Every 12 weeks there is a new iRacing update. These updates bring improvements to the simulator’s quality of life, along with new optional paid content. This can be in the form of new tracks, updates to existing car models or even new cars.
However, here we want to focus on updating existing models. Although there is a huge amount of cars to choose from on the iRacing platform, the problem is that we believe that some of these cars are outdated and in need of an update. So here’s a list of cars we think could use a much-needed update.
Before we begin, while we know there are many other cars that require an update to match their real-world counterparts, we can’t list them all, and it’s also not realistic for iRacing to make changes every year to these cars. That’s why in this list we’ve tried to focus on cars that haven’t seen updates in a while, especially compared to other cars in their classes.
Dallara F3
This is actually the car that got us thinking about this article idea. Ever since the iRacing Formula iR-04, or better known as the F4, arrived in March 2022, the Formula 3 car seemed outdated.
Launched in 2018, the Dallara F3 remains one of the most popular open-wheel cars in terms of the number of people racing it. It has 220 horsepower and you’d be hard-pressed not to find people competing in this series.
While the car is still a lot of fun and sometimes difficult to drive, when you look at its little brother, that’s when you realize it needs a refresh. In the real world, Dallara has an all-new Formula 3 offering that was introduced just a year later in 2019.
We also think that if the car is upgraded, it could be a perfect series for iRacing sports, as you would then have all the F4, F3 (not F2 right now) and F1 cars upgraded, mimicking the progression of real world motor racing .
USF 2000 and Indy Pro 2000 PM-18
Following up with two more open wheel cars, the Indy Pro 2000 PM-18 and the USF2000 are other cars that we feel are also in need of an update.
Both cars use the same chassis and are the feeder series to enter IndyCar. The reason we added this to our list is because the Real World series had significant chassis improvements in 2022, which included a wider monocoque with the addition of the halo, as well as new side pods, floor, body panels, air ducts, shock absorber. covers and the fuel cell.
With all these changes, it’s hard to tell if iRacing would start from scratch and turn this into a completely new car, or if they could use the existing platform to update the already existing model. We hope that the new model can bring more people to the virtual series.
Audi R8 LMS GT3
Moving on to the beloved GT3 cars, the Audi R8 LMS is one that has not only received much love from iRacing, but the community as well.
Drivers tend to gravitate more towards Ferrari, BMW, Lamborghini or Porsche when entering GT3 racing. This is because, while they are usually faster, they are also newer. The Audi was launched in 2016 and although it has received BOP improvements, it still needs an update.
With Audi launching its updated version of the R8 in 2022 called the R8 LMS GT3 EVO II, which is also available for Assetto Corsa Competizione, it’s probably time for iRacing to take a look at this sports car and get some people racing the car again .
ARCA Menards Chevrolet Impala
This is what Oval fans have been asking for. The ARCA car was launched in 2009 and has not been updated since then. Acting as another feeder series to enter the more common oval racing cars such as NASCAR trucks, Xfinity cars and top-of-the-line NASCAR Cup cars, the current iRacing ARCA Impala uses the Gen body style 4 where it’s real- The global counterpart now uses the Gen 6 body style.
Since iRacing is really the only simulator that does oval racing, it would make sense for the platform to upgrade the Impala to a more representative model to build on its USP.
That completes our list of cars we think need an upgrade. Sometimes it’s a fine line between whether a car needs an update or if it’s going to be a whole new car, but we’ve tried to walk it. Are there any cars you think we missed? If so, let us know in the comments or on social media so we can continue the discussion.
