ACOSTA STARLIN

I'm working on a mod inspired by the famous Lancia Stratos rally car from 1976.

3D model source: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/lancia-stratos-low-poly-model-3e896215812e445281f6516aef4bb572 - the model author says "Use the model as you see fit, only modification of body geometry is prohibited." - I hope I'm allowed to add things like a better interior, because that is not very detailed out of the box.

Engine:
Engine: 2.4 litre V6 / RWD
Power: 208 kW @ 7172 RPM
Torque: 289 Nm @ 6019 RPM
Mass: 880 kg

Suspension:
Front: Double Wishbone
Reat: MacPherson Strut

Tyres:
F: 205/50 R 15
R: 285/40 R 15

Specs reference:
https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1976/1378250/lancia_stratos_hf_rallye_2vpc_1_1_idler_gear_set.html
http://tech-racingcars.wikidot.com/lancia-stratos-hf-24v
https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/1087/Lancia-Stratos-HF-Group-4.html

Screenshots:

will this have some iconic fictional alcohol sponsorship skin?

I love that car! I can wait to try this

no rear antiroll bar and toe-out FTW !!

Quote from Flotch :

no rear antiroll bar and toe-out FTW !!

As I'm no expert, where can I get such information? I checked this reference page and is says it does have an adjustable rear anti-roll bar. So they didn't actually use it in the rally spec?

https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/1087/Lancia-Stratos-HF-Group-4.html

I'm also struggling to find a good picture of the suspension geometry - I oly approximated it according to some reference photos and the 3D model, but it may be totally wrong .

This image shows antiroll bars and drop links both ends

https://conceptbunny.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lancia_Stratos_Group_4_1972.jpg

veri bootiful flam

Omg too excited for this!!!!

That dudes sketchfab is pure gold for us

Quote from Flame CZE :

I'm also struggling to find a good picture of the suspension geometry - I oly approximated it according to some reference photos and the 3D model, but it may be totally wrong .

I don't know if you could infer anything reasonable from this kind of instructions and photos of model parts with a ruler.
https://www.super-hobby.co.uk/products/Lancia-Stratos-1977-Monte-Carlo.html
These models are probably not very accurate, but you could cross-check the data using models from two or more manufacturers. They have many photos like these on that site.

Quote from teeembo :

This image shows antiroll bars and drop links both ends

https://conceptbunny.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Lancia_Stratos_Group_4_1972.jpg

You are right => the 037 wasn't having one, the stratos was more conventional regarding this.

Quote from Flame CZE :

As I'm no expert, where can I get such information? I checked this reference page and is says it does have an adjustable rear anti-roll bar. So they didn't actually use it in the rally spec?

https://www.ultimatecarpage.com/spec/1087/Lancia-Stratos-HF-Group-4.html

I'm also struggling to find a good picture of the suspension geometry - I oly approximated it according to some reference photos and the 3D model, but it may be totally wrong .

I saw these drawings if it helps : https://xwebforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/lancia-stratos_x1-9.26171/post-217983

I might be able to find some period data on the road cars and _some_ variations of the Group 4 versions. No promises though!

Stratos_real put it in the Modeler>data>engine folder
Stratos_SoundV2 put it in the LFS>Data>engine folder

Let me know. I'm really upset I cant get that raspy throttle sound revving while parked

Thanks, it sounds nice

Here is a sample video with the new engine sound (sorry for bad mouse driving):

Quote from martin18 :

Stratos_real put it in the Modeler>data>engine folder
Stratos_SoundV2 put it in the LFS>Data>engine folder

I don't understand, why are there two separate sound files? Should I load both of them and then re-save, or how does it work?

For the video, I only used the Stratos_real.

Quote from Flame CZE :

I don't understand, why are there two separate sound files? Should I load both of them and then re-save, or how does it work?

For the video, I only used the Stratos_real.

You can actually put both of the files inside LFS_EDITOR\data\engine



Stratos_real is the engine configuration file you load from Edit Engine in LFS Editor

While Stratos_SoundV2 you load from Transmission / Audio -> ENGINE SOUND FILE.

one file go with "edit engine" (right top)
the second file is loading via "transmission/audio" (left top)

If I load ENG using either of the two files, it results in the same values, so I guess only one file is necessary for both engine values and the sound?

Anyway thanks for the tips, here is a video with the correct sound:



It sounds very good to me!

Ohhh I always been loading it like that
The actual engine load it in the edit engine tab
And the sound it self load it in the transmission/audio tab

Well I’m glad you liked it 👍 do you still want more bass or is it ok?

great improvements, one of my favs cars of all time. Sounds perfect to me

Quote from Ziomek21 :

will this have some iconic fictional alcohol sponsorship skin?

Wow we need a cocopine équivalent to Vermouth!

And nice project by the way! Might be crazy on Rallycross!

I've just found some nice reference photos for the suspension, so I will adjust it accordingly. It also has nice photos of the interior, which will be helpful.

https://vincesgallery.smugmug.com/Cars/Lancia-Stratos-Replica-Rebuild/

This is cool one! Looks like it's fun to drive!

Interior in progress...



And the suspension geometry has been updated according to reference photos:

Quote from Flame CZE :

Interior in progress...

https://www.lfs.net/attachment/247859

And the suspension geometry has been updated according to reference photos:
https://www.lfs.net/attachment/247861

You haven’t tried my engine yet have you?

I am using your engine, I just increased the redline to 8500.

That might mess with the power curve and the sound.(higher RPM higher pitch) Those Dino V6 didn’t rev up that high

OK, I see. I will revert that change then.

I was looking at some photos and onboard videos and even though they shift up at about 7000 RPM, the speedo gauge actually goes up to 10000, so I thought the redline would be higher than 7200.

Not sure if you are doing the rally version or the street one but according to this article it had redline at 8k.

"The yellow section on which starts at 7000rpm, with the redline at 8000rpm."

https://www.classicandsportscar.com/features/lancia-stratos-rallyings-best-road-star

Thanks for the article. I'm trying to recreate the rally spec.

Quote from Flame CZE :

I was looking at some photos and onboard videos and even though they shift up at about 7000 RPM, the speedo gauge actually goes up to 10000, so I thought the redline would be higher than 7200.

...

It may be my eyes, but to me he is shifting at 8000

The guy is even reaching 8500+ several times

You're right, like here for example

anyway, this is not surprising : to have a good acceleration, as much as you can, you need power (or "powerband", "mean power"...), so you better be able to reach RPM higher than just the "max power RPM". For instance, the stratos engine is supposed to give its max power at 7000 (but you can suppose it is a classic small lie quite common in rallying : remember the 2000's car having "300hp" but able to get sub 4s to the 0-100kmph with more than 1200kg, while in real they were having at least 300hp between 2000 and 7500 rpm), so the real peak power is probably higher with some more hp, and you have a gearbox doing some classic 1500RPM drop between gears when hitting +8000rpm, leaving the engine running around the peak power RPM to maximize the acceleration.
Having cars hitting the peak power at the redline is not so efficient regarding this (NB : this does not mean Ferrari road cars are not accelerating quickly ), this seems then normal for a rally car to have a redline higher by a consequent margin than the peak power.

Sound like I’m going to rework it a bit more! Thanks for the videos and links guys! New redline will be 8500 rpm’s and will retune the sound so it stays that deep tone at that high rpm’s

Quote from martin18 :

Sound like I’m going to rework it a bit more! Thanks for the videos and links guys! New redline will be 8500 rpm’s and will retune the sound so it stays that deep tone at that high rpm’s

Thanks

By the way, I've tried aligning the gauges with real life photos. According to the photos, the speedo should be aligned with the steering wheel and the two small gauges in the top right are aligned around the centreline of the car.

However, something seems to be wrong, because when I do it like this, the speedo doesn't align with the steering wheel in LFS. But I can't move the steering wheel to the right because then it wouldn't align with the seat. Maybe the seats should really be closer together?

Pretty sure the steering wheel in this wasn't aligned with the seat, neither were the pedals. They talk about it on a Top Gear feature on the car.

I think the frame corner by which you aligned the image, is closer to the photo camera than the panel plane, and it has some parallax effect. It seems to be closer to the center than it really is. So I think you can widen the reference texture.


...or I'm wrong, if you aligned it by the panel itself.

flam wehre is kar?

I haven't worked on it much recently, the interior is still quite dull and the driver doesn't align with the steering wheel yet. But it looks good from underneath

I'm looking forward to seeing this project completed.

Not sure if you've seen this video, but it may help...

Engine not done yet either… been busy with holidays and I just moved to another place, and just went back to work today.

Updated the dashboard with more switches and more visible texture. I've also finally aligned the driver animation with the steering wheel.

It's skinnable now

That's excellent Martin.

Quote from Flame CZE :

Thanks

By the way, I've tried aligning the gauges with real life photos. According to the photos, the speedo should be aligned with the steering wheel and the two small gauges in the top right are aligned around the centreline of the car.

However, something seems to be wrong, because when I do it like this, the speedo doesn't align with the steering wheel in LFS. But I can't move the steering wheel to the right because then it wouldn't align with the seat. Maybe the seats should really be closer together?

I remember watching Jeremy Clarkson Top Gear episode with Lancia Stratos. Jeremy told that steering wheel is a little bit to the right from drivers seat

Oh yeah that looks good! What's left before getting it public?

I think I'll wait for martin18's engine sound update and then I will publish it

Tonight I promise engine will be completed so maybe by tomorrow he can try it and then test it out

My most anticipated mod so far

Aaaand it's published!

I'm running a server called Lancia Stratos with it on, so feel free to join.

woooooooooooooooo thats what ive been waiting for! thats what its all about!

Here's my first custom skin for it - the famous Alitalia livery. It's uploaded on LFSWorld too.

That's again me (HiPo) Can u add a safari spec for option too?
https://www.motorsportimages.com/photo/1018942167-safari-rally/1018942167/?race_type_id=193&year=1977&p=5
https://www.motorsportimages.com/photo/1018942164-safari-rally/1018942164/?event_id=265283

I'll have to ask the original model author since he does not allow modifications of body geometry, so it's up to him if he allows such additions.

There no need to change the 3d model tho, only put those tubes, mudflaps, spare on roof and extra lights. But ok hope u can.

Suspension seems pretty fragile, quite likely to implode when going up a ramp.

You're right, I'll try to tweak the default setups to have a stiffer suspension with more damping.

Congrates for the mod, interior is good for me!

A few updates and bugfixes:

- updated default setup with stiffer suspension and damping - please test
- added LOD2 mesh
- LOD3 has skin texture
- changed car class to "touring car"
- fixed side mirror mapping

Thanks for the high quality mod. A fun and challenging car to drive.

After a first testride of half an hour I can say its another really great mod. Looks amazing,

drives beasty but nice, dash is done very good as well. Found out what 3 of the control lights are

for yet. Lights, indicators and handbrake. Lets see what the last one will show . Overall

you did again an amazing job on this, Martin. My gratulations on this masterpiece, P V L.

Quote from farcar :

Thanks for the high quality mod. A fun and challenging car to drive.

Same here!

Quote from marcin338 :

That's again me (HiPo) Can u add a safari spec for option too?
https://www.motorsportimages.com/photo/1018942167-safari-rally/1018942167/?race_type_id=193&year=1977&p=5
https://www.motorsportimages.com/photo/1018942164-safari-rally/1018942164/?event_id=265283

I've got s confirmation from the 3D model author that I am allowed to add things like a light pod or mud flaps, so this should be fine

Thank you for this stratospheric mod!
I wonder if you could enable the slick tires too, it would be great on tracks.
Pirelli created specifically for this car a semi-slick tire that unfortunately is missing in LFS, but I think slick tires would be good enough.
I've seen also other pictures like this one after the Montecarlo rally in '77.
Not as much as we need a proper rally track on LFS, but I know, that is a r(e)ally off-topic argument!

Quote from Flame CZE :

Here's my first custom skin for it - the famous Alitalia livery. It's uploaded on LFSWorld too.

How to put this skin in game, i copy skin to vehicle folder but i cant find it in game?

Quote from Goran_MNE :

How to put this skin in game, i copy skin to vehicle folder but i cant find it in game?

it needs to be in the skins folder

Quote from TFalke55 :

it needs to be in the skins folder

It is, but i cant find it in game

Have you done this? The skin should appear on the list of skins.

around the edges of the doors are some see-through gaps. (from inside and outside)
bug or because racecar?

Quote from Flame CZE :

Have you done this? The skin should appear on the list of skins.

https://upload.lfsmanual.net/images/d/d5/Newskin1me9.jpg
https://upload.lfsmanual.net/images/e/e5/Newskin3cn1.jpg

Meybe i download skin in wrong format, i will check it again tomorow.

Quote from Gutholz :

around the edges of the doors are some see-through gaps. (from inside and outside)
bug or because racecar?

You are right, I guess I could close the gaps.

I spend few hours closing the gaps in the ETK, I do not enjoy doing that.

I check and everzthing is fine but still i cant see skin in game, there is only default skin.

- Added rally style light pod selectable in RALLY configuration
- Added trip meter on the dashboard
- Moved cente gauges closer to the driver
- Reduced light texture size
- Fixed holes between doors and roof

Dear Flame, this thing is so good but damn if it is hard to drive on tracks.
Meanwhile I still hope you will add slick tires, and:

- The central mirror could be prettier;

- Even more trivial: reducing rear height (not at the limit, still using reasonable values) and then bouncing the car, the tire can overlap the car body;

- This could be unfixable as it is caused by the shape of the car, but in rallycross tracks with other Acostas, from behind you can pass *under* other cars. The front is so pointy and low while the rear is so high, so it is a "perfect" scenario.
The LFS physics exagerates the effect a lot as usual unfortunately too.

Could this be at least reduced somehow? Maybe adding some almost-invisible points in the empty bottom part in the rear of the car?
On tracks it is harder to replicate, I suggest driving with AI on rallycross tracks and you will easily see what I mean.

Thanks for the constructive feedback!

The internal mirror will be improved for sure. It is not very good looking especially in VR.

Regarding the minimum height, I hope this can be achieved by adjusting the "max up" value in editor. I'll see what I can do.

I will also try to improve the collision mesh to be more forgiving about rear impacts.

- Added more polygons for mirrors
- Added fire extinguisher in front of passenger seat
- Added textures for seats and floor
- Updated collision mesh to be safer on front-rear impacts
- Updated steering wheel
- Updated default setup - wheels no longer go through mudguards on full compression
- Updated default skin templates

Good updates, but still needs rear mudflaps for rally spec, those were all time even on tarmac.

Version 6:

- animated pop-up headlights
- dashboard lights for sidelights / low beam / high beam

Really like the mod. I think something got messed up in the last update though, the headlights are now always in the default blue.

Thanks, I have fixed the custom colours on pop-up headlights.

Just discovered this car after returning to LFS after 11 years and i wanted to congratulate you for this amazing mod. Handling is just as i'd imagine and is a blast to drive. By far the most convincing Sim-Stratos i've ever come across. Thanks a lot for that!