My FM Log: Descendants

What did the Acura NSX (NC1) Type S and the Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34) have in common? They are descendants of the cars that featured in the first two Forza Motorsport games, and having obtained these two JDM descendants, I got the chance to explain what's what.

Imagine Mal and Red from Descendants, with the NSX representing the original VK who restored balance, and the Z NISMO symbolizing the new VK ready to paint the story red. You get the point, but let's get on with the quick intro about these two...descendants.

Let's begin with the NSX Type S (NC1) from Acura, a car that I won from completing the entire Spirit of Forza Motorsport tour.

The NSX Type S is the final edition of the Acura/Honda NSX NC1, signaling the end of the second-generation NSX's production after its six-year tenure.

In addition to its aggressive design, the 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo Sport Hybrid SH-AWD powertrain was juiced to produce 608PS of power and 667Nm of torque. The improved 9-speed DCT with Rapid Downshift feature shifts 50% faster in Sport and Sport+ modes, while Track Mode provides earlier downshifts into corners thanks to a 1,500rpm increase in the rev threshold.

The available Lightweight Package shaves over 26kg of weight with the inclusion of a carbon fibre engine cover, steering wheel, and instrument binnacle, along with carbon ceramic brakes.

Only 350 units were made and sold, with 300 of them in the US market. Production ended in 2022. In Japan, where it was sold as the Honda NSX Type S, it is the last Honda to be powered by a V6 engine.

Let's discuss the Nissan Z NISMO (RZ34). It's important, so please pay attention. Originally, this car was a prize for completing the Update 20 Open Class Tour before the deadline of June 25, 2025. However, with the release of Update 21, it has now become a permanent prize car. You can obtain it by clearing the newly expanded and now-permanent Open Class Tour at the Builders Cup.

Let's give these descendants a mad dash around Laguna Seca, tasting the essence of what it's like to drive the descendants of the first two Forza Motorsport cover cars. Let's roll the tapes.

Rotten to the core, they said. Well, one of them is.

There's a saying that goes, "Find something to believe in and discover it for yourself. And when you do, pass it on to future generations." As descendants, we have a purpose: to share the stories of our famous predecessors. The NSX has fulfilled its purpose, while the Fairlady Z is still writing more chapters, albeit only a few.

Shame that they're the last new prize cars, not just the game itself, but for the rest of the Forza universe.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Nissan Fairlady Z

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 Nissan Fairlady Z Z33, the car that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 2, which was launched for the Xbox 360 console in 2007.

Two years after the production of the Z32 model ended, the Fairlady Z made a comeback in the summer of 2002 as part of the Nissan Revival Plan, led by then-CEO Carlos Ghosn. The Z33 Fairlady Z was sold in the world market as the 350Z.

With styling inspired by a concept car from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, the Z33 Fairlady Z is available in both a hardtop coupe and an open-top roadster variant. It was the first Fairlady Z model to feature the Nissan logo on the front, replacing the Z emblem that previous models displayed; the Z emblem is now located on the side view of the car.

The Z33 Fairlady Z is powered by the same VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine found in the Nissan Skyline V35, producing 280 PS of power and offering a choice between a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Following the lifting of Japan's 280 PS power limit in the mid-2000s, the engine officially produces 294 PS of power.

The Z33 Fairlady Z became the first Z car to compete in Japan's Super GT series, participating from 2004 to 2007. It also took part in the Super Taikyu Series, where it won the ST3 Class championship in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Additionally, it competed in the Japan Rally from 2003 to 2005, the 2003 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the 2004 D1 Grand Prix (D1GP).

Let's have a commemorative drive around Road Atlanta, see if the Z33 Fairlady Z lives up to the reputation as the cover car of FM2 and the ideal poster car from the golden age of racing games.

The Z33 Fairlady Z is the ultimate poster car from the golden age of racing games. Its appearance on the cover of Forza Motorsport 2 highlights its significance.

FUEL YOUR FANTASY

Next time, let's explore the Audi R8 V10, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 3.

MY FH5 Log: Blood Waters of Dr. Z

Avid Top Gear fans will likely remember the showdown between the Z4 and the Fairlady Z. In a Season 13 episode, Jeremy Clarkson compared the Z4 E89 and the Z34 Fairlady Z, ultimately handing the victory to the Nissan, driven by The Stig. Additionally, in Top Gear: The Perfect Road Trip, Clarkson, driving the first-generation Z4, outperformed Hammond and the Z33 Fairlady Z with the help of a shortcut at a dirt stage that Clarkson doesn't particularly favor.

With the current generation of these longtime arch-rivals, which one will have the last laugh? But first, let's get to know them, starting with the Z4 G29.

The third-generation model is a return to the Z4's roots. It has a soft-top roof that can be folded up or down in ten seconds, even at cruising speeds. The range-topping M40i model has a 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine that produces 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. When mated with the 8-speed AT, it does 0-100kph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 250kph.

Now, let's talk about the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, the latest version of Nissan's legendary Z-car.

Despite its fresh appearance, the RZ34 remains fundamentally a Z34 at its core, making it a car from the Heisei era that has been updated for the Reiwa era. Given the extensive updates, it has been designated as the RZ34, with the "R" standing for Reiwa. Like the Z Proto, the RZ34 Nissan Fairlady Z incorporates design elements inspired by earlier generations.

Under the hood, the RZ34 is equipped with the same 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine found in the Skyline V37 400R. This engine delivers 405 PS of power and 475 Nm of torque and can be paired with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 9-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the new monotube shocks and enhanced front geometry, increased rigidity, available sport brakes, a mechanical limited-slip differential (LSD), and rear suspension tuning, the RZ34 introduces, for the first time, features like launch control and electric power steering.

With a makeshift circuit near the fancy beach resort, it's time to find out which of these longtime rivals is the best. Remember the Top Gear days; the first-gen Z4 beat the Z33 in the dirt thanks to an unexpected shortcut Clarkson found. Rewind to the Top Gear track circa late 2009, the Z34 is faster than the E89 with The Stig behind the wheel. It's one win for each. Let a game like Forza Horizon 5 be the decider. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

Z4 G29 - 1m03.380s

Z (RZ34) - 1m03.664s

That was the closest result I've ever witnessed but in the end, this is how the West was won. The final-generation G29 Z4 defeated the RZ34 Fairlady Z by a narrow margin.

The BMW Z4 is the "ultimate driving machine," and it proved it in a duel against the Fairlady Z. In a close race, the Z4 won by a narrow margin. The Z4 was outshone by its Toyota GR Supra twin, but against the Fairlady Z, it proved its mettle just like its predecessors. If Jeremy Clarkson remained in Top Gear, this would be his bet compared to the RZ34.

Speaking of which, I've prepared a little something for the eternal rivals from the world of Top Gear.

The RZ34 Fairlady Z is donning the role of the PriPara main character, Laala Manaka. Let's admit it, she's unstoppable in her tracks just like the show itself. PriPara really is the GOAT of the Pretty Series.

As for the G29 Z4, look what I just did. On one side, you have Matsuri Hibino, while the other side has Myamu. Matsuri and Myamu, they're both main characters from Waccha PriMagi!

So, what we have here are two of my favorite rear-wheel-drive sports cars bearing significant Pretty Series milestones. One represents the greatest Pretty Series show of all time while the other represents the last of its kind before the switch. Yes, PriMagi is the last Pretty Series anime that had Tatsunoko involved in it before switching to OLM for AiPri. Long story short.

With two of my favorite Pretty Series milestones written all over the bodywork, the Z4 G29 and the Fairlady Z RZ34 are showcasing their high-performance prowess in two EventLab creations against a pack of rivals. Let's roll the tapes.

Meganee-san would be proud of their achievements today!

The letter "Z" is the last letter of the alphabet, and it represents the culmination of the alphabet. The BMW Z4 and the Nissan Fairlady Z are both at their peak. They know that their time is limited in this "new normal," but they're determined to put on a heck of a show as sports cars built for the "new normal." They have done it just like their predecessors and even when the endgame comes, they have proved their worth in this unstable world.

This is the zenith of sports car perfection, redefined.

My FH5 Log: EPISODE Z

Back in the Japanese Automotive update last year, I got my hands on the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 and I said that the added power from its turbocharged engine and Z-centric bits made the RZ34 the ultimate Fairlady Z ever made despite the electric power steering drama that caused some understeer at the bends.

Of course, the year 2023 introduced us to a power-packed Fairlady Z NISMO which has 20 more power than the base RZ34 Fairlady Z. Now that it's here as the hero of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up update, which is littered with four old clunkers I'm not interested with, let's get to know about the NISMO version of the RZ34, having obtained it from Week 1's seasonal championship.

The RZ34 Fairlady Z NISMO transforms the familiar RZ34 into the ultimate road-legal track vehicle, closely resembling racing machines such as the Super GT racing car and the Formula Drift car made famous by Chris Forsberg.

While it looks and feels similar to the standard RZ34 Fairlady Z, the NISMO version features exclusive aerodynamic upgrades and custom-made RAYS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside, it boasts RECARO sports seats, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a specially designed instrument panel, and a drive mode selector, all of which set the Z NISMO apart from the regular Z.

Its 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine has been enhanced to deliver an additional 20PS of power, bringing the total to 420PS. This makes it the most powerful Z-car ever produced. However, this added power has a downside—it is paired exclusively with a revised 9-speed automatic transmission featuring paddle shifters, which may disappoint driving enthusiasts, even when set to SPORT+ mode. Fuel economy is approximately 9.2 km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 NISMO is a powerful car that makes the base RZ34 Fairlady Z feel like a walk in the park. With a 9-speed automatic transmission, 420PS, a 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine, and NISMO credentials, this car is a dream. Speaking of which...

Let's find out if 20PS more power means better for the Fairlady Z RZ34 NISMO as it battles against its basic version around the Winter Wonderland Circuit, which is one of the returning highlights of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up update. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

Z - 1m10.454s

Z NISMO - 1:07.084s

A near-3-second gap between them. Guess more power is better in NISMO's case. Well done.

When the RZ34 Fairlady Z was launched in 2022, it was celebrated as the most powerful Fairlady Z ever created. However, the introduction of the NISMO variant changed that narrative. This truly is the ultimate Z car ever made, and given the way things are evolving, it might be one of the last cars you drive in your lifetime. Add it to your bucket list!

Although this is the end of the discussion, the Z NISMO tells me it's preparing for its little show. What could it be? Since this is our hero car of the Horizon Holidays Mix-up update, which is cramped with four old cars, looks like it wants to battle against the quartet of clunkers.

Anyway, watch for it, and in the meantime, enjoy your new Z.

My GT7 Log: Reiwa no Super GT fighters

The Super GT 2024 season will see a matchup like no other in the Reiwa era. It's a clash between the Toyota GR Supra, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34, and the Honda Civic Type R FL5. Here in GT7, I'm driving their road car equivalents predicting which car will win the 2024 season.

But first, let's get to know about these Reiwa-era JDM sports cars.

With the design borrows inspiration from the FT-1 Concept, the GR Supra shares most of the engines from the BMW Z4 G29 such as the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox.

In the spring of 2020, the GR Supra's 3.0L BMW-derived TwinPower Turbo engine on the flagship RZ variant was boosted by 47PS, resulting in a 387PS power output. In addition, the updated GR Supra features a revised chassis consisting of lightweight aluminum braces, front and rear bump stops, and new damper tuning.

The Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 features an eclectic mix of design cues inspired by past models as well as a cutting-edge interior featuring a GT-R-derived steering wheel, the signature triple pod cluster, and race-inspired gauges. Under the hood, the previous model's 3.7L VVEL engine was replaced by the VR30DDTT 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine derived from the Skyline 400R. It produces nearly 400HP of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 9-speed AT. It features optional launch control for the first time in a Z car and a mechanical LSD.

Apart from the performance it delivers, the RZ34 Fairlady Z features new monotube shocks, new front geometry, rear suspension tuning, and another first for the Z car, electric power steering. It even features increased rigidity and available sports brakes.

Based on the 11th generation Honda Civic hatchback, the FL5 Civic Type R eschews the obvious styling from its predecessor in favor of a more subtle approach while retaining the triple exhaust setup from the FK8. For the first time since the FD2, the FL5 Civic Type R is back to being a Japan-made hot hatchback.

It runs on the same K20C1 2.0L VTEC Turbo engine as the previous FK8 but it's been boosted to produce 330PS of power and 420Nm of torque while mated exclusively to a 6-speed MT.

From the improved suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, improved braking performance, and new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires built exclusively for this car, it smashed the Suzuka Circuit's FF lap record in 2:23.120 and recently, the Nurburgring Nordschleife's FF lap record in 7:44.881.

The FL5 Civic Type R became the 2022-2023 Japan Performance Car of the Year winner.

Taking the idea from both Best Motoring and Hot Version, I decided to compare these three Reiwa-era JDM sportscars around Tsukuba Circuit and engage the one-lap time attack rite of passage, predicting which of these three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season.

In their road car guises, the RZ34 is the most powerful of the three but the FL5 is the dark horse because although it's the least powerful, boasting 325hp power output, it's the lightest of the three, making this comparison truly one-sided. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabbers. It's time to find out which of the three has the potential to win the 2024 Super GT season. Roll the tape.

And here are the results...

GR Supra - 1m05.227s

Z RZ34 - 1m05.767s

Civic Type R FL5 - 1m05.706s

The FL5 Civic Type R truly is the dark horse of the three. It barely defeated the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 by a crust but it's razor-thin slower than the GR Supra. The result is too close to call.

Based on my experiment, my prediction for the 2024 Super GT season will be a close call with the GR Supra expected to win the 2024 season. I'm not sure which GR Supra Super GT car will be but it's everyone's game. The Civic Type R FL5 is proven to be the dark horse of the three and I expect its Super GT equivalent to deliver razor-thin results compared to the other two. Both the GR Supra and the Fairlady Z RZ34 nailed titles but with the arrival of the Super GT Civic, will it be the first to win a Super GT title for the Honda Civic?

Expect the 2024 Super GT season to be as close as the elections, if you catch my drift. With the GR Supra expected to dominate the 2024 season as well as the Honda Civic's wild-card performance, it's going to be the tightest season ever. Get your popcorn ready because it's going to be a long fight.

Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 NISMO

Last year, the Nissan Fairlady Z RZ34 was launched and it's known to be the ultimate Fairlady Z ever made in the midst of its new normal. Although it's still a Heisei-era Z-car underneath, the improvements really made the RZ34 the Z car fit for the Reiwa era.

2024 Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO

2024 Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO interior

Those who demand more from the RZ34 got what they wanted; the most complete RZ34 ever made; the all-new Nissan Fairlady Z NISMO.

Starting at 9,200,400 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the RZ34 Fairlady Z NISMO morphed the RZ34 you're familiar with into the ultimate road-legal track weapon that tries its very best to impersonate the racing machines that donned the RZ34 attire such as the Super GT racing machine and the Formula Drift one popularized by Chris Forsberg.

Although it looks and feels just like the RZ34 Fairlady Z, the NISMO version juiced the RZ34 with NISMO-exclusive aerodynamic upgrades and specially-made RAYS 19-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside, the RECARO sports seats, Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel, a specially-made instrumental panel, and a drive mode selector truly differentiate the Z NISMO from the regular Z.

Get your popcorn ready because here comes the main course of the RZ34 Fairlady Z NISMO: the performance. The 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine that powers it got juiced with additional 20PS of power, making it 420PS. It's the most powerful Z-car ever made. Whilst the added power comes with a painful price; it's mated exclusively with a revised 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters, which is a total turn-off for speedo boys behind the wheel even when it's set to SPORT+. Fuel economy is around 9.2km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Complaining about the gearbox while praising the added power output, the driving pleasure never felt even more addictive thanks to its NISMO-tuned chassis, improved torsional rigidity of the body, and other improvements. Whether you're out on a track day or in a middle of a drifting pleasure, rest assured that the sport-tuned dynamics the RZ34 NISMO possesses will not be overlooked. In fact, you'll find plenty of reasons to enjoy it.

While the ultra-expensive pricetag and the automatic gearbox are a total turn-off, the added power and sport-tuned dynamics made the Fairlady Z NISMO RZ34 the complete version of what's known to be the ultimate Fairlady Z ever made in the midst of its new normal. With such performance and exclusivity, it's okay to express some burning jealousy when you see one because, truth be told, we just want one. That's Plan Z for you, Gen Z boys and girls.

Available Colors: NISMO Stealth Grey/Super Black 2-tone, Carmine Red/Super Black 2-tone, Brilliant Silver/Super Black 2-tone, Prism White/Super Black 2-tone, and Midnight Black.

Photo: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

My FH5 Log: "WE MAKE DRIFTS"

Aside from the junk cars and the AMG GT Black Series offered in the FH5 Upgrade Heroes update, there are two additional Formula Drift cars as well with one a new version of the familiar drift car driven by Chris Forsberg, and the other driven by one of the Donut Media boys for PROSPEC class.

First up is the #64 Forsberg Racing Nissan Z that I won as the overall prize in the Upgrade Heroes playlist. Used in the 2023 season of Formula Drift Pro Championship, it's based on the RZ34 Nissan Fairlady Z but with the 3.8L V6 Twin Turbo engine from the Nissan GT-R stuffed in it and juiced to produce a thousand horsepower.

Lastly, the #51 Donut Media Nissan 240SX drift car that I've obtained has mingled through the Donut Media Low Car story's Bumper 2 Bumper segment. It's a Nissan Silvia S14A jammed with an LQ9 engine, it's been driven by Donut Media's Adam Knapik for the PROSPEC class.

Normally, I would rather compare these two drift cars to see which one is the best but sadly, that would be pointless to compare drift cars because they're focused mostly on drifting rather than doing laps. Luckily, I had a brainwave...

First off, I decided to give the #64 Forsberg Racing Nissan Z a little exhibition drift in my own version of a certain classic track from a certain classic racing game I can't mention. Okay, it's my version of GT2's Motor Sports Land and if anyone's interested, I'll tell you the share code, it's 147 528 997.

Next up, I took the #51 Donut Media Nissan 240SX drift car on a little timewarp to Ancient Rome with a 10-lap drift track created by Forza player "l Wizzle l". Credit to the owner, as always.

As I said, if anyone's interested in this Ancient Rome drift track created by a certain Forza player, here's the share code: 175 263 128

These drift cars really know how to make a statement...

Enjoy your new rides!