rFactor 2: Historical McLaren F1 Cars Released!

[Chris]

Just days after their announcement at the 2018 Sim Racing expo in Germany, right on cue, Studio 397 have released three historical McLaren Formula One cars for rFactor 2... free of charge.

Replicated with stunning attention to detail, the three vehicles brought to the increasingly popular simulator are:

1. McLaren M23 - The one that carried Fittipaldi and Hunt to WDC's in 1974 and 1976 respectively.
2. McLaren MP4/8 - The one that helped Ayrton Senna complete the greatest opening lap ever.
3. McLaren MP4/13 - The one that won the 1998 Drivers and Constructors titles with relative ease.

But don't let me talk you into it, here's a little of what Studio 397 had to say about the cars:

McLaren M23
"When McLaren introduces the M23 to the world in 1973 with first test drives, they knew already that they had created something special. Feedback from the first laps had been amazing, an easy to steer car with a great balance, thanks to nearly all the weight being close to the center, where also the tank was located.

The introduction to the Formula 1 World Championship was marked as a complete success before even going into the cars first race, since McLaren managed to put their brand new M23 right on Pole Position."

McLaren MP4/8
"While the car featured innovative technology and an advanced chassis, the team was being led [sic] down by engine in the end, which didn't offer as much performance as their competition was able to produce. Nevertheless this car put up a fight for the championship, especially since it featured automatic programmable gearbox, traction control and a host of other options, leaving the driver with more resources to concentrate solely on fighting for the top spots."

McLaren MP4/13
"Designed by Adrian Newey, the new MP4/13 was a perfect fit to the new rule-set and the grooved tyres. Efficient aerodynamics teamed up with the most powerful engine (780bhp) on the grid, the car immediately dominated the series and turned the first race into a pure McLaren showcase. Every single competitor got lapped at least once during the Australian Grand Prix, just a sign of what was to come for the rest of the season."


So there you have it. Three iconic F1 cars, for free and they're available for download right now. So what are you waiting for?!

 Tried the new content? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and be sure to stay up to date with all the latest simracing news here at RaceDepartment (especially once our Editor-in-Chief gets back from the Expo!)

 

[Jordan Dion]

no comments needed

Omg AC Zandvoort is almost 10 time better. Those colors are so saturated

 

[Ace King]

This is only v0.32 beta so it will continue to improve. Just look at their awesome Sebring!

 

[dreamer al]

This is only v0.32 beta so it will continue to improve. Just look at their awesome Sebring!

I agree. I am loving what Studio 397 is doing and accomplishing.

 

[muzikant]

Rfactor 2 the best!

Very happy with the cars... hope one day on a whole season of cars and tracks

 

[RichardHessels]

Omg AC Zandvoort is almost 10 time better. Those colors are so saturated

Did you make this comment from the super compressed youtube video or did you try it ingame to come to this conclusion? Last time i checked people complained about washed out colors (a general rF2 issue), now it's to saturated.

 

[zi99y]

rf2 is all about classic content and variation for me, this is most welcome. Keep at it guys, you have a lot of fans who are grateful you are continuing to improve this amazing product. Thank you.

 

[Terry Rock]

I'm assuming that's a nod to a "personal timing device" from that era?

That's Ayrton's watch.

 

[Boby Kim]

Thank you S397! That MP4/8 is such a beautiful car

 

[Davebrave]

I have only driven the MP4/8 so far on Zandvoort and I have to say that it's been amazing. It seems almost nobody appreciates the improvement on the track... but I do as Zandvoort is of that kind of tracks that I really enjoy driving because when you drive a fast car with enough grip (like the MP4/8) it's like riding on a rollercoaster.
The track has improved a lot! I lately set up some rain at the middle of the session so you have to decide how long you can stay out while grip with your slicks is fading away... rF2 at its finest!

 

[TTM75]

Also why would the digital dash show an odd version of the rpms instead of the speed when there is a giant graphical tachometer right above in the display?

Because digital dashboard is same on real MP4/8. I can’t link picture now, but use google and write mp4/8 dashboard.

 

[Emery]

Omg AC Zandvoort is almost 10 time better. Those colors are so saturated

Did you make this comment from the super compressed youtube video or did you try it ingame to come to this conclusion? Last time i checked people complained about washed out colors (a general rF2 issue), now it's to saturated.

Sorry, Richard, I feel the same way as Jordan about it in-game on a sunny day. The Atlanta Motorsports Park color palette for vegetation is definitely too much. It doesn't feel like beach grass at all.

Otherwise, I'm liking the fps and detail and repaving!

 

[jimortality]

These cars are fantastic!

 

[Craig Dunkley]

Have not driven yet, but have no doubt they will be just fine ...thank you very much RF2

 

[omanrak]

Those are some really low effort car models. Is this a payed mod or something?

 

[E304LIFE]

rf2 is all about classic content and variation for me, this is most welcome. Keep at it guys, you have a lot of fans who are grateful you are continuing to improve this amazing product. Thank you.

THIS^^

 

[wajdi]

Those are some really low effort car models. Is this a payed mod or something?

Go play ACC... you will find a very shiny cars.

 

[Durge Driven]

I can agree

Those are some really low effort car models. Is this a payed mod or something?

Thing is though I don't think rF2 fanboys like me care too much, eye candy is nice
but simulation is nicer

Take my favourite F3 in pCars and AC, out on track they look great, great incar, replays, etc
but for me that is where the magic stops, they just don't talk to me like rF2

When I drive those I feel like I am driving a sim there is no standout feelings or immersion it is more a visual experience then a driving one

When I drive same cars in rF2 and let myself be swept it feels real and all the pretty models in the world won't change that


Don't know how else to explain the difference ......

 

[Rastas]

Those are some really low effort car models. Is this a payed mod or something?

Ok then,no one cares.......about your opinion.

 

[ears]

I had a go with the MP4/8 and loved it.

But did it REALLY have a fully automatic gearbox? It's changing gears for me.

I know Michael Andretti drove it, and needed all the help he could get, but really?!

 

[ears]

Not according to Wikipedia.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McLaren_MP4/8