Road Trip Preview Details New Car Purchase and Configuration System

SCS Software has released a new preview for the Road Trip project, focusing specifically on the vehicle configuration and purchase process. This update clarifies how the mechanics for personal cars differ from the established systems used for trucks in American Truck Simulator. The announcement provides a detailed look at the user interface, the structure of the new Car Pack DLCs, and the tools available for managing a personal fleet.

The core of the new system is a dedicated “Car Dealer” tab located within the in-game desktop. This interface is distinct from the truck purchasing process and is designed specifically for personal vehicles such as the Ford Mustang and Dodge Challenger. Access to specific brands is gated by the ownership of Car Pack DLCs. For example, owning the Ford Car Pack unlocks Ford models, while the RAM & Dodge Car Pack unlocks both RAM and Dodge brands. This structure means that a single DLC can contain and unlock multiple brands, allowing players to expand their options by purchasing specific content packs.

Once a brand is selected, players can browse available models using a catalog view or switch to a table view for side-by-side specification comparisons. The preview highlights the ability to inspect vehicles in detail before purchase. Users can view the light signature, read the description, and check technical details and specifications. Before finalizing a purchase, players can select from a variety of unique colors. This pre-purchase customization allows for a degree of personalization before the vehicle is even added to the player’s inventory.

After purchasing a car, players have two immediate options: drive the vehicle straightaway or proceed to the garage for further customization. The garage is a new virtual space accessible via the “My Cars” tab in the in-game desktop. This space serves as a hub for viewing, customizing, and managing owned cars. The layout mirrors the Car Dealer, allowing users to browse their collection, view details, and compare vehicles. However, the primary function of the garage is customization.

The configuration process in the garage is tailored to each specific car. Players can access a “Configure” option to choose from various modifications, including paint jobs, exterior parts, and interior components. The announcement notes that selected cabin accessories will be compatible with Car Pack DLCs, suggesting that the customization ecosystem is designed to integrate with additional content. This system allows for a more personalized look than the standard truck customization options, which may not offer the same level of interior or exterior part variety for personal cars.

The garage also functions as a management tool, allowing players to sell their cars. This creates a full lifecycle for personal vehicles within the game, from purchase and customization to eventual disposal. The ability to sell cars adds a layer of economic management to the personal vehicle experience, distinct from the trucking business mechanics.

The Road Trip project continues to expand the scope of American Truck Simulator beyond the traditional trucking simulation. By introducing a distinct purchase and configuration system for personal cars, SCS Software is addressing a different aspect of the driving experience. The new interface and the integration of Car Pack DLCs suggest a modular approach to content, where players can choose which brands and models they want to access. The preview does not provide information on the performance differences between cars or specific gameplay mechanics related to driving personal vehicles, focusing instead on the user-facing tools for acquisition and customization.

This preview is part of a broader effort to showcase the features of the Road Trip project. The focus on the purchase and configuration process highlights the attention to detail in the user experience design. The new garage and dealer interfaces are designed to be intuitive, with clear navigation and comprehensive information displays. The ability to compare specifications side-by-side is a practical feature for players who want to make informed decisions about which car to purchase. The integration of color and part customization before and after purchase provides flexibility, allowing players to adjust their vehicles as their preferences change.

The announcement serves as a technical preview of the systems that will be available in the Road Trip project. It does not confirm a release date or provide details on the specific cars that will be included in each Car Pack DLC beyond the examples of Ford, RAM, and Dodge. The focus remains on the mechanics of how players will interact with these vehicles within the game. The new system represents a significant addition to the game’s features, offering a new way to engage with the world of American Truck Simulator outside of the trucking simulation.