than okay with for two reasons.
First, Sector3 was a GT sim for years with SimBin and GTR and GTR2. GTR2 is still one of my favorite titles ever. Second, GT3 cars are popular. There are people who complain about the amount of GT3 cars in sim racing but I think that’s short-sided and egotistic. You have to develop for the masses, and I understand why the masses like GT3. They’re good looking versions of popular road cars that aren’t hard to drive and you can watch them race on TV, then jump in your rig and play pretend.
So bring on the GT3’s RaceRoom and make us agonize over which one to drive.
