Straight4 Studios, the team once behind Project CARS, has returned to the racing scene with Project Motor Racing, this time under the publishing wing of Giants Software. Where their previous projects often straddled the line between accessibility and hardcore simulation, this new title seems fully committed to delivering an authentic motorsport experience. We had the chance to check out the game at Gamescom and came away with a better understanding of its ambitions – and some early impressions about how it might fare with both sim enthusiasts and casual players.
What we know
Project Motor Racing is positioned as a next-generation sim racing title built on the new GIANTS Engine 10, which promises benchmark-setting physics and mod support. At launch, the game will feature over 70 licensed cars spread across ten racing classes, ranging from modern hypercars in the LMDh category to historic touring cars. Alongside these vehicles, players can expect 27 layouts of iconic circuits, all recreated through detailed scanning for maximum authenticity.
The game is designed to cater to a wide spectrum of players, with a career mode for solo racers, competitive online racing, and in-game events to keep content flowing. It aims to balance approachability with depth, offering a “4-Class Race Experience” that can scale to different skill levels. Simulation purists will appreciate the new physics model, which has been fine-tuned in collaboration with professional drivers and manufacturers, while audio design and cockpit immersion promise to capture the raw intensity of motorsport. Dynamic weather, a 24-hour cycle, and evolving track conditions add further realism. The game is planned for release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
What we saw
At Gamescom, we attended a presentation from Giants Software and Straight4 Studios before going hands-on with an early build of the game. While we tried it with a gamepad setup, a full sim rig with wheel and pedals was also available, underlining the flexibility of the game’s control support.
What we thought
From the start, it’s clear that Project Motor Racing is deeply invested in authenticity. The feel of the cars, even with a gamepad, was weighty and grounded, and while the demo only scratched the surface, it showed a physics system with potential to rival the best in the genre. The fact that professional drivers and manufacturers are actively involved in tuning handling lends credibility to the promise of precision and realism. For sim veterans with proper racing setups, this is shaping up to be a dream come true – the kind of title that rewards high-end hardware and dedicated practice sessions.
At the same time, there’s a question of how well the game will appeal to a broader audience. While the developers stress that this is a racing experience “for all,” the depth and technical accuracy may overwhelm those who just want quick thrills behind the wheel. Playing with a controller was enjoyable, but it was clear the game is optimized for more serious setups. If Giants and Straight4 can balance accessibility with depth, this could become a title that unites rather than divides sim and non-sim players.
Visually and aurally, the demo impressed. Cars are richly detailed, tracks are recreated with precision, and the lighting and weather systems add atmosphere that goes beyond surface-level polish. Audio is equally immersive, with engines snarling differently across classes and environmental sounds contributing to the sensation of speed and tension. These elements combined with the “living cockpit” effects, like subtle vibrations and G-force cues, create an environment that feels both intense and believable.
Of course, it’s still early days. The build we played felt solid, but whether the full package delivers on its ambitious promises remains to be seen. Mod support and ongoing content drops suggest that Project Motor Racing could become a platform for years to come, but its ultimate success may hinge on whether it can attract more than just the sim hardcore. For now, though, this looks like a confident step forward for Straight4, a chance to fulfill the dream left behind by Project CARS while carving out a space of its own in the competitive world of sim racing.
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