Automobilista 2: Formula HiTech

The Formula HiTech DLC for Automobilista 2 was developed and published by Reiza Studios and released in 2023. It arrived as a focused historical Grand Prix package that explores the technologically intense late‑1980s and early‑1990s era of Formula racing, bringing a distinct period of rapid electronics and aerodynamic innovation into the simulator.

The DLC introduces two classes representing successive "hi‑tech" generations: Formula HiTech Gen1 and Formula HiTech Gen2. Gen1 includes four generic models plus the officially licensed McLaren MP4/7A, showcasing the first wave of traction control, launch control and active suspension alongside semi‑automatic gearboxes. Gen2 features three generic models plus the licensed McLaren MP4/8, representing the later peak of electronic aids and aerodynamic tricks such as early blown diffuser concepts, ABS adoption and increasingly automatic transmission systems. All cars are tuned to reflect era‑specific performance, handling and cockpit characteristics to suit both sprint and full‑race formats.

Promotion for Formula HiTech was handled through Reiza Studios’ standard communication channels, including store announcements, developer update posts, preview footage and community posts tied to the game’s update cycle. The studio emphasised the historical and technical narrative of the pack in trailers and changelogs, highlighting the licensed McLaren cars and the challenge of simulating the era’s advanced but fragile electronics to generate interest among historic F1 enthusiasts.

Reception to the DLC was broadly positive, with players praising the authenticity of the era representation, the depth of the car models and the novelty of racing highly electronic historic Grand Prix machinery. Community feedback highlighted enjoyment of the distinct driving dynamics and setups required by these cars, and user reviews on the storefront skewed largely favourable, reflecting appreciation from fans of historic single‑seater content while suggesting small refinements for balance and setups.