My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Porsche 911 GT2 RS

2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the Forza Motorsport series. To commemorate this milestone, let’s take a look back at the cover cars from the Forza Motorsport franchise, starting with the very first game released in 2005 and continuing through to the final installment launched in 2023.

Let's continue with the Porsche 911 (991.2) GT2 RS, the car that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 7.

The 991.2-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS is hailed as the ultimate 911. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.8L flat-six engine, sourced from the 911 Turbo S, but tuned to produce an impressive 700 horsepower, making it the most powerful 911 ever produced. Mated to a 7-speed PDK transmission, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 340 kph.

The 911 GT2 RS features a racing chassis equipped with rear-axle steering and dynamic cornering capabilities. It also includes a specially designed Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system with Sport Mode for an enhanced driving experience. The optional Weissach Package reduces the car’s weight by 30 kg through the removal of non-essential features and the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and titanium. With this package, it set a record lap time of 6m47.25s at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest Porsche to conquer the legendary track.

This car made its world premiere at the 2017 E3 Showcase, where it was featured as the cover car for the Forza Motorsport 7 video game.

I originally wanted to recreate my Nordschleife achievement like I did in FM7. However, this time, I decided to take on the entire 24-hour layout of the Nürburgring, which combines both the GP Track and the Nordschleife. I wondered why no one else had attempted this. Instead of just tackling the Nordschleife, why not take on the entire Nürburgring? Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Both the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Forza Motorsport 7 have demonstrated their limit-breaking capabilities to the world. They have rewritten the rules of how you race in the world, not just what you race.

TAKE YOUR PICK. TAKE YOUR SHOT. TAKE THE LEAD!

Next time, let's conclude Forza Motorsport's 20th Anniversary celebration with the 2023 Cadillac #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R and the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the cover cars of the last-ever Forza Motorsport game.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Tyrant GP

Concluding the arrival of the 992 911 models in Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Track Day update is the renowned 911 Turbo S, often regarded as the King of 911s.

Having obtained it from a seasonal championship from the update's Hot Season Playlist, it's time to have a word with the King of 911s.

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S is a bonafide supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

A special 911 Turbo 50 model was unveiled in honor of the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary. Only 1974 models were made, a reference to the year the 911 Turbo was born.

To demonstrate that the 911 Turbo S is the ultimate 911, I've invited the entire 992 911 road car lineup featured in Forza Horizon 5 to compete in a sprint to the Festival Gatecrash. We'll be racing several models, including the basic 911 Carrera S, the track-focused GT3, the off-road-capable Dakar, and the ultra-high-performance GT3 RS. Let's see if the Turbo S truly deserves the title of King of 911s. Roll the tape!

And now, the results...

992 Carrera S - 2m47.434s

992 GT3 - 2m38.458s

911 Rallye - 2m50.571s

992 Turbo S - 2m36.373s

992 GT3 RS - 2m38.091s

I think that explains it all. The 911 Turbo S is the KING of 911s.

A bonafide supercar killer five decades in the making, the 911 Turbo is the apex of the 911 hierarchy and with the 992 version, this is the ultimate 911 Turbo ever made.

Now that we wrap up the update packed with four 992 models from the GT3 RS to the Turbo S, it's time for the King of 911s to have its grand finale. But first...

The 992 911 Turbo S is in high spirits today as it takes on the role of Tamaki Nikaido, the character from Himitsu no AiPri and the second-in-command of Quartet STAR. Miss Sakura will surely be pleased to see her right-hand gal in action. I even remember that episode where Tamaki convinced Sakura to wear Non Manaka's costume.

With Tamaki Nikaido perked up for the big night, my 911 Turbo S is ready for the grand finale, which is racing through the EventLab re-enactment of the final stage from Ridge Racer Type 4, called Shooting Hoops. I've been searching for this re-enactment for ages and now I'm going to play with it for sentimental reasons. Kudos to whoever made this EventLab re-enactment.

"FINISH! There goes the winner! What an incredible race!"

The Porsche 911 is undoubtedly one of the greatest cars of all time. As the years go by, this iconic German masterpiece continues to demonstrate its timeless appeal and enduring performance. For six decades, the 911 has proven itself both on the road and on the racetrack, solidifying its status as a German powerhouse. We can expect even more remarkable achievements from this rear-engine legend in the future.

This concludes today's broadcast of 9-1-1. Goodbye, and good luck to Forza Horizon 5's next update featuring a quartet of previous-generation saloons ruining our Christmas celebration and a Z NISMO to save Christmas.

My GT7 Log: 992 vs 992

The 911 Turbo S and the 911 GT3 RS, in their 992 glory, are yours to drive in Gran Turismo 7. With both variants present, it's time to find out who the King of 911 is.

Starting with the 911 GT3 RS (992), the one that popped up from last year's Gran Turismo movie where Jann Mardenborough drove one at the Nurburgring to recover himself from his on-track accident that nearly cost his life.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track toy that transforms into an extreme track toy at the push of a button. It has a styling identical to the normal 992 911 GT3. Still, it features front aero bars and air outlets at the front and rear fenders, an adjustable active diffuser, and a swan neck-mounted rear wing with an F1-style Drag Reduction System that allows it to be positioned flat at the touch of a button. The naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that powers it has a 15PS power hike compared to the normal 911 GT3, resulting in a 525PS power output and 465Nm of torque output. Mated exclusively to a 7-speed PDK, it has a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds, .2 seconds less than the normal GT3, and flat out in 296km/h, 22km/h slower than the normal GT3. Thanks to its extensive carbon fiber usage, courtesy of the Weissach Package, the 911 GT3 RS weighs 1,450 kg.

Now, let's talk about the 911 Turbo S, the flagship variant of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The all-new 911 Turbo S is a supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

Now that I know about the two best 992 911 variants, the Turbo and the GT3 RS, it's time to pit these two on a one-lap attack around the Red Bull Ring.

That being said, the 911 Turbo S, with its power output and 4WD system, can deliver a power-packed punch through the straights. But in corners, the 911 GT3 RS, in Weissach package configuration, shines through. The question is, which 992 is the pure alpha? Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) '20 - 1m41.254s

Porsche 911 GT3 RS '22 - 1m42.381s

The 911 Turbo S won by a hair over the 911 GT3 RS, which is a track-oriented car.

For eight generations, the 911 is Porsche's signature rear-engined rear-wheel-drive coupe that offers unique styling and spartan driving manners. Whether it's the power-packed 911 Turbo S or the track-oriented 911 GT3 RS, the capabilities as a sports car are what made the Porsche 911 a European superpower in its own right.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Duke GP

 

Remember this one? This is the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R from Forza Horizon 5's Apex All-Stars DLC Pack. A 991.2-spec 911-based race car made to comply with GT3-class regulations.

Fast forward to the 992 era of the Porsche 911 and here's the GT3 R of today. Yes, this is the current version of the 911 GT3 R racer and I obtained it from the Horizon Track Day's Dry Season Playlist. So, what's it all about the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R?

The new-generation Porsche 911 GT3 R, based on the 992 model, is an evolved version of Porsche's proven GT3 racing competitor that adheres to international GT3 racing regulations. It features a 4.2-liter engine, producing approximately 565 horsepower, and is paired with a six-speed sequential dog-type transmission. The car has a weight of around 1,250 kg, depending on the Balance of Performance.

The 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R has achieved victories across various GT3-class racing championships, including IMSA, DTM, WEC, and others.

To see how much improvement the 992 version of the 911 GT3 R gained from its 991 predecessor, I went to the Stadium to do some work. Some of you say that I'm going to conduct this experiment around the oval and I say I'm not, because...

Because I'm using the Winter Wonderland Circuit to demonstrate the 911 GT3R's capabilities. Let's roll the tape...

And now the results...

991 GT3R - 59.810s

992 GT3R - 59.276s

This is what I call a "close shave". Even with the added power from its increased engine size, it's too close to call compared to its predecessor. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is an evolution of the 991 GT3 R. It has a bigger engine and more power, but it's only marginally faster around the track, I presume.

From the Thomas Preining affair to our favorite IMSA dinosaurs Rexy and Roxy, and the Manthey PureRxing crew that got their first WEC LMGT3 title, the 992 version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is proven to be a global winner in its own right.

The Duke of Stuttgart has been crowned. Go Beat The Duke if you can.

My FH5 Log: The Born-Again 911s

The GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are prime examples of resto-mods, the trend in which old cars are born again in new and exciting ways to appeal to modern-day drivers.

What was so distinctive about these resto-mod Porsche 911s that set them apart from every other style example? Let's begin with one of my favorites; the Singer 911 DLS.

The California-based Singer Group Inc. has been restoring and reimagining 964-spec Porsche 911 vehicles since 2009. Following the success of their first model, the Classic Study, they introduced the 911 Dynamics & Lightweight Study (DLS), which evolves the iconic Porsche DNA with insights from Formula 1 technology. Aiming to create the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world, the Singer DLS features reworked bodywork that enhances aerodynamics and incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber. In collaboration with Williams, the 4.0L air-cooled flat-six engine has been upgraded to deliver 500 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed Hewland gearbox. 

The DLS is part of a limited production run of 75 units, alongside the Classic Study, and is priced at over 1.8 million US dollars.

Now, let's focus on the Gunther Werks 400R, a 993-spec Porsche 911 born again for today's drivers.

Only 25 examples of this modern-day reboot of the 993-spec Porsche 911 Carrera have been produced. The car features lightweight materials, particularly carbon fiber, used throughout its body. It has bespoke LED headlights and a revised 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six engine that generates over 400 horsepower. Additionally, it includes a modified Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox. Weighing in at 2,677 pounds, this car boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

You may remember in one of my previous articles, I pitted the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS against these two born-again 911s on a Coast Run and blew them both. If Our Lady of Margarete got my 992 911 GT3 RS, I forgot to tell you that I've done some overtime with these two born-again 911s. Would you like the check them out?

You may remember the moment I won this Singer 911 back in the Series 10 update, I have Eve Kagayaki's name written all over it. Now, my Eve-designed Singer 911 DLS returns, and this time with a slightly revised design that features PriChan logos written around it. Welcome back, Eve-sama.

The GuntherWerks 400R, meanwhile, has Alice...Kagayaki's name written all over it. Yep, Eve's long-lost twin sister makes her appearance. Yes, really. The ALIVE duo's finally gathered.

With the Kagayaki sisters' names written all over my born-again 911s, it's time to give these two their moment to shine. The GuntherWerks 400R will sprint through FoxFer64's re-enactment of the Middle Circuit track from the Choro-Q 2 video game while the Singer 911 DLS takes on Pato Bincidi's re-enactment of the Albert Park venue from the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Let's get these shows on the road.

Being "born again" never felt so...ALIVE. Get it? ALIVE.

Just like people, classic cars have the opportunity to be "reborn" in new and exciting ways. This is the essence of resto-modding, and the GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are perfect examples of this transformation.

This is the joy of being "born again". A second chance to do things you haven't done in a lifetime, almost.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Tornado GP

The 992 911 domination in Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Track Day update continues with the in-game arrival of the offroad-oriented limited edition model, the 911 Dakar.

Having obtained this offroad-ready 911 from the update's Storm Season playlist, it's time for a quick introduction to the limited-edition rally raid sports car the Forza producers labeled as "911 Rallye" for unknown reasons.

Unveiled at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 911 Dakar is an off-road-oriented version of the iconic 911, paying tribute to Porsche's first-ever victory in the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984—an event that inspired the creation of the all-wheel-drive 911.

The 911 Dakar is powered by the same 3.0L biturbo six-cylinder engine found in the 911 Carrera, producing 480 PS and 580 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed PDK transmission, which enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 240 kph, a restriction due to the all-terrain tires that are standard for this model, marking a first for the 911.

Notable features of the 911 Dakar include Rallye Launch Control, a standard lift system, increased ground clearance, a modified radiator with stone chip protection, and two new driving modes: Rallye and Offroad. Customers can also choose the Rallye Design Package and three decal sets inspired by Porsche's entries in the East African Safari Rally during the 1970s. Additionally, they have the option to add either a roof rack or a roof tent.

A total of 2,500 units were produced and sold.

Recently, a unique 911 Dakar commissioned by Sonderwunsch has been completed in Signal Yellow and Lamperdusable dual color, with light blue lines separating the two colors. This commemorates the end of the 911 Dakar's 2500-unit production run. My take may not match the real deal but this is what the 911 Dakar will be donning for today because this offroad sports car is up its show.

At this point, I was going to get our Teenieping friend Sandping to make me a sandbox for the 911 Dakar to play with but instead...

Instead, I went to another one of Dexter 4130D's EventLab creations which makes good use of the Halo props provided in this update. It's called the Spartan Rally and the 911's unique styling and spartan driving manners as well as the Dakar's offroading prowess will feel at home in this Halo-themed dirt track envisioned by one of the most respected Forza-devoted content creators.

Commence the operation.

Although slight mistakes were made, the 911 Dakar still has the beating heart of the Spartan warrior...from the world of Halo.

Capable of tackling everything Sandping would throw at it, the 911 Dakar is what happens when you turn one of the most influential sports cars of all time into a road-legal rally raid car that can embarrass even the Cayenne.

Sandping, you have lost your battle.