Update Speculation thread

It is a different model. Compare them closely.

 

I'm not at home, so I can't compare them closely.
But with the pictures that gaves Dieter Huysamen, unless the lack of polygons and the addition of chrome, they look really similar.
Maybe they did a reduction of the T-rex big model.

 

They probably just used it because it's easier than making a new model... still looks quite cool, though

 

I think it's a bit less defined, and more blobby, which is realistic.

 

that's likely just due to reducing the polycount and removing the normal mapping.

 

I think it looks nice.

 

Okay, here's some actual speculation for once:

A few years ago someone posted this concept for a Japanese map that was found in the JRI's files, which at the time LJFHutch claimed it was a "brief test/proof of concept". Here's the thing: many of the "brief tests" shown in that map actually became a reality, like functional gas stations, car dealerships and garages. This means of the devs wanted these features implemented on official maps years ago, that one "concept" was made with a lot of those things in mind, which would be weird for a "concept".

My speculation: Japan map releasing in maybe a year or two. I don't know how long it takes to develop an official map from start to finish, but the Italy thread points to about 2,5 to 3 years. Some shots of the Italy map have some low-poly buildings to help lay out the city as well, so maybe that's what that "concept" was about. Maybe the devs didn't settle for a definitive terrain, decided to test the Japan town layout (with the planned but yet not implemented features in mind) on JRI and forgot about that file.

Also, a Japan map along with the remasters of the 200BX, Miramar and Sunburst are some very requested features, so I think the devs are purposefully holding back these remasters to release with a full Japanese map on a JDM themed update.

 

that's really cool

 

Nice point. Sort of like 0.27 (that added Johnson Valley and a few offroad vehicles) but this time a Japanese map and the remaster of three Japanese cars. It wouldn't be bad at all!

 

Well yeah, by the way, then right hand drive cars will become relevant to right hand drive traffic too, what's the concept of the map? Drifting? Or like a «Shutoko Revival Project map»?

The release of a new map should be timed to coincide with something new, like a redesigned night mode, lighting, new night skybox, wet track? Speed cameras?) A drifting point scorer? Thermal tires? Street racing with the police?

Or maybe the snowy mountains of Japan?

 

Ayo, the last pic looks kinda similar to me...

 

i wonder if we are getting a Canada themed map?

 

That's not very specific. North America is the entire continent.

 

in the last picture, what is the name of the map???

 

Wouldn't be too far off given we have the "Express" config for the Covet which specifically mentions Japanese expressways...

 

Unfortunately I don't know, I came across the photo by accident

 

Between the trailers being referred to as "US semi trailers" in the forum thread/release video, that note in the dev blog, and the T-Series being renamed to "US-Semi" in the files it seems we're getting a non-US truck. The team has been knocking out some of the most requested vehicles (LD Charger counterpart, old American minivan, and a super car) and one of the top requests is a Euro semi. We could get an Asian one though, but a Euro semi would make sense on Italy and ETK test center.

 

Wouldn't be surprised if we got a Euro semi and then got an Asian medium-duty truck to fill the "Class 5/6" role - that medium-duty truck could also be sold in the US, like the Isuzu NRR is.

 

What if it was Italy-sized and had both of these?

Great now I got my hopes up... I hope this comes true(at least the map part).

 

If we did get a Japan map, it would be nice to be able to no-hesi through a tight, long highway loop