For the first time since the revolutionary V1.9 update that was released in September 2023, Kunos Simulazioni and 505 Games have brought new content to Assetto Corsa Competizione. As part of the GT2 Pack DLC, you can now drive GT2 cars from Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Audi, Maserati and KTM, and you can also take them to a new venue: the Red Bull Ring. Here’s everything you need to know about ACC’s latest DLC.
Six new GT2 cars
The main focal point of the GT2 Pack DLC is the GT2 roster itself.
The class was first introduced to the racing world in 2018 before it became a staple of the GT racing landscape in 2021 when it was re-launched by SRO in conjunction with the GT2 European Series. After a few seasons of growth, GT2 cars have raced globally in multiclass championships such as the 24H Series, GT Winter Series and GT American Series, as well as in spec-series and single-class competition.
Eight GT2 cars have been made since the class’ inception, all of which are equalised by Balance of Performance (BoP). Targeted at gentleman drivers, they are broadly similar to ACC’s Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, Porsche 992 GT3 Cup and Lamborghini Super Trofeo EVO2 in position, featuring around 200 more horsepower than a GT3 car but significantly less downforce, placing them somewhere between the GT3 and GT4 categories in lap time.
With the GT2 Pack DLC, you can race these GT2 class cars in ACC:
- Audi R8 LMS GT2
- KTM X-Bow GT2
- Maserati MC20 GT2
- Mercedes-AMG GT2
- Porsche 991 II GT2 RS CS Evo
- Porsche 935 GT2
Audi R8 LMS GT2
The Audi R8 LMS GT2 was launched in 2019, shortly after the introduction of the R8 LMS GT3’s first ‘Evo’ package, making it one of the earliest GT2-spec cars.
Featuring Audi’s signature naturally-aspirated V10 engine, it produces 640hp sent straight through the rear wheels, which when paired with a weight of 1300KG, means it will far eclipse the GT3-spec R8 in a straight line.
Visually, the R8 LMS GT2 is noticeably higher and smaller than the GT3 and GT4 R8s – a trend that’s consistent across the class. However, it features a striking rear wing and a sizeable roof scoop compared to its footprint, giving it an aggressive look.
Out on the track, expect to feel a car that handles similarly to every other Audi in ACC. Responsiveness and low-speed performance are where it will excel, taking many of its handling characteristics from the road-going R8 that it’s closely related to. Traction Control and ABS, which are featured in all GT2 cars, make it easier to get comfortable with straight out of the box, although a lack of tyre warmers will work against you.
- You can already get your hands on a full 24-track setup bundle for the Audi R8 LMS GT2 as part of our ACC Setup Subscription.
KTM X-Bow GT2
The X-Bow GT2 is produced by KTM in unison with the X-Bow GT4, which was added to ACC with the GT4 Pack DLC, making the Austrian manufacturer’s cars the perfect choice to learn the basics of GT racing.
KTM, despite being known best for its involvement in motorcycle racing, has been producing the X-Bow in road-going and track-only forms since 2008. Whilst the 2020 X-Bow GT2 does not feature the unique open cockpit shape and exposed suspension that’s synonymous with the original X-Bow, it is no less striking. Defined fighter jet-esque bodywork makes it appear like a purpose-built race car, not a road car that has been upgraded to fit the GT2-class ruleset.
Powered by a 600hp five-cylinder Audi powertrain and weighing in close to the 1000KG mark, the X-Bow GT2 is on the lighter side of GT2 class entries, making it nimble and extremely efficient under braking. Already a class champion in the GT2 European Series, it’s a reliable choice for those chasing victories.
- Make sure to install our complete setup bundle now with the free Coach Dave Delta app if you want to extract the most from the KTM X-Bow GT2.
Maserati MC20 GT2
The MC20 GT2 represents one of Maserati’s few modern-day competitive programmes. Launched by the iconic Italian manufacturer in mid-2023, the MC20 GT2 debuted in that season’s GT2 European Series finale at Paul Ricard where it took its first podium with LP Racing, finding success even in the earliest days of its life cycle.
Based on the MC20 sportscar, not the GranTurismo that acts as the basis for Maserati’s GT4 challenger, the MC20 GT2 uses the same 620hp V6 and body shell originally developed for the road. However, a large rear wing, roof scoop, front splitter and diffuser clearly set it apart as a machine designed for the track. It’s on the agile side of the handling spectrum and is easy to rotate on corner entry – a characteristic that can work to your advantage, but one that also needs to be carefully managed.
Packaged in Maserati’s usual elegant style, the MC20 GT2 is a feast for the eyes as well as being one of the class’ most competitive cars.
- Do you need a helping hand taking the Maserati MC20 GT2 to the top step of the podium? Check out our full setup bundle for it now.
Mercedes-AMG GT2
Affalterbach’s response to the GT2 ruleset, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 takes the highly successful Mercedes-AMG GT platform, extracts over 700hp from its bi-turbo V8 and applies an enhanced aerodynamic package. Just like the R8 LMS GT2 for Audi, the Mercedes-AMG GT2 is the marque’s most powerful customer car.
Mercedes-AMG are no stranger to race victories in GT racing and the AMG GT2 was quick to continue that trend. Winning in its first weekend in the GT2 European Series, it has been an attractive choice for drivers since its release in 2022, even if it was beaten to the Pro-AM and AM titles last season.
Featuring one of the most powerful engines of any car in the ACC GT2 Pack DLC, you’re going to have an advantage in a straight line with the Mercedes-AMG GT2, but on balance, will struggle with manoeuvrability due to the car’s front-engine layout.
Porsche 991 GT2 RS CS Evo
With Audi and Mercedes-AMG on the scene, Porsche was never going to let the opportunity to build a competitive GT2-spec car pass them by. Based on the latest road-going Porsche 991 GT2 RS, the Porsche 991 GT2 RS CS was actually the first modern GT2 car to be built having been introduced back in 2018, although it received an Evo upgrade kit at the start of the 2023 season in line with the class’ growth.
The Porsche 991 GT2 RS CS first competed in a spec-series race hosted in support of the 2019 24 Hours of Spa, signifying the beginning of the modern GT2 ruleset. Powered by a 700hp twin-turbocharged flat-six engine – not Porsche’s naturally aspirated powertrain used in its GT3 line of cars – it is one of the fastest GT2 cars in a straight line. However, with aerodynamic additions courtesy of the Evo upgrade, it forms a well-rounded package whilst still carrying typical characteristics of a Porsche 911.
Porsche 935 GT2
Unlike every other car in ACC’s GT2 Pack DLC, the Porsche 935 GT2 is not homologated to the GT2 regulations. However, it can still compete as an equal against the rest of the class in the simulator.
Just like the 991 GT2 RS CS, the Porsche 935 was one of the earliest GT2 cars to be built. It’s also based on the road-going 911 GT2 RS and thus features the same 700hp twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre flat-six engine. Boasting similar handling characteristics, it’s a relatively fast GT2 entry despite its age.
Unique styling cues that hark back to the 1970s Moby Dick Porsche 935 makes it one of the more famous GT2 cars in the real world.
GT2 Steering Locks
| Brand | Model | Steering lock |
| Audi | R8 LMS GT2 | 720° |
| KTM | X-Bow GT2 | 582° |
| Maserati | MC20 GT2 | 480° |
| Mercedes-AMG | AMG GT2 | 492° |
| Porsche | 991 II GT2 RS CS Evo | 720° |
| Porsche | 935 GT2 | 720° |
A surprise track
Away from the six new GT2 cars introduced into ACC with its latest DLC, the Red Bull Ring joins an expanding track list already set to be bolstered later this year by the Nurburgring Nordschleife.
Situated in Spielberg, Austria, the Red Bull Ring is one of Europe’s most popular racing venues. The 10-turn Grand Prix layout that’s been added to ACC is used by almost all motorsport disciplines, prominent in grassroots single-seater racing all the way to Formula 1 and DTM. Featured on the 2023 GT2 European Series calendar, it’s the perfect venue to test out ACC’s newest cars.
A mix of high-speed sweeps late in the lap and tight mechanically focused turns in the first sector means the track requires a well-rounded setup that offers excellent performance in all types of corners. Three long straights, all of which are followed by hard braking zones, make the Red Bull Ring a good venue for overtaking even in GT cars.
However, few direction changes and tight track limits mean that extracting the final few tenths from your car can be difficult. Luckily, we’re already working hard to bring you setups, data packs, hot laps and lap guides at the venue to help you make those last steps forward.
- With the release of the GT2 Pack DLC, Coach Dave Academy has already developed full setup bundles for the Audi R8 LMS GT2, KTM X-Bow GT2 and the Maserati MC20 GT2, as well as Red Bull Ring setups for select GT3 cars. Make sure to read our detailed plan here to understand what’s still to come following the update.
