A gear change should be something you feel and hear. I’m working on automatic and manual gearboxes for Automobility, with clutch control and progressive engine sounds as the next part of the driving experience.
The development sources already have automatic and manual shift controllers, clutch behaviour and shift protections. The manual prototype includes clutch assistance, rev matching and protection against over-revving. The sound model follows engine RPM and load, giving the audio a connection to how the engine is working.
Alongside the new systems, I’m working through improvements and fixes. The latest development checkpoint also corrects drivetrain cleanup when a player disconnects in multiplayer.
This is a development preview. These gearbox, clutch and sound changes are not part of the public Automobility 1.3.1 release. That release brings the 21-language interface update; a version number and release date for the new driving systems have not been announced.
I’m looking forward to hearing what you want from the drive: the ease of an automatic, the involvement of a manual, and the sound that makes a car feel like yours.