My FH5 Log: "WE WON JUNK CARS AGAIN, WE DRIVE A LOT"

The collaboration between Forza Horizon 5 and Donut Media continues with the Upgrade Heroes series update where players gained full access to the Horizon Test Track feature, originally accessible only to the Donut Media Horizon Story last year, as well as the recent swarm of, you guessed it, JUNK CARS! LOTS AND LOTS OF JUNK CARS!

The highlight of the recent barrage of JUNK CARS is the arrival of the Donut Media Nissan 350Z (Fairlady Z) cars as featured in the Donut Media Hi Low segment. In case you don't know, the Donut Media boys ran the Hi Low segment where they buy two identical used cars and then modify them with a specified budget. 

Nolan's Z33 costs $20,000 worth of cheap modifications while James' Z33 costs $50,000 worth of "really nice" modifications. Both of these modified cars were booted with new coilovers, wheels, tires, new car paint, and some turbochargers. In typical project car fashion, both cars break down, but hey, long story short.

Both of these Donut Media Z33 cars can be won just by clearing both Hi Car and Low Car Horizon Stories. You can even keep your very own Z33 Fairlady Z after the finale as well as other prize cars in store for both stories.

Rather than comparing these two Donut Media Z33s just to determine "does more expensive really mean more better", I decided to let these cars enjoy themselves at the Horizon Badlands against the competition, just to experience the "MO POWA BABEH" mantra both Donut-modified Z33s had. (cue guitar riff noise)

MO POWA BABEH! Guess these Donut Z33s didn't break down just like what James and Nolan experienced during their little experiment.

The Donut-modified Nissan Z33 Fairlady Zs weren't the only junk cars in store in the Upgrade Heroes update. A trio of junk cars made a comeback in Forza Horizon 5 such as the Syclone, the Typhoon, and the SL65 AMG Black Series.

First up, the GMC Syclone that I won from the Storm Season Playlist. Based on the GMC Sonoma pickup truck, the Syclone has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic. 0-60mph takes about 5.3 seconds and based on a Car & Driver test, it does a quarter-mile run in 14.1 seconds at 93 mph.

Next up is the GMC Typhoon that I won from the Dry Season Playlist. Based on the Jimmy SUV, the Typhoon features the same specs as its Sonoma-based Syclone pickup truck. It has a turbocharged 4.3L V6 engine equipped with a Mitsubishi TD06-17C 8 cm² turbocharger and Garrett water/air intercooler. It develops 280HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated with a 4-speed automatic.

Lastly, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series that I won from the Hot Season Playlist. Using the R230 SL65 AMG as its basis, the Black Series is an upgraded version of the said model which comes with an improved version of a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. With the engine developing 661HP of power, it is the most powerful V12-powered AMG vehicle ever. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed limited to 199mph. Aside from its raw power, the Black Series is 250kg lighter than the regular SL65 because of the use of light carbon fiber composite (CFRP) parts and replacing the foldable hardtop roof with a fixed roof.

Having gotten to know the recent swarm of junk cars, let's thrash them across the Horizon Badlands, and see if these clunkers have any chance of surviving these punishing courses...

Wow, these junk cars managed to survive. I guess immortality is their middle name.

As the Donut boys would say, "WE BUY JUNK CARS, WE PAY A LOT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THO". Judging by the recent swarm of junk cars looks like we're going to be sticking around with a potential next wave of junk cars until the final series update of FH5 before the transition to the 2023 Forza Motorsport game coming this October.

Could this day get any worse for me as the Horizon Mexico adventure is nearing its twilight? Ah, junk cars...

Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance (W206)

The all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 range, which is based on the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, signals the beginning of the era of the subtler AMG machines because the newest AMG machines are no longer the monster machines of the past because, being built for the new normal, they have sacrificed its monstrous selves for the sake of subtler, more powerful forms. In short, they're no longer as loud as they used to be.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance Estate

2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance

Starting at an estimated 115K Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, in sedan and estate forms, is no longer the C63 the world remembers because despite being a W206 C-Class on steroids, what's underneath is not what you call a treat because we live in the new normal and for this new model, electrification is a sin the new model has committed.

Although it looks similar to its lesser brother, the C43, with some minor alternations to its detailing to differentiate it from the lesser one, as well as the same C-Class interior that can be fitted with optional Performance Seats, the C63 S E Performance's powertrain is not a pleasant sight for speedo boys behind the wheel because, under the hood, the previous model's V8 engine has been thrown away sadly and replaced by the same 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the A45 but it's been added with the new electric drive unit, AMG High-Performance Battery, belt-driven starter-alternator, and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, creating a P3 Hybrid layout that produces 680PS of power output and 1,020Nm of torque, more than the previous model it replaces.

Mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G, the super saloon gone commando has a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds and with an optional extra, 280kph flat-out. 270kph if you're in the estate version.

Although the P3 Hybrid powertrain is deemed controversial for AMG fanatics, the C63 S E Performance drives like a sports car as expected. By playing around with the AMG Dynamic Select system with seven driving modes and a customizable Individual mode, you can experiment with various ways and means to get yourself addicted to this car. Running on Electric mode, it's good for up to 125kph of top speed while the Battery Hold mode keeps the battery state of charge constant. 

Plunging into Race mode, the C63 S E Performance is ready to unleash mayhem on the track. Taking advantage of its AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, three-stage variable steering, rear axle steering, ESP, and its AMG high-performance composite brake system, this 4WD executive car on steroids can dance despite the bulk of its PHEV powertrain. Although less noisy than its V8-powered predecessor, it can surely make a mess out of it.

While the PHEV powertrain is an absolute turn-off compared to the old V8-powered model, the all-new C63 S E Performance is like an upper-class sewer rodent pampered with style. Despite its quiet behavior, it can surely be an aggressive schizophrenic when the opportunity arises. The world's getting jealous about this high-performance PHEV super saloon right about now because, with such power despite its controversial powertrain, you can really kiss your ugly-looking BMW M3 goodbye.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

My FH5 Log: The AMG GT's final bullet

Since its 2015 debut, the Mercedes-AMG GT is one of the most dramatic sports cars the high-performance division has ever made and with all that motorsport know-how, it seems that Mercedes really made a well-balanced sportscar that ticks all the right boxes.

Having enjoyed the normal AMG GT and the muscled GT R, at last, the final bullet of the first-generation AMG GT has been fired and I'm calling the shots.

Yes, this is the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series that I won in FH5's Upgrade Heroes Wet Season playlist and now that I've got it, it's time to have a word with what's known to be the AMG GT's final form.

The AMG GT Black Series features aerodynamics inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing machine, making it a road-legal track toy in its own right. Apart from the race-inspired aerodynamics, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine has been tuned to produce 730PS of power output, making it the most powerful ICE-powered AMG model ever built. Mated to a 7G-DCT, it has a top speed of 325kph. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, although beaten by a modified Porsche 911 991.2 GT2 RS, which was later beaten by the FH5 hero car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

Although being avenged by its big brother, the ONE, the AMG GT Black Series is a serious track weapon that can be enjoyed either on the road or on the track, and when you let its turbocharged V8 engine loose, it really means big business for what's rudely called a road-legal GT3 racer. Still, it was pretty impressive trying out the car that has been longly demanded by Forza fanatics from the start.

To test the AMG GT Black Series' potential, I've pitted it against a squad of track weapons on the oval track, just to experience the GT3-inspired aerodynamics and the turbocharged V8 superpower it possesses. Roll the tape.

Not quite flawless but a win's a win for AMG's ultimate ICE-powered sports car ever made.

The AMG GT Black Series truly is the final bullet of the first-generation AMG GT that is proven to be a serious track weapon that can be enjoyed either on the road or on the track. Although it marked the end of the first chapter, the next chapter will soon be written, but rest assured, it won't be forgotten for many generations to come as the greatest ICE-powered AMG machine ever made.

Could this really be the best Black Series machine? Find out soon as I'll rally the past Black Series machines as they'll settle the scores once and for all which AMG Black Series car is the best. Watch this space.

My GT7 Log: The evolution of the AMG GT

The Mercedes-AMG GT became part of the Gran Turismo heritage ever since it became the hero car of 2017's Gran Turismo Sport, and here in Gran Turismo 7, it's been joined by two powerful versions; the R and the Black Series. Like a good Rider with powerful forms, the AMG GT has evolved from a no-nonsense sports car to the ultimate road-and-track warrior it was born to be.

So, how much the Mercedes-AMG has evolved from the normal one to the ultimate version known as the Black Series? Let's examine its metamorphosis.

Beginning with the original Mercedes-AMG GT, it doesn't count as a worthy successor to the SLS AMG because of the power output that separates these two but needless to say, the AMG GT's newly developed 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine produces almost the same amount of torques as the defunct SLS AMG. The S version produces 502HP of power and 478.8ft-lb of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-60mph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 193mph. Performance aside, the AMG GT features an aluminum spaceframe with an intelligent material mix on the body which sets the new standards for modern sportscars and results in lightweight but rigid sportscars that accommodate rather well with its drivetrain. 

Apart from that, the AMG GT comes with other key points that make it capable on the road and on the track such as an electronic rear-axle locking differential, race-derived double wishbone suspension, and electronically-controlled damping with AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package and ceramic high-performance composite brake system.

The AMG GT R is a high-performance variant of the AMG GT sports car that uses a specifically tuned version of the AMG 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine that produces 585HP of power and 700Nm of torque while mated to a 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT. It does 0-100kph in 3.6 seconds and has a top speed of 318kph. 

It features a new active aerodynamics profile hidden underneath the body and when in RACE mode, the aerodynamics produces a Venturi effect, sucking the car onto the road and reducing the front-axle lift by around 40 kilograms at 250 km/h. It even has an active air management system, the AMG coil-over suspension, active rear-wheel steering, AMG TRACTION CONTROL, rear-axle limited-slip differential, and speed-sensitive sports steering.

The AMG GT Black Series is the ultimate version of the AMG GT sports car, and although flattering to call it the road-legal version of its GT3 racing car equivalent, it features the most powerful internal combustion engine AMG has ever spawned; a 730PS 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine mated to a 7G-DCT, capable of hitting 325kph of top speed. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

With all three AMG GT variants got their word, it's time to find out how much the AMG GT has grown from when it was first launched to its final form, and with that, it's off to the Nurburgring Grand Prix track to conduct this experiment.

This is the ideal send-off to the C190 Mercedes-AMG GT because, with the said sportscar no longer in production, this will be a tribute to what is known to be one of the most influential sports cars to come out from the mid-2010s. Let's find out the true meaning of metamorphosis with the AMG GT. Roll the tape.

...and now the results...

AMG GT - 2m20.053s

AMG GT R - 2m18.128s

AMG GT Black Series - 2m12.334s

From its debut to the Black Series, the Mercedes-AMG GT has evolved from a no-nonsense sports car to the ultimate road-and-track warrior it was born to be. Although gone, it's not really the end of the Mercedes-AMG GT storyline because pretty soon, the next chapter will soon be written, and let's hope it will be as good as this while keeping up with the challenges of the new normal.

For the AMG GT, this is not the end. This is only the beginning...

Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance (W223)

The all-new Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance ushers to the age of the new normal because of the electrified performance inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT63 E Performance, the king of AMG saloons. The unrivaled high-performance premium flagship sedan has gone to the dark side, literally.

2024 Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance

With prices starting at nearly 210K euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is no longer the AMG flagship we're fond of because it has gone through the dark side of electrification, thank you New Normal. Anyway, what's it all about the new S63 E Performance?

For starters, it looks and feels like a normal S-Class judging by its looks, the massive touchscreen that adds irritation to speedo boys behind the wheel, the MBUX user interface, the long wheelbase, and tons of high-tech safety features loaded to it. Since this is the AMG model, the S63 features signature AMG elements on the exterior, carbon fiber panels on the dashboard, and a choice of two interior colors; Peak Performer and Luxurious Athlete, each with fine AMG stitching in the seats. With the AMG treatment in the bay, you can rest assured that this is a premium flagship sedan on steroids.

Under the hood, the S63 E Performance runs on the same plug-in hybrid setup as the GT63 E Performance; meaning you can expect the same 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine bolted to a high-performance electric motor. However, it's been toned down to produce 802PS of power and 1430Nm of torque. Mated to a 9-speed SPEEDSHIFT MCT, it does 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph. That's all.

Asked about fuel economy, it's good for 4.4L/100km combined based on the WLTP scale.

In terms of dynamics, the S63 E Performance is a challenging feat because of its titanic weight but once you get hooked with its AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, AMG RIDE CONTROL+ suspension, rear-axle steering, and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy this monster saloon that doesn't sound monstrous but behaves like one spectacularly.

Although less powerful than the king of AMG saloons, the GT63 E Performance, the all-new S63 E Performance is what happens when you inject a gentleman's limousine with anabolic steroids and show off its beastly side, not in a furry kind of way but in a furious way. As the unrivaled high-performance flagship saloon no one dared to challenge, the all-new S63 surely knows who's in control and such power deserves respect because respect is everything with this.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

My FH5 Log: Be The ONE

Since Horizon Europe, The Goliath became the tradition in every Horizon Festival as the ultimate race reserved for the festival's finest, and Mexico is no exception.

Having tackled every race at Horizon Mexico, the time's come to take on the festival's "final boss", The Goliath. As the name implies, it's the biggest circuit race ever assembled. The ultimate cannonball run for the festival's fastest drivers.

Although not as big as the festival's extreme races such as The Colossus and The Gauntlet, it's still the most challenging and you'll need more than speed to bring down the final boss of the festival.

As they said, "where it all began, where it all must end". This means I'll be using the cover car of Forza Horizon 5, the Mercedes-AMG Project ONE, for Horizon Mexico's final battle. It started it all, it must end. No exceptions.

Because The Goliath is the most challenging race ever assembled, cars need to be maxed out to be prepared and for the Project ONE, it's time to make the necessary preparations before tackling the festival's Super Bowl.

The AMG Project ONE is now fully prepared to take on The Goliath. I've even added a pretty touch to it, saying it's time to unleash...CHAOTIC HURRICANE! Get it? The song of the hysteric bunny the world knows.

Speaking of chaos, tackling The Goliath is no joke as this race requires more than just speed and endurance to show the whole festival who's the boss. From the Riviera Maya, the Copper Canyon, the Bahia De Plano, and La Selva, all the way back to the Riviera Maya, admiring the Mexican scenery is not welcome in The Goliath as speed, endurance, and overall awareness are essential for winning the festival's final battle.

I'm used to tackling Goliaths in past Horizon adventures and the Mexico one is no exception as I'm getting ready to take on the drive of my life, but before that, I made a very special request. Since this is all about The Goliath, my request will be a free-for-all-cars race starting at dawn.

With my special request commissioned, it's time for me and the ONE to take on The Goliath against well-kept festival veterans on reserve. It's time to finish it off. LET'S iGO! Wait, what? Anyway, LET'S iGO!

The Goliath is done. Horizon Mexico dominated. Mission complete!

Now that The Goliath's finally behind me and with the entire Horizon Mexico dominated, the question now is, what should I do next? I've finished all of the races but...since this is Horizon, the fun never ends.

My Horizon Mexico journey's over because I've completed all of the races but because of the surprises in store for me, feels like I would like to explore some more for the time being.

With that, THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!

Mercedes-AMG C43 (W206)

The Mercedes-AMG C43 is what happens when you put the W206 C-Class to Normal Mode, making this S4 rival the well-balanced sports car built for daily use, whether going to work or for a little Sunday Cup at a nearby track.

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC Estate

2023 Mercedes-AMG C43 4MATIC

With prices starting at around 71,460 Euros plus additional costs, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is offered in sedan and estate versions, and no matter which body style you choose, you are greeted with the C43's eclectic mix of performance and efficiency, attributes that are broadly similar to its W205 predecessor.

While the exterior design is broadly similar to your typical W206 C-Class, this Normal Mode difficulty setting features AMG treatments from top to bottom, giving the W206 C43 a sporty character fit for daily use. On the interior, it works just like the C-Class, meaning you still have the  Tesla-like large touch screen, the rather annoying MBUX user interface including the Alexa-ish "Hey Mercedes" voice function, and others. 

In the C43, it's packed with AMG Performance seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and the additional AMG TRACK RACE lap time, giving the interior the impression of an athlete going to work in a suit and tie while wearing a basketball jersey on the inside, getting ready for another game after work.

Under the hood, the previous C43's 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine was replaced by a smaller 2.0L 4-cylinder engine featuring the world's first electric exhaust gas turbocharger. Inspired by AMG's F1 involvement, this new electrified and compact engine produces 422PS of power and 500Nm of torque. Mated to a 9G-TRONIC gearbox and AMG Performance 4MATIC, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Because the 4MATIC AWD system features a rear-biased torque distribution with adaptive damping and rear-axle steering, it feels well-balanced to drive even during track days at the Hockenheimring. Although the struggle is real, it feels just right full-stop. Mind you, this is the C-Class that has its difficulty setting to Normal, meaning it has a mix of comfort and challenge behind the wheel, even while fiddling with the three-stage ESP and AMG DYNAMIC SELECT.

Call it challenging or comfortable because, in the end, the new Mercedes-AMG C43 is the ideal balance drivers can't get enough of.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz

My FH5 Log: Who is the ultimate Horizon Hero?

As the Forza Horizon 10th Anniversary celebration came to its bittersweet end, it's time to find out which of the Horizon hero cars is the ultimate Horizon Hero. Will it be the SRT Viper GTS? The Lamborghini Huracan? The Lamborghini Centenario? The McLaren Senna? Or the Mercedes-AMG Project One?

Five Horizon heroes are gathered at the Volcan Sprint and all they have to do is to set the fastest time, ultimately deciding once and for all who is the ultimate Horizon Hero. It's all or nothing now. It's do-or-die for these machines as they are giving this Forza Horizon 10th anniversary celebration the ideal sendoff I've envisioned.

Without further ado, let the battle commence. GO!

With their bravery tests done, here are the results;

Viper - 3m18.665s

Huracan - 3m08.155s

Centenario - 3m00.864s

Senna - 2m51.905s

One - 2m52.890s

So, after ten years of enjoying the Forza Horizon series since the first one up to now, this is the ultimate Horizon Hero. The McLaren Senna, the hero car of Forza Horizon 4, is the ultimate Horizon Hero.

FOREVER KING.

And that's a wrap! This is the end of the Forza Horizon 10th Anniversary celebration. The celebration has ended but our journey on Forza Horizon 5 continues because there will be more surprises in store, starting with tomorrow's Donut Media collaboration series update as well as December's holiday series update. There will be more to come this 2023 so stick around!

Here's to ten more years of the Horizon Festival! 

The party never ends...