We’ve heard the code-name ‘Assetto Corsa 2’, we know that it will support VR, seen that it will have licenced road cars, noted the dynamic weather system and are clear that it runs upon a new technology base.
But now we can see Assetto Corsa EVO in motion, thanks to an initial gameplay trailer.
Right from the off, the attention to detail of the car models seems almost unsurpassed in sim racing presently.
OId and new cars, in stunning detail
A range of licenced vehicles are showcased through exacting models, from Hyundai’s electric IONIQ-5 N, to the current Morgan 3 Wheeler, BMW M4 CSL, Ferrari Daytona SP3 and Mk1 and Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTIs. Even the interior G-meter is working on the Alpine A110.
We’ve updated our complete list of cars shown for Assetto Corsa EVO so far to match.
It’s not all new, like the H-reg Mini Cooper, bouncing over the kerbs at Brands Hatch – and seemingly showcasing detailed suspension physics. A similar shot sees a Ferrari 296 GTB on two wheels over a kerb at the Nürburgring, teasing at physics prowess.
Tracks such as the previously announced Brands Hatch, Imola and the aforementioned Nürburgring Nordschleife are present but shots of a blue Hyundai drifting appear to show Fuji Speedway.
Also perhaps hinting at something further, the driver’s arm is showcased twice, and there are partnerships with racewear purveyors BELL and OMP. In the shot of the Mini being driven, you can clearly see the driver, so perhaps your look is customisable.
Simply, in motion, in this preview video, the results are spectacular – even when running in the night during a rainy spell, thanks to a dynamic weather system and 24-hour day-to-night cycle.
On-road driving too
The trailer also appeared to reveal open-world-style elements, showing a Morgan Super 3 three-wheeler being driven along public roads, with a grey BMW M4 CSL passing by in the opposite lane.
The scenery is mountainous and verdant, and the cars are being driven on the right-hand side of the road, so we’d assume this piece of asphalt is located in mainland Europe (perhaps even close to the Nürburgring Nordschleife judging from the topography?)
The open-world theory is backed up by footage at the beginning of the trailer too, where a Porsche 911 (964) Turbo 3.6 is showcased travelling on what looks to be the same tree-lined roads.
We also see a BMW M4 CSL on display outside the Devil’s Diner at the Nordschleife. This area was accessible in AC but could well be an indication of more open-world-style driving. Furthermore, a Ferrari 296 GTB is shown at dusk in an Italian Piazza residential area.
However, instead of aping the popularity of Forza Horizon, Test Drive Unlimited and even Assetto Corsa mods, these open-world locations could simply be photography backdrops à la Gran Turismo 7’s Scapes feature. Time will tell if Kunos has taken AC Evo in a bold new direction.
16th January, Early Access
Created by Italian studio Kunos Simulazioni, Assetto Corsa EVO is designed to be a car culture simulator – mixing detailed licenced cars with authentic physics.
It is created using a proprietary game engine, shying away from the Unreal engine basis used by the studio’s prior game Assetto Corsa Competizione.
It will be released in early access form on 16th January 2025 on PC, followed by an expected stream of updates towards a version 1.0 release and, at some point, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Assetto Corsa EVO at a glance
- Driving simulator includes dynamic weather, a 24-hour day-to-night cycle and (on PC) VR
- Licenced real-world road and track-going cars, both old and new
- Custom graphics and physics engine created by Kunos
- Open-world, or exploration, areas set to be included
- Launched in early access on PC, first, 16th January 2025. Version 1.0 and consoles, later
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