Assetto Corsa Evo: open world map confirmed – look out, Forza Horizon…

The likes of Forza Motorsport and Gran Turismo are the most recognisable names in the virtual driving sphere, but in 2014, a little-known Italian developer launched Assetto Corsa. With precision-scanned circuits and class-leading realism, it opened a new world for enthusiasts, and a decade on it’s receiving a highly-anticipated follow-up with Assetto Corsa Evo.

While details were few and far between, the initial launch trailer revealed that it would at least retain the enthusiast ethos of the original, with the developer confirming: 'As with its predecessor, Assetto Corsa EVO will include cars from different classes spanning across years of motoring history. From road cars, classics, hypercars, and race cars.’ Just over a month before early access begins on January 15 2025, we've now been given a closer look at what's to come.

Following an announcement from Nürburgring content creator Misha Charoudin, we now know that the game will feature an expansive open world map featuring over 600 square miles of LiDAR-scanned roads surrounding the Nürburgring. Everything from signs to buildings and your favourite steak-on-a-stone restaurants are accurately portrayed, with players even given the ability to visit real-world track rental businesses to 'rent' vehicles for use in the virtual world.

A comprehensive car list is yet to be announced, but the in-game screenshots and clips we’ve seen so far have already revealed some exciting additions yet to be seen elsewhere – everything from the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N to the Lamborghini Huracán STO and Ferrari Daytona SP3 have been confirmed so far. There are also a number of iconic circuits featured throughout these trailers.

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Assetto Corsa Evo confirmed car list

• Abarth 695 Biposto
• Alfa Romeo Giulia GTAm
• Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA
• Alpine A110
• Alpine A290 concept
• Audi RS3
• BMW M4 CSL (G82)
• BMW M2
• Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• Ferrari 296 GTB
• Ferrari Daytona SP3
• Hyundai i20 N
• Hyundai i30 N
• Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
• Hyundai N Vision 74 concept
• Lancia Delta Integrale 
• Lamborghini Huracán STO
• Lotus Emira
• McLaren 765LT
• Mercedes-AMG GT
• Mercedes-AMG GT3
• Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II
• Mini Cooper
• Morgan Super 3
• Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (992)
• Porsche 911 Turbo (964)
• Toyota GR86
• Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk1)
• Volkswagen Golf GTI (Mk8)

Launching a decade after the original, it should come as no surprise that Assetto Corsa Evo introduces new technology in the pursuit of improved realism. Exact details are yet to be announced, but the developer has confirmed that ‘each vehicle is reproduced through an advanced system that simulates mechanical, electronic, and aerodynamic performance, combined with the fidelity of the circuits created using Laserscan technology.' We can also see the use of both day/night cycles and dynamic weather, something that was absent entirely in the original instalment.

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One of Assetto Corsa’s key draws was its physics, with excellent fluidity, responsiveness and the ability to make every car feel truly unique. Assetto Corsa Competizione, a GT World Challenge-specific simulator and the latest title in the lineup, introduced new tech and stunning graphics, but some struggled to gel with the driving physics of its new Unreal Engine 4 platform. Developers are hoping to avoid this with Evo, reverting back to a ‘proprietary, high-performance photorealistic engine’.

Developed by both Kunos Simulazioni and 505 Games, Assetto Corsa Evo is set to launch in early access for PC on Steam on January 16 2025. There’s no word yet on its availability for Xbox, PlayStation and other consoles, but the original Assetto Corsa remained PC-only until two years after its initial launch.

Assetto Corsa Evo minimum and required PC specs