Kunos Simulazioni continues to be active with the simulator Assetto Corsa EVO, which this week reached Release 0.5. Still in Early Access, the simulator now includes new content — namely cars and tracks — as well as other features and improvements that continue to push it in the right direction, even though Kunos Simulazioni occasionally introduces some changes to the roadmap.
In addition to bringing several new cars to the simulator, version 0.5 includes two tracks: Circuit Paul Ricard and Watkins Glen International, both recreated using laser scanning. With these circuits comes a new feature in Assetto Corsa EVO: the “Free Cam” mode, which offers greater freedom and creativity for video and photo production. This function, still in development, serves as preparation for a more advanced version that will be progressively introduced. Also in this update, NVIDIA’s DLSS 4.5 version is now available.
Seven New Cars
Seven new cars arrive in Assetto Corsa EVO with version 0.5. The goal of this addition is to provide users with greater variety in driving styles, as well as to introduce new classes to be explored.
- Audi Sport Quattro (1983) – Originally designed for rallying during one of the wildest eras of the sport, the Audi Sport Quattro was a pioneer in the 1980s, innovating with turbocharged power and all-wheel drive provided by the quattro AWD system.
- BMW M2 – The compact sports car from the M series is designed to deliver strong performance despite being a coupé with dimensions comparable to a city car. The BMW M2 (G87) takes advantage of a well-engineered chassis to provide confidence on corner entry and excellent traction on exit. With a fun yet precise character, it lives up to its place within the Bavarian manufacturer’s M lineup thanks to its agility and handling.
- Caterham Seven 485 CSR Final Edition – Driving in its purest form, stripped down to the essentials. The Caterham 485 CSR takes the British manufacturer’s classic formula and turns it into a high-performance “weapon.” With an excellent power-to-weight ratio and no focus on comfort (irrelevant in a simulator), it features highly direct and responsive steering along with remarkable mechanical grip.
- Dallara EXP – A prototype designed to blur the line between track-day cars and full competition vehicles. Built with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency, the Dallara EXP uses its low center of gravity to ensure high-speed stability and deliver the most authentic driving experience. With significant downforce and precise responsiveness, it is particularly thrilling in fast corners.
- Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) – A track monster disguised as a road car and one of the most extreme 911s ever produced by Porsche. The Porsche 992 GT3 RS combines the responsiveness of a high-revving engine with aggressive aerodynamics to ensure exceptional grip at “sinful” speeds. It should be particularly thrilling on the Nordschleife.
- Toyota AE86+ Tuned – A “lightweight” that defined a generation of drivers, from real life to the digital world. The Toyota AE86 is a classic example of front-to-rear balance: fun on corner entry, stable under throttle, and with highly communicative steering. In this prepared version, the chassis is even more refined and lively, turning every corner into a test of precision and control.
- Volkswagen Golf MK1 – Compact, light, and robust, the Volkswagen Golf GTI MK1 stays true to the DNA of hot hatches, combining mechanical grip with the agile handling of a front-wheel-drive sports car. It’s a perfect choice in a simulator to master weight transfer and cornering flow. An “eternal” classic that doesn’t need much power to deliver fun.
Two New Tracks
There are two tracks that arrive in Assetto Corsa EVO with version 0.5. Both built using laser scanning, they offer multiple layouts, available in single-player or multiplayer, including in Daily Racing, accessible through the simulator’s web portal.
- Watkins Glen International (with four layouts) – One of the most iconic American circuits, known for its fast pace and its standout features, including elevation changes and challenging high-speed corners. It is a true reflection of Americans’ long-standing passion for motorsport, hosting numerous top-level racing events each year.
- Circuit Paul Ricard (with four layouts) – This is an extremely fast circuit, surrounded by one of the most stunning valleys in France, nestled between mountains and the sea. Circuit Paul Ricard boasts one of the richest and most beautiful histories in French motorsport. Its versatility has allowed it to host events ranging from Formula 1® in some of its most legendary eras to modern GT racing. The long Mistral Straight remains one of its most iconic signatures.
“Free Cam” Mode in Early Access
The “Free Cam” mode is one of the strongest technical features available in version 0.5 of Assetto Corsa EVO. This feature allows users to explore cars and on-track action from new angles, capturing them in video or photos. At this stage, dedicated photography tools are not yet available, so external tools are required for that purpose. These features will be introduced in future versions.
Graphics and Technology Updates
Version 0.5 includes the update to DLSS 4.5, continuing the work on performance scalability and image quality across a wider range of hardware configurations. The goal remains the same: to steadily advance toward the best balance between quality and performance.
Gameplay Improvements and Continuous Development
User Interface: Car Selection Flow & Player Car in Multiplayer, Controls Page
Thanks to a revised interface flow for car selection and background work on multiplayer inputs, both server administrators and the Daily Racing Portal can now set eligible cars for servers in greater detail, including car version and visual condition. This allows the end user to participate in the Daily Races with their own car version, including tuning variants and colors.
Track Limits and Blue Flags
Current penalties for exceeding track limits can sometimes feel overly harsh or unpredictable for most drivers. With version 0.5, Kunos Simulazioni continues work on a time-gain evaluation approach, designed to improve how infractions are judged and reduce “harsh” outcomes where the advantage gained doesn’t match the severity of the penalty. This system still requires testing and validation and will only be fully implemented once it meets the expected reliability and consistency standards in a competitive racing environment. Additionally, the blue flag logic has taken its first steps in Assetto Corsa EVO, helping drivers better understand on-track conditions.
Shared Memory Improvements
The development team at Kunos Simulazioni has fixed issues related to shared memory, ensuring that Assetto Corsa EVO is on par with previous titles in terms of what this feature delivers. These improvements prevent dynamic cockpits and other hardware from jittering during loading, while providing devices and software using shared memory with the same quantity and quality of data that users have come to expect.
Dynamic Track: Overhaul Underway
The Dynamic Track remains one of the most important systems in Assetto Corsa EVO, and its current iteration is being overhauled in several areas:
- Calibration of Rubber Build-Up
- Improvement of Water Dispersion Behavior
- Development of Proper Multiplayer Compatibility
- Ensuring Proper Server-to-Client Synchronization
With version 0.5, users will notice an improved rubber-layer shader visually, but the core of the enhancements will be implemented in upcoming updates. For now, players should see this as an “infrastructure update”: essential progress, even if the immediate results aren’t fully visible yet.
