Showing posts with label forza. Show all posts
Showing posts with label forza. Show all posts

Friday, November 1, 2024

My FH5 Log: 500 miles a day

The Subaru Alcyone SVX is the final prize car of Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s update and it's obtainable in this update's Spring Season Playlist. Now that I have one, it's time to get to know the last Alcyone ever made.

Alcyone

Introduced in 1991, the Alcyone SVX stands as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe, famously advertised with the slogan "500 miles a day." This remarkable vehicle combines striking Giugiaro-inspired styling with an eye-catching glass-to-glass round canopy, making it a true head-turner.

Under the hood, the Alcyone SVX boasts a robust water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine, featuring Subaru's pioneering variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). With an impressive output of 230HP and 228 lb-ft of torque, it pairs exclusively with a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission. The strut suspension on both the front and rear wheels, combined with ventilated disc brakes, ensures an exhilarating driving experience.

Despite its substantial weight, the SVX embodies the essence of a luxury grand tourer, delivering unparalleled comfort and responsive handling tailored for those long, enjoyable journeys ahead. Experience the legacy of the Alcyone SVX; it’s more than just a car—it’s a statement of performance and style.

Alcyone

With its introduction done, it's time to give the last prize car of the decade a challenging duel against a top driver in a certain EventLab creation made by a player named "VeIxity". Let's roll the tape.


Well, it may be a performance flop because it's only mated with a 4-speed AT but the SVX is nostalgia shaken and stirred.

And that’s it for Forza Horizon 5’s Back to the 90s. What a way to revisit our childhood memories the Forza way. And with the next update imminent, let’s hope the prize cars will be better than these.

Friday, October 25, 2024

My FH5 Log: Gone Lagonda

Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Winter Season Playlist introduced us to an Aston Martin sedan we are unfamiliar with, the Aston Martin Lagonda.


We, Forza babies, don't know about this ancient Aston Martin saloon. The only Aston Martin saloon we remember is the Rapide. Anyway, long story short. Let's get to know about the Aston Martin Lagonda, the sedan.


First launched in 1974 and designed by William Towns, the Aston Martin Lagonda is the company's second attempt at creating a premium sedan and served as the successor to the ancient Lagonda Rapide. The first model was originally a saloon version of the Aston Martin V8. Still, later updates gave the Lagonda sedan a squarish and edgier shape, something unheard of on premium sedan standards. 

Seen in FH5 is the final version of the Lagonda, the Series 4. Featuring a more rounded but slab-sided styling compared to the Series 3, the Series 4 Lagonda is powered by a 5.3L V12 engine producing 289bhp of power and 321ft-lb of torque.

Until production ended in January 1990, only 105 units of the Series 4 Lagonda were made.


The Lagonda managed to last until the start of the final decade of the 20th century. But do you know something that came out before that? The comedy-horror movie Beetlejuice came out in 1989. That's why I've sent the ancient Lagonda to GT Deny's reenactment of Lydia Deetz's neighborhood in time for Halloween celebrations. Ready for a little tour around the hood? Let's roll the tape.


Nostalgia is all part of the game, more or less.


What are your thoughts on the ancient Aston Martin Lagonda sedan? Do you think the car looks good? Is the Lagonda a good car? Are there any particular features of the Lagonda that you like or dislike? Let me know what you think of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

Anyway, enjoy your new ride!

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

My FH5 Log: Mr. Mitsu

The Mitsubishi FTO has made its comeback in Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the Back to the 90s Storm Season Playlist. This news is sure to thrill a certain slasher from Hakone.

FTO

Having obtained the FTO, let's have a word with the only front-wheel-drive sports coupe Mitsubishi made.

The Mitsubishi FTO was launched in October 1994 as an entry-level front-wheel-drive sports coupe. It was intended to compete with the Toyota Celica and the Honda Integra. The FTO comes with a choice of engines, including a 2.0L 6A12 MIVEC V6 engine that produces 200 PS of power and 20.4 kgf-m of torque. It is mated with either a 5-speed manual or INVECS-II Sports Mode automatic transmission (in four or five-speed configurations) that allows the driver to manually shift gears with ease. At launch, it won the Japan Car of the Year. Production ended in 2000.

FTO

I'm going to take the FTO for a quick drive around a certain EventLab creation that feels like Fuji to me. I'm not sure if it's an exact replica, but it's close enough. Anyway, let's roll the tape and see how it handles.


The good old days are still here, at least for fans of the Mitsubishi FTO. This classic Japanese sports coupe has been revisited in Forza Horizon 5.

Enjoy your new ride!

Sunday, October 20, 2024

My FH5 Log: Ao-Soarer Jumping Heart

The third-generation Toyota Soarer showcased to the world that a Japanese carmaker can jump onto the GT bandwagon by offering drivers a sensible grand tourer worth enjoyable to drive. The same goes for its so-called spiritual successor, the Lexus LC.



The Toyota Soarer and Lexus LC are both grand touring cars that offer drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. When you compare these two cars, you'll discover that they have a lot in common. So, how well do we know these two?


The third-generation Toyota Soarer is a luxury coupe that I won from Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1991, the third-generation Soarer eschews the muscular shape of its predecessor in favor of a rounder design. This is the first Soarer that was sold overseas as the Lexus SC. In the US, it won the 1992 Import Car of the Year. Engine choices include a 1UZ-FE 4.0L V8 engine, a 2JZ-GE 3.0L 6-cylinder engine, and seen here is the 1JZ-GTE 2.5L six-cylinder twin-turbo engine. Depending on the engine choices, the Z30 Soarer is mated to either a 4-speed AT or a 5-speed MT.


Now, let's talk about the Lexus LC 500, one of the last remaining V8-powered JDM cars. Although the design is heavily inspired by the LF-LC Concept, the LC is the first Lexus to use Toyota's TNGA platform. It's powered by the 472HP 5.0L naturally-aspirated V8 engine mated to a Lexus-first 10-speed AT.

The Lexus LC became the last Lexus vehicle to compete in the Super GT's GT500 class before it was replaced by the Toyota GR Supra for the 2020 season. In its three-season tenure from 2017 to 2019, the LC 500 emerged as the two-time champion with the #37 KeePer TOM'S and the #6 WAKO'S 4CR LC500 bagging the titles.



To see how much progress the LC has gained compared to the Z30 Soarer it draws inspiration from, I went outside the Horizon Rush site to conduct this sensible experiment. Roll the tape.


And now, the results...

Lap Times:

Soarer Z30 - 1m12.606s

LC500 - 1m06.834s

The V8-powered Lexus LC 500 is a formidable machine. In a side-by-side race, it outperformed the Toyota Soarer Z30 by six seconds quicker than the latter's time. This result is especially impressive considering that the Z30 Soarer is a formidable machine in its own right.


The Lexus LC is a grand touring car that offers drivers a sensible and enjoyable driving experience. It's a Happy Set of performance, comfort, and style that you would expect from the company behind the last V8-powered JDM sports cars. Just like the Toyota Soarer Z30, it really is "for mind cruising".

For Mind Cruising...that's what it said during the commercials for the Toyota Soarer Z30 while in the backdrop of Eric Carmen's All By Myself. Anyway, with the LC500 proving its worth, it's time for a little one-car show performance. But first...





My Lexus LC500 now has the striking image of a Kansai stagegirl we all love. I kinda miss her. I even fitted it with the LBWK kit to make it look like a Super GT racer. Touche...


Prepped for the Revue Act, my Lexus LC is prepared to take on a rather good EventLab creation that deserves no introduction. It's a circuit setting with a touge taste to it. A chance to flex some Japanese muscles on the corners. Anyway, let's roll the tape.


Nearly perfect but that's my highlight.


Lexus is the only Japanese car brand that still offers V8 engines in its sports coupes, such as the RC F and LC 500. However, as the world moves toward electric vehicles, these gas-guzzling machines are likely to become extinct. Although it sounds cruel, this is the new normal we live in but their legacies will be forever in our hearts and minds.


Just like last time, domo arigato. You made us proud.

Saturday, October 12, 2024

My FM Log: Midship Commencement Exercise

Update 12 concludes Year 1 of Forza Motorsport and wrapping up its first year since the game's release are two midship prize cars; the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder and the McLaren Artura.

Having obtained Year 1's last two prize cars, let's get to know our midship honors before carrying out our commencement exercises.

Huracan

Beginning with the Lamborghini Huracan EVO Spyder that I won from the Update 12 Open Class Tour until the October 16, 2024 deadline.

At the start of 2019, Lamborghini unveiled the Huracan EVO, the minor change version of the Huracan that became part of the Lamborghini stable in 2014.

In addition to the revamped exterior design, the 5.2L V10 engine that powers it has been updated to produce 640 hp (470 kW) at 8,000 rpm with 600 Nm of torque delivered at 6,500 rpm. The double-clutch gearbox propels the Huracan EVO from the 0-100kph time of 2.9 seconds and flat-out in over 325kph.

The Huracan EVO is the first to feature the Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata, a new rear-wheel steering and torque vectoring system working on all wheels, controlling every aspect of the car's dynamic behavior. Functioning alongside the Lamborghini Piattaforma Inerziale and enhanced Lamborghini Dynamic Steering, it results in a more rewarding driving experience on the road and track.

The open-top Huracan EVO Spyder is the follow-up to its hardtop equivalent. Featuring the same updates as its hardtop equivalent, it comes with a foldable roof that can be opened or closed at the push of a button in just 17 seconds up to a driving speed of 50kph. It boasts improved aerodynamic efficiency compared to the previous Huracan Spyder.

Production of the Huracan lineup ended in 2024, signaling the end of the V10-powered road cars.

Artura

The last one, after clearing the Midship Tour until October 30, 2024, the McLaren Artura.

The McLaren Artura is the company's first V6-powered PHEV supercar that injects most of its motorsport know-how into the making of this unorthodox machine. The 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo engine is mated to an axial flux motor and a refrigerant-cooled Li-ion battery producing 680PS of power and 720Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed SSG, it sprints from 0-60mph in three seconds and has a top speed of 205mph. Running on electricity alone, it can go for as little as 19 miles.

Aside from the performance, the Artura has near-perfect weight distribution courtesy of its carbon bodywork, front double wishbone, multi-link rear, Proactive Damping Control, electro-hydraulic power-assisted steering, Carbon Ceramic Discs, forged aluminum brake calipers, and specially-developed Pirelli P-ZERO tires. It even comes with a Variable Drift Control that can adjust its drifting angle.



Quick introductions dealt with, it's time to do the commencement exercises as two midship supercars will tackle Road America, the venue of the IMSA season-ender, the MOTUL Petit Le Mans. What a way to conclude the game's first year. Anyway, let's roll the tapes.



I have to admit that the new Forza Motorsport game for the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles went to a slow start when the game was launched last year, probably because of the car content packed with old cars I am not heavily interested. Let's hope Year 2 will see some much-needed improvements for the new Forza Motorsport game to reclaim its throne. 

Seriously, let's hope Forza Motorsport's Year 2 updates will feature lots and lots of modern road cars and race cars because this is the world we live in. New World Order. As 2025 draws near, will Forza survive? Only time will tell.

And that is the end of this commencement exercise. See you next semester!

Sunday, October 6, 2024

My FH5 Log: The last 2-door Audi

The Audi RS5 Coupe is the last two-door high-performance Audi you can buy because Audi is no longer building two-door coupes after this. Here in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to pay a little tribute to the last-ever 2-door high-performance Audi from how it started to how it ended.

RS5

From the 8T model to the F5 model, the RS5 Coupe can be harshly called a two-door equivalent of the RS4 Avant judging by the fact that both share the same backbones. Anyway, let's get to know how it started and how it ended.

RS5

Let's begin with the first RS5 Coupe. Launched at the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, the Audi RS5 is the powerful version of the Audi A5 coupe. It is powered by a 4.2 FSi V8 engine that produces 450PS of power.

RS5

Now, let's move on to the last-ever RS5 Coupe, a DLC car in the game. This model is now powered by a 2.9 TFSi V6 BiTurbo engine that produces 450PS of power and 600Nm of torque. The 8-speed Tiptronic transmission allows the RS5 to sprint from 0-100kph in 3.9 seconds with top speed normally limited to 250kph or with a little extra service that will raise the limit to 280kph.

The second-generation RS5 is the last DTM Touring Car to win the championship with Rene Rast behind the wheel. After that, the DTM as we know it is gone. Today's DTM became the equivalent of the GT300 class of the Super GT series with GT3-class machines ruling the pack.

RS5

RS5

To observe the advancements made by the RS5 from its initial V8-powered model to its final V6-powered iteration, I went to the Horizon Mexico main site to conduct this experiment. Let us proceed with the footage.


Here are the results...

RS5 (8T) - 1m18.195s

RS5 (F5) - 1m16.777s

Despite a two-cylinder gap between them, it took nearly two seconds for evolution. Progress is an Attitude, as Audi says in the commercials.

RS5

With the R8 and TT reached their end-of-life status, the RS5 Coupe is the next to be euthanized. Audi has been involved in making race-prepped coupes since the legendary Quattro and with the last two-door Audi heading to the crusher, Audi has nothing to race for as it only focuses on its Formula E involvement and its imminent F1 involvement with Sauber. It's a sad day for speedo boys who have been loyal to the Audi brand since the quattro. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

EPILOGUE

The F5-spec Audi RS5 Coupe completed its mission in this unstable world but I decided to give the last-ever two-door Audi one last hurrah. But first...

RS5

RS5

RS5

RS5

Bananice, as one stage girl said. Bananice indeed.

RS5

With the "bananice" stage girl's name written all over it, my RS5 Coupe's final salvo takes place in an EventLab re-enactment of a certain racetrack I know. Let's roll the tape.


BANANICE, NANA-CHAN!

RS5

Thank you for everything, Audi RS5 Coupe. You may not be as good as the competition but you emerged as the last DTM Touring Car to be crowned as the champion and now that you've served your purpose, all that is left is for me to say...

ABSCHIED, RS5 COUPE. Abschied von der Audi-Zweitürer-Coupé-Familie.

Friday, October 4, 2024

My FH5 Log: Legends of the Hidden Junk Cars

Three undesirable old cars have plagued Forza Horizon 5's Hidden Horizons update like disease-carrying rodents.


Let's face it, there's no stopping a game like Forza Horizon 5 from featuring undesirable old cars no one asked for and the Hidden Horizons update is no exception. Time to meet this update's worst offenders.


First, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III from the Hidden Horizons Summer Season Playlist. Launched in 1995, the Lancer Evolution III is the third and the last verse based on the fourth-generation Lancer. It features a revised body style compared to the Evo II while the turbocharged 2.0L 4G63 engine was bumped to 266HP of power output.


Next, the fourth-generation Toyota Chaser, in turbocharged 2.5GT twin-turbo guise, from the Hidden Horizons Winter Season Playlist. Powered by a 2.5L 1JZ-GTE engine, it produces 210PS of power, making it the most powerful of the X80-series Chasers.


Lastly, the facelifted Volvo C30, in T5 R-Design Polestar Limited Edition guise, from the Hidden Horizons Spring Season Playlist. A byproduct of the SCC Concept, the C30 is the last 3-door Volvo ever made.




Let's give the latest batch of junk cars a quick race to prove their worth. Roll the tapes.




These junk cars still know how to funk themselves.

The plague of junk cars in Forza Horizon 5 is far from over because the next update, the Back To The 90s update, sees another plague of junk cars from the 1990s. Brace yourselves, more junk cars are coming.

Speaking of which...


Do you remember the King?

Thursday, September 26, 2024

My FH5 Log: WRX S4

The Subaru WRX S4 VB made its way on Forza Horizon 5 as a prize car in the Hidden Horizons Storm Season Playlist and this is the only desirable car of the update packed with nothing but undesirable old cars plaguing around Horizon Mexico grounds like disease-carrying rodents.

WRX

So, what's it all about the VB WRX S4?

WRX

A rally legend two decades in the making, the second-generation Subaru WRX S4 was unveiled in 2021 and it now runs on the Subaru Global Platform for the first time in its two-decade history, which offers increased safety, improved dynamics, and reductions in noise, vibration, and harshness. It's the same platform used in its estate equivalent, the Levorg, currently in its second generation.

The new model's flat-four boxer turbo engine's size has been increased from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L. It produces 275PS and 375Nm of torque. It is mated exclusively with the newly-developed Subaru Performance Transmission, a sport-tuned CVT with an 8-speed manual mode that delivers 30% faster upshifts and 50% faster downshifts compared to the previous WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT.

It boasts high levels of safety thanks to its EyeSight driver assistance with Lane Centering Function and Speed Sign Recognition, among many others.

Recently, a race-spec WRX S4 won the SP4T class in the 2024 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nurburgring, a first in the VB model's second outing at the Nurburgring.

WRX

The one featured in Forza Horizon 5 is different from the WRX S4 as I know it. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is offered only in overseas markets. This is the kind of gearbox that Japanese Subarists are missing out on. With the WRX STi officially discontinued before the year of COVID, the call for a manual-mated WRX S4 from Japanese Subarists has never been louder, although Subaru has declined to comment.

Consumer Reports, infamous for calling American cars terrible, recommended the WRX S4 VB because “Its 59 mph speed through our avoidance maneuver (…) puts the four-door WRX firmly in high-level sports-car territory, matching the speed of the Porsche 718 Boxster, for example.”

Unfortunately, this is Forza Horizon 5, and I can't find a way to demonstrate the WRX S4's capabilities until some luxury four-door saloon is accepted to be its sparring partner.

WRX

The all-electric BMW i4, in eDrive40 trim, has been rejoined by the WRX S4. The WRX S4 is confident that it can compete with a luxury German saloon. The i4 may pack more power than the S4, the WRX S4, but because the electric drivetrain is darn bulky, the old-school Nurburgring hero from Gunma has a fighting chance.

WRX

i4

With Horizon Mexico's shortest track becoming my laboratory, it's time to find out if Japan's own S4 can take down Germany's own i4. Let's roll the tape.


Here are the results:

i4 - 1m03.080s

WRX S4 - 1m01.812s

The WRX S4 beat the all-electric i4 eDrive40 by over two seconds. That's impressive, considering the i4 has more power and is twice as expensive. The future is bright for the WRX S4!

WRX

The Subaru WRX S4 is the only desirable car in an update filled with undesirable old cars. Although it's not as good as its predecessors, my experience with the current-generation WRX S4 in the game makes me want to drive it some more.

From rallying to Nurburgring survival, there are plenty of reasons to love the WRX S4 but there's one greater reason to love this car; it's a Subaru.

Case Closed. Welcome to your new WRX S4, FH5 Subarists.