GRID: Autosport is the third game in the GRID race simulation series. It includes a wide range of motorsports and is more realistic than the original GRID. It does not abandon the arcade-oriented approach of its predecessor, GRID 2, as those features are now blended with the more realistic ones from the first game in a single package. For example, a first-person cockpit view returns. However, the game is not presented as a strict simulation, as several assists guide the player in addition to the precise steering and physics model. The game no longer contains a narrative-driven career mode, and the menus have been simplified. Wear and tear, a loss in performance over time due to use, a suspension damage system, and asking for various forms of information via radio are all technical novelties. Pit stops are not supported in the game. The Flashback element from the first game returns, allowing the player to reverse time for a few seconds to fix mistakes.
Aside from single races, offline and online, with the ability for split-screen and custom cups where all settings can be customized, the primary career mode allows players to begin a 25-year career. Each season, a discipline, championship, and team can be picked. There are five sorts of auto sports disciplines available: Endurance, Open Wheel, Street, Touring Car, and Tuner are the different types of cars. All classes must be played to unlock new teams and teammates via season objectives and sponsors to progress. During a race, the player can convince his teammate to shift his racing behavior to defensive and hold off the racers behind him trying to catch up. Experience is gained by achieving goals and accomplishing tasks. Disabling aides earns you additional knowledge. Unlike the original GRID, managing a whole staff of hiring drivers, designing liveries, and recruiting sponsors are impossible.
Each discipline has its own goals, cars, and races. Touring Car races are standard, Endurance races involve tire wear, and Open Wheel races need stringent and correct racing behavior with Formula 3 and Indy Cars, and only on legitimate circuits. Tuner vehicles compete in time trials and drift events, while street races are on congested city circuits. Both of these events are held on fictitious tracks. When a specific level is reached in the combined racing disciplines, the player is invited to participate in a GRID Grand Slam with additional, severe tasks.
The championships are not licensed. However, there are several real-life circuits, such as Indianapolis, Spa-Francorchamps, Mount Panorama, and the Yas Marina Circuit, and various fictional events in real locales such as Dubai, Paris, and San Francisco. There are almost 100 configurations in all for 22 sites. The cars are organized into tiers for each racing discipline, including BTCC, V8 Supercars, GT, Formula A, muscle cars, hypercars, and more from licensed manufacturers.
