- Assetto Corsa EVO’s German free roam mode has been teased one more, in a new work-in-progress trailer
- There are two new cars, fresh areas and an emphasis on graphical prowess
- AI traffic seems to have greatly intensified in places compared to earlier demonstrations
The latest official footage of Assetto Corsa EVO’s highly anticipated free roam mode has been released, showcasing what appears to be a highly detailed Eifel location, AI-controlled traffic, new cars and an evolving time of day system.
Free roam is arguably EVO’s marquee feature, which dominated the headlines upon its initial unveiling in December 2024.
However, it is yet to be added to the early access version of the Kunos Simulazioni-created title. A presentation at last year’s SimRacing Expo highlighted an “early” 2026 release window, and now this new trailer hints at what’s to come.
Here’s what we spotted…
Dense AI Traffic
Compared to other presentations or trailers for this portion of the game – which will allow you to explore a 1,600km2 area in the German region surrounding the Nürburgring – there appears to be much higher volumes of traffic.
Their work-in-progress movement around the roads seems to suggest they are controlled by AI, and there’s even an ‘NPC’ unbranded van.
In a shot from high above a freeway junction, we can see at least 20 vehicles manoeuvring in their own way, and in other scenes closer to the Nordschleife, there is a busy flow of traffic.
It’s a significant increase in quantity, although the models used at this stage in development are repetitive – mainly Audi RS 3s, BMW M2s, BMW M3 E30s and VW Golfs.
Detailed surroundings
There are shots of homes with smoking chimneys, town-centre monuments, scattered animal bones and thick grass. There’s a moving cow, too. All seems to be remarkably detailed; meanwhile, engine noises fill the background.
At one point, there’s a shot of a wind turbine, which hints at the day-to-night cycle, and there are scenes of a nighttime village, or town, with illuminated shop fronts and street lighting. It highlights what should be a varied region, with the roads seemingly not widened for gaming.
The Nürburgring entrance, Bistro Cockpit and hotel at the Nordschleife’s Ex-Mühle turn are seemingly present and correct.
High-speed traffic chase teased
The trailer ends with a Porsche (more on that below) driving at high speed, from a slide-on shot at night, with traffic flying by. This seems to indicate that while all prior footage of the free roam mode has been sedate, zipping through busy streets will undoubtedly be a key component.
New cars
Ah, yes, the main showcase is the environment, but we did say there were more cars. We believe there are two seen here.
The heavily featured model, seen driving around the Grand Prix loop in the opening and through traffic at the end, is the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) Weissach Edition.
The generation of 911 has been previously discussed in interviews, but this is its first time in action, the naturally-aspirated engine singing.
Then look carefully, there is the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8. The GTI Clubsport is already in the game, so you’d be forgiven for thinking it’s that. However, the Lapiz Blue paint, exhaust tips and rear spoiler all point to the all-wheel-drive R.
“The place where every car feels right at home”
It’s a long strapline, but the video ends with this text on-screen. It could be interpreted as EVO having the bandwidth to offer both contemporary GT3 race cars with ranked daily races, alongside the free roam area where you can enjoy a modestly-powered Lancia Delta Integrale or even off-roading with a Ferrari Purosangue.
In fact, the transitions between each scene in this teaser indicate a bird-like view, or drone-style, that is used to look around the environment to scout your next adventure.
There’s no release date for the addition, but the video once again confirms “this year”, so hopefully sooner rather than later.
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