Automation: What is it and why you should care

"CAR_IS_MI" (car-is-mi)
01/07/2014 at 12:09 • Filed to: Automation

The engine roars to life, rocking around on the dyno, the throttle opens up, the engine screams, crack, bang, boom; you just blew out your bottom end. No this isn't an passage from every over-boosted car owners diary.

Many of you have already heard of Automation. For those who haven't, Automation is a computer game in which you manage your own car company. From basic start up with limited parts availability to full on 'lets compete with Lamborghini'. You manage everything from engine design and layout to chassis details and more.

The game is still in development so currently not all options are accessible (as they are not done being created yet) but you can currently pre-order the game where you will gain access to all current available features, all future updates, and finally, the finished game, when it is done.

Now I know what you are thinking; why should I spend my hard earned cash on something that's not done?

I was in the same boat as you. I had been following the progress of this game for some time, and kept telling myself just to wait for the final release. Well I got tired of waiting, and figuring that helping the game designers with my small contribution would help them get the full game done quicker, I bit the bullet and got the pre-order.

First impression: It's not Forza.

I set my graphics to low-ish settings as my laptop has a terrible on board card, but the game still looked rather decent and would probably look 1000x better on a system with a proper graphics card and a good monitor.

Second Impression (or First impression part 2): It's Minecraft!!!

Minecraft. A simple game built around simple concepts. You mine various objects and then use those object to build different things, and everything is blocky-8-bit-like graphics (by design). Minecraft is also one of the most popular, best selling games across multiple platforms.

So what does Minecraft have to do with Automation?

All of my time so far has been spent in Sandbox mode, as the campaign mode is not yet active (remember they are still building this game). Currently you can build I4, I6, V8, and Flat Plane V8 engines (they will be adding many more). There is also a basic version of the chassis creator to play with but I will get to that later.

Once you choose the engine layout, you then select the block materials, crank type, connecting rods, and pistons. You also select your stroke and bore. Moving on from there you begin to build your top end; push rods or DOHC? (SOHC and OHV are also available) Head materials, cam profile (this is my one complaint, the cam profile is just a 0-100 number which translates in no way to an actual profile, lift, or duration that I can figure out other than the bigger the number the racier the cam), VVT and VVL. You can also set timing advance / retard (again, the layout on this is okay, but it is a 0-100 slider where, presumably, 50 is 0*) and compression ratio.

From there you can choose your aspiration, N/A or Turbo. And if you choose turbo, you can mess with all the settings, from boost pressure to compressor sizes and A/R (it's awesome!). Install your fuel system (so many options from carbs to FI with multiple, multiple options for each) and finally your exhaust system.

Building blocks.

These engines are then tested and tuned. Change the air/fuel ratio and get more power but worse emissions. Have too high of a compression or the timing too far in the wrong direction and you'll get knock.

You can spend hours working out all the kinks on a motor if you so desire. And the engine noises are pretty spot on. At the end, you end up with a dyno sheet and a list of specs for that engine, and they are pretty spot on (I work in the dyno industry so I know how the graphs should lay out, and all I can say is Bravo!).

Later, you can put your engine into a chassis you designed, and as previously mentioned, this feature is very basic as of now, but is set to be updated in the near future.

Now sandbox mode is good and fun and you can loose hours on it (ask me how I know) but the fun part will be the campaign mode. You notice things in Sandbox mode, like when you add a forged crank it says you need a forge, or when you want to use an AlSi head, you need a CNC shop. Every part has a cost and a weight associated with it, as well as man hours to create and build. And there is a skill level required to build higher quality parts.

From what I can gather, you will start out just being able to make basic parts and have to sell your cars to make profit and upgrade your shops.

This is Minecraft for car folks. This game is a ton of fun and I can't wait to see whats next. I highly suggest you go try the demo (it's free to try) and I am sure you will enjoy it, I did, and I look forward to going home and playing around some more.

DISCUSSION (100)

Mattbob > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 12:13

Automation + Local Motors...... Imagine the possibilities.

Biased Plies > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 12:19

One of the developers chimed in on a previous post about the game:

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/gday-im-the-le…

You can ask them questions there if you like.

Formula4speed > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 12:21

As an automotive manufacturing engineer, you just ruined my career as I will never bother actually doing any real work again.

KB Garage > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 12:23

Informative post. Thanks.

Can't wait for it to be bypassed because of "red" Tuesday. Maybe if I posted a bloody tampon it would stop... probably not.

CAR_IS_MI > Formula4speed
01/07/2014 at 12:31

You're welcome!

CAR_IS_MI > Biased Plies
01/07/2014 at 12:32

I actually spoke with Andrew briefly last night.

PanchoVilleneuve ST > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 12:55

This is the first game I ever crowdfunded. It was totally a good decision.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > KB Garage
01/07/2014 at 13:00

Please don't.

Bad Idea Hat > KB Garage
01/07/2014 at 13:02

I'll bump it.

Bad Idea Hat > KB Garage
01/07/2014 at 13:02

I'll bump it.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:02

I made a post about this earlier this morning, I got the demo last night and stayed up way to late tinkering with it. I am definitely going to be paying for the preorder to unlock more features. My head is just swarming with possibilities from the little bit I've played and from what I've been reading about it today.

CAR_IS_MI > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
01/07/2014 at 13:06

Yea I was messing around until 2am knowing I had to get up at 6am... Hopefully I don't fall asleep at work. HAH.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:07

Hopefully I don't end up installing this AT work, haha.

I'm sad because I won't be home till 8.30pm today and will only have like 2-3 hours to play this. >_< HAHA

I want to get a car company going SO BAD!

Idomathforaliving > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs
01/07/2014 at 13:21

Getting that preorder ASAP, this is going to be more addictive than Civ 5, and I'll have a vague excuse to constantly play with it.

StevenG > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:27

Windows only?
BOOOO!

Mike Griffith > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:27

The multiplayer is TONS of fun with a group of friends...We usually get 4-5 guys in a Dolby Axon chatroom and set crazy goals with short time limits, just so we can see who can build one that doesn't blow up.

BrettAM > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:31

I preordered this game last summer and I'm very glad that I did. I usually mess with it for a week then forget about it for a few months while new updates are released. Its always a great time-sink though. The designers are very close with the community that supports them and do a fantastic job getting all the minute details correct.

Case in point: I built an uber powerful turbo V8 and noticed that cast iron and aluminum heads made slightly different horsepower (<5 hp difference on a 1500 hp engine) so I mentioned it on the forums. One of the designers replied that its because the two materials have different thermal conductance and that will change the output slightly.

CAR_IS_MI > BrettAM
01/07/2014 at 13:36

Yes, they seem to be very knowledgeable in how various materials and aspects of the engine will react to certain changes. To say the least, I am overly impressed at the realism of the outputs.

boxjohn > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:37

I have this game (pre-ordered so I get the beta, never done that before), and while there are still rough edges I can say it's THE most jalopnik game ever. It's a ton of fun, if you're a mega car nerd.

CAR_IS_MI > Mike Griffith
01/07/2014 at 13:37

Havent tried this yet, sounds like a ton of fun.

CAR_IS_MI > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 13:37

Just dual boot.

StevenG > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:38

Never.

Well, I do dual boot OSX and Linux, but no sir I am not interested in running windows.

I hoon, therefore I am > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:44

Now if only they'd offer the option of a factory-sponsored race team...

theonetruetom > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 13:47

WINE with your cheese?

boxjohn > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 13:47

your loss.

CAR_IS_MI > I hoon, therefore I am
01/07/2014 at 13:48

Well the creators are pretty in tune with the community, they have a form which they run and one of the developers is also somewhat active here on oppo. Maybe if they get enough support behind it they will add it in once the game is complete.

Kookanoodles > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 13:53

For those who haven't, Automation is a computer game in which you manage your own car company.

The rest of the article is superfluous, I'm off to play this.

theonetruetom > theonetruetom
01/07/2014 at 13:57

I know WINE isn't perfect, by any stretch, but if you're reticent to use Windows in any form, it can be an acceptable solution depending on what your preferred operating system of choice is.

StevenG > theonetruetom
01/07/2014 at 14:03

As someone who used wine for years, and even pays for the commercial version to support the project, nope.

If you don't want my money, I don't want to pay you. I can spend that money on Steam just fine.

ratonbox > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:05

It's made by a 3 person dev team. I assume it would be really hard to start building a Nix version. It's a time spent / sales gained type of thing.

tomtom615 > I hoon, therefore I am
01/07/2014 at 14:05

That would be fantastic if your cars competed against other user cars!

StevenG > ratonbox
01/07/2014 at 14:11

Your assumption would be wrong, if they had thought of that from the beginning. Been there done that. Code would likely be a lot better as well.

I bet this sort of thing appeals to geeks of all stripes more than your typical windows user. Not to say no geeks use windows just that, not windows user is more often geek than not.

Stradale > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:21

You're just missing out on many good games.

ratonbox > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:22

Also should have mentioned that if you pre-order the game (I think I have the Supercharged version, having paid $35 a year or so ago) you get access to newer betas, with the car designer included. Which means you can mess around with a lot more crap like grilles, lights, car shape. It's just a a game to ruin your sleeping patterns. :D

Also, 2 more things:

1. If you're playing the Engine Designer missions, you can blame me for the hardest mission in the V8 category: "24 Hour Endurance Race"

2.This is a copy/paste from the forums, so please buy the game in order to make them able to build these amazing add-ons. :D

What we want to the game to have eventually (as expansions, and future paid content):
Lots of cool engines:
W8, W12, W16, W18
Wankel Rotaries
Flat 8
Inline 8
V4
Two Strokes
Diesels
Hybrids
Electric

Motorsport Series:
Run various production and non production motorsport teams.

Being able to drive your cars:
If we ever do this, we want to do it properly, and build
a top quality simulator. This is hard and expensive to do, so will only happen if we are very successful.

boxjohn > BrettAM
01/07/2014 at 14:23

They've apparently stocked up on a HUGE number of auto tech books. The engine sim is more limited and less scientific than industrial use stuff like Engine Analyzer Pro, but still far more accurate than anything marketed as a game before.

boxjohn > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:24

People who play games use windows.

macshome > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:28

I can get the splash screen to appear in Crossover, but then it crashes. Will mess later.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:29

Fucken' Downloading. The only way I'm missing this is if an asteroid hits the planet, ending the world as we know it. *looks through window, the sun is shining, the weather is perfect, not a single cloud in sight, bikinis babes in rollerblades abound.*

Yep, perfect to be inside playing!

CAR_IS_MI > BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion
01/07/2014 at 14:30

If you have a laptop you can play outside...

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:38

Only this lousy Desktop for me, haha... Also, it's actually too hot to stay outside, I don't wanna die just yet.

AthomSfere > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:39

We Windows and Linux users are OK with the the Leap Pad and OS X users not sullying our OS...

Enjoy watching the rest of us play ;)

Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:39

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDD I'm failing second semester.

jamisparker > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:40

Very fun to play with. I have gone through most of the engine building challenges and they are very interesting to see the trade-offs that happen in engine design. As for accuracy, I'm not so sure about that. I have tried to create different real-life engines and am not having much success getting output numbers that jive with reality. Of course, published HP numbers usually include accessory losses whereas I'm pretty sure this simulator is not including alternator drag, etc.

Desu-San-Desu > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:41

I'll throw legal tender at them as soon as they add horizontally opposed and rotary engines.

StevenG > AthomSfere
01/07/2014 at 14:42

Windows and Linux as as far apart as you can get, dummy. OSX at least has a somewhat useful terminal, even if it is cursed with BSD versions of everything.

CAR_IS_MI > Desu-San-Desu
01/07/2014 at 14:42

In the works actually. It seems like they are trying to get the basics squared away (engine operation, Platform building) then will finish off with all the dressings (if you get what I mean)

StevenG > boxjohn
01/07/2014 at 14:43

Valve disagrees.

StevenG > Stradale
01/07/2014 at 14:44

So?
I have a PS3 as well. My home is a strict Microsoft free environment.

AthomSfere > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:44

I am well aware of that. But they are both much more open / flexible and useful than OSX.

Also, Windows Terminal has come light years in the last 7 years or so thanks to PowerShell, or if you want to go third party - any of the GNU tools ports.

Union of Smog Techs of CA > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:45

I have seen the gates of Heaven, and it is good, bless you good sir and I gotta go give some people some money now

CAR_IS_MI > jamisparker
01/07/2014 at 14:48

I successfully built a 5.0 V8 Coyote motor, knowing the materials used in production, bore, stroke, and compression. I also have worked with quite a few of these on our dynos, and know what their factory ARF at WOT is roughly and guesstimating then slightly changing the cam profile and timing (as these are the two items which have no absolute value, but rather general values) I had it making 418hp 6500 RPM. I was also working on a 1.8L Miata Motor but didn't finish it yet.

StevenG > AthomSfere
01/07/2014 at 14:50

Nope. Windows is far more closed than OSX. You can go download DARWIN source, please show me the windows source. I can wait.

With macports and fink you can install anything on OSX you could install on linux. I am a linux sysadmin who uses OSX for his work machine, at this time. The next one will again be a linux machine if someone would make a decent linux ultrabook.

I am well aware of cygwin and the like, it still does not give me X, Focus follows mouse, multiple workspaces or any of the other dozens of things I want.

jamisparker > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 14:51

I'm trying to recreate my Porsche 944 motor, and it is giving me much higher torque numbers than reality. I can get the HP correct at the right RPM, but I have like 20+ lb-ft too much torque.

Stradale > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:55

Did MS kill your family? You have a unhealthy hatred for a business.

ruquik > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 14:59

Hows that Solidworks for OS X working for you.... Oh wait, never mind.

StevenG > Stradale
01/07/2014 at 15:01

Nope, just a long enough memory.

Go look up the "halloween documents". For tools I depend on I actually prefer to stick to FOSS. For games I don't care so much.

StevenG > ruquik
01/07/2014 at 15:02

Why would I want to run solidworks? And I have one OSX machine, normally run only Linux.

Stradale > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 15:07

The "Halloween Documents" are pretty well known and so is the fact that all companies do the same thing.

StevenG > Stradale
01/07/2014 at 15:09

Total and utter bullshit. Even if that was true, that does not make it better. Shit if you want more recent go look at what they just did to Nokia.

Either way, I rather not play this one game if they don't want my money. Lots of other games out there.

Stradale > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 15:14

You're delusional or don't know how large companies actually work if you think MS is the only ones who do that.

That's fine, I just found it strange you would miss out on all the great games on steam just because of how you think MS is the only company doing shady shit to become more profitable.

StevenG > Stradale
01/07/2014 at 15:16

I do not think they are the only ones, I think they are the only ones that went after FOSS like that. You saw that I have a PS3 right, so most games will be coming out for that. Plus steam has more games than I will ever have time to play.

boxjohn > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 15:30

but virtually ever other developer agrees.

StevenG > boxjohn
01/07/2014 at 15:31

Not all the stuff on steam is from valve, but nice try.

McLarry > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 15:32

Virtual machine?

sucksqueezebangblow > jamisparker
01/07/2014 at 15:34

Or does your 944 have 20 torques too little?

StevenG > McLarry
01/07/2014 at 15:44

That would still mean running windows.

No thanks.

Raul > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 15:54

ok, snob.

LHturbo > jamisparker
01/07/2014 at 15:57

This is pretty fun. I was working on a stock 2jz setup but you can only put a single turbo. Stock is 320hp with twins, but with a single, obviously its the easier setup as per history and has tons of power... anyways I haven't had enough time to play with it yet to get it over 350hp

StevenG > Raul
01/07/2014 at 15:58

Not snobbish at all. Linux user who can't stand Windows nor Microsoft.

Bad products that break if you look at them funny are not something I want to struggle with at home.

Chaoswaffle > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 16:07

I have wasted more time than I care to know playing this game. Pre-ordered it a looong time ago before there was even a working demo and have been making silly/awesome engines ever since.

kodemunkey > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 16:15

Download Crossover and you'll have a windows emulator.

monacomaster > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 16:22

Well then it sounds like you already made your bed so...

jamisparker > sucksqueezebangblow
01/07/2014 at 16:28

While I agree it is missing 20 lb-ft it should have, the factory numbers are 155 hp and 137 lb-ft of torque, and I just can't get the torque that low for this displacement. I also have to detune it quite a bit to get the hp peak at the factory 5500 rpm.

Kylemaro > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 16:44

well i'm gonna go change my name to daimler and then never leave the house again. seeya guys in hell when i die

ihm96 > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 16:48

I have a Mac, but really want to play this. Does anyone know a free and easy way to get windows, because I don't know much about that stuff, I know about bootcamp, but im pretty sure you have to pay with that

Valensiakol > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 16:54

I'd be inclined to believe that more geeks use Windows than any Apple OS. Most Apple fanboys I encounter tend to believe that they're the epitome of the cool and suave hipster-geek but it usually turns out that they're simpletons when it comes to true geekery.

Apathos The Caring > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 16:59

I've read discussions by the devs that they are considering a system to export your designed cars to a racing game. Though that is pretty far away considering the current scope of the unfinished game.

scubaduba > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 17:09

Working on a sandbox LSX style 454 TT now. Just going for a full pull at no limit on cost and have reached. 1631 NM@7100 and 1315.2kw@8k or 1763.71hp! now to get a car design made to cool it....

CAR_IS_MI > scubaduba
01/07/2014 at 17:18

I havent yet played too much with the car designer. Made a quick design that and dropped a 950 hp flat plane V8 in it, but it couldn't cool it.

AthomSfere > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 17:27

Pretty much all of those do exist though, look at Systernals for most of it. Although most of those "features" annoy the hell out of me.

Workspaces for example is a good idea, but my workflow changes often enough that it just becomes a burden across my triple mon setup at work, or duals at home.

MrMahoney > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 17:45

This looks like my kind of game! I've been looking at their YouTube channel and it tuning seems quite daunting. Would anyone that has played it say its hard to get into? I think jalopnik should be the official sponsor!

Loping Camshaft > AthomSfere
01/07/2014 at 17:55

Kinja'd!!!

Lets Just Drive > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 17:59

Sold.

CAR_IS_MI > MrMahoney
01/07/2014 at 18:06

It is not hard to get into. Even if you dont know too much about technical bits of an engine, they do a VERY GOOD job at explaining them in the game.

TeamWoodsy > StevenG
01/07/2014 at 18:16

Get an operating system designed to do more than surf the internet and play with pictures.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 18:23

Why, like ew, why would I ever like, even touch Windows. Ew. Ewwwwwwwww.

CAR_IS_MI > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
01/07/2014 at 18:29

Because this game is worth it.

Fuel_of_Satan > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 18:38

Looking at the comments it looks like Christmas is coming late for these guys, but in the form of mass donations.

I hope my money buys many beers for you to enjoy while developing the game!

scubaduba > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 18:40

Yea I went all out and got it to over 2000hp with the DOHC setup however I feel they do not give the pushrod v8 the credit it may deserve as I could barely get it over 1000nm. Got the preorder today and will continue and hopefully get some screen shots up.

You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado" > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 19:11

Made a N/A Duratec 2.3 to roughly Caterham/Cosworth specs. 252 hp and 186 ft lbs. Just about right on the money.

CAR_IS_MI > You had fordboy357 at "meat tornado"
01/07/2014 at 19:26

Cant wait for them to add rear mounted engines. So many hot hatch possibilities.

Andrew Lamb > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 19:40

This will happen!

(Lead Artist/Co-founder of the project here)

AthomSfere > Loping Camshaft
01/07/2014 at 19:40

LOL, as long as everyone knows their respective places!

Andrew Lamb > boxjohn
01/07/2014 at 19:43

Yeah, we knew about as much as the average nerdy gearhead when we started the project, but a LOT of research has gone into getting things right. We don't aim to be a perfect simulation in every detail, but the engine designer is about 95% accurate for power outputs etc, which is probably close enough for a game.

The car designer's next update is going to be pretty sweet, car handling is calculated from simulated slaloms, moose test, constant circle, rough road tests etc (Not visually shown yet, but will hopefully be one day), and is based on a frighteningly detailed simulation written by our Vehicle Dynamics expert (If I recall correctly, that's what he does at University)

Andrew Lamb > Greenmobile Supremo Commando, BRZ Extrordinare
01/07/2014 at 19:44

My appologies in advance ;)

Andrew Lamb > MrMahoney
01/07/2014 at 19:45

It comes with a fairly good manual explaining how to design good engines, a bunch of video tutorials, and a fair bit of ingame tutorial text. I won't lie though, it IS pretty complex, though we aim to make it as easy to learn as possible :)

Andrew Lamb > PanchoVilleneuve ST
01/07/2014 at 19:45

Thanks! It's much appreciated :)

Andrew Lamb > Biased Plies
01/07/2014 at 19:46

You can also ask them right here (Yes, I'm stalking all the Jalop posts about us, thanks for the publicity you guys!)

Andrew Lamb > CAR_IS_MI
01/07/2014 at 19:47

We want to do a factory race team manager game as an expansion one day. If we're successful enough with this one.

AthomSfere > Valensiakol
01/07/2014 at 19:48

I would have to agree here. In fact, every person who asks me for Mac help seems to be A)Marketing, B) Sales or C) Graphics design. Most of these people I am not wholly convinced could actually tell you the difference between the Mac OS and the Windows 7 machines they use at work.

If I had divvy the geeks I know into an OS of choice, its probably:

90% Windows

9% Linux

1% Mac

And that one percent Mac users really just like *Nix but with the extra spit and polish. Which is sort of funny to me since Apple is sort of the anti-thesis to the Linux movement. Closed, proprietary, over priced...