automationgame.com

1) How much earlier will technological research allow the use of "future" technologies?

2) When might we see tech pool options available in Sandbox play?


It seems like quite a range will be necessary for certain historical recreations. The examples I've been running into most recently:

Aluminum engine block / head (nominal Automation introduction in 1970):

Buick V8 (1961)
Alfa Romeo I4 (1954)
Ferrari V12 (1947)
Alfa Romeo 8C I8 (1937 or earlier?)

Multipoint EFI (available in Automation starting in 1992):
Bosch L-Jetronic derivatives were very common on Japanese and European models by the mid 1980s under various brand names, and the more primitive D-Jetronic multipoint EFI was in mass production from 1967 on select European models from VW, Volvo, Mercedes, BMW, etc.

Admittedly, there's a huge gap in capability between these early analog systems and modern digital computer-controlled engines.

3) Is there room for an "Early EFI" or "Analog EFI" option that would use the existing Multipoint EFI art assets, but statistically bridge the wide gap between the balky and expensive mechanical systems of the 1950s, and the introduction of computer controlled single-point EFI in the 80s?

1) A tech pool of +10 will be possible for companies specializing in certain things and is what we consider "normal high tech". The sliders go up to +15, but I think the balancing will make it VERY difficult to get anything beyond +12. +12 means 12 years prior unlock compared to "common unlock". MPFI would be available in 1980 with a hefty penalty to reliability that needs to be compensated with quality. For a +12 tech pool company I think it would be feasible to introduce MPFI around 1984, which means you need to run +8 quality to get around any reliability penalty.

2) We thought about making tech pool available in sandbox play, but not before we have a better picture of what the research portion of the game looks like. For head material we just accept that this system of unlocking tech is imperfect (as you correctly point out with your examples).

3) Definitely something we'll be looking into when balancing campaign gameplay. If the gap indeed is too large and affects gameplay negatively, then we could do such a thing with relative ease.

I agree with point 3, the gap between the fuel injection systems is to big, research may help that by quite a big amount as i simply think you unlock the fuel injection options way to late besides direct injection.

Hey Killrob, thanks a bunch for the info! It's always hard to strike the balance between fidelity and complexity, so it's nice to see the detailed thought going in.

For block/head construction material, I wonder if it might make sense to have the aluminum option available at the start of the game in 1940. Like DOHC heads, this would be a premium option limited by cost.

On the flip side, a 5-valve head in 1940 seems a touch early. First production looks to be 1989 (Mitsubishi) with Toyota soon after in 1991, so maybe a 2000 common use introduction date?

The first 5-valve engine was used in the Peugeot Grand Prix in 1921.

But the first street car with 5 valve engine it was the Audi 200 Turbo Quattro from 1988.

In the mid-80's, Maserati was planning to launch a six-valve per cylinder engine for the Biturbo:

Nothing compared to Honda's 4 piston, 8 rod, 32 valve, v4.

The Honda engine was usen in the HONDA nr750, because initially it was a V8, but the FIM rules was changed, and the engines with more than 4 cylinders was forbidden, but Honda already had almost finished this engine, and the most economical and quick measure was adapt the V8 to a V4.

P.S. This is my favourite 4 stroke motorcycle of the 90s, and I had one in Tourist Trophy (PS2) and other in Ride (PC).

The Peugeot was a one-off race car, and Automation is really focused instead on mass produced commercially sold vehicles.

I believe the Audi 200 was indeed a 20 valve engine, but it was also a 5 cylinder, so still a 4 valve-per-cylinder head. Either way, 1988 or 1990 seems a long way from the current 1940 availability.

The 5-valve system's availability will indeed be shifted to a much later date, probably '95. All the others will remain where they are.

Considering how many in the BRC 1945/1955 that are using the 5 valve head, this would eliminate half the field, and reduce the power in those sub 1000cc v8s.

I'd still be fine. Slow, but just fine.

Same here. On both.