Gran Turismo World Series (Manufacturers Cup Exhibition Season: Feb 5 - Feb 15)

[Bojador]

I'm thinking of going with McLaren for Manu in gt2. What do you think? Still worth it considering the latest nerfs?

 

[RCC_Joey]

What is the advantage of picking least popular manufacturers? @Moose78

The final standings take that into account or just your region and all Manus are mixed?

I'm thinking of going with McLaren for Manu in gt2. What do you think? Still worth it considering the latest nerfs?

The McLaren is still competitive. And Manu races are not like the dailies where everyone picks the same car. Most of the times you will find 6 or more different cars or manufacturers. So if you can be fast with that car go for it and you will be competitive. There could be rounds where it is not the best , but you may end up in a lobby where the McLaren is the best.

 

[Moose78]

What is the advantage of picking least popular manufacturers? @Moose78

The final standings take that into account or just your region and all Manus are mixed?

Nothing like that. I'm not trying to game the point system. If I'm lucky, nobody else in my area will pick the same one and I'll automatically be at the top of my local ranking and get more credits, but that isn't my main motivation.

I'm hoping to work my way through all the manufacturers. I'd like to get the undesirable ones out of the way first so the seasons become increasingly more enjoyable rather than becoming more unpleasant. My quick-and-dirty approach to finding the undesirable cars is by looking at how many drivers picked them.

Also, I like the idea of taking the path less traveled. It adds an a degree of uncertainty to the game that I find fun.

 

[bliprunner]

Here's the final installment in the shootout of Canada's least popular manufacturers from last season's Manu Cup GT1 league. For this one, we are at Suzuka for the 35-lap race in Rd.4. Since the race is so long and the results from the other rounds showed that several of the cars just weren't going to be viable (more on that below), I only tested two: Dodge and Hyundai.

Manufacturer	Model	Best Time	Total Time	Avg Time	Avg Dev
Hyundai	Genesis Gr.3	2:03.810	72:49.920	2:04.855	0:00.698
Dodge	Viper SRT GT3-R '15	2:03.835	73:08.970	2:05.399	0:00.833

Tire tread levels at finish:

Manufacturer	Front Left	Front Right	Rear Left	Rear Right
Hyundai	40%	35%	55%	60%
Dodge	35%	30%	45%	45%

Both of the cars easily lasted the full race without a pit stop and both gradually lost time to the fatigue of the tires and/or the driver. You can see by the lap times, that I made a mess of a few laps in both cars.

I was faster and more consistent with the Hyundai. It felt pretty good on the track overall, but I found the gearing going into the Esses a bit awkward -- 3rd didn't quite make it there, and going to 4th for a split second only to drop back to 3rd wasn't gaining me any time.

The Dodge was fine at Suzuka. Although I wasn't as consistent with it as the Hyundai, there weren't any parts of the track that were particularly troublesome. It seems I just wasn't driving well.

All the raw data is in the spreadsheet here.

As for the other manufacturers I tested...

Citroen - I struggled to drive this car consistently. I could get good Opt Times out of it, but I just wasn't able to get there reliably.
Renault - This is a really nice car to drive, but with the recent BoP update, it just isn't fast enough (at least, not in my hands).
Suzuki - I've come to the conclusion that I just can't drive this car. It was near the bottom at every track I took it to.

In the end, it came down to a choice between Dodge and Hyundai.

The Hyundai is a really nice drive. It's stable and predictable. No drama with this car ever. It was the fastest at Interlagos and Suzuka and near the top everywhere else. Good on fuel and tires. Just a great all-round car.

The Dodge, though, took the top spot at three of the tracks -- Deep Forest, Daytona, and Fuji -- and by a healthy margin at each. It really surprised me. The testing that I'd prior to the Manu Cup schedule being announced showed it to be a mediocre car, at best. But it really seems to shine for those three races.

So...
View attachment 1352927

And here they are dressed up in their native habit of Detroit, Michigan (with the driver looking longingly at the Gr.4 car that he won't ever get to drive in the series):
View attachment 1352931

Thanks for the info. I had some time today so put the Dodge, Hyundai, Ford, McLaren and Subaru through a 5 lap BOP'd custom race at Deep Forest.

The Dodge was the standout and was consistently 0.5 secs ahead of anything else. It's a little tail happy and feels a bit floaty, it can clearly smoke through tyres but no doubt it is fast.

McLaren is my usual pick so I tested this first, super planted as usual but couldn't get it into the 27's. I even did a second session with it and the Dodge to double-check the results. Both had a slight improvement but the gap remained.

Times were:

• Dodge 1:27:5 (and consistently in the '27s)
• Hyundai 1:28:0 (easy to drive, smooth and consistent)
• Subaru 1:28:1 (possible to drive hard and catch slides)
• McLaren 1:28.2 (planted but was expecting more pace)
• Ford LM 1:28.5 (more pace in this but not the easiest to drive)

That surprised me! May need to have a quick shootout between the Dodge and Hyundai at the Nords...

 

[Eggstor]

Thanks for the info. I had some time today so put the Dodge, Hyundai, Ford, McLaren and Subaru through a 5 lap BOP'd custom race at Deep Forest.

The Dodge was the standout and was consistently 0.5 secs ahead of anything else. It's a little tail happy and feels a bit floaty, it can clearly smoke through tyres but no doubt it is fast.

McLaren is my usual pick so I tested this first, super planted as usual but couldn't get it into the 27's. I even did a second session with it and the Dodge to double-check the results. Both had a slight improvement but the gap remained.

Times were:

• Dodge 1:27:5 (and consistently in the '27s)
• Hyundai 1:28:0 (easy to drive, smooth and consistent)
• Subaru 1:28:1 (possible to drive hard and catch slides)
• McLaren 1:28.2 (planted but was expecting more pace)
• Ford LM 1:28.5 (more pace in this but not the easiest to drive)

That surprised me! May need to have a quick shootout between the Dodge and Hyundai at the Nords...

Don't forget to double-check fuel mileage. At least in non-BoP'ed form, the Dodge is a thirsty beast.

 

[Moose78]

Don't forget to double-check fuel mileage. At least in non-BoP'ed form, the Dodge is a thirsty beast.

I've done full-length races for all six of this season's rounds and fuel hasn't been an issue an any of them, at least not for me. The way the races are constructed this season, with the mandatory pits and shorter sprint formats, the Viper is never in any danger of needing to make an extra stop or fuel-saving. Even for the 35-lap race at Suzuka, I had 2 laps of fuel left at the end.

Now, I've also found that it is a car that you don't want to rev out. For most gears, I upshift just as rev bar hits the top. I do the shift from 5th to 6th a little earlier than that. That short-shifting is probably helping with my fuel consumption. I imagine it would go through more if I were revving it out. Maybe that's the case with automatic transmission.

Anyways, your mileage may vary, as they say.

Edit: I'll just add that all my tests were done with the Gr.3 car for GT1 league. I have no idea how the Gr.4 car fairs in the GT2/3 races. Sorry.

 

[Moose78]

I did a little bit of strategy testing for the 4-lap GT1 Rd1 race at Nurburgring yesterday. There don't seem to be many variables here. There is a mandatory pit. The main question is whether to take new tires or not.

For me, driving the Dodge, I feel like taking fresh tires at the midpoint is the best choice. It looks like I lose 4 seconds on the final lap if I skip the tire change, but with the length of the track and inconsistencies in my driving of it, I don't have a lot of confidence in the accuracy of that number. Anyways, I could definitely feel the tires slipping more towards the end of the race if I didn't change them. To reduce the risk of late-race spin-outs, I feel it is safer to do the tire change, regardless of whether it is actually faster or not, so that's what I'm planning for.

Of course, if there is rain, the weather will dictate when to pit and switch tires. I'm not going to bother testing for that.

 

[MetalApe]

Metal Ape Racing are proud to have signed with Jaguar racing to champion the UK in the GTWS Manufacturers Cup.

 

[dazdilly75]

I did a little bit of strategy testing for the 4-lap GT1 Rd1 race at Nurburgring yesterday. There don't seem to be many variables here. There is a mandatory pit. The main question is whether to take new tires or not.

For me, driving the Dodge, I feel like taking fresh tires at the midpoint is the best choice. It looks like I lose 4 seconds on the final lap if I skip the tire change, but with the length of the track and inconsistencies in my driving of it, I don't have a lot of confidence in the accuracy of that number. Anyways, I could definitely feel the tires slipping more towards the end of the race if I didn't change them. To reduce the risk of late-race spin-outs, I feel it is safer to do the tire change, regardless of whether it is actually faster or not, so that's what I'm planning for.

Of course, if there is rain, the weather will dictate when to pit and switch tires. I'm not going to bother testing for that.

I made this exact mistake in the last exhibition season here. I saved about 5 seconds in the pit by not changing tyres, but the deterioration of the tyres, meant I lost about 8 seconds over the last 2 laps. A tyre change will help with consistency, and you won't be worrying about an impending spin out, which is very possible at the Green Hell.

 

[tmtk]

Whatever the nerf, whatever the buff - there is only one Scuderia

 

[appu]

After Ferrari and McLaren, my third participation in the manufacturers cup is with Alfa Romeo!

Thank you Big Chug energy drinks for sponsoring my GT3 team BCART, Big Chug Alfa Romeo Team (nothing to do with F1's VCARB).
This is probably going to be my first time driving a car that was not selected by the manufacturer (most likely going to drive the 155 instead of the 4C for GT4 races).

 

[RCC_Joey]

Picked Renault for the Manu cup. First time in GT1 , picked Lexus in the exhibition. I followed @Moose78 approach by trying with a kind of an underdog as in the dailies I always go for meta.

However my current pace at nords is atrocious. The only clean lap I finished was a 8.15.

Following a 8.03 ghost I'm behind 2s going into the nordschleife. However the gap just keeps increasing throughout. First time driving this car so tomorrow I'll give it a bit more practice to try to pick up some pace. Any pointers from fellow Renault drivers or anyone who knows the car? Shifting points (currently revving it out like the Porsche), brake balance should be forwards or backwards?

 

[Globato44]

My car is ready.

I'm probably not.

 

[A_Higher_Place]

Deciding to go with Hyundai for the Manu series for ships and squiggles. Hopefully I'm the only one in Canada and in GT1 for those sweet sweet credits. It's a bit of clunker to drive and second gear is pretty deadly but I'm looking forward to getting stronger in an FR racer. Good luck everyone!

On another note, it looks like everyone we'd expect to see has qualified for the Nations cup.

 

[Stilva]

It's been a while since I've participated in the Manu Cup, so I decided to enter this one. It's probably not the quickest but I went with Lamborghini again as I've raced them in the past and I'm comfortable in them. I won't be doing all the rounds as I have something going on tomorrow and I'll probably skip Fuji as it's not my favorite track. But, my Nordschleife races usually end in disaster so it's not all bad I guess. I have been running practice laps there however to get the rust off so to say.

My livery is based on the Buffalo Sabres NHL team home jersey and a change from my usual orange and black colors. I'm looking forward to get back to some racing and perhaps I'll see you in the GT2 Americas lobbies. Good luck to all.

 

[guitargeek]

Really torn on the tire change for tomorrow. Just a ran in a lobby, no tire change. Great race, smooth and relatively quick (for me), and still had 50% life left at the end which aligns with my initial test and seems a change is unnecessary.

But seeing several people here, and a couple streamer practice lobbies today, I’m now doubting myself. I guess I’ll just check the gaps and decide on the fly…

 

[dazdilly75]

Deciding to go with Hyundai for the Manu series for ships and squiggles. Hopefully I'm the only one in Canada and in GT1 for those sweet sweet credits. It's a bit of clunker to drive and second gear is pretty deadly but I'm looking forward to getting stronger in an FR racer. Good luck everyone!

On another note, it looks like everyone we'd expect to see has qualified for the Nations cup.

It's actually a very competent car, I almost put my signature on the dotted line, but the allure of Porsche was too much for me unfortunately. I found sticking -1 brake balance helped keep the car composed, as it had a tendency to snap oversteer out of slow speed corners. Good luck!

Really torn on the tire change for tomorrow. Just a ran in a lobby, no tire change. Great race, smooth and relatively quick (for me), and still had 50% life left at the end which aligns with my initial test and seems a change is unnecessary.

But seeing several people here, and a couple streamer practice lobbies today, I’m now doubting myself. I guess I’ll just check the gaps and decide on the fly…

Nurb 24 is such a big track, that the 5 seconds you'll gain by not changing tyres, will be eaten up over the next 2 laps. This is just my opinion, based on experience. But go with your gut.

 

[goudaj]

Just came out of the third Asia/Oceania GT2 slot. Was a pretty straightforward race, pitted at the end of lap 2, didn't take tires. I picked Honda this season, the car is a bit of a handful for me so I wasn't excpeting to do well however my slot was low points so I was able to finish in P2.

 

[D_Dragline]

I’ve chosen Alfa for the season. It’s not the best Gr3 available, but I fell in love with the way it drives in the Exhibition season. It also helps that it is drop-dead gorgeous.

Given how unpopular it is, I was pretty sure I would be right up there for GT1 in Australia… but now I find out that Andrew Lee has picked it as well.

Just over 4 hours until the green hell.

 

[dazdilly75]

I’ve chosen Alfa for the season. It’s not the best Gr3 available, but I fell in love with the way it drives in the Exhibition season. It also helps that it is drop-dead gorgeous.

Given how unpopular it is, I was pretty sure I would be right up there for GT1 in Australia… but now I find out that Andrew Lee has picked it as well.

Just over 4 hours until the green hell.

The last time I drove for Alfa, was in GT Sport and it was my most enjoyable and successful season, in all the years playing GT Sport. I think they've finally got the car right in GT7 after all the updates. It's a sleeper at Daytona RC. Good luck for the season ahead.

 

[911RSR]

I'd love to hear about the weather at the Nordschleife. Is it a rainy race like the last time in Manu Cup?

 

[dazdilly75]

I'd love to hear about the weather at the Nordschleife. Is it a rainy race like the last time in Manu Cup?

No reports of rain so far (oceana region races I think it's a 4 lap dry sprint. Make sure you've got your rain tyres just in case.

 

[Roggers]

Let’s go Porsche!
Always want to use Porsche as a manufacturer but with the Cayman been so poor I’ve never picked it. Can give the RSR a go this time, so let’s see how I can fair.

Kinda hate that Porsche is one off the best on the game right now, but oh well.

Nurburgring24h done a little testing there, looks like a 2/2 with tyre stop, which seems a little boring as everyone will be doing the same strat. Does it rain? Not seen or heard anyone mention rain so.. Hopefully I can in the 6pm UK lobby if I have time.

 

[Moose78]

I'm guessing from @goudaj's description that there isn't any rain in GT2/3. I've been watching Omega's GT1 stream from Asia/Oceania. They are on their final lap. No rain so far, and no signs of any to come.

 

[ElectricNaz]

Lovely sunny day around the Nord.

So, after Saturday's horrible display of racing for me (x2), I almost didn't do this today, I fancied a bit of a breather as I was genuinely ashamed of my driving at the weekend.

But I went ahead and did it anyway. Qualifying was fine, about on pace for me. Got an 8.26, soooo slow in comparison to others though. Was on pace for a decent lap by my standards but let two drivers through who were definitely quicker than me. Today was about finishing and getting something, so wanted to do the right thing at a track I'm never going to be competitive at. Qualified 12th. Was car 14.

Race start - my word I am glad I qualified 12th. Within 3 minutes I was up to 3rd (!) as so many collisions ahead of me meaning I had a few mins of avoid the sideways / backwards ghosts. One crash saw about 4 cars taken out at once.

Lap 2 I panicked. Was down to 5th by then (again letting a couple through - no point holding them up, remembered them from qualy and knew they were miles quicker). But realised I hadn't done a practice pit entry again! Luckily got it right, didn't change tyres, didn't need to. Was happy with a 9 second gap to 6th at that point.

Last lap I just had to keep it on the road and get pit exit right. Due to not changing tyres, I put TC up to 4 to be a bit on the safe side. All fine, no drama, slow and steady a nice 5th placed finish for me and never really under pressure for it. Up 7 places from qualy - feel bad for those who got caught up in the drama but you have to make the most of opportunities when they present themselves. 130 points achieved.

36 seconds off the lead after 3 laps sounds horrible though! But a really good mix of cars in the race. Overall I enjoyed that but so glad it's over!

 

[Globato44]

No rain at all, for those who need to know.

I'm always terrible after the carousel, and specially terrible at the second half of races here...

...and of course, today, hasn't been an exception.

Door 1, Q9. I, as usually, survive the initial chaos and climb to P5. Not a lot to tell until I do my pit stop after lap 2 (without changing tyres, since GT2 race is only 3 laps). I notice two of the guys ahead haven't pit, so I'm actually P3. Knowing my lack of pace after the carousel I guess my gap is not big enough to keep the podium, and I'm right, so I lose two positions.
Ok, I reach the final straight being P7 (P5 if we take in mind the guys who didn't pit). I gain a position because someone crashes entering the straight, so I only have to do a decent last turn to be P4, and I haven't crashed in Nurburgring's last turn for ages...

...but I'm me, so I crash and lose two position. P6 in the end.




Post race screen says I've gained DR, but I don't know how is that possible being door 1 and P6.

 

[ElectricNaz]

Post race screen says I've gained DR, but I don't know how is that possible being door 1 and P6.

I've been paying attention to this a little more recently.

I genuinely don't believe door number matters? From what I've paid attention to, finishing in the top half gains you DR, bottom half you lose DR?

I could be wrong but....?

 

[Moose78]

Post race screen says I've gained DR, but I don't know how is that possible being door 1 and P6.

You took DR points from the 10 drivers behind you but only gave up points to the 5 ahead. Even though it is weighted based on your starting DR, the points you gained from the cars behind outweighs what you gave up to the cars ahead.

 

[OJBrit]

Post race screen says I've gained DR, but I don't know how is that possible being door 1 and P6.

You finished P6 so gained DR from 10 people behind and only lost it to 5 in front.

 

[Famine]

Post race screen says I've gained DR, but I don't know how is that possible being door 1 and P6.

Finishing position is all that matters. You take DR from the people you beat and lose it to people who beat you. The exchange of points depends on the difference in starting DR between you - you take more from and lose less to people with higher DR, and lose more to and take less from people with lower DR - but ultimately if you beat more people than you lose to you will gain DR.

Door number is not relevant to this, and given that your signature says you're DR C it matters even less; it's only a reliable indicator of something at DR B and above. That's because your door number shows what rank your DR score is among everyone in the lobby, but it's sorted reverse alphabetically so someone with 8,000 DR would rank below someone with 9 DR.