American Truck Simulator: 1.40 Release

With lots of testing, feedback, fixing, and fine-tuning, we are excited to announce the highly anticipated arrival of update 1.40 for American Truck Simulator!

We'd like to thank all those who took part in the 1.40 Open Beta, made bug reports, and provided general feedback on this new version. We hope you can now begin to fully enjoy the various new features which are included within this update. So, what can you expect to find in the 1.40 update for ATS?

Lets us give you a quick recap of the most significant changes.

New Visual Lighting System

One of the biggest changes you'll notice when you first hop into your truck cab is the implementation of our new visual lighting system.

To prepare for this new lighting system, our teams had to make a lot of changes not only to our graphic renderer, its code, and other functionalities, but also to existing in-game world objects; including a majority of the in-game assets, textures, and materials to better work with the new physical model of the new light system. If you've missed our special and in-depth article on this topic, you can make yourself a big cup of tea/coffee and read it here.

We are very excited for you to be able to experience and immerse yourself in driving in the new light. The result is the culmination of a ton of hours by our programmers and visual effect artists and many other teams involved in the creation process of this new system. And even after this tremendous amount of work already spent in this area we are still not completely done. You can expect further changes and improvements to be done in the future. So while the open beta is done, we are still open and more than happy to get your feedback and opinions about this new graphics upgrade for our games.

Extended Chassis Update

Our vehicle team has worked hard to bring you a range of long and short chassis types, allowing you to customize your truck for the job at hand. This update will feature 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis types which are used for a range of different trailers. 

4x2s, also known as single-axle trucks, are frequently used for local distribution deliveries by supermarkets and by logistic companies for hauling doubles. 8x4 and 8x6 chassis are the big guns of the heavy-haul industry and can handle just about any load you decide to take on. All of these new options bring more variety to you - the driver! We hope you enjoy this awesome addition to 1.40!

Here's a full list of all the new extended chassis options now available in 1.40:

• Freightliner Cascadia: Day cab 4x2
• Mack Anthem: Day cab 4x2
• International LoneStar: Day cab & Sleepers 8x4
• Peterbilt 389: Day cab & Sleepers 8x4 & 8x6
• Volvo VNL: Day cab 4x2, Day cab & Sleepers 8x4
• Peterbilt 579: Day cab 4x2
• Kenworth W900: Day cab & Sleepers 8x4 & 8x6
• Kenworth T680: Day cab 4x2
• Western Star 49X: Day cab & Sleepers 8x4 & 8x6

Western Star 49X Update

The Western Star 49X has received 2 additional sleeper cabin options and a grand total of 36 chassis variants, comprising of different lengths and fuel tank options on 6x2, 6x4, 8x4, and 8x6 axle configurations. Also as a surprise bonus, this includes 5 lengths for both the Set-Back and Set-Forward axle configurations! So whether you are on a job long or small, you will have the option to customize your 49X perfectly for the task at hand. 

However, that isn't all! The Western Star 49X now also has an array of new parts to customize your truck including new bumpers, quarter fenders, mud flaps, hood mirrors, sun visors, grille guards, and different interior colors. We will also be bringing 3 new gearboxes in this update, the DT12-V (in direct-drive and overdrive configurations) and the DT12-VX. We hope this pleases drivers who prefer a more realistic option for their gearbox. 

New Mexico & Oregon DLC Viewpoints

Back in October last year, American Truck Simulator saw the arrival of viewpoints to the states of Washington, Colorado, and Utah after their popular debut in Idaho! Today we are happy to share with you that 1.40 sees the introduction of new viewpoints to the states of New Mexico & Oregon. 

For newer players of our titles, Viewpoints are certain spots found across the map, where drivers can activate a special in-game cutscene with a short showcase of a near location or place of interest. These can be found displayed as a grey question mark on your GPS, so be sure to stop and discover them on your journeys. 

You also have the option to skip the viewpoint or replay it if you wish to watch it again. From populated cities to historic monuments, each viewpoint highlights a point of interest or industry, so make sure to discover them all!  

Changelog:

Visual:

• New visual lighting system

Map: 

• An overall update to road signage
• New service signs added to CO, ID, UT, and WA
• New fast food brands introduced to several other locations outside of CO
• New viewpoints in New Mexico & Oregon DLC's
  
  

Vehicles: 

• New 4x2, 8x4, and 8x6 chassis
• Western Star 49X update including sleeper variants, set-back configurations, and new customizations 

UI

• Full-text city/company search in the job selection screen
• Improved vehicle adjustment menu (F4)