Hey guys!
Quick question if you can help out with this. We’re currently going through and correcting / improving the various strings (technical term for “texts”) in the game and I just stumbled upon the engine configuration strings which for the most part still are empty or rather use placeholder strings.
The first two engine types making it into Automation (I4s and V8s) do have decent descriptions and the I4 probably has the style we’re aiming for here:
The Inline 4 configuration consists of 4 cylinders in a single block, lined up in a row. This makes for a cheap, simple, lightweight and compact engine, which is usually best suited to economical compact and family cars. However, when tuned for high RPM or forced induction added, it can make for a very quick, compact sports car. The small number of cylinders can also cause an Inline 4 can to be harsh and unrefined, and vibration will begin to become overwhelming in designs over about 2.5L capacity.
The V8 description is more technical and to some extent lacks the “what is it good for” part of the description. Probably it is a little too long, too:
The V8 configuration consists of eight cylinders in a single block, lined up in a “V” shape. There are four cylinders on each side (bank), with a 90 degree angle between the two banks of cylinders.
V-type configurations are more complex to manufacture than inline configurations, as the two banks of cylinders are separated by a wide angle, which requires two separate heads to be manufactured. In most cases, this means that double the amount of camshafts need to be provided. Because of this, V-type configurations are much wider than Inline-type engines, but can fit double the amount of cylinders in approximately the same length. A V8 is not much longer than an Inline 4, but can be over twice as wide.
There are two types of V8 configurations, crossplane and flatplane, and the primary difference is in the crankshaft design:
A flatplane V8 shares the same principle crankshaft design as an Inline 4. As the name implies, the crank pins (where the conrods attach) are in a flat plane, with the front and rear pins facing left and the middle two pins facing right. Thus, you could place a flatplane crank on a table, and it would not roll away. Most Italian sports cars, use flatplane V8 designs.
Anyway, we need descriptions for I3, I5, I6, V6, V10, and V16 engines (eventually B4 and B6 too, of course). I guess you enthusiasts out there could cook up something for the game?
If yes, just have a go at it in this thread!
Cheers!