Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 50: A Major Content Update

Confessions of an Automationeer, Part 50: Major Content Update

The release of the latest open beta build for UE4 Automation (B180926) has left me feeling contented, to say the least. Not only have the devs finally managed to start implementng a bugfix which solves the problem of unusually small engine bays for some mid-engined car bodies, they have also ported over some of my favorite car bodies from the preceding Kee version, and created some new ones as well. Here are a few examples.

First up is the return of the 00s small coupe body. In the Kee version, it was initially available from 1995 onwards, but later on the unlock year was pushed back to 2000 - a change which has been undone for the latest UE4 build. Initially, users complained of excessive weight and overlapping chassis components, but it wasn't long before both of these bugs were fixed. I actually like this one a lot, despite the fact that it can only fit relatively narrow front tires without resorting to making the front fenders disproportionately wide.

This is the first car I made using the 00s small coupe body - an ideal choice for affordable sports car builds from the mid-90s all the way to the late 00s.

Another welcome (re)introduction is the wedge-shaped 70s coupe body, whose low, sloping nose lends itself well to the fitment of pop-up headlights, as shown below.

If straight lines and wedges are more your thing, then this new body might tickle your fancy.

In addition, the 60s sedan body is finally available in mid-sized form, joining the compact, full-sized and luxury car sizes present earlier.

Another body choice for a 60s pony car? Sweet!

And due to popular demand, the 90s compact car body (available as a three- or five-door hatchback, a four-door sedan, a two-door coupe or five-door wagon) has also been ported over from the Kee engine version.

Another familiar body from the Kee era returns.

These aren't the only bodies to make their debut with the release of this recent content update. The devs have also finally given us a 60s SUV/pickup truck body (to fill in a gaping hole in body styles for this era), a few 60s compact car bodies (including some which were present in the Kee engine version), a 70s van body (in three different sizes, no less), and an 80s small SUV body (also ported over from Kee), much to the relief of those who wanted them. Further bugfixes and additional content are forthcoming, so watch this space!