My FH5 Log: Pick Up, Pack Down

The Explore the Horizon update on Forza Horizon 5 isn't just more than the powered-up Photo Mode update, Pathfinder challenges, two Cupra crossovers, and new overland parts on selected offroaders, it's about four American trucks taking centerstage on Horizon Mexico; a modified F-250 with a unique party piece, two classic American trucks, and the long-awaited arrival of the GMC Hummer EV.

Now that I got all of the four prize trucks over the course of the Explore the Horizon update, it's time to take a gander at my recent hauls;

In the Wet Season, I got my hands on the DeBerti Ford F-250 Transformer, it's a modified F-250 truck made possible by DeBerti Design that wowed the crowd at the 2019 SEMA Show. Aside from numerous modifications, it features unique tool drawers and hidden storage beneath the fiberglass fender.

In the Storm Season, I got the keys to the seventh-generation Ford F-150, the model that redefined the F-150 lineage because it was the first to feature the Ford Blue Oval grille emblem, the diesel variant, and an optional dashboard with a full set of instruments.

The second-generation Chevrolet K10 truck became part of my FH5 garage ever since winning one in the Dry Season. Mind you, because this is the 1972 model year K10, it's qualified to be designated as a "vintage car" if you know what I mean. This is part of the "Action Line" C/K models produced from 1967 to 1972 and over its span, it received numerous updates and underwent a mid-cycle refresh for the 1971 model year.

Lastly, and obviously the best one, the GMC Hummer EV that I won from the Hot Season. Signaling the return of the Hummer name in the age of the new normal, the GMC Hummer EV features a three-motor powertrain generating 1,000hp of power and 15,591Nm of torque in its top-spec Edition 1 variant, capable of going from 0-60mph in three seconds. In addition, it features adaptive air suspension with available Extract Mode, a choice of 35 to 37-inch tires, underbody armor, Ultravision, removable Sky Panel roof sections, Watts to Freedom, MultiPro tailgate, and CrabWalk. Sadly, we can't do CrabWalk in the game but Watts to Freedom? Engage Launch Control and see it for yourself.

With all four American trucks now part of the FH5 family, it's time to give them some necessary roughness they deserved and with the FH5 Rally Adventure still open for business, let's give these American truckers their moment of glory as they're tackling through the rough against the competition. Roll the tapes!

Having enjoyed all four trucks in the game, which one is the favorite? For me, it's got to be the Hummer EV. Sure, it's a massive monster to handle but I had a blast to drive the ultimate electric truck that caused a lot of stir since its world premiere and gained a two thumbs-up by LeBron James himself.

This unboxing is finished but I still have a word with the GMC Hummer EV. Watch for it. It's gonna be interesting...

My FH5 Log: Lightning Round

Those who enjoyed Forza Horizon 5's Rally Adventure expansion and conquered the Horizon Badlands Goliath have been granted access to the expansion's hero car, the all-new all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning. Having got the keys to this electric truck, I am curious about the new Lightning and how it performs across the Horizon Badlands.

Now is the time for a lightning round with the all-new F-150 Lightning and how it compares against the old F-150 SVT Lightning, the one with the Ford GT engine in it.

Here they are, the two Lightnings, the old petrol-powered one and the new electrified one, tackling each other like football players during the conference finals. How do these two Lightnings stack up?

The Ford SVT Lightning is based on the two-door version of the 10th-generation F-150 and one of the early forays to the high-performance truck gig. It comes with a supercharged 5.4L V8 engine that churns out 380HP and 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds.

The new F-150 Lightning is based on the 14th-generation F-150 and it features two electric motors powering all four wheels and 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. As for the driving range, it's good for up to 320 miles while running on the extended-range variant.

Having gotten to know about these two Lightning trucks, it's time to see which one is the strongest lightning of all. Is it the petrol-powered, rear-wheel-drive F-150 SVT Lightning or the all-electric, all-new F-150 Lightning? Let's find out with a quick sprint race across the quarry. Ready, set, go!

And now, the results...

F-150 SVT Lightning - 3m10.340s

F-150 Lightning - 2m59.546s

Although fans of the original F-150 Lightning may not like it, the all-electric reboot managed to trump the OG by nearly eleven seconds. Now that's what they called The Eleventh Hour. What a golden hour for the electric pickup.

Looks like the F-150 Lightning has proven its worth in the Badlands with its electric powertrain and legendary F-150 capabilities and now that I got to know about this electrified offroader, it's back to business in the Badlands. Although I've cleared most of the rally stages, looks like the whole world's on my tail, itching to have some fun in the Badlands.

Ready for some old-school fun in the Badlands? You bet I am because this is Horizon. Everything's possible.

See you next time!

My GT7 Log: Stars and Us

The first-generation BMW M2 and the Ford Focus Mk3 RS are the coolest things to come out from the mid-2010s. No, I'm not referring to some orangutan who drove both of these cars from a certain streaming TV show. I'm thinking about the starry feeling about these two mid-2010s sports cars.

Both the M2 and the Focus RS are compact midsized sports car wonders that satisfy most drivers behind the wheel. The dynamics and character made these two special in every way but just how different between these two?

Beginning with the Ford Focus Mk3 RS, is known to be the last American hot hatch offered on American soil, although it was fully imported from Europe. It has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine that produces 320PS and it has the strongest braking system ever made for a Ford. Despite being 4WD, the Focus Mk3 RS features Drift Mode that allows this hatchback to drift like a rear-wheel-drive car.

When the first BMW M2 was launched, this successor to the 1M Coupe is powered by a 3.0L six-cylinder turbo engine that produces 370HP of power and 465Nm of torque. It can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed M DCT for the purpose of being quick on the line. The M2 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the facelifted version, the M2 Competition. This version saw its engine power bumped to 405HP thanks to a new S55 engine sourced from its M4 big brother, capable of hitting a top speed of 280kph thanks to an optional package.

Having gotten to know these two, it's time to give these shining stars a one-lap drive toward memory lane at Brands Hatch. Man, it's just like I remembered. A long time ago in an upside-down country far far away, I put these two on a heated sprint race and found out that the less powerful Focus RS trumped the M2 by a narrow margin.

Now, here we are. Doing this stint again but this time, this is Gran Turismo 7. The M2 went through greater heights while the Focus RS remained the same. Still, what a reunion these two stars are, and looks like they're going to settle this again, this time at Brands Hatch. Roll the tape.

After the two have the time of their lives, here are the results;

BMW M2 Competiton '18 - 1m45.442s

Ford Focus RS '18 - 1m48.725s

It looks like the M2 is the winner of this...friendly rivalry between the two stars.

Rivals! Friends and foe alike, today and tomorrow! It's been an honor to drive these two machines once more even in a different game like Gran Turismo 7.

Sure, the Focus RS is already gone for good while the BMW M2's story continues in new and exciting ways, but these two are proven to be the most enjoyable machines not because of the performance and dynamics but because of the charm they possess. Something reminded us of a certain rivalry a long time ago. 

Sounds girly but it's all about dreaming and rolling. Get it? Dreaming and rolling, that's what these two cars are all about and I love them for it.

Keep your dreams rolling, no matter where you are!

My FH5 Log: Kingmakers

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.

Enjoy your new rides!

My FH5 Log: Bronco v Defender

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.

Ford Bronco (Sixth Generation) Raptor

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?

Photo: Ford Motor Company

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

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".

My GT7 Log: The Beasts of #PrimeDay

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.

See you next Prime Day, HALO guys!