- D1GP Integration: Deployment of the Sayaka SPL (Mercury Sayaka SPL), a drift-tuned sports car modeled after legendary D1GP driver Sayaka Shimoda’s real-world vehicle.
- Garage Expansion: Introduction of the ‘Long River’ chassis and a comprehensive aesthetic overhaul of the garage environment décor.
- Visual & Technical Fixes: Correction of double-layer CBW vinyl rendering errors and back-end engine optimizations for cross-platform stability.
Precision drifting isn’t just about the angle of the slide; it’s about the cultural authenticity of the machine. The release of CarX Drift Racing Online Update 1.23 on August 17, 2022, marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, bridging the gap between digital simulation and real-world Japanese D1 Grand Prix (D1GP) culture. While we now look at these additions through the lens of 2026’s high-fidelity physics, the inclusion of the Sayaka SPL remains a benchmark for licensed enthusiast content.
This update arrived during a busy window for competitive gaming, launching the same day as the massive Tekken 7 Update 5.00. For CarX fans, version 1.23 wasn’t just a maintenance patch; it was a content drop that refined the garage experience and added legendary pedigree to the roster.
The Sayaka SPL and Long River: New Meta Additions
The centerpiece of Update 1.23 is undoubtedly the Mercury Sayaka SPL. Designed in collaboration with Sayaka Shimoda—the D1GP communications director and Annaka tourism ambassador—this car brought a specific tuning philosophy to the game. In the current 2026 competitive meta, the Sayaka SPL is still favored by veteran players for its predictable weight transfer and mid-range torque delivery.
Accompanying this was the Long River, a car that offered a different technical challenge. While it required more nuanced throttle control than the Sayaka SPL, it quickly became a canvas for the livery community due to its expansive body panels.
Pro-Tip for 2026 Players: If you are running the Sayaka SPL on modern 120Hz displays or handhelds like the Steam Deck OLED, ensure your “Controller Deadzone” is recalibrated to account for the August 17 physics tweaks which prioritized wheel-speed sensitivity over steering angle snap-back.
Platform Performance & Technical Adjustments
While newer titles like F1 22 were pushing graphical boundaries at the time, CarX focused on surgical fixes for its core community. Update 1.23 addressed a nagging issue with double-layer vinyls in the CBW category, which previously suffered from flickering and transparency artifacts. For enthusiasts who spend hours in the livery editor, this was the most significant quality-of-life improvement in the patch.
| Feature | Update 1.23 Change | 2026 Status |
|---|---|---|
| New Cars | Sayaka SPL, Long River | Legacy Tier (High Demand) |
| Visuals | CBW Vinyl Fix | Standardized in 4K engine |
| Garage | New Decor Set | Legacy Skin Option |
Official Patch Summary
The following notes were verified through the official CarX Technologies development portal and apply across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch ecosystems:
- New Vehicle: Daisho Color Mercury Sayaka SPL added.
- New Vehicle: Long River chassis added to the dealership.
- Environment: Updated garage décor and lighting values for improved vehicle presentation.
- Bug Fix: Resolved a rendering bug affecting double-layer CBW category vinyls that caused texture overlapping.
- Optimization: Minor back-end performance adjustments to reduce frame drops during high-smoke tandem drifts.
As we look back, CarX Drift Racing Online Update 1.23 – Patch Notes on August 17, 2022, serves as a reminder of how dedicated support can sustain a niche title. While the 2026 drift scene has evolved with even more complex physics models, the foundation laid by these early 2020s updates ensures the game remains a staple on everything from high-end PCs to mobile-integrated handhelds.
