Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 16: My First UE4 Build

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 16: My First UE4 Build

Now that the UE4 version of Automation has been released to the public, I am beginning to appreciate the benefits provided by the new game engine. For starters, audio/visual quality has significantly improved over the Kee engine version, while the menus are now much more streamlined. In addition, a multitude of trim and engine design options have been introduced, which allows for greater variety and realism when designing new cars, or revising existing ones. The only problem with this version is that it shipped with a limited selection of car bodies, wheel designs and exterior fixtures - but over time, this lack of diversity in exterior design choices will be fixed.

With the ups and downs of UE4 out of the way, I shall present to you my first car built in the UE4 version of Automation: the Kestrel.

The Kestrel: an enduring icon of performance and style

Being the car enthusiast that I am, my first UE4 design was never going to be anything other than a performance car, and especially a sports car. With that in mind, I used one of the new two-door coupe bodies introduced in UE4 as the basis for what would eventually become the Kestrel. The end result was a car that was very much a product of the 21st century, yet one that followed the time-honored muscle car tradition of a high-displacement, naturally-aspirated V8 engine driving the rear wheels via a (six-speed) manual gearbox. Speaking of engines...

The Kestrel is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 with individual throttle bodies, direct injection and two-stage variable valve timing. It delivers 475 horsepower at 7400 rpm, with masses of torque to go along with that, and redlines at 7700 rpm. It also requires premium unleaded petrol, but its easygoing demeanor lends itself well to the fitment of a supercharger. Such devices have not been implemented as of now, though, but I should plan on using them as soon as they become available.

Detailed specs for the Kestrel.

As an all-alloy two-seater with a premium interior and stereo, the Kestrel is clearly a high-end performance car. However, its pre-markup price of $25000 ensures that it is also a highly competitive muscle car. Even if a 20% markup is factored into the asking price, it should still be a strong seller. In short, the Kestrel is a highly tempting package for anyone looking to get plenty of bang for their buck - especially if they want something with a V8 under the hood.