Kunos Simulazioni has been quiet about Assetto Corsa 2, now known as Assetto Corsa Evo, since it was announced in April. However, as we wait for an official reveal and release date, the first Assetto Corsa screenshot has reportedly emerged alongside new details.
First Assetto Corsa Evo screenshot reportedly emerges
Shared by Italian gaming magazine Multiplayer.it, the screenshot appeaars to show an immaculately rendered interior of a Hyundai i20 N. The level of detail inside the hot hatch looks impressive, with individual stitch lines visible on the seats. It was allegedly sent by Kunos following an interview with the developer’s founder Marco Massarutto during a live stream.
In the interview, Massarutto was asked if he prefers automatic or manual gearboxes. Being a purist, Massarutto prefers a manual gearbox on the track but acknowledged that automatics are more convenient for everyday driving. Kunos allegedly sent the screenshot in reference to the conversation but didn’t confirm if it was taken from Assetto Corsa Evo.
If this is an official screenshot, it suggests that Assetto Corsa Evo will return to the series’ roots with a focus on road cars instead of GT racing like in Competizione. Powered by a 1.6-liter turbo, the i20 N road car is a sportier version of the regular i20 hatchback tuned by Hyundai’s N motorsport division.
"VR fans can be rest assured"
During the interview transcribed by Traxion.gg, Massarutto also shared new details about the importance of VR in Assetto Corsa Evo, confirming that VR support will be offered from “day zero.”
“We aim to have the VR on day zero,” said Massarutto, who acknowledged that Epic Games and Nvidia “struggled a lot” to optimize VR support in Assetto Corsa Competizione on Unreal Engine.
“However, we know that the support in [the first] Assetto Corsa in terms of experience, performance and definition – which for simulated driving in VR is extremely important – is still a step above.
“Let’s say that…The VR fans [can be] rest assured.” This is welcome news for VR sim racing fans. Even though only 5-10 percent of players play Assetto Corsa with a virtual reality headset, Kunos is committed to supporting VR in Evo.
“You could write in the disclaimer of a big game ‘We will have VR but not immediately’ and you will find all the negative reviews because ‘I bought it and there is no VR’. So, it was one of the first things we worked on in terms of rendering.”
Unlike Assetto Corsa Competizione, which utilizes Unreal Engine, Evo will run on a bespoke engine developed in-house like the original game.
We’re still waiting for a confirmed release date, but Assetto Corsa Evo is expected to initially launch in early access sometime this summer, with a full release and console versions to follow later.
Are you excited about Assetto Corsa Evo? Let us know in the comments below.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the latest racing game news and deals straight to your inbox!