Assetto Corsa Evo Hands-On Review: First Impressions from the ADAC Sim Racing Expo
The much-anticipated Assetto Corsa Evo finally made its pre-alpha debut at the ADAC Sim Racing Expo 2024, and we had the opportunity to get hands-on at the event. After waiting for the crowds to die down and enjoying a hearty German lunch, I took my turn at the Logitech stand in Dortmund. The Sim Racing Expo, now celebrating its 10th year, was the perfect place to experience the early version of what could be the most eagerly awaited sim racing title.
From my vantage point throughout the day, I had watched many drivers tackle the challenges of Assetto Corsa Evo, admiring the stunning track details and environment. The demo featured three driving options: a Porsche GT3 in dry conditions at Imola, a Hyundai on a damp Brands Hatch, and an Alpine A110 on a rain-soaked Mount Panorama, also confirming Bathurst as an in-game track.
For my test, I selected the Porsche GT3 to provide a direct comparison with other Assetto Corsa titles. While the Hyundai and Alpine experiences showed off incredible wet-weather track details, there was a slightly unrealistic element in how the rain interacted with the windscreen, reminiscent of Gran Turismo. But considering it’s a pre-alpha build, I’m reserving judgment on that.
The fear that Assetto Corsa Evo might drift towards a less realistic sim was dispelled almost immediately. Graphically, Imola looked stunning, with particularly noticeable realism in the trees, kerbs, and lighting effects, especially during transitions from day to night. The track felt incredibly alive, and the attention to detail was clear from every angle.
In terms of physics, the brakes felt markedly different. In previous titles, rear lock-ups were indicated by how the car reacted; in Evo, I could actually feel the sensation through the wheel—something new and exciting. The tyre physics felt well-rounded, and applying the throttle aggressively led to a more progressive, predictable slide. The gravel, however, was punishing, requiring full focus to avoid costly mistakes.
Aside from some reservations about how the rain hit the windscreen, which felt more arcade-like than sim, it’s hard to criticise this build too harshly. The UI resembled ACC, but it’s likely still under development. I would have loved to try more race cars, but that’s more of a personal preference than a flaw in the demo.
Overall, my first experience with Assetto Corsa Evo left me impressed, particularly with the graphics and physics improvements. For a pre-alpha build, it shows immense potential, and I’m excited to see how it evolves as development continues.
Tested using a Logitech DD base with a new Momo rim.
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