Released Q3 2025 Update - Ranked UI, Graphics Upgrade, LMDh, Renault Laguna

Discussion in 'News & Announcements' started by RaceRoom, Sep 26, 2025.

  1. RaceRoom

    RaceRoom game.raceroom.com Developer

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    RaceRoom Q3 2025 Update – Out Now!

    RaceRoom’s biggest update of the year has arrived. With new cars, a complete overhaul of Ranked Multiplayer, and a major graphics upgrade, this release marks a new chapter for the game.

    Three New Hypercars



    The top class of endurance racing is here. Step into the cockpit of the latest generation of LMDh prototypes, recreated in meticulous detail with full simulation of their hybrid systems, ICE engine maps, and Virtual Energy management.

    BMW M Hybrid V8

    upload_2025-9-26_8-9-41.png

    Developed under LMDh regulations, the BMW M Hybrid V8 marks the brand’s return to top-level endurance racing. Built on a Dallara chassis, it combines a twin-turbo V8 internal combustion engine with a standardized hybrid system, as mandated by the rules. The M Hybrid V8 represents a new generation of prototypes, blending high performance, hybrid technology, and unmistakable BMW design.

    Lamborghini SC63

    upload_2025-9-26_8-9-41.png

    The Lamborghini SC63 is the manufacturer’s first top-class endurance prototype, built for LMDh and GTP competition. It uses a Ligier chassis and a Lamborghini-designed twin-turbo V8 engine, paired with the standardized hybrid system required by the regulations. The SC63 marks Lamborghini’s entry into high-level prototype racing, combining aggressive styling, advanced engineering, and performance built for world-class endurance events.


    Porsche 963

    upload_2025-9-26_8-9-41.png

    The Porsche 963 is an LMDh prototype built for endurance racing at the highest level. It features a Multimatic chassis and a twin-turbo V8 engine derived from the Porsche 918 Spyder, paired with a spec hybrid system in compliance with LMDh regulations. With a design rooted in Porsche’s long-standing prototype tradition, the 963 continues the legacy of icons like the 956 and 962.

    Built for speed and endurance, these cars deliver the ultimate challenge.
    Get them now in the in-game store


    Renault Laguna Super Touring
    upload_2025-9-26_8-9-41.png

    The golden era of touring cars grows even stronger. The Renault Laguna joins RaceRoom’s popular Super Touring class, giving you another icon to race door-to-door on your favorite tracks.

    upload_2025-9-26_8-9-41.png

    The Renault Laguna Supertouring is a race-prepared sedan developed to meet the Super Touring regulations of the late 1990s. Campaigned in series like the BTCC, it featured a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine, sequential gearbox, and a competition-focused aerodynamic package. Known for its agility and lightweight design, the Laguna achieved success against fierce international touring car rivals.

    New Ranked Multiplayer



    Online racing in RaceRoom is entering a new era. The Ranked UI has been completely rebuilt with:
    • A fresh new design
    • Easy registration for races
    • Smart matchmaking with automatic splits
    • A clear structure of Daily Races, Weekly Races, and Special Events
    Whether you’re looking for quick sprints or long endurance battles, Ranked Multiplayer now makes it easier than ever to jump in and race.

    Major Graphics Update


    RaceRoom has never looked this good. The graphics upgrade introduces:

    • More realistic sunlight and ambient lighting
    • Physically Based Rendering (PBR) for materials
    • Improved car reflections
    • Significant performance optimizations
    This upgrade brings sharper visuals, more natural lighting, and better performance across the board.


    Update Available Now
    The Q3 2025 Update is live! Download it today and experience the next step in RaceRoom.

    Full changelog
    https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/211500/view/544494894020824133
     

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  2. MS_Racer03

    MS_Racer03 Well-Known Member

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    Hello,
    I post this here and not in a dedicated thread because it's about a bug-feature-request-mixture. Let me explain:
    In the morning, I registered for one of the time slots in the NLS weekly race today. In the 'Weekly' overview, it showed me one registered driver for Sunday's NLS race (picture 1).
    However, it is not clear, in which time slot this driver is registered or what class he registered with (picture 2). It would be very helpful to add the number of registrations per time slot to the UI.
    After signing up for one of the time slots, RaceRoom showed me 7 registered drivers on my 'Signup' page (picture 3). It's confusing that only one driver has registered for the whole Sunday, but seven for my time slot. That's what I consider a bug. If I just don't understand how this display works, please correct me!
    When clicking on the event I registered for, I can't see the number of registered drivers any more (picture 4). This would be nice to have as well. And of course, if I could see for example that I'm the only TCR signed up for the race, I could switch to a GT3 and wouldn't have one and a half hours of test driving. :D

    Apart from that and some not-so-fast loading times, I really enjoy the new Mutliplayer and the new UI. It looks fantastic and at least for me, worked really well in the last days. It's so nice to see many people online. :)
     

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  3. n01sname

    n01sname Well-Known Member

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    I can only second that. Great job guys, also graphics wise a briliant job, just half an hour ago I was stunned (literally :D ) about the new lightning system when racing GT3 Hockenheim cause I had some trouble to target some turns right because of the (beautiful) surface reflexions from the midday sun...gives so much more realism, immersion and plasticity - and nice sprint racing dailies so far btw., smooth and fair driving - on my side at least. (1st test today)

    Issues :
    1.Well did my usual reboot &checking file integrity routine after such massive chunks of data :) - all fine - just some minor stuff appears on my radar :
    1. Already vanished when I started RRE again today : Much more variety regarding daily sprint racing- will it advance to a daily changing schedule ? (Just asking)
    2. Still some hic ups when loading incl. black screen for some seconds (well, servers are heavy loaded I assume, some rough edges to iron out still) but all in all a smooth experience for such a huge update, thx a lot ! :eek:;)
     
  4. Supermelon

    Supermelon Member

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    Love new graphics update - it is fast and convincing. Gives great immersion in VR!
     
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  5. ARNTE242

    ARNTE242 New Member

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    Some minor bugs here and there but Jesus! What an great update! Multiplayer works amazing! Had so good races the last couple of days! I'm mostly into iRacing and sometimes LMU. But had never this fun as like in R3E after this update.
     
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  6. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    Here are some observations after trying dozens of laps in Bathurst and Nordschleife 24Hr Circuits:

    1. 10-15fps drop is experienced in race and playback, but DXVK option can mitigate the symptom
    2. Visual enhancement is not prominent during the race in cockpit view
    3. Visual enhancement is apparent during playback in various external camera views

    p.s.: My PC has i5-13400, 32GB memory and RTX4060, and runs the game at 4K along with CrewChief. It had rather stable 55-60fps in previous version.
     
  7. keanos

    keanos Well-Known Member

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    "Visual enhancement is not prominent during the race in cockpit view"

    What? Are we playing the same game?
     
  8. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    I focus on track and racing line during the race... really no time to notice the enhancement of fast moving environment unless the enhancement is really phenomenal.

    As stated in my point 3, the enhancement is apparent during playback.
     
  9. Supermelon

    Supermelon Member

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    I don't really know how it looked before update, cause I've played RRRE few years back, with different VR headset, different PC, different simrig etc. New shaders definitely work well on my setup - it looks sharp, convincing lighting and very fps efficient. There are some minor issues, like flickering sky on some weather/track combinations, but overall it gives 10/10 experience.
     
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  10. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    R3E had 2 major graphics improvements over the past 1 year (2024Q4 and 2025Q3). You must notice phenomenal graphics update now if you left the game few years ago.

    This is a side by side comparison in Nordschleife before/after 2025Q3 update:



    For the 2024Q4 update. It was a big improvement, and I noticed that in cockpit view during racing.

    For this 2025Q3 update, perhaps my eyes are getting older or I am too focusing on racing, I really cannot notice prominent enhancement. (Note: There is improvement but it is not prominent)

    When I watch gameplay replay, I do see apparent improvement in 2025Q3 update, as I stated in point 3 in my earlier post.

    Btw, this was the graphics of R3E before 2024Q4 update:



    As you see, 2024Q4 graphics update was really marvelous.
     
  11. Thomas Jansen

    Thomas Jansen KW Studios Developer

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    I think the key is that the biggest improvements in this update are all about making the image more natural and coherent. Mostly through lighting/colour balance and cleaning up many artifacts that distracted from the total picture. Graphics don't always need to be flashy and drawing attention. If anything, they should make you forget about what it looks like, because your brain just accepts it as looking 'correct' and focuses on what you're actually doing (driving hopefully :D ). It's not always about what you can see and notice, but (maybe more so) about the things you don't notice anymore, especially when it comes to immersion.

    So while the graphics could definitely look pretty good in 2024, they often lacked this coherent feel imo. If you really start pixel peeping the new graphics in this update, there will always be stuff that doesn't look as nice, our models/textures are definitely not up there with the more modern sims. But what you actually see and experience while focusing on driving, is mostly the colour balance, the dynamics in the lighting and any distracting artifacts that make your brain go 'that's not right'. And I think we've made huge leaps in all of those areas!
     
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  12. Supermelon

    Supermelon Member

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    Yup, it's night and day difference
     
  13. Supermelon

    Supermelon Member

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    Agreed 10/10. I would always give away unnecessary flashy graphics for sake of looking "right" at proper framerate
     
  14. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    Actually, I do satisfy with 2024Q4 graphics update, and welcome the further enhancement in 2025Q3 update.

    Maybe I am too old and unable to sense the prominent improvement as seen from cockpit during a race as others. But I really see and enjoy the improvement during playback.

    Besides, I really do not want the developer catching up models/textures of some more modern racing SIM rivals. I am a gamer on little budget only.

    :):)
     
    Last edited: Oct 6, 2025
  15. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    >> It's not always about what you can see and notice, but (maybe more so) about the things you don't notice anymore, especially when it comes to immersion.

    Yes. Agree!
     
  16. VFX Pro

    VFX Pro Well-Known Member

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    Once the old car models get higher resolution mesh (and in some cases textures), the in-car driving experience would feel as modern as it gets :)
     
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  17. n01sname

    n01sname Well-Known Member

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    More or less the same here BUT as a total audiovisual guy I instantly noticed the change in terms of spatial perception, color saturation and lightning .
    So, I also asked Bender the Robot Star from Futurama about it and do you know what he said ? :

    "Graphics, Textures and Models are not the issue : The issue are modern day consumers who are seduced, trained and conditioned to fall for every new hype, for every new shiny metal ass that comes their way, regardless of actual quality or meaning but with the constantly overblown promise of "Salvation" from whatever..................(or simply emptiness ?)"

    [​IMG]

    ;)
     
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  18. GSK

    GSK Well-Known Member

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    I would interpret it as ... Not every new thing is good, Not every old thing is inferior. We should focus more on improving something that can improve underlying quality (e.g. gameplay quality) instead of relentless pursuit of unnecessary aspects.

    But... thing that is necessary or not is driven by customer. For me, I think graphics quality is adequate and other aspects should be improved sooner. But, perhaps, this is minority idea only.
     
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  19. X-Vector

    X-Vector Member

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    A natural look is incredibly important, which is why I generally prefer older graphics over newer ones, including in racing sims.
    Automobilista 2 for instance is arguably graphically more advanced than Raceroom but I can't stand the artificial 'plasticy' overall look of that game.
    Raceroom, like rFactor 2 and Automobilista 1 offers a visual experience that's much more crisp and organic (for lack of a better term).
    The Q3 graphics update has improved on this by fixing the rather dim and dull lighting quality RR had before even with maxed out auto-exposure intensity (which now seems to be essentially 'free').

    Unfortunately on my system there has been a drawback in terms of performance.
    I haven't lost many frames in DX9 mode but the frame times are now pretty poor, which is the reason I've switched to using Vsync (doesn't help when the frame rate gets below my 85Hz desktop refresh rate).
    DXVK does show a substantial loss in performance and is now virtually unusable with AI cars on track (e.g. Assen + 30-ish GT3 AI = 4 FPS).
    Shame, because using DXVK would lead to a massive frame rate increase (when hotlapping) on a lot of tracks before the most recent graphics update.
     
  20. VFX Pro

    VFX Pro Well-Known Member

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    I think you must have a local issue. DXVK has provided me with large boost.