With the countdown to the upcoming FH5 Rally Adventure expansion in full swing, the Horizon Wilds Takeover series update features the dirtiest cars on the planet as well as Ken Block-themed challenges in honor of the late HHIC. The perfect time for a warm-up before the dirtiest rally gauntlet begins.
The Wet Season Playlist welcomes back two rally monsters that will come in handy when the Rally Adventure hits at the end of March. These are the Ford Focus RX from GYMKHANA 9 and the mythical #2 Audi Sport Quattro S1.
The 2016 Ford Focus RS RX #43 is specially modified for Ken Block's ninth Gymkhana outing; RAW INDUSTRIAL PLAYGROUND. With its turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine producing nearly twice the power as the normal 2.3L-powered road-going model, the 4WD rally monster is capable of burning all four wheels while unleashing hell in the industrial park. Apart from that, it features a Sadev 6-speed sequential gearbox, a special exterior design that complies with FIA World Rallycross regulations, Cosworth engine management and data logging, and Reiger suspension, among others.
As the improved version of the Audi Sport Quattro rally car, the S1 complies with Group B regulations, and with that, they've built 20 units for homologation purposes. Powering the Quattro S1 is a 2.1L inline-5 engine that produces 470hp of power, making it the most powerful rally car ever built, while mated to a then-experimental version of the dual-clutch gearbox, making it the forebearer of the double-clutch gearbox. Notable drivers include Hannu Mikkola, Walter Rohrl, Michele Mouton, Bobby Unser, and Stig Blomqvist, who won the 1984 WRC title. Apart from the WRC, the car saw success in the Pikes Peak Hill Climb from 1985, and 1987 to 1989.
Let's give these rally monsters a quick exercise before getting them ready for the upcoming Rally Adventure very soon. The ideal time to flex their muscles before getting ready for the most grueling rally gauntlets. Roll up the tape.
Although messy, they've flexed enough to take on the most grueling rally gauntlets coming very soon. Looks like these two are ready for the Rally Adventure.
The Ford Bronco and the Land Rover Defender are the two reborn offroaders of the decade that showcase their legendary capabilities in their newest forms in a way never seen before.
Loyalists from both sides have been arguing about which one is the best. Some say it's the Defender because although it's far-fetched compared to the old one, it's still the best offroader full-stop and it's more powerful than the Bronco. Others say it's the Bronco because it is the most off-road capable vehicle known to them, although the Jeep Wrangler can mince them both like pork grinds. For the Bronco Nation, it's E Pluribus Unum because they will go for the Bronco more than any other offroader in the world.
Before the duel begins, it's time for the reborn offroaders of the decade to identify themselves.
The second-generation Defender is a modern take on the most iconic offroader in history. Half a century of adventures has led to this evolution the world has witnessed. Although the styling is too posh for a reborn Defender, it still has the legendary offroad capability from its ancestors. Armed with the all-aluminum D7x architecture, monocoque body construction, offroad-focused suspension setup, Adaptive Dynamics with available Electronic Air Suspension, and the next-gen Terrain Response, the new Defender really works and feels just like the original despite its posh looks.
The one that appeared in Forza Horizon 5 comes with a 3.0L petrol engine producing 400HP of power and 550Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT with low gear ratios suitable for offroading, it does 0-60mph in around six seconds and has a top speed of 119mph.
What about the Ford Bronco? Well, when Ford decided to revive the Bronco, they wanted their revival to trace its roots back to the first model. With styling inspired by the first-generation model, the reborn Bronco runs on the same mechanical bits and bobs as the Ford Ranger, meaning there are two kinds of 4x4 systems at bay such as the one with the Part-Time Selectable Engagement or the more advanced 4x4 with Automatic On-Demand Engagement. Staying true to its Built Wild mantra, the Bronco features a Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. Modes. As the name implies, these modes made the Bronco go over any type of terrain, and with the right mode switched on, drivers can traverse through the harshest road conditions without worry, and with Baja mode (exclusive on the Wildtrak variant) switched on, the Bronco shows its trump card, putting its Built Wild theory into action.
The one featured on the game's cover alongside the Mercedes-AMG Project One is the Badlands version with the 2.7L EcoBoost engine with 330HP of power and 415lb-ft of torque. It's mated to a class-first 10-speed AT.
With their quick introductions done, it's time for the two reborn offroaders to trade jabs at a deserted runway.
Based on the specifications, the Defender is more powerful than the Bronco but because the Bronco is lighter and more off-road capable than the Defender, it's going to be a one-sided MMA match between them. The question is, who will win the cross-country MMA duel? Let's roll the tape.
After an epic fight on a deserted runway, here are the results;
Defender - 1m15.309s
Bronco - 1m14.007s
...and the winner by a 1.3-second gap goes to...the Ford Bronco!
It seems the so-called Bronco Nation was right after all. It seems the powerful Defender got beaten by a lighter and more off-road capable Bronco. Guess the revived Bronco truly is E Pluribus Unum after all. Out of many, one. No matter which offroader you're gunning for, it's always the Ford Bronco that stands out from the rest because it was born to Go On Any Terrain and there's your GOAT for you.
Surely I was going to wrap up this decisive battle but something decisive came up to me. Looks like these two offroaders are onto something decisive; tackling the dirtiest challenges in Horizon Mexico such as The Gauntlet and The Titan. The Bronco will take on The Titan with its GOAT capabilities while the Defender, well, it lost the fight against the Bronco, will handle the longest dirt sprint in all of Horizon. Because of its herculean status, both offroaders need to be prepped up for the longest fight ahead.
My special Defender is ready to take on The Gauntlet with its specifications tweaked to almost match both the Defender V8 and the Bowler Defender Rally Series raid car. I even added some "lick of love" if you know what I mean. Oh, Pepper...
The Bronco, meanwhile, likes to stay it this way, albeit with a minor weight loss to make it slightly more capable on the rough while tackling through the most challenging obstacles The Titan will throw at it. Besides, would a Vivid Star back out from a challenge? Definitely not.
With their assigned targets set, it's time for the reborn offroaders to give it their all, survive, and win. Roll the tapes!
Battered and bent but our wounded warriors showcased the stuff legends are made of.
Despite their differences, both the new Defender and the new Bronco have showcased their legendary offroad performance in their newest forms. Although not pretty, they were meant to drive dirty because offroading is what they're built for. Modern SUVs cannot go off-road but for them, they still got it and it's about time to give these reborn offroaders a huge respect for their hard work.
It's great to have them both in the line of duty in Horizon Mexico.
The new Ford Bronco really is a comeback worth waiting for after two and a half decades of waiting. It's a real no-nonsense SUV that does real SUV stuff the poser crossovers can't. For those who demand more from the new Bronco, the first-ever Bronco Raptor has arrived to add more offroad capability to the reborn legend.
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
Priced at 73,780 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Ford Bronco Raptor is the beefed-up version of the reborn Bronco that offers more off-road capability than the normal Bronco, the capability to outlast the likes of offroad greats such as the Jeep Wrangler and the Land Rover Defender. It's offered exclusively as a four-door because there's a good saying that fits well with the most potent Bronco ever made; "You Are Not Alone".
Outside, the Bronco Raptor features signature Raptor treatments such as the hood, the black grille with FORD lettering, and other tough treatments to turn the offroad-capable Bronco into a beefed-up offroader ready for extreme stuff. Inside, the Bronco Raptor works just like the normal Raptor and can be fitted with available features to make it unique for you and your road trip buddies.
Under the hood, the Bronco Raptor is powered by a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 418HP of power and 440lb-ft of torque while mated to a 10-speed AT, meaning this potent Bronco is less powerful than the V8 versions of the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender. That sounds like a weak point for the Raptor but being the most offroad-capable Bronco ever built, the Bronco Raptor is armed with HOSS 4.0 with FOX Live Valve 3.1 internal bypass semi-active dampers and 37-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires developed specifically for the Bronco Raptor.
Combined with familiar Bronco capabilities, the Bronco Raptor is even more capable everywhere than the normal Bronco, meaning it's not afraid to play dirty because dirty is part of the Raptor experience. From the sands of Death Valley, the snowcapped Colorado Rockies, to the streets of New York, the Bronco Raptor is locked and loaded.
With its improved offroad capabilities, the Bronco Raptor really is a Bronco on steroids and such performance and looks are too tough to be snubbed. In fact, the world's feeling the burning jealousy to have one someday. Up for the challenge?
There's an old Donut Media saying that I've been reminded of, "WE BUY JUNK CARS, WE PAY A LOT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THO". Here in the Forza Horizon 5's Donut Media collaboration series update, I've won some "junk cars" and I've driven them a lot, depending on my style, tho. So, what are the "junk cars" I'm talking about?
There's the Morris Mini Traveller that I won from the Storm Season Playlist. Launched in 1961 and produced until 1969, this two-door estate derivative of the Mini features double "barn-door" style rear doors fit for utilitarian purposes. High-end models of the Traveller featured wood inserts of the rear body. Under the hood, the Morris Mini-Traveller is powered by an 850cc 4-cylinder engine producing a small 45hp of power and it is capable of reaching a top speed of just 70mph.
After that, there's the Ford Super Deluxe that I won from the Dry Season Playlist. Known as the last of the all-wood-bodied cars before the steel transition at the end of the 1940s, the Super Deluxe's V8 engine produces a small 90hp of power.
Lastly, obtained from the Hot Season Playlist, is the Morris Minor Series II Traveller. The estate version of the Series II Morris Minor features a varnished wood frame for the rear bodywork with double "barn-door" style rear doors.
These three "junk cars" were woody cars. When you take them for a joyride, you'll know that such wooden presence has never gone out of style if you catch my drift. Speaking of which, let's take this trio of woody cars for a joyride if it pleases me. Roll the tapes.
They may be wooden but they sure know how to party.
Man, judging by the mood from the producers, looks like another wave of "junk cars" coming to Forza Horizon 5 after this Donut Media collaboration. Lots of "junk cars" are incoming, so be prepared to want one if you really are.
Hit us up, producers. As the Donut boys would say, "WE BUY JUNK CARS, WE PAY A LOT. DEPENDING ON THE YEAR THO".
Gran Turismo 7 is joining the Prime Day madness as this game has the most insane heavy beasts that are prepared for the most insane moments of their lives.
The F-150 SVT Raptor, the Renaultsport Megane III, the McLaren MP4-12C, and the Pagani Zonda R are the heavy beasts that can't wait to let their wild side unleashed on track.
Primed and ready, these four heavy beasts are known for unleashing their primal strengths wherever lay ahead. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, the motorsport-inspired dynamics of the 12C, and the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these machines are business and leisure without compromise. I know, I always love saying that every Prime Day because these four unstoppable missiles are Prime Day's Jurassic menace.
To unleash the Jurassic menace of these four unstoppable missiles, it's time to let these heavy beasts accelerate violently through Watkins Glen, the newest addition to Gran Turismo 7's track roster. There are two variants of this new addition; the long one and the short one. I went for the long one just to make it more exciting and real.
Let the Jurassic menace begin!
These four unstoppable missiles... Only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode. However, there can be only one, and here is the result;
F-150 SVT Raptor - 2:29.042
Megane RS Trophy - 2:20.104
12C - 2:10.942
Zonda R - 1:49.354
The most unstoppable missile in Prime Day's Jurassic menace is the Zonda R.
Watching these four unstoppable missiles ripping through the track with such technology, lightness, and brutal power, well, scratch the second part because only three made the cut, this is the main reason why I love Prime Day.
Prime Day is when I'm getting the maximum out of these heavy beasts no matter which video game I'm on. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive such monsters.
Prime Day is here. The once-a-year event is where the heavy beasts have gone uncaged and became bats out of hell for the most insane moments of their lives.
Since this is Forza Horizon 5, let me introduce you to the prime specimens who are ready to rip through the prime meridian in the name of business and leisure without compromise.
First up is the original Ford F-150 SVT Raptor, the one with the glorious but feral 6.2L V8 engine that begs to be revved in high volume. Its prime moment for this beast is from a certain TV show where the Raptor tackled through the Arizona wilderness while racing against a HALO jumper. It was a close fight but the HALO jumper defeated the Raptor at the end.
Lastly, the ultimate beast that roars through racetracks like a bat out of hell; is the Pagani Zonda R. The million-euro-finale to Pagani's maiden masterpiece that lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in six minutes and 47 seconds. From its extreme aerodynamics, cutting-edge technology, and its AMG V12 engine that churns out 750HP of power, it's no wonder a certain veteran racing driver fell in love with this machine while having an impression from a certain TV show, which is exactly the car's prime moment.
With the prime specimens set, it's time to uncage these heavy beasts to the caldera and let their songs of prime roar through the Mexican hills. Ladies and gentlemen, please hold tight.
Now, this is what Prime Day's all about!
The Ford F-150 SVT Raptor and the Pagani Zonda R have proved themselves that they are the most worthy beasts that can turn everyone into Darth Pancake thanks to such technology and brutal power offered. This is business and leisure without compromise. This is PRIME.
I'm glad we are lucky enough to drive these cars in this game.
While Americans are busy with their grills and fireworks, here in FH5, it's time to honor America with a quick comparison between the three American muscle powerhouses.
America truly is the home of muscle cars and even in the new normal, Gen Z people still want to have a blast of the past by settling the debate over which muscle car is the best, and here are the three competitors;
First up is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, a track-focused version of the Camaro ZL1. The normal Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, it produces 650HP of power and the same amount of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The 1LE offers the same amount of performance as the ZL1 but with the added track performance to make it capable on the track. From its track-focused aerodynamics, Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires built specifically for this car, and weighing 60lbs less than the normal ZL1, the ZL1 1LE is the ultimate Camaro built for the most elite drivers everywhere.
Next up is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the sixth-generation Mustang on steroids. Dubbed as the most powerful Mustang ever made, the GT500's 5.2L Supercharged Cross Plane Crank V8 engine produces 760hp of power output and 625ft-lb of torque. Mated to a TREMEC 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, it's capable of hitting the 0-60mph mark in the mid-three second mark and a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds. The GT500 runs on the near-similar aerodynamics as the GT4 racecar as well as the optional carbon fiber pack for lesser weight and a more enjoyable driving experience. It features next-gen magnetic dampers that allow the GT500 to have the best lateral acceleration of any Mustang experienced.
And finally, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which is still revered as the ultimate muscle car. The Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known to break every world record in history, especially the fact that being the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.
With the trio of ultimate American muscle cars set, it's time to settle once and for all which of these three is the greatest, and with that, let's use the hill climb course located somewhere near the caldera. It's like the Mexican version of the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in my mind and the hill climb is the perfect discipline for the trio to flex their steroid-induced muscles as they attempt to drive their way to the top. Let's find out which one came out on top, shall we? Roll the tape!
After flexing their muscles on the hill climb, here are the results;
ZL1 1LE - 3:15.596
GT500 - 3:11.225
Demon - 3:29.109
What a shocking result! The most powerful muscle car in the world got beaten by a Mustang that is nearly a hundred less! Looks like Ford is the winner because their new GT500 not only is powerful full-stop but also capable of handling through the track like a European sports car, which is the GT500's breakfast, lunch, and tea.
It's a shame that despite the Demon is the most powerful of the three, it ended up dead last in my little hill climb experiment with the trio. Well, I got to say, despite whatever happened, these muscle car powerhouses did make America great for good times and bad times, whatever the reason.
Whether you're representing the General, the Blue Oval, or Mopar, it's a real privilege to experience the ultimate American muscle cars. Although they may not be forever, their legacies will be forever remembered just by the smell of the high-performance race fuel exhumed from their tailpipes and the burnouts they've pulled.
With the success of the Mustang Mach-E electrified crossover and the E-Transit, the first electrified Ford F-150 has arrived and it brought back an iconic nameplate to match its electrified stance. This is the all-new Ford F-150 Lightning.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning
With prices starting at below 52 grand plus additional costs, the new Ford F-150 Lightning is the electrified take on the best-seller that promises to deliver the same "Built Ford Tough" philosophy in this age of the new normal.
So, why did Ford decide to bring back the Lightning brand for this electrified F-150? For those who owned a super-old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the supercharged engine in it, consider the new F-150 Lightning a bit of a joke, just like the Mustang Mach-E when it was a crossover instead of being a muscle car that purists wanted. Sacrilege it is, the F-150 Lightning is built to tackle all kinds of demanding tasks like a true blue-collar worker.
2022 Ford F-150 Lightning interior
Beginning with the styling, the Lightning features a unique exterior design that differentiates it from the normal F-150, which is common sense for carmakers trying to differentiate it from normal ones. The same story goes for the interior because instead of using a similar dashboard layout to its ICE-powered equivalent, it dons a tall touchscreen similar to the one used on the Mustang Mach-E, which is packed with numerous gadgetry, including the annoying Amazon Alexa feature.
While it can accommodate up to five people and has a big interior space which is typical for full-size trucks, the F-150 Lightning's convenience doesn't stop at the rear trunk because, with the unique electric powertrain position, the front hood has motors in it. Instead, it's a front boot that's almost as spacious as a Porsche 911. Ford calls this the Frunk but the Frunk is nothing new for carmakers. Mid-engined supercars had the frunk but nothing as spacious as the Ford. Besides, you can plug in it and enjoy manly stuff anywhere, especially tailgating parties with your bros.
Thanks to its dual electric motors that made it a 4WD offroader, the F-150 Lightning can be bolted with either a 98 kWh or a 131 kWh battery pack. With the latter, it generates about 563 horsepower, 775 lb.-ft. of torque, and a 0-60 mph time in the mid-4-second range, that's quicker than the Ford F-150 Raptor. As for range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.
Because of its electric powertrain, driving the F-150 Lightning feels like weightlifting a 1000lb barbell repeatedly. It feels like hard work while on the go and even when you go offroading or using the available towing package, guess you'll have to go exercising first before handling this electrified truck. This is a real man's electric truck doing extreme jobs. This is no time to sit back and enjoy binge-watching your favorite painting TV show from your childhood. Once you're in the Lightning, the hard labor begins and every day is a work day.
At the end of your arduous day, the F-150 Lightning comes prepared with a list of safety features some may find shocking behind the wheel, including the intriguing Ford BlueCruise hands-free driving which works like Tesla's AutoPilot. It's shocking to have an autonomous driving feature implanted in the F-150 Lightning and with a long list of ADAS, welcome to the new normal, cowboy.
Although mediocre to reviving the Lightning brand to the electrified F-150, this deserves all the attention it deserves like blue-collar workers. With its electric powertrain, shocking tech features, the same F-150 capability, and unique front boot, the new F-150 Lightning has the earnings of being a Built Ford Tough vehicle. Macho-bellied men are more than welcome to drive this electrified F-150 by all means necessary and such capability means jealousy for those who wish who want to drive one.
For nearly six decades, the Ford Mustang has been known as the king of muscle cars. Many have tried to compete with it but failed to match the Mustang's legendary reputation known the world over.
When Ford unveiled the first-ever Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, Mustang purists are shocked that how pray tell they've used the name of the muscle car for a fully electric crossover that has nothing in common with the muscle car everybody loves, feared, and respected.
At the hands of RTR and resident fun-haver, Vaughn Gittin Jr., they saw a golden opportunity to turn the already regular Mustang Mach-E crossover into the ultimate all-rounder. They've called it the Mustang Mach-E 1400 Concept.
Having obtained by clearing all of the stages from the brand-new FH5 Horizon Story, Drift Club Mexico, it's time to have a roast with the specially-tuned Mach-E.
Tuned by RTR, the one-off Mustang Mach-E 1400's electric powertrain produces the titular 1400HP of power output courtesy of seven electric motors and a 56.8-kWh battery made up of nickel manganese cobalt pouch cells. Thanks to its unique aerodynamic appearance, not only does the Mustang Mach-E 1400 work on a drag strip but also on the racetrack and gymkhana. It even works as a drift car as well. Not only that, the Mach-E 1400 features different configurations to make it behave like an FF car, an FR car, or an AWD car. It's like three different cars in one unique electric monster.
In FH5, you can drive the Mach-E 1400 in either rear-wheel-drive mode or AWD mode at the push of a button. Whichever driving mode you choose, the Mach-E 1400 Concept is going to be your next skill record breaker because if you get addicted to its drifting credentials unheard on an electric car, you may end up falling in love and spending the whole day breaking the all-time skill records. Smashing objects, burnouts, drifting, going at full speed, feel free to throw whatever means necessary to this vehicle because being a Mach-E tuned by the fun-haver himself, it's about as show-off as the legendary Hoonicorn.
I'd really wish I want to compare this to the Hoonicorn but in the meantime...
A group of speedo boys in their super-expensive exotics wanted to challenge the Mach-E 1400 for a street race. With the driving mode set to 4WD and with my brave face on, it's a challenge accepted for the world's craziest Mustang Mach-E ever made. Roll the tape.
Guess the speedo boys are in for a shock, realizing they've been defeated by an electric SUV. Anyway...
The Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 is a clear reminder that the future of motoring is going to be as exciting as this monster machine that loves to tear through asphalt and eat its tires off without harming the environment, almost. As the world of motoring shifts its focus towards electrification, there's still hope that there will be fun-to-drive cars to be made at this time of the new normal. Although they're not as exciting as their petrol-powered ancestors, it takes time to get used to them.
Welcome to the new normal. Almost the same as the old...normal.
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