and what does this title actually do that's different from the already saturated space that is sim-racing
Excellent question.
The answer is: a lot
Earlier today, I was lapping around Nürburgring GP, an a Alpine A110, with a few other sportscars, weather was shifting from drizzle to dry to rain to dry.
I have all sim, enjoy them all, some more than other.
None of them can replicate what I experienced today, in a very early access stage of AC EVO. Yes it is a been a year since EA launch, but the progress do not reflect that, we are still at the very beginning, for better and for worst.
AC Evo drives, looks and feel different. Already offers contents, track and cars, with unparallel details.
If your favorite activity in a SIM is racing a bunch of GT3, yes, you are already covered somewhere else by at least 2 or 3 titles.
But, simulating racing/driving on track is much more than that.
even with limited content at the moment, what Evo offers is more and better than most and often, at least for cars, has no competition.
EVO does not have to replace all the titles in your library, it is ok to enjoy different titles for what they have to offer.
EVO should and is offering a new take on what it feels like, in 2026, to drive a car in a simulator, for me it is mission accomplish.
Should it be better optimized, have more content, absolutely, let see what 0.5 brings to the table.
Does it need a career/grinding mode? no it does not.