Adjustments were made to level the playing field across several GT3 models. The Aston Martin Vantage V8 GT3 received improvements to its pace, while the BMW M4 GT3 and Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO2 were tuned to be slightly slower.
Deep dive into the v1.8.18 update and the massive v1.8 physics overhaul that defines it: Assetto Corsa Competizione [v1.8.18]
The engine was upgraded from 333Hz to 400Hz, providing 20% more data points for tire and ground collision detection. This makes curb strikes and high-speed tire oscillations significantly more detailed. Adjustments were made to level the playing field
A critical update for competitive players, introducing new gear ratios for the M4 GT3 to match real-world homologation standards. This makes curb strikes and high-speed tire oscillations
Revised wet track limits were implemented across various circuits to prevent unintended advantages during rainy sessions.
A new friction model changed how tires generate heat and grip. Tires now take longer to warm up but retain core heat better, making out-laps more challenging but providing more consistent long-stint performance.
To understand the "deep content" of v1.8.18, one must consider the physics engine it rests upon, which was completely transformed in the 1.8 cycle: