Kunos Simulazioni has confirmed an enormous open world surrounding the Nürburgring for Assetto Corsa EVO. Here are seven places we cannot wait to visit in the sim!
With Assetto Corsa EVO, Kunos Simulazioni aims to change the game for sim racing, as the Italian studio has quite clearly set its sights to bringing something new to the table. While free-roaming had already been confirmed at SimRacing Expo 2024, a setting was not yet known - until the reveal of the open world made it clear that there would be a vast 1,600 square kilometers surrounding the Nürburgring waiting for players to explore eventually.
Possibly one of the biggest hubs for automotive culture in Europe, the Ring and its surrounding area are going to be recreated to scale, meaning there will be plenty of interesting locations to visit. Here are 7 spots that will (hopefully) feature on the AC EVO open world map that we cannot wait to check out in-game, sticking to spots close to the Nürburgring for no as we still have no idea how far the 1,600 km2 open world is actually going to stretch.
The Nürburgring's historic paddock during the 2011 Nürburgring Revival. Image: Cannoneer Photography, available for free distribution via the CC BY-SA 4.0 License
The vintage garages bear the names of some of the most legendary drivers in racing, and while a number of them are still used as actual garages, others are home to shops and even small restaurants. The original commentary booth of the Nürburgring's main grandstand, which no longer exists, is propped up there as well.
We could imagine the historic paddock to be a hub for activities based on classic cars, possibly of the racing variant as well. It could be a meeting point for vintage vehicles or a place to maintain and upgrade them. Plus, it makes for a cool starting point to get into the GP circuit proper, as a tunnel leads straight into the modern paddock.
Image: Google Maps
While the Nürburg has featured in many panoramic shots taken from the race track in various sims and games, we would imagine that AC EVO will offer an opportunity for players to get even closer. There are a few paved roads leading up to the base of the hill the Nürburg sits on, and a bit further down, there is a big parking lot with a view of the castle.
As the village of Nürburg is going to feature prominently in the Assetto Corsa EVO open world map without a doubt, this will make for a great photo spot, especially at night when the castle is usually lit up, and the different seasons will certainly make for interesting backdrops.
Image: Google Maps
Image: doettinger-hoehe.de
With upgrade shops for cars and many other types of businesses supposedly making their way to AC EVO, it should be a fairly safe assumption to say that gas stations will also play a prominent role - so one of the best-known ones around the Nordschleife should surely make an appearance. We are wondering, though, if the selection of Nürburgring merchandise inside will be as extensive as in real life.
Image: Google Maps
Manthey Racing have their HQ in Meuspath, right by the Döttinger Höhe. Image: Porsche Newsroom
A look around the area reveals a rather illustrious neighborhood, including Hyundai, Mercedes-AMG, several famous Ring-based teams Manthey Racing, Scherer Sport PHX or Haupt Racing Team, or tire manufacturer Goodyear.
With the prospects of car customization in mind, this could be an important focal point close to the ring in AC EVO - and not just to modify your track day toy. Imagine driving up to one of the teams' HQs because you secured a test drive, then heading over to the circuit with them to give their racing machines a go. Sounds like a seamless transition to us!
Image: Google Maps
Image: Misha Charoudin on YouTube
We have probably all seen the section from the driver's seat plenty of times, and it is possible to get there using the free camera of various sims that feature it. But driving there while track day or even racing action is happening on the track, with the site possibly acting as another hub to meet up with friends or even as just a photo spot sounds like it would be a cool thing to do to us.
Image: Google Maps
Heading down the B258 in parallel to the Döttinger Höhe and towards Döttingen itself, you will have an opportunity to turn left onto B412 shortly after passing the ED gas station. Following this road will see you pass Pflanzgarten before you reach the Brünnchen parking lot.
Image: 24h-rennen.de
Quite picturesque, actually. Which is likely the reason why each year before the Nürburgring 24 Hours, there is a big celebration at Adenau's market square, including the cars and drivers that compete in the race. Considering that Adenau is almost certainly going to be in the AC EVO, this is a definite go-to spot on our list.
Image: Google Maps
Image: Google Street View
When the Nürburgring was renovated extensively for the 1971 F1 return, the Südschleife was not included in the upgrades. As a result, it was used less frequently, and when the old Betonschleife was demolished to make way for today's GP circuit, the Südschleife was decomissioned from racing duty entirely.
It is still there today, at least most of it. The Südschleife is now the K72 and L93 roads for the most part, so a public road - and we would bet that it will be in AC EVO as well. Meanwhile, if you want to race the Südschleife as it was in 1971, Automobilista 2 actually features a first-party version - and, of course, there is an Assetto Corsa mod as well, for instance in the 1967 Nürburgring version released by @WilliamTRiker.
Fun bonus fact: @Michel Wolk once found a dog at the Südschleife. The dog had run away from a dog pension and was without any company, but was safely returned to its owners. Maybe a nice in-game challenge, Kunos?
Image: Google Maps
What spots at and around the Nürburgring are on your must-visit list in the Assetto Corsa EVO open world map? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
With Assetto Corsa EVO, Kunos Simulazioni aims to change the game for sim racing, as the Italian studio has quite clearly set its sights to bringing something new to the table. While free-roaming had already been confirmed at SimRacing Expo 2024, a setting was not yet known - until the reveal of the open world made it clear that there would be a vast 1,600 square kilometers surrounding the Nürburgring waiting for players to explore eventually.
Possibly one of the biggest hubs for automotive culture in Europe, the Ring and its surrounding area are going to be recreated to scale, meaning there will be plenty of interesting locations to visit. Here are 7 spots that will (hopefully) feature on the AC EVO open world map that we cannot wait to check out in-game, sticking to spots close to the Nürburgring for no as we still have no idea how far the 1,600 km2 open world is actually going to stretch.
The Nürburgring's historic paddock during the 2011 Nürburgring Revival. Image: Cannoneer Photography, available for free distribution via the CC BY-SA 4.0 License
Historic Paddock (Historisches Fahrerlager)
Starting off with a location that is certain to be in AC EVO, the Nürburgring's historic paddock is located just outside the main straight of the GP circuit. It is not used for most racing events anymore, but has a very nice throwback vibe ever since it was reopened after extensive renovations in 2011.The vintage garages bear the names of some of the most legendary drivers in racing, and while a number of them are still used as actual garages, others are home to shops and even small restaurants. The original commentary booth of the Nürburgring's main grandstand, which no longer exists, is propped up there as well.
We could imagine the historic paddock to be a hub for activities based on classic cars, possibly of the racing variant as well. It could be a meeting point for vintage vehicles or a place to maintain and upgrade them. Plus, it makes for a cool starting point to get into the GP circuit proper, as a tunnel leads straight into the modern paddock.
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
The historic paddock should be one of the easiest spots to get to. It is located near the final turn and on the outside of the Grand Prix circuit - simply follow the road that passes by the track right behind the main grandstand, and you cannot miss it.Nürburg Castle
The namesake castle has to feature on our list of virtual Eifel tour destinations, of course. Visible from the GP circuit's paddock and, more prominently, when racing down the Döttinger Höhe straight towards the end of the Nordschleife lap, the ruins of the Nürburg sit atop a hill that was formed by volcanic activity. It was built in the 12th century and is a museum today.While the Nürburg has featured in many panoramic shots taken from the race track in various sims and games, we would imagine that AC EVO will offer an opportunity for players to get even closer. There are a few paved roads leading up to the base of the hill the Nürburg sits on, and a bit further down, there is a big parking lot with a view of the castle.
As the village of Nürburg is going to feature prominently in the Assetto Corsa EVO open world map without a doubt, this will make for a great photo spot, especially at night when the castle is usually lit up, and the different seasons will certainly make for interesting backdrops.
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
Another relatively straight-forward spot to find, the Nürburg castle is easily visible from a distance. Once in the Nürburg village, simply follow the Hauptstraße (main road) up towards the castle, and you will get as close as Kunos' rendition of the Eifel region will allow you.Image: doettinger-hoehe.de
ED Gas Station Döttinger Höhe
Switching to the outside of the Nordschleife, the ED Gas Station right by Bundesstraße 258 - and therefore directly at the Döttinger Höhe - is a meeting point for petrolheads that have come to the Ring for a tourist lap or two (or more). Chances are that if you stop here to get some gas, you will see an unusually high amount of exotic cars, track day toys or anything else that runs on the Nürburgring.With upgrade shops for cars and many other types of businesses supposedly making their way to AC EVO, it should be a fairly safe assumption to say that gas stations will also play a prominent role - so one of the best-known ones around the Nordschleife should surely make an appearance. We are wondering, though, if the selection of Nürburgring merchandise inside will be as extensive as in real life.
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
When traveling on B258 heading in the direction of Döttingen, you will find the gas station to your right just as you pass Meuspath. Conveniently, you can turn off of B258 immediately afterwards to head to the tourist entry of the Nordschleife to start your lap right after fueling up for the drive.Manthey Racing have their HQ in Meuspath, right by the Döttinger Höhe. Image: Porsche Newsroom
Gewerbepark am Nürburgring/Meuspath
Right next to the aforementioned gas station sits the Gewerbepark am Nürburgring in Meuspath. Clearly visible from the B258 road, automotive and racing enthusiasts will immediately spot the various racing-related brands that have a presence there.A look around the area reveals a rather illustrious neighborhood, including Hyundai, Mercedes-AMG, several famous Ring-based teams Manthey Racing, Scherer Sport PHX or Haupt Racing Team, or tire manufacturer Goodyear.
With the prospects of car customization in mind, this could be an important focal point close to the ring in AC EVO - and not just to modify your track day toy. Imagine driving up to one of the teams' HQs because you secured a test drive, then heading over to the circuit with them to give their racing machines a go. Sounds like a seamless transition to us!
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
As mentioned, the Industriepark Nürburgring is right next to the ED gas station, but you will have to take a bit of a different route to get to it. There are exit ramps in both directions for you to get off the B258. If you are heading towards Döttingen, so with the GP circuit behind you, you will reach this exit right before you reach Meuspath.Image: Misha Charoudin on YouTube
Brünnchen
One of the most popular spectator spots around the Nordschleife, Brünnchen has risen to fame not at least due to the abundance of tourist drive crash videos shot from the spot. More specifically, the second part of the section is also known as YouTube Corner for this reason.We have probably all seen the section from the driver's seat plenty of times, and it is possible to get there using the free camera of various sims that feature it. But driving there while track day or even racing action is happening on the track, with the site possibly acting as another hub to meet up with friends or even as just a photo spot sounds like it would be a cool thing to do to us.
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
If you have driven on the Nordschleife before, you know where Brünnchen is, of course. The double right-hander is located in the final third of the lap, but how do you get there when not on the actual track?Heading down the B258 in parallel to the Döttinger Höhe and towards Döttingen itself, you will have an opportunity to turn left onto B412 shortly after passing the ED gas station. Following this road will see you pass Pflanzgarten before you reach the Brünnchen parking lot.
Image: 24h-rennen.de
Marktplatz Adenau
One of the bigger villages located inside the Nordschleife, Adenau likely rings a bell with anyone who has had any sort of touching point with the Green Hell - there is a whole section named after it (or rather a forest close to it), after all. But what does it look like at the place that lends its name to Adenauer Forst?Quite picturesque, actually. Which is likely the reason why each year before the Nürburgring 24 Hours, there is a big celebration at Adenau's market square, including the cars and drivers that compete in the race. Considering that Adenau is almost certainly going to be in the AC EVO, this is a definite go-to spot on our list.
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
Adenau is located right by the Ex-Mühle section of the Nordschleife, which crosses the South end of the villagae on a bridge and essentially forms the border between Adenau and Breidscheid. Hence, you should be able to exit the Nordschleife at the Ausfahrt Breidscheid if its open. Otherwise, you can also join B257 just West of the GP circuit and follow the winding road through Quiddelbach and Breidscheid to get right to the heart of Adenau.Image: Google Street View
Südschleife
Every racing fan knows the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, but what about the Südschleife? Originally, the track featured this South Loop as well, although it was much shorter than the bigger, more famous variant. Going straight on in the Südkehre instead of making the full right to the back straight of the Betonschleife, racers would find themselves on another winding Eifel road.When the Nürburgring was renovated extensively for the 1971 F1 return, the Südschleife was not included in the upgrades. As a result, it was used less frequently, and when the old Betonschleife was demolished to make way for today's GP circuit, the Südschleife was decomissioned from racing duty entirely.
It is still there today, at least most of it. The Südschleife is now the K72 and L93 roads for the most part, so a public road - and we would bet that it will be in AC EVO as well. Meanwhile, if you want to race the Südschleife as it was in 1971, Automobilista 2 actually features a first-party version - and, of course, there is an Assetto Corsa mod as well, for instance in the 1967 Nürburgring version released by @WilliamTRiker.
Fun bonus fact: @Michel Wolk once found a dog at the Südschleife. The dog had run away from a dog pension and was without any company, but was safely returned to its owners. Maybe a nice in-game challenge, Kunos?
Image: Google Maps
Where to find it
The Südschleife encircles most of the Grand Prix track, so getting there should be easy enough. Turning off of B258 either west of the GP circuit or behind the main straight leads you to either the L93 or K72, which means you will be on the former Southern Loop and can trace history on what are relatively unassuming roads today.What spots at and around the Nürburgring are on your must-visit list in the Assetto Corsa EVO open world map? Let us know in the comments below and join the discussion in our AC EVO forum!
