ACC V1.9 Update: What’s New & What’s Changed?

We may have only recently had the official announcement of the V1.9 update for Assetto Corsa Competizione, however, it has been a long time coming.

The great news is the V1.9 update has finally landed, and it has bought with it a lot of physics changes which affect everything from car behaviour, straight-line speed and car setups.

In this guide, I’m going to run through all of the changes that are included in the V1.9 update for ACC. And I’ll break down and explain the most important changes. I’ll also touch on how these changes affect the ACC car setups that are available on our website.

New content in ACC V1.9

As well as a big overhaul of the game physics, the V1.9 update also released alongside a host of new content. While the V1.9 update is completely free for all ACC players, the new content is part of a premium DLC pack, the 2023 GT World Challenge Pack.

The 2023 GT World Challenge DLC includes three new cars alongside a brand new circuit. Below is the content that makes up the new ACC DLC.

Ferrari 296 GT3

The Ferrari 296 GT3 is the only true new car to be included in the 2023 GT World Challenge Pack. This is because both the other cars are iterations of existing or similar cars that are already in ACC.

The Ferrari 296 GT3 is a new entrant for the 2023 GT World Challenge series, and it will eventually serve as a replacement for the Ferrari 488 GT3 Evo. The 488 GT3 Evo is still competing in the 2023 championship with teams AF Corse and ST Racing.

Like all GT3 cars, this Ferrari 296 GT3 is based on a real-world road car, the 296 GTB. This new generation of Ferrari features an aerodynamic package that provides 20% more downforce which is incredibly impressive. The engine is a mid-rear mounted six-cylinder V6 twin-turbo that is capable of producing 600bhp.

Overall, if you enjoyed the driving characteristics of the Ferrari 488, the newer 296 will serve as a vastly improved upgrade, with a relatively similar driving style.

Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2

The Lamborghini Huracan GT3 EVO2 is another iteration on the classic Huracan road car. This is the second new iteration, making it the third version of the Huracan to make its way into Assetto Corsa Competizione.

This car is completely rear-wheel drive and packs a punch thanks to its 640hp naturally aspirated V10 engine. There are improvements all around this updated package, including updates to the aerodynamics and underbody.

These updates are aimed at providing increased levels of downforce which should make it more stable throughout all phases of a corner. This is music to the ears of anybody who thinks as the older Huracan model as a tricky car to drive in ACC.

The new Huracan GT3 EVO2 is still one of the less forgiving cars in ACC. But thanks to a redesigned aero package and TCS system, it should be much more enjoyable to drive close to the limit.

Porsche 992 GT3 R

The Porsche 992 GT3 R may look similar to older Porsche 911s, however, this new model has been redesigned to bring it in line with their 992 road car.

There is still a flat-six rear-mounted 4,194cc engine in the 992 GT3 R, which is capable of producing up to 550bhp. This is an increase over the older Porsche 911 GT3 R.

Many other components have been lifted from the outgoing Porsche, including the six-speed transmission and the majority of the suspension.

The big improvements come in the form of a new aerodynamic package which includes updates to the underbody, front splitter and rear diffuser. All of these updates are designed to improve the stability and pace of this already fast GT3 car.

Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo Update

While the big headlines are about the three new cars in the 2023 GT World Challenge Pack, there has been an update to the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo, which is included in the free V1.9 update.

The car has been updated for the 2023 championship, and those changes have been reflected in Assetto Corsa Competizione. The changes include updates to the aerodynamics which are targeted at making the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo easier to drive.

This car update will be free for everyone who already has the Mercedes AMG GT3 Evo in ACC. It was originally included as part of the 2020 GT World Challenge Pack meaning you’ll have to own that DLC to receive the upgrade.

Valencia Circuit

There is also a brand new circuit that has been included in the 2023 GT World Challenge Pack for ACC. The track is the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia.

It’s a flowing circuit that has a layout that’s 2.489 miles long. There is a big motorcycle heritage at the Circuit de Valencia. Its name comes from legendary motorcycle racer Ricardo Tormo, and there is a large Valentino Rossi mural on the side of the pit building.

This track has been a part of many different championships across both two wheels and four wheels, and plays a part of the GT World Challenge Sprint Cup season.

New drivers and liveries

Unfortunately, the complete 2023 GT World Challenge driver and car livery pack aren’t included in this latest DLC. There are new liveries and drivers for each of the three new cars, however, the new cars will make up part of the Open Series in ACC.

There is a selection of 2023 liveries that have been added in ACC including liveries for the BMW M4 GT3 as well as the three new cars.

The full lineup of 2023 drivers and liveries are going to be added to Assetto Corsa Competizione at a later date. When they are, the new cars from this DLC will be moved into a complete 2023 GT World Challenge series in game.

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ACC physics changes in V1.9

There have been some big changes to the physics engine in Assetto Corsa Competizione with the V1.9 update, particularly how the tyres and suspension react. The tyre model has been altered to allow for a wider working window, allowing a little more leeway when it comes to creating a car setup.

Updated suspension physics

The suspension has seen some of the biggest updates in the ACC V1.9 update. There have been changes to the interaction between bump stops and dampers which have led to some cars feeling more stable over bigger and harsher bumps.

The bump stop range has been altered which forces changes to car setups. Previously, sim racers could run an incredibly soft suspension setup, however, that has changed now. This forces car setup creators to focus on creating stiffer suspension setups.

The old method of setting extreme suspension setups to minimise drag wasn’t realistic and couldn’t be replicated in a real-world GT3 car. So Kunos has made the decision to implement a much more realistic way of limiting suspension travel.

This forces setup creators into creating stiffer suspension setups, and eliminates the possibility of setup hacks such as super soft suspension and extreme negative toe values.

Updated tyre physics

The tyre model often plays a big part in physics changes, with a huge tyre model overhaul being made in previous updates in past years. The updated tyre model in ACC V1.9 is focused on how tyre temperature is generated and the effect that different tyre pressures have on the car’s behaviour.

Optimal tyre pressure window

One of the big changes is the expanded working window of different tyre pressures. There is now a 1PSI working window where your tyres will perform well. This is designed to remove some of the finite changes that are needed to really optimise tyre pressures.

Tyre temperatures

As well as opening up the tyre pressure working window, the changes to the way heat is generated through the tyres allow for a much wider performance window in terms of tyre temperatures.

Rather than constantly battling against your tyre temperatures to ensure you don’t exceed the temperature window, you can now relax a little bit and not manage your tyre temperatures as much. As long as you are within the fairly wide temperature window, performance from the tyres should be good.

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How V1.9 update affects car setups?

The adjustments to the tyre and suspension physics will result in changes to any current Assetto Corsa Competizione car setups. Among these adjustments, there will need to be work done on the suspension setup, including an overall stiffer suspension approach.

The changes and updates to the tyre model will make creating an optimal tyre pressure setup easier than it has been in the past.

During the past year or so, ACC setup creators have had to really nail down their tyre pressures due to the very small working window. If you were ever so slightly out with your tyre pressure setup approach, you could miss the optimal performance window, causing a loss of peak grip.

This issue has been rectified to a certain extent by opening up and expanding the ideal temperature window. This makes it slightly easier to nail the right tyre pressures without the need to really pinpoint the exact perfect tyre pressures.

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