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That's an interesting engine choice ('scuse pun) for a racing sim.
I don't see how it suggests anything of the sort. The only significant changes I'm aware of are graphics/weather (which requires a new game engine) and online functionality. Nothing suggests that they're dumbing down the core physics.
Given their fan base and what they've built their reputation on, why would they do that, especially with a title that's aimed at replicating a real racing series?
Maybe look at it as a kind of working (and perhaps expandable with future licensed series/content) 'beta' for an eventual AC2.
Assetto Corsa Competizione is born from KUNOS Simulazioni's long-term experience, and it takes full advantage of Unreal Engine 4 to ensure photorealistic weather conditions and graphics, night races, motion capture animations, reaching a new standard in terms of driving realism and immersion, thanks to its further improved tyre and aerodynamic models.
REALISTIC SIMULATION
Assetto Corsa Competizione is designed to faithfully recreate the performance and the driving experience of real Blancpain GT Series cars through a sophisticated mathematical model that accurately replicates tyre grip, aerodynamic impact, engine parameters, suspensions and electronics systems that determine vehicle balance, as well as the influence of mechanical damage on the car's drivability