My FM Log: The stars of the show

The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray and the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R are the headliners of the new Forza Motorsport game. Players got a sample of these cars in the prologue and having spent their hard-earned in-game cash to buy these two, the time's come to get to know the stars of the show.

First, let's get to know about the Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray, the hybrid version of the eighth-generation Corvette that caused a lot of stir since the advent of the base model. 

The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray rewrote the American sports car's seven-decade history ever since the eighth-generation model, the first mid-engined Corvette, broke cover in 2020. 

The E-Ray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that is mated to an electric drive unit powering both front and rear wheels, making it a four-wheel-drive supercar, a Corvette first. It produces a total power output of 655HP and while mated with an 8-speed transmission, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. 

The ZER Performance Package comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements.

Now, let's get to know the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, Cadillac's entry to both IMSA's GTP class and the WEC's Hypercar class.

The V-Series.R racing prototype is Cadillac's commitment to the LMDh class and it's made to compete not just in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for the new-generation GTP class but also at the WEC's Hypercar class. It was built in cooperation with Dallara.

In compliance with the LMDh standards, the V-Series.R is powered by a 5.5L DOHC V8 Hybrid engine, the only naturally aspirated engine in the GTP class. It has a series-specified 670hp of power output and it is mated to a 7-speed sequential gearbox.

The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R used in the IMSA 2023 season was driven by IndyCar veteran Sebastien Bourdais and Renger Van Der Zande.

In the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R won the Motul Course de Monterey endurance race at Laguna Seca. At the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R finished 4th place, behind the 3rd-placer #02 V-Series.R race car.

Upon sampling these two cars in the prologue feature, I got to say that these two cars truly evoked the spirit of Forza in this reborn Xbox racing game made for racers of all generations, be they boomers or Gen Zs alike. By letting their hybrid powertrain loose, these two American marvels showcased the performance that shatters expectations, and in every lap they've done, they've made a huge impression on those behind the wheel, even myself.

Having satisfied with the performance of the new Motorsport heroes, it's time to take them for a quick lap around Laguna Seca, the exact place where the #1 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R scored a win at the 2023 IMSA WeatherTech series.

I've been blown away by how agile and precise the Corvette E-Ray was on the track. The electric motors provide a smooth and responsive ride, allowing the driver to take on the twists and turns with ease, and the advanced suspension and aerodynamic design help to minimize unwanted vibration and noise, giving it a truly immersive driving experience.

The #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R, meanwhile, is an absolute beast on the track with its powerful engine, lightweight body, and precise handling. The car's aerodynamics are also well-done, allowing it to take advantage of every inch of the Laguna Seca circuit.

So, how did I do with these cars? The Corvette E-Ray did it in 1m39.872s while the #1 V-Series.R did it in 1m33.294s, meaning the gap between them is some would say a close shave. Still, I had fun driving the two heroes around Laguna Seca by all means.

It's an honor to get to know the two hero cars of the new Forza Motorsport game and judging which of these two is the favorite, I have to say it's the Corvette E-Ray. This is definitely a Corvette that doesn't behave like a real Corvette. It feels like it was straight from a different universe if you catch my drift.

As I said before, welcome to the new generation of Forza. Enjoy your drive.

My FH5 Log: Baton Pass! Mi Ultimo Adios!

With the launch of the all-new Forza Motorsport for the Xbox Series X|S consoles, I guess the time's come for me to say...although it feels hurtful to say it...adios to my Horizon Mexico escapades as I'm packing up and set sail to the home of circuit racing that made the Forza franchise great.

Considering it a sign of the times, everyone who played Forza Motorsport will be gifted the game's hero car, the all-new Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray, to Forza Horizon 5 free of charge. That's right, if you play the new Forza Motorsport game, you'll be able to drive the Corvette E-Ray in FH5.

Before I leave, just what is the Corvette E-Ray? The first-ever Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray rewrote the American sports car's seven-decade history ever since the eighth-generation model, the first mid-engined Corvette, broke cover in 2020. The E-Ray features a 6.2L LT2 V8 engine that is mated to an electric drive unit powering both front and rear wheels, making it a four-wheel-drive supercar, a Corvette first. It produces a total power output of 655HP and while mated with an 8-speed transmission, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. The ZER Performance Package comes with high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements.

With everything packed up, it's time for me to leave Horizon Mexico and set off to the nearest airfield...fast. That's right, I need to be there on time because I only have three minutes before take-off.

Adios, Horizon Mexico! Thanks for the memories!

Oh no! Heavy traffic ahead! I'm going to be late!

Luckily, the Horizon tech team provided me a zero-gravity pad so I could leap through traffic. Gracias!

Here goes!

Eye in the sky caught a flying car that leaped through the traffic jam. The traffic reporter is startled already.

The heavy landing caused an impact on the E-Ray but it's still on the move. I can still make it to the airfield.

Crossing through the village of Mulege where everybody's cheering me while I'm in the middle of my farewell run.

The airfield's not too far now...

Heading towards the checkpoint...

And here it is, my last stop. My final destination.

The Motorsport team's not happy about a damaged Corvette E-Ray but still, the whole crew's fully prepared for take-off. Agents, managers, technicians, mechanics, you name the rest. They've been waiting for me.

However, before getting on the plane, I just heard something from far away...

The Mercedes-AMG ONE? And friends?! What's going on? I know exactly why...

Having a little pep talk, I just realized something. As the producers stated, even with the release of the all-new Forza Motorsport, looks like there's more Forza Horizon 5 goodness coming up even in the New Year, meaning I can still come back to Horizon Mexico when I want to kick back from my Motorsport work. Of course, Horizon Mexico could hold plenty of surprises out there.

After our little pep talk, the Horizon Mexico folks asked me if I could have one last race at the airfield using the Corvette E-Ray. I nodded and everybody was delighted.

With the E-Ray fixed and cleaned, it's time for a farewell party before take-off. This is great because this is the ideal time to experience the hybrid power and 4WD capability this Corvette E-Ray delivers. Roll the tape!

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

Having won the race, the E-Ray performed one last celebratory donut. Keep on burning, bro! Keep on burning!

Horizon Mexico is a place where every driver can be a driver on and off the road. A place where you can fulfill your motoring fantasies with a Latino twist and a place where history and technology collide with speed and power. Do you have your fondest memories in Horizon Mexico? For me, I have plenty but I can't say it just now because it's time for me to take some rest. Forza Motorsport is a long way ahead...

As a certain someone said, this isn't goodbye. It's just a "see you later".

BELIEVE MY DREAM!

THE END

Chevrolet Corvette C8 E-Ray

To the eyes of purists, the Chevrolet Corvette C8 is treason to its heritage because of its mid-engine layout and to add more salt to the wounds, the first-ever hybrid Corvette comes to life. A fitting upset to the Corvette's seven-decade history.

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray

2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible

Starting at an epically expensive 102,900 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, in coupe and convertible forms, is by no means the biggest treason to the Corvette's seven-decade heritage because this is the first time a Corvette's been hybridized and the first to have AWD a la Honda NSX.

While the styling is more of a toned version of the Z06 while the interior works and feels just like most of the C8 Corvette lineup, the E-Ray's hybrid powertrain is the most controversial feature worth noting. The 6.2L LT2 V8 engine is mated to an electric drive unit, producing a total power output of 655HP. Although awfully close to the Z06, it's more powerful than the now-defunct Honda NSX, in Type S form. Unlike the NSX, the E-Ray is one gear short, 8 vs. 9.

Thanks to its electric drive unit, drivers can engage Stealth Mode to run on electric power only for up to four miles at 45mph. Handy if you want to quietly leave your home for a little night out at the pub with your friends. That's the element of surprise, the Corvette way. 

Because this is the first Corvette in history to have AWD, it has a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds. Whilst the added punching power, the AWD system made the Corvette E-Ray capable of going places that no supercars can't and thanks to its all-season tires, there's no need to wait for summer to let it loose in the wilderness. 

You can really take it to the track even when the weather has a gloomy outlook, although you may need to wait for another summer vacation to unleash its full potential when you have the ZER Performance Package which comes with high-performance Michelin® Pilot Sport 4 S ZP summer-only tires as well as chassis tuning and other performance enhancements. Bummer but not as bummer as the fact that most Corvette clubs actually ban the E-Ray for racing on track days due to fire concerns.

Yes, the Corvette E-Ray is no doubt the most controversial Corvette ever made because of its hybrid powertrain and all-wheel-drive but despite being a treason to the Corvette heritage, this is the ideal substitute for the now-defunct Honda NSX. In fact, jealousy is an out-of-issue for the Corvette E-Ray because this car is making its appearance in the new Forza Motorsport game and it's going to be as awesome as most supercars can get.

Love it or hate it, the Corvette E-Ray is ready to strike first and ask questions never. Be prepared to want one.

Photo: General Motors

My GT7 Log: The un-Corvette Corvette

The Chevrolet C8 Corvette defeated the second-generation Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 to become the 2021-2022 Japan Performance Car of the Year, the first for an American-made car to win the title.

So, what is it then, this C8 Corvette?

The eighth-generation Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows because, for the first time in its history, it's been morphed into a mid-engined supercar, a move that displeased most Corvette purists. Being the first production mid-engined car from General Motors, the C8 Corvette is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT2 V8 engine with 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque. Mated to a Corvette-first 8-speed Double Clutch Gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and flat-out in 312kph. It features a brand-new Magnetic Ride Control 4.0 which reads the road every millisecond and adapts in about 10 to 15 milliseconds, as well as double wishbone suspension with height adjustable capability.

For the first time, the C8 Corvette is also offered in right-hand-drive configurations in such markets as Japan, the UK, and Australia.

Thanks to its midship layout, the C8 Corvette has transformed from a redneck muscle into a world-class supercar, capable of handling through the world's most challenging racetracks like a pro. Although it has the finesse of an Italian supercar, it still has the beating heart of a wild west Republican unleashing a barrage of firepower.

To find out if the C8 Corvette is still "America's sports car" despite a completely different approach, it's time to dish it out at Fuji Speedway, which is somewhat a coincidence because this is surprisingly the exact place where the C8 Corvette made its Japan premiere. Anyway, no time to get sentimental, it's time for action, pronto.

Let's see if the mid-engined Corvette is as good as any other sports car should be, although purists are not happy about this approach. Send in the tape.

They say it will take about two minutes to lap the C8 Corvette around Fuji Speedway. I did it in 1m58.813s. Guess the world's right after all, this is no longer the Corvette we're familiar with. It's turned.

The C8 Corvette is no longer the Corvette the world knows and thanks to such world-class performance thanks to its mid-engine layout, it truly is the world-class sportscar capable of taking all comers in a way it's never done before. I'm glad I got my dibs on this car here on Gran Turismo 7. Purists hate it but what the hey. It's the best Corvette of the new normal and I strongly agree with it.

America's sports car has turned.

Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06

The eighth-generation Corvette may be a treason to the Corvette history, as purists feared, because of its mid-engine layout, it's by far the best sports car ever to come out from America and those behind it sure know how to make a Corvette great again, whatever the reason. Those who want a greater Corvette should consider the Z06 because hey, how about those Republicans?

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Starting at a costly $105,300 plus additional costs, the all-new C8 Corvette Z06, in coupe and convertible flavors, is the best of both worlds for speedo boys behind the wheel. By employing some of the know-how from the C8.R racing machine, the Z06 transformed the C8 Corvette into a full-blown supercar that can chomp on asphalt with some southern hospitality as would say.

While the styling and interior are broadly similar to the normal C8 Corvette, the new Z06 features unique styling features such as quad center exhausts on the rear, wider fenders, quarter panels, and fascias, standard ground effects and spoiler, replaceable spoiler wicker bills, rear brake cooling ducts, removable front fascia panel, and front underwing stall Gurneys for improved aerodynamics compared to the normal C8.

Considering a shock to the world's best supercars, the C8 Z06 's V8 engine is back to being a naturally aspirated one. It's a 5.5L V8 naturally aspirated engine that produces 670HP of power and while mated to a standard 8-speed AT, it does 0-60mph in 2.6 seconds. Although it's as fast as the original Lamborghini Aventador, the most powerful European supercars can still eat it because of the C8 Z06's naturally aspirated engine, which is surprisingly the most powerful NA engine...in the world. As for the soundtrack, it's proper Southern hospitality because this engine roars like a muscle car. Hey, how about those Republicans?

Aside from the old-school engine that powers it, the dynamics are a worthy challenge for the C8 Z06. Using most of the know-how from the C8.R race car, the available Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and the Z07 Performance Package, the C8 Z06 feels like home on the road and track. Getting crazy with it, the Z06 will show its iron fist approach to your driving pleasure. Consider yourselves Texas Smashed.

With its naturally aspirated V8 engine, C8.R-inspired dynamics, and sleek aerodynamics, the C8 Z06 has evolved from a typical Corvette into a proper purist's sportscar, akin to Porsche's 992 911 GT3. Because of such developments, the new model is proud to show its "Make Z06 Great Again" banner around town. 

This Corvette has turned...

Photo: General Motors

My GT7 Log: The star of GT6

The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Chevrolet C7 Corvette Stingray, the star of Gran Turismo 6.

Unveiled in 2013 as a 2014 model, the Chevrolet C7 Corvette marked a radical revolution of America's sports car that promises performance equivalent to its European rivals. Under the hood lies a newly-developed LT1 6.2L V8 engine producing 455HP of power and 460ft-lb of torque while the optional Performance Exhaust adds five more, making it the most powerful standard model ever since launch. Apart from the performance it delivers, the C7 Corvette Stingray features the most sophisticated driver tech, lightweight materials capable of delivering a near-perfect weight distribution, and a track-capable Z51 Performance Package.

Gran Turismo fanatics had fond memories with the C7 Corvette. Back in late 2012, Chevrolet offered players the chance to experience the pre-production, heavily camouflaged, test mule in GT5 before the real deal unveiled in mid-January 2013. They've challenged them to lap around the Nurburgring with the said prototype as well. Of course, I remembered the part and I barely did it in flying colors. It's a herculean task many have tried but some have made it, even me.

When the real deal made its world premiere, the Gran Turismo franchise became the first to give players the taste of the C7 Corvette Stingray and because they're so impressed, they've made it the hero car of Gran Turismo 6, the last Gran Turismo game made for PS3. There's even a modified version of the C7 Corvette, in honor of the Gran Turismo franchise's 15th anniversary, displayed at the 2013 SEMA Show as well!

Anyway, no time for being sentimental. It's time to give the C7 Corvette a quick spin in the Big Willow segment of the Willow Springs International Raceway, just to see if it still feels like the moment you drive the C7 Corvette around this track back in GT6. Let's roll the tape.

After a quick lap in the Big Willow, the C7 Corvette did it in 1:32.026. Not the best I've done but I have made America proud with this American-made sports car made to give Europeans a run for their money.

The C7 Corvette is highly remembered in motoring history as the last FR Corvette ever made. While such a decision pouted Corvette purists, rest assured that the C7 Corvette is peak Corvette at its best and its resale value is questionably outrageous by today's standards. Who knows, it could be worth more in an era where petrol-powered cars are gone for good in favor of electrification in the new normal. Whatever the reason, I'm glad that the whole world got hooked with the C7 Corvette until the very end.

What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.

My GT7 Log: The star of GT PSP

The next Gran Turismo star we'll be showcasing in Gran Turismo 7 is the Chevrolet C6 Corvette ZR1, the cover car of the Gran Turismo PSP game launched in 2009. Although some fans expressed disappointment over the PSP version of Gran Turismo, they've been given the chance to try out the ultimate C6 Corvette ever built and their disappointment winded down a bit.

So, what is the C6 ZR1, you may ask? Launched as a 2009 Model, the C6 Corvette ZR1 is billed as the fastest car ever to come out of America. Made to tackle against the European supercars on the road and track, the C6 ZR1 is powered by a 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine producing 620HP of power and 823Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Apart from the performance, the ZR1 features specially-developed Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires, standard carbon-ceramic drilled disc brake rotors, larger brake calipers, MRC with track-level suspension, carbon fiber materials, high-capacity dual-disc clutch, and improved torque tube, among many others. Thanks to such improvements, the C6 ZR1 is capable of hitting top speeds of almost 200mph.

I had fond memories driving the C6 ZR1 in the GT PSP game, despite the fact that it's downright challenging to handle from the start. It made me rethink the way American muscles behave and while the Corvette is meant to be a muscle car from the start, the ZR1 evolved the C6 Corvette into a half-decent supercar that targets Europe's finest. It may be wild at heart as an American-made sports car but deep down, it tries hard to become a world-class sports car and it almost did in flying colors.

To test this notion, I went back to Laguna Seca to give the C6 ZR1 a quick refresher and a quick lap. This is interesting because this is like the US commercial for the GT PSP game where a pro driver drives the C6 ZR1 around Laguna Seca while someone next to him plays the game using the same car and the same track. Anyway, no time for nostalgia, it's time to roll the tape.

After a quick lap around Laguna Seca, it did it in 1:40.955. By such stats, it's quicker than the first Ford GT. Guess the whole "May The Best Car Win" campaign set up by General Motors should have worked with this car.

The C6 Corvette ZR1 forever reshaped American sports cars because of the performance and dynamics equivalent of its European competition and this high-performance patriot is proud to wave the American flag to the world's most challenging racetracks, including the Nurburgring. The joys of being an American, huh?

What other Gran Turismo stars should I drive next? Stay tuned for more.