A Complete Guide to the Project Cars 1 Car List

I still remember the first time I booted up Project CARS back in 2015. The roar of the engines, the stunning graphics... and then I saw it. The car list. It felt like a phone book of automotive dreams, and I was completely, wonderfully lost. I spent my first two hours just scrolling, trying to decide between a classic touring car and a modern hypercar, with no real strategy. That's when I discovered the secret to truly mastering this game isn't just picking a fast car; it's understanding the class system. The game is meticulously balanced around these classes, and once you grasp that, the entire garage opens up in a logical, conquerable way.

This guide is the result of countless hours on the track and in the menus, born from that initial feeling of being overwhelmed. I've compiled not just a list, but a definitive, easy-to-navigate resource. I promise this is the most comprehensive, accurate, and user-friendly Project CARS 1 car list you will find anywhere online in 2026. We'll break down every single vehicle, including all the DLC cars, and organize them by their official in-game class. This way, you can spend less time scrolling and more time racing.

Why A Class-Based List is The Best Approach

Simply listing cars alphabetically or by manufacturer doesn't help you in career mode or online racing. The game's entire structure revolves around its robust class system. Think of it like a recipe. You wouldn't just throw random ingredients in a bowl; you group them by function. In PCARS, grouping cars by class tells you exactly which vehicles compete against each other. This is crucial for setting up custom races, understanding your career path, and finding the perfect car for any specific event.

My method organizes the garage just as the developers intended. You'll see the direct progression, from nimble karts and classic roadsters to the fire-breathing prototypes of Le Mans. It's the only way to truly appreciate the sheer breadth and depth of the simulation Slightly Mad Studios created.

The Complete Project CARS 1 Car List by Class

Here it is: every car in Project CARS 1, including all post-launch DLC packs, sorted by their official racing class. I've noted the DLC cars so you know which ones were added after the initial release. Get ready to find your next favorite ride.

Road Cars

These are the cars you could, in theory, drive on the street. The classes are generally organized by performance, from the more accessible C-class cars to the world's most elite hypercars.

GT Racing

The heart and soul of sports car racing. This section covers everything from entry-level GT4 cars to the top-tier GT3 machines that battle it out in endurance races across the globe.

Touring Cars

These are the aggressive, fender-banging race cars developed from production models. From historic legends to modern machines, touring car racing is always a crowd-pleaser.

Prototypes & Le Mans

This is the pinnacle of endurance racing. Lightweight, high-downforce machines designed for one purpose: to be the fastest car over 24 hours. Includes both modern and classic Le Mans challengers.

Open Wheel

From the first step on the motorsport ladder to the pinnacle of single-seater racing. These cars are all about raw speed, precision, and downforce.

• Karts: Shifter Kart 125cc, Superkart 250cc
• Formula Rookie: Formula Rookie
• Formula C: A competitive single-seater series.
• Formula B: A step up in power and downforce.
• Formula A: The game's equivalent of a modern Formula 1 car.
• Classic Open Wheel:
  • Lotus Type 49 Cosworth (1967)
  • Lotus Type 72D Cosworth (1970)
  • Lotus Type 78 Cosworth (1977) - Classic Lotus Track Expansion
  • Lotus Type 98T Renault Turbo (1986) - Classic Lotus Track Expansion

Understanding the DLC: Where The Extra Cars Come From

Project CARS 1 was supported heavily with post-launch content, adding a significant number of cars to the initial roster. If you see a car on this list that's missing from your game, it's likely part of a DLC pack you don't own. Many of these are now bundled in a "Game of the Year" edition, which is the best way to get everything.

Here are some of the key packs that added vehicles:

• Limited Edition Upgrade: A small pack that was initially a pre-order bonus, featuring cars like the McLaren F1 and Sauber C9.
• Japanese Car Pack: Added iconic JDM machines like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX and the Toyota TS040 Hybrid.
• Racing Icons Car Pack: A fan-favorite pack that included Le Mans legends like the Bentley Speed 8 and BMW V12 LMR.
• Old vs New Car Pack: This pack created brilliant matchups, pairing cars like the 1987 Ruf CTR with the modern RGT-8.
• US Race Car Pack: Brought American muscle to the grid with the Cadillac ATS-V.R and the Corvette C7.R.
• Audi Ruapuna Park Track Expansion: While primarily a track pack, it included the dominant Audi R18 e-tron quattro.

Choosing Your First Car: A Pro's Advice

Feeling overwhelmed again? Don't worry. Here are a few tips I've gathered over thousands of laps to help you get started on the right foot.

• Start Slow, Learn Fast: It's tempting to jump straight into a Formula A or LMP1 car. Resist the urge. Start your journey in the Renault Clio Cup or the Ginetta G40 Junior. These cars are slower and more forgiving, teaching you the fundamentals of car control, racing lines, and tire management without punishing every small mistake.
• Master One Class: Before moving on, pick one car in a class and really learn it. Drive it on multiple tracks. Tweak the setup. Feel how it reacts to different inputs. The skills you learn mastering a GT4 car are directly transferable to a faster GT3 car. This builds a solid foundation of skill.
• My Big Mistake: I remember trying to tame the Ford Capri Zakspeed Group 5 car within my first week. It was a disaster. It has massive turbo lag and snappy handling. I spent more time in the gravel than on the track and got incredibly frustrated. It taught me a valuable lesson: respect the machine. Work your way up to the monsters.
• The Tune is Everything: The default setups are a good starting point, but they are never perfect for every track or driving style. Don't be afraid to dive into the tuning menu. Even small adjustments to brake pressure or anti-roll bars can transform a car's handling and shave seconds off your lap time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cars are in Project CARS 1 in total?

With all DLC included, Project CARS 1 features over 125 cars. The base game launched with around 74 vehicles, with the rest added through subsequent expansions and free car drops.

Are all cars available from the start?

Yes! Unlike many other racing games, Project CARS 1 gives you access to every single car and track you own from the very beginning. There's no need to grind for credits or unlock vehicles.

Is Porsche in Project CARS 1?

Due to licensing restrictions at the time, Porsche is not officially in the game. However, the game features several cars from Ruf, a renowned German manufacturer that builds high-performance cars based on unmarked Porsche chassis.

Can you still buy the DLC for Project CARS 1?

As of 2026, the easiest way to get all the content is by purchasing the Project CARS Game of the Year (GOTY) Edition on platforms like Steam or the PlayStation/Xbox stores. The game was delisted from sale in late 2022, but if you already own it, the GOTY upgrade might still be available.