What is the maximum number of drivers on track in multiplayer?
The grid holds up to 24 cars. The lobby limit includes non-racing spectators.
Is tuning available in lobbies?
Players can upgrade, tune, and test drive cars from multiplayer lobbies.
Forums: discussion thread
Manual Grid Ordering
"With Manual Grid Ordering, the host has the option to manually place lobby players in any order by moving them up and down the grid order with the Right Stick. Note that lobby players who are set to “Spectate” when a race begins will automatically be pushed to the end of the order, while participating racers will move up the grid order accordingly. Once the grid has been organized, the host sets the race to begin by pressing the X button. Just before loading into the race after the countdown, players will be presented with a final confirmation screen. From this screen, the host can make any final adjustments to the grid order (once again using the right stick), cancel the launch, or start the race."
Spectator Features
Broadcast Ticker: "When spectating a race in game, players now have the ability to toggle a ticker that gives up-to-the-moment positional data for all players in the race. As racers move up or down in position during race action, the ticker automatically changes. In addition, the new update adds each racer’s Gamertag and positional information above their cars during a race, giving viewers the chance to follow the on-track more closely than ever before."
Info panels: "The new Race Overview panel showcases crucial in-race information, including a mini-map which shows nearby racers’ positions on the track, as well as a leaderboard indicating where the current car is in the race, and how far the closest competitors are either in front or behind.
With the Player Overview panel, spectators can learn more about the player they are currently focused on in a race. The Player Overview page includes a great deal of information, including name, car information (Car Class, PI, and performance characteristics), as well as driving telemetry like revs, speed, current gear, as well as braking and throttle pressure. In addition, this screen provides information on that racer’s fastest lap of the race, the number of Quick Stops they have completed (if relevant), current lap number, and more. Spectators can toggle these panels on or off at any time by pressing the Y button."
(Written by Manteomax)