- The Car Company Tycoon Game V4.2.13 — Automation

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 represents a significant milestone in the long-term evolution of the definitive automotive engineering simulator. Developed by Camshaft Software, this version refines the deep technical mechanics that allow players to build an automotive empire from 1946 through 2020. Core Features of v4.2.13

The v4.2.13 update, part of the "Light Campaign v4.2" series, focuses heavily on stability, technical refinement, and quality-of-life improvements for the car and engine designers.

Physically-Based Glow Model: This version introduced a new visual model for engine headers and turbochargers, which glow realistically based on thermal output.

Car Body Unlock Balancing: The unlock years for car bodies were spread out more naturally to prevent "clumping," ensuring a smoother progression through the eras.

Intercooler Customization: Players gained the ability to assign materials to intercooler pipe fixtures, adding another layer of aesthetic control.

Designer Stability: v4.2.13 addressed several long-standing bugs, including a permanent framerate drop issue when using the designer hoist and issues with AI car generation top speeds. Deep Engineering Mechanics

Automation is renowned for its granular approach to vehicle creation. Players must balance engineering feasibility with market demand across several key areas:

The Refined Road: A Deep Dive into Automation v4.2.13 In the world of hardcore simulation, Automation: The Car Company Tycoon Game

has always stood as a titan of technical depth. Its latest iteration, version 4.2.13, isn't just another patch; it’s a masterclass in how a small, dedicated team can polish a "complicated car calculator" into a more seamless creative engine.

Whether you're a veteran tuning 3,500-horsepower V16 engines or a newcomer just trying to make a family hatchback that doesn't explode, v4.2.13 brings critical refinements to the "Al Rilma" update cycle. The Technical Polish: Under the Hood of v4.2.13

While major updates usually grab headlines with flashy new engine layouts, v4.2.13 focuses on the user experience (UX) and stability required to keep the game’s complex systems from buckling under their own weight.

Graphic & Performance Fixes: Long-standing issues with RTX lighting and permanent framerate drops after using the designer's hoist have been addressed, ensuring your custom creations look as sleek as they perform.

Fixture & Design Workflow: Designing has become significantly less "janky". Version 4.2.13 introduces a new physically-based glow model for engine headers and turbos, and fixes the frustrating bug where 3D fixtures wouldn't correctly nudge their mirrored counterparts.

AI Improvements: The "AI car generation" has seen a much-needed fix, specifically regarding top speed settings, making sandbox competition feel more grounded in reality. Easing the Tycoon Grind

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 is a maintenance patch within the "Light Campaign Version 4.2" (LCV4.2) open alpha cycle. Released in April 2022, this version focused on stabilizing the significant engine and lighting overhauls introduced in earlier 4.2 builds. Core Gameplay & Version Context

The game allows you to design cars and engines from the ground up—adjusting every "nut and bolt" including engine tuning and aesthetics. In the LCV4.2 branch, the developers migrated many calculations from Lua to C++, dramatically improving performance and enabling a full simulation of engines at all throttle settings. Key Fixes in v4.2.13

This specific update addressed several bugs related to graphics, UI, and car design tools:

Designer Performance: Fixed a bug where the framerate in the car designer would drop permanently after using the hoist. Fixture Improvements:

3D fixtures now correctly nudge mirrored versions when using arrow keys. Materials can now be assigned to intercooler pipe fixtures.

Fixed issues with fixture ray-cast misfires on specific car bodies like "Edgy00s". Engine & Mechanics:

Implemented a new physically-based glow model for engine headers and turbos.

Fixed "VVL profile swap" errors that randomly broke engine sounds and tests.

Adjusted the "clumping" of car body unlock years to spread them out more naturally. UI & Tooling:

The "Undo" stack no longer resets when switching cars; it only clears on a full game restart.

Improved demographic comparison tooltips and fixed various side-stat panel warnings.

Limited the Photoscene resolution slider to more "workable" values to prevent crashes. Broader Game Development (2026 Status)

As of April 2026, the game is in its "Al Rilma" update phase, which has introduced:

Superchargers and Sequential Turbos: Completing the three-part "Supercharger Update suite".

Campaign Revamp: New HQ levels, logistics points, and updated financial tabs aimed at a more "comprehensive tycoon experience".

Tire & Physics Overhaul: A full rework of the tire model for grip and friction.

LCV4.2.13 - Open Alpha · Automation - The Car ... - SteamDB

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game version 4.2.13, part of the Light Campaign v4.2 Open Alpha, focuses on engine simulation enhancements, including a physically-based glow model and VVL profile fixes. This update also improves car designer, adds HDRi photo scenes for better performance, and resolves critical bugs, but is incompatible with older save files. For full details, visit

LCV4.2.13 - Open Alpha · Automation - The Car ... - SteamDB

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 was a significant patch released as part of the Lite Campaign V4.2 "Open Alpha" cycle on April 21, 2022. This update focused heavily on stability, performance optimization, and refining technical simulation mechanics for both engine and car design. Core Technical Improvements

Designer Performance: Addressed a critical bug where the framerate in the car designer would drop permanently after using the hoist.

Engine Simulation: A new physically-based glow model was implemented for engine headers and turbos, providing more realistic visual feedback during testing. Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13

VVL Mechanics: Fixed a recurring issue where Variable Valve Lift (VVL) profile swaps occurring before the RPM limit would randomly break engine sounds and test data.

AI Enhancements: Corrected a bug in AI car generation that prevented it from setting the vehicle's top speed correctly. Car Designer & Fixture Updates

3D Fixture Nudging: Fixed the interaction where 3D fixtures would not correctly nudge their mirrored counterparts when using arrow key clicks.

Intercooler Customization: Players gained the ability to assign materials directly to intercooler pipe fixtures for greater visual detail.

Body Progression: Car body unlock years were redistributed to be less "clumped," providing a more natural progression through the campaign.

Legacy Importing: Improved the reliability of importing Automation .car files from version 4.1 or earlier, specifically ensuring wheel size limits are respected. Photoscene & UI Enhancements

Undo Functionality: The undo stack was redesigned to only reset on a full game restart; switching between cars now keeps each vehicle's specific undo history intact.

RTX & Stability: Fixed a bug that caused the photoscene tab to change unexpectedly when turning on RTX settings while a car was selected. Interface Refinement:

Added undo buttons specifically for photoscene camera settings.

Limited the market selection in Markets Mode to only show regions available for sale.

Improved the demographic comparison tooltip for clearer campaign planning.

2 changes paved the way for the more recent Al Rilma or Ellisbury updates?

LCV4.2.13 - Open Alpha · Automation - The Car ... - SteamDB

The Verdict

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 is not a game for everyone. It demands patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to fail. But for the automotive obsessive, it is a masterpiece. It captures the romance of the automobile—the sound of a perfectly tuned exhaust, the lines of a well-proportioned fender, and the thrill of seeing your creation conquer the global market.

It is a game that understands that a car is more than a product; it is a collection of thousands of decisions. In v4.2.13, those decisions have never felt more meaningful.

Key Features of v4.2.13:

• Refined Engine Designer: Improved calculations for friction, thermodynamics, and airflow.
• Lightweight Campaign: A streamlined economic simulation spanning 1946 to 2020.
• Body Morphing: Advanced tools to adjust chassis dimensions without breaking the model.
• Steam Workshop Integration: Access to thousands of community-made bodies and engines.

Rating: 9/

The LCV4.2.13 Open Alpha update for Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game

(released in April 2022) focused on stabilizing the massive engine and car designer overhaul introduced in the 4.2 cycle.

This version was a critical "cleanup" patch that addressed technical debt from the engine simulation rework, which completely changed how naturally aspirated and forced induction engines were calculated. Key Fixes & Technical Improvements

Engine Visuals: A new physically-based glow model was implemented for engine headers and turbos, providing more realistic heat feedback during testing.

Designer Stability: Resolved a persistent issue where the framerate in the car designer would drop permanently after using the hoist to view the car's undercarriage.

Physics & Logic: Fixed AI-generated cars failing to set their top speed and corrected the "VVL profile swap" bug that randomly broke engine sounds before reaching the RPM limit.

Fixture Tweaks: Materials can now be assigned to intercooler pipe fixtures, and 3D fixtures correctly nudge their mirrored versions when using arrow keys.

Campaign Balance: Car body unlock years were spread out to prevent them from clumping together, ensuring a more natural progression through the decades. Designer & UI Refinements

The UI received several quality-of-life updates to make the complex simulation more readable:

Photoscene Tools: Added undo buttons for camera settings and limited the resolution slider to prevent system crashes.

Comparison Data: Improved the demographic comparison tooltip, helping players better understand why their cars might be failing in specific market segments.

Market Restrictions: In Markets Mode, selection is now limited to available regions where you can actually sell vehicles, reducing clutter.

LCV4.2.13 - Open Alpha · Automation - The Car ... - SteamDB

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 was a significant update in the "Light Campaign" (LCV4.2) development cycle, focusing heavily on stability and refining the user experience during the Open Alpha Key Highlights of v4.2.13

This patch addressed several critical technical and visual issues to prepare the game for the larger "Al Rilma" and "Terso" updates that followed. Graphics & Rendering : Fixed issues where Ray Tracing (RTX)

was not functioning correctly and addressed permanent framerate drops in the car designer after adjusting the hoist. Fixture & Design Improvements Added a new physically-based glow model for engine headers and turbos.

Fixed 3D fixtures not properly nudging their mirrored counterparts when using arrow keys. Enabled material assignment for intercooler pipe fixtures Engine & Mechanics Undo stack

was updated to persist when switching cars, only resetting upon a full game restart. car body unlock years Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4

to be more spread out, preventing "clumping" in the tech tree. Fixed a bug where the AI car generator would fail to set a top speed. UI & Quality of Life demographic comparison tooltips for better market analysis. Added undo buttons specifically for photoscene camera settings

Restricted market selection to regions that are actually reachable for sales. Comparison to Later Versions (2026 Context)

While v4.2.13 focused on core engine and UI fixes, the game has since moved into the

update phases as of 2026. Recent updates have added much more complex features like: Supercharging and Twincharging

: New forced induction options with advanced boost pressure controls. Company Headquarters

: A new mechanic for managing R&D, marketing, and logistics points. Revamped Reliability

: A fully transparent system breaking down the reliability of every engine and car component. Soft-Body BeamNG Export : A complete rethink of how cars are exported to BeamNG.drive for better crash physics. transfer your .car files from older versions like v4.2 into the latest 2026 Al Rilma Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game on Steam

Early Game (Years 1-5)

You cannot build a supercar first. The reliability system will destroy you. You must build a "People's Car" – low power, high durability, cheap materials. The new Reliability Threshold mechanic means if your car has a complexity score above 30 with low-quality steel, you will fail within one year.

Difficulty & Learning Curve

• Brutal. The tutorial is still insufficient. You will need external guides, the in-game tooltips, or a background in engineering to understand why your "perfect" V12 makes only 200hp and detonates at 4000rpm.
• Punishing but fair: The game tells you why a design fails (e.g., "peak cylinder pressure too high – reduce compression or retard timing"). It rewards real-world logic.

✨ Why It Stands Out

Automation isn't just about making a car look cool; it is about the engineering compromises.

• Want more power? You have to accept lower reliability and higher fuel consumption.
• Want a cheaper car? You have to use thinner steel (lower safety) or cheaper suspension (worse comfort).
• Want high-tech features? You have to invest millions into R&D before you can use them.

v4.2.13 represents the most stable and feature-complete version of the "Tycoon" aspect, finally giving players a reason to care about the margins of their engine blocks.

This guide for Automation: The Car Company Tycoon Game focuses on version v4.2.13, a pivotal update in the Light Campaign Version 4.2 (LCV4.2) series that introduced the massive Engine Designer rework and expanded campaign mechanics.  1. The Core Update: Engine Designer Rework 

The v4.2 branch completely overhauled how engines are simulated and tuned. Key changes include: 

Turbocharger Deep Dive: New turbo options significantly impact lag and power delivery. A common "meta" strategy for tuning is to start with minimum compressor and turbine sizes with maximum AR to find the best efficiency before scaling up for power.

Valvetrain Choices: Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC) remains the gold standard for high-performance, high-RPM builds, while Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) or Pushrods are better for keeping costs low in budget campaign trims.

Twincharging: The update increased maximum boost pressure for twincharged setups (supercharger + turbocharger) from 2 to 5 Bar, allowing for extreme power density.  2. Campaign Strategy for v4.2.13 

In the v4.2 campaign, managing your company's growth is more complex due to the new World Map and Tech Pool systems. 

The "Shitbox" Entry: Start with a simple, high-suitability utility or family car. Use a steel ladder frame and leaf springs to leverage high "familiarity" and lower engineering time.

Flexible Production: You can now produce multiple car facelifts in the same factory, removing previous restrictions that forced you to retire older models too early.

Financial Survival: Secure more than 100% funding for new projects (sometimes up to 200% via loans) to ensure you have a "war chest" for marketing before the car officially launches.  3. Pro Tips for Better Cars 

Market Targeting: Use the Market Screen UI to see exactly what demographics want. If a car is "over-braked," reduce brake size to save money without losing drivability.

Reliability vs. Performance: In early campaign years, intentionally lower the pressure sliders on engineering to gain "learning" for future projects, even if it leads to lower initial reliability.

BeamNG.drive Integration: v4.2 improved how cars export to BeamNG.drive, including advanced trim settings. If your gauges don't work after export, you can now use specific "prop numbers" in the car's description to map needles to speed or RPM. 

For a hands-on look at building a balanced, modern engine in the v4.2 environment, check out this walkthrough: 2m How to build a engine in Automation the car company tycoon Curious gamer 20 YouTube• Sep 4, 2023 If you'd like to dive deeper, let me know: 

I can provide more specialized tuning tips based on your goals.  Automation LCV4.3 Brutal Campaign (Archana Utility) Ep01

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game was a significant patch released during the Light Campaign Version 4.2 (LCV4.2)

"Open Alpha" phase in April 2022. This version focused on refining the massive overhaul introduced in the 4.2 cycle, which included a redesigned engine simulation and new turbocharger mechanics. Key Features and Changes in v4.2.13

The v4.2.13 update served as a crucial stability and polish bridge for the 4.2 development cycle, addressing technical debt and improving the user interface: Engine & Physics Refinement Introduced a physically-based glow model

for engine headers and turbochargers, adding visual realism to high-performance testing. Fixed a critical issue where Continuously Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) was missing its description string. twincharging oscillations

where turbochargers would sometimes overpower superchargers.

Imported cars from older versions (4.1 and earlier) now correctly recognize wheel size limits Design & Art Tools Intercooler pipe fixtures were updated to allow material assignments. 3D fixtures

now correctly nudge their mirrored versions when using arrow keys. undo buttons specifically for photoscene camera settings.

Restructured car body unlock years to reduce "clumping," creating a more balanced progression through history. UI & User Experience Added a new button to create a new trim

directly from a currently held trim, streamlining the design workflow. Improved the demographic comparison tooltip to provide better market feedback. The Verdict Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4

Implemented a more workable resolution slider for photoscenes to prevent system crashes. Fixed a persistent frame rate drop in the Car Designer that occurred after adjusting the hoist. Overview of the LCV4.2 Development Cycle Version 4.2.13 was part of the broader LCV4.2 update

, which fundamentally changed how players engage with the tycoon aspects of the game: Forecasting Tools

: Added extensive market forecasting, allowing players to predict vehicle success before launching into production. Engine Designer Overhaul : The simulation moved from LUA to

, resulting in massive performance gains and a new simulation model that accurately tracks airflow and temperatures. New Forced Induction : This cycle introduced quad-turbo

configurations for V12 and V16 engines and revamped how single/twin turbos operate. HDRi Photospheres

: A new photo mode tool that uses high-quality environment maps for more realistic car photography without the heavy performance cost of full 3D scenes.

For the most up-to-date features, many players have since moved to the newer updates, which you can find details for on the official Steam News page for the game or a deep dive into designing engines for specific eras? Automation LCV4.2: The Next Big Update Overview

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 represents a vital maintenance and refinement phase within the ambitious LCV4.2 (Light Campaign Version 4.2) development cycle. While earlier 4.2 iterations introduced massive shifts like balance shafts and harmonic dampers, v4.2.13 focuses on the "Open Alpha" stability needed for a smooth tycoon experience. The Core Experience: Engineering Meets Economics

At its heart, Automation is an unparalleled automotive simulator where you don't just "buy" parts; you engineer them. The game spans the history of the automobile from 1946 to 2020, challenging players to build a global brand while managing technical constraints and shifting market demographics. Key Features in v4.2.13

Version 4.2.13 was specifically an "Open Alpha" patch designed to address technical debt and UI polish following the major systems overhaul of the 4.2 series.

Engineering Fixes: This build corrected issues where imported cars from version 4.1 or earlier did not respect wheel size limits, and fixed critical audio bugs where the VVL profile swap would break engine sounds.

Tycoon & UI Polish: Developers improved the demographic comparison tooltips and limited market selections to only reachable regions, preventing players from accidentally targeting impossible sales goals.

Photoscene Enhancements: For creators who use the game as a digital art studio, v4.2.13 added undo buttons to camera settings and optimized resolution sliders to prevent game crashes.

BeamNG.drive Exporter: Stability was a major focus, ensuring interior fixtures are unbreakable by default and fixing carbon fiber material rendering after exporting your cars to BeamNG.drive. Building the Ultimate Machine

In this version, players can leverage the full suite of LCV4.2's detailed engine designer. This includes:

Exotic Materials: Use magnesium blocks and titanium conrods to minimize weight.

Forced Induction: High-performance twin-turbo setups with smart boost systems allow for engines producing well over 3,000 horsepower.

Aero & Tuning: Precisely adjust frontal area and spring/damper stiffness to ensure your creation handles as well as it looks. Why v4.2.13 Matters

For long-term fans, v4.2.13 was a "bridge" update. It refined the "Advanced Trim Settings" that allowed for unprecedented control over chassis dimensions. It also laid the groundwork for future updates like "Al Rilma" and "Ellisbury," which would eventually add features like diesel engines and deeper factory management.

Whether you are a meticulous engineer or a business strategist, Automation v4.2.13 remains a significant milestone in the game's decade-long journey from a niche indie project to the definitive "car company tycoon" simulator.

Automation: The Car Company Tycoon Game is a deep automotive simulation focused on designing engines and vehicles to build a successful car empire. Version 4.2.13

was a minor stability and bug-fix update following the major LCV 4.2 (Light Commercial Vehicle) update, which revamped the campaign mode and economy. Core Gameplay Features Detailed Engineering

: Design every aspect of a vehicle, including chassis material, suspension setup (e.g., race suspension), and body styling. Engine Mastery

: Build engines from scratch, selecting rotating assemblies, turbo configurations, and fuel injection systems (e.g., multipoint with +10 quality). Tycoon Strategy

: Manage a company starting in the post-war era (1946). You must balance production costs and engineering time to meet the demands of different market segments. BeamNG.drive Integration : Players can export their custom designs directly into the BeamNG.drive physics engine to test performance and vehicle dynamics. Key Updates in the v4.2 Cycle The v4.2 series introduced the LCV 4.2 update , which significantly altered the campaign: Profitability Overhaul

: Players reported that well-designed cars could drastically increase company profits under the new economic model. Mechanical Refining

: Rebalanced suspension tuning and expanded customization for race-oriented setups. Power Density Limits

: The game simulates power density (horsepower per liter), where exceeding limits based on component quality and manufacture year causes a gradual loss in engine reliability. Accessing Newer Versions How to build a engine in Automation the car company tycoon

A Sandbox for Designers

One of the standout features emphasized in this current build is the seamless integration of the Tycoon and Designer modes.

For those who find the economic stress of running a company too daunting, the "Car Designer" and "Engine Designer" modes offer a sandbox experience. v4.2.13 introduces quality-of-life fixes to the UI, making the process of snapping panels together and fine-tuning suspensions smoother than ever. It acts as a digital LEGO set for car enthusiasts, with a community that has already created thousands of replicas of real-world vehicles.

Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13: The Ultimate Sandbox for Automotive Mad Scientists

In the crowded landscape of tycoon and simulation games, few titles demand as much intellectual rigor and creative passion as Automation. Forget the simplified supply chains of Planet Coaster or the abstracted economics of Rollercoaster Tycoon. Automation is not a game where you simply click "build factory" and watch money roll in. Instead, it is a punishingly detailed, joyous love letter to internal combustion engineering, manufacturing logistics, and the cutthroat world of global automobile sales.

With the release of Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13, the developers at Camshaft Software have delivered what might be the definitive version of the game to date. This update polishes the already formidable tycoon systems while deepening the integration with BeamNG.drive, creating a loop of design, production, and physical testing that no other game on the market can touch.

If you have ever argued about the merits of a DOHC versus a pushrod V8, wondered how to balance camber angles for a track day special, or dreamt of bankrupting a fictional conglomerate by producing a disastrously under-engineered SUV, this is your digital Valhalla.

What makes v4.2.13 solid specifically

• Performance improvements – Faster car loading and engine simulation than earlier v4.x builds.
• UI polish – Redesigned component tooltips show real-time changes (power, emissions, stress, cost).
• Better difficulty balance – AI companies no longer spam unrealistic cars; market share feels earned.
• Stability – Crashes from the 4.1.x branch (especially in factory management) are fixed.
• Sandbox mode enhancements – Unlock all tech, infinite budget, or test engines without campaign constraints.

Is Automation - The Car Company Tycoon Game v4.2.13 Worth It?

Yes, but with a massive caveat: This is not a game you "beat" in a weekend. It is a spreadsheet heavy, simulation-first experience that requires patience and a genuine curiosity about how cars work.

• For the Casual Gamer: Avoid. The learning curve is a vertical cliff.
• For the Gearhead: This is the best $30 you will ever spend. It is more accurate than Car Mechanic Simulator in terms of engineering logic and more strategic than Forza’s upgrade system.
• For the Tycoon Fan: If you love Capitalism Lab or GearCity, you will find a home here. The visual feedback of seeing your car model (complete with your chosen headlights and bumper design) driving on a test track makes the spreadsheet grind worth it.