The long-anticipated ACC V1.9 patch has arrived!
In the most extensive update the game has seen in the last 12 months, Kunos Simulazioni and 505 Games bring three brand-new GT3 challengers and one new European circuit to Assetto Corsa Competizione as part of the 2023 GT World Challenge DLC. Going hand in hand with the new DLC is an extensive list of physics updates including a new tyre model and suspension changes that look to transform the experience behind the wheel in ACC. Letโs take a closer look at whatโs changed in V1.9.
A new Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche
As GT racing prepares for a new era in the real world, three of the most prominent manufacturers in the GT3 class have started to roll out new machinery. The Ferrari 296 GT3, Porsche 911 GT3 R (992) and the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 all build upon the success of their respective predecessors and have all begun their first on-track campaigns – now you can get behind the wheel of all three with ACC V1.9.
Ferrari 296 GT3
The Ferrari 296 GT3, which we are excited to announce you can now pick up the complete Coach Dave Academy setup bundle for, replaces the outgoing Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo which was introduced to Assetto Corsa Competizione in the 2020 GT World Challenge DLC.
Based on the road-going Ferrari 296 GTB, the 296 GT3 is powered by a 600-horsepower twin-turbo V6 engine, signifying the prancing horseโs move away from its traditional V8 designs. With improvements to almost all aspects of the car over its predecessor, the Ferrari 296 GT3 will provide a completely different driving experience to the 488 GT3 in Assetto Corsa Competizione.
You can purchase the Ferrari 296 GT3โs setup bundle below or can pick them up now as part of our ACC Setup Subscription:
Porsche 992 GT3 R
Four years after the introduction of the 911 II GT3 R, Porsche takes another step forward in the world of GT3 racing with the Porsche 992 GT3 R. Based on their road-going 992 GT3, the Porsche 992 GT3 R retains the key styling cues and handling characteristics of a 911.
With its trademark screaming flat-six engine, the Porsche 992 GT3 R provides an equally visceral experience of its predecessors when behind the wheel in ACC. Visually, itโs relatively similar to the previous 911 II GT3 R, but with a notably massive rear wing, a wider stance and an aerodynamic overhaul, the new Porsche 992 GT3 R certainly looks the part.
Alongside the release of the 2023 GT World Challenge DLC, you can now access Coach Dave Academy’s Porsche 992 GT3 R setups.
Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2
The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 is the third iteration of the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 platform and builds upon the Lamborghini Huracan STO – the last variant of the road-going Huracan line.
The Huracan EVO2 offers the typical striking Lamborghini visual design and retains the naturally aspirated V10 engine that is synonymous with the Italian manufacturer. Boasting a variety of aerodynamic and electronic improvements, the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 offers a clear handling improvement over the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO, however, at heart, is a case of evolution, not revolution.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo joins the track roster
Alongside the addition of three new GT3 cars in the 2023 GT World Challenge DLC is one new venue: Circuit Ricardo Tormo.
The 4.005-kilometre track located west of Valencia, Spain, has been on the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup calendar since 2021. Whilst now a staple of the Sprint Cup season, it also hosts rounds on a wide variety of other racing seriesโ calendars: all-female Formula 4 championship F1 Academy will visit Circuit Ricardo Tormo later this year, as will MotoGP and the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series.
Circuit Ricardo Tormo is a technical track that poses a unique challenge to drivers, and whilst it has a handful of layouts, it will be the 14-corner Grand Prix circuit available as part of Assetto Corsa Competizioneโs latest DLC.
Physics changes adjust the dynamics of ACC
The ACC V1.9 update brings with it an extensive physics overhaul which affects multiple areas of all cars within the simulator. The largest changes are to the tyre, suspension, dampers and bumpstops, all of which will greatly affect how vehicles are both driven and set up.
A new tyre model
The Pirelli DHF tyre now arrives in Assetto Corsa Competizione to replace the outgoing DHE compound, matching what will be used for the 2023 GT World Challenge Europe season. With that, there have also been a whole host of changes to the physics of tyres:
- Lower and wider operating window (between 26 and 27 PSI is now optimal, with different pressures providing different advantages and disadvantages. 27.5 PSI no longer provides the perfect grip).
- Changes to the optimum temperature range (now sits at 70-100 degrees Celsius).
- Excessive toe is no longer necessary (such values now cause highly varying temperatures at OMI and can lead to undesirable handling effects. The physics changes also, generally speaking, lead to greater rotation and yaw angles).
- Pressures can now be used in conjunction with tyre flex to introduce certain handling characteristics.
Suspension, damper and force feedback changes
Alongside adjustments to the tyre model, the way the suspension, bumpstops and dampers interact has also had a significant overhaul with ACC V1.9. Importantly, these changes make riding kerbs far easier, removing the huge – and often unrealistic – level of stiffness often felt in ACC V1.8 and earlier. Here are the main changes:
- Bumpstops now have a maximum compression value of 20-30mm (bumpstops used to be able to compress infinitely, leading to an uncomfortable rebound effect after hitting a large enough kerb).
- Excess energy from the suspension/bumpstops is now transferred to the chassis which can lead to worsened mechanical grip and tyre load.
- The damper simulation has received changes and now interacts more realistically with suspension dynamics.
- Effects caused by toe and tyre pressures are now noticeable in force feedback
- Force feedback during grip transitions, direction changes and when on the limit has also been improved.
If you want to learn more about the physics updates courtesy of ACC V1.9, we highly recommend you check out the Head of Vehicle & Handling R&D at Kunos Simulazioni Aristotelis Vasilakosโ live streams on his YouTube channel.
Coach Dave Academyโs ACC V1.9 plans
Due to the volume of changes to the Assetto Corsa Competizione physics engine in the V1.9 update, weโre going to be working on new setups from the ground up here at Coach Dave Academy. Labelled โCDA4โ, we will be pushing as hard as we can behind the scenes to bring you these updated setups for pre-existing vehicles in ACC.
To keep up to date with our progress on CDA4 updates as well as new setups for the Porsche 992 GT3 R and the Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2, make sure to follow all of our social media channels and subscribe to our ACC Setup Subscription to receive our V1.9 setups as soon as possible. You can find our full CDA4 schedule below: