My FM Log: Global Guts

The Chevrolet Corvette, the Porsche 911, and the Nissan GT-R are the most dominant names in the world of sports cars because of their heritage, performance, and racing pedigree that made them the global superpowers feared and respected the world over.

Here in Forza Motorsport, let's get to know the three kings of the sports car realm starting with America's finest, the Corvette C8 Z06.

By using most of its know-how from the C8.R racing machine, the Corvette C8 Z06 is a track weapon capable of slithering through the road and track with its race-inspired dynamics, available Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and the Z07 Performance Package.

Powering the C8 Z06 is a smaller but more powerful 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.

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 sports car.

Now, let's get to know the Nissan GT-R NISMO, the ultimate version of the soon-to-be-legendary Japanese sports car that was known to be the best Heisei-era JDM sports car. 

The result of Nissan's trial and error struggle to create a supercar that can compete against the world's best supercars, the GT-R NISMO, first launched in 2014, features track-honed aerodynamics akin to its GT3 racer and an improved 3.8L V6 Twin Turbo engine producing 600PS of power output, capable of lapping the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:08.679. 

This is the 2020 Model Year GT-R and for this update, the GT-R NISMO features front fenders from the GT3 racecar, a new carbon-fiber roof, and improved dynamics. 

It is said that the improved GT-R NISMO lapped Tsukuba in less than a minute.

Lastly, the Porsche 911 GT3 (992), which is the better version of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The 992 911 GT3 is a real, no-nonsense sports car with real, no-nonsense performance drivers who can get hooked for more. Race-inspired aerodynamics aside, the 911 GT3 is powered by a 4.0L flat-6 engine that produces 510PS of power and 470Nm of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed PDK, which lets the GT3 accelerate from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds, which is slightly quicker than the previous model. 

It's got a double-wishbone front axle for the first time in a 911, a five-link rear axle, larger brakes, and extensive use of lightweight materials, among many others.

With such improvements, the new model lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:59.927 minutes, which is an improvement from the previous GT3.

Now that we get to know about the three sports car kings, it's time to take them to the ideal playground to flex their muscles; the Yas Marina Circuit. It's been recently added to Forza Motorsport and I got the chance to bring them there, which is good timing for me because this weekend, the F1 23 season finale will be held there.

Yas Marina's changed since I let their predecessors loose in FM7 a couple of years ago. Although some of the familiar bits got changed, it's still the Yas Marina the world knows and enjoys. It's still the ideal playground for speedo boys to let their sports cars rip through the most technical corners in style.

Anyway, with the C8 Z06, GT-R NISMO, and the 992 911 GT3 gathered at what's known to be the final venue of the F1 season, it's time to settle which side of the globe is the best.

America, Europe, and Asia. Which one is the best? Let's find out with a one-lap time attack around the recently-added Yas Marina track in Forza Motorsport. Let battle commence.

And now the results...

C8 Corvette Z06 - 2m14.234s

GT-R (R35) NISMO - 2m19.394s

911 (992) GT3 - 2m20.282s

It looks like the Americans were the superior ones this time as the C8 Z06 trumps the GT-R NISMO and the 911 GT3 by a long shot in the revised Yas Marina track.

I guess the engineers behind the C8 Corvette were wise about transitioning to a mid-engine layout at the beginning and with the Z06, it's capable of tackling down the world's best, even though this isn't really its final form, if you catch my drift.

This Vette's got guts and it managed to show the world it's capable of taking all comers in the same way its C8.R equivalent crushed the final LMGTE AM Class title in style. GT3, here we go.

Welcome to the new world order.

Buick Encore GX (2024MY minor change) and Envista

The facelifted Buick Encore GX and the first-ever Buick Envista signaled the new era of Buick because these two crossovers are the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Let's take a look.

2024 Buick Encore GX

Beginning with the Buick Encore GX, this big minor change is the first to wear the new Buick look inspired by the Wildcat Concept. Although seeing the new Buick logo is the scariest thing to do, this new Buick look really means business for this $25,600 crossover.

2024 Buick Encore GX

2024 Buick Encore GX interior

In addition to the heavily revamped styling and the slightly revised rear design, the facelifted Encore GX features a premium Avenir variant with glossier details to ensure this is the top-of-the-line model. The interior layout has been heavily revamped for this minor change and the Avenir model, comes with a BOSE premium 7-speaker audio system including an amplifier, panoramic moonroof, and an Avenir engraving on the front seats, among others. Despite numerous revisions, it can still accommodate up to 50.2 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, making it capable of almost everything.

The Buick Encore GX still comes with a choice of ECOTEC 1.2L turbo mated to a CVT capable of 30 city / 31 hwy fuel economy and the ECOTEC 1.3L turbo engine mated to a 9-speed AT with 155hp of power and 174lb-ft of torque. Yes, there's 4WD offered but no off-road tuned suspension in sight, meaning the Encore GX is best to be driven on the road rather than off the road because there are no special bits that make it well-behaved on dirt.

The Encore GX comes with Buick Driver Confidence as well as available safety & driver-assistance technologies but the Avenir variant comes with its signature Technology Package which comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Camera Mirror† with rear camera washer, and HD Surround Vision.

2024 Buick Envista

Now, let's get to know the first-ever Buick Envista, a coupe-crossover that is yours to drive for $22,400 plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Encore GX.

2024 Buick Envista

2024 Buick Envista interior

Think of the first-ever Buick Envista as the fancy version of the Chevrolet Trax Crossover because even with the Wildcat-inspired looks, the similarities are all over the Envista apart from the fact that the Envista is cheaper to own than the Encore GX. 

Still, with its coupe-crossover styling, the available Avenir variant with glossier details, Ultrawide 11" Diagonal Infotainment Screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, seating for five, and 42.0 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, it's no surprise despite being less spacious than its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, it still works and feels just like it.

Just like its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, the Buick Envista is front-wheel-drive only and it is powered only by an ECOTEC 1.2L turbo engine that produces 137HP of power and 162lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed AT, it has an estimated combined fuel economy of 28MPG city/ 32MPG hwy.

In terms of safety, the Envista comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard. Available extras such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert,† Rear Park Assist, Rainsense front wipers, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as an automatic-dimming outside driver mirror for the Avenir variant.

These two new crossovers signaled the new era of Buick because they were the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Although the new Buick logo is scary to look at, the Wildcat-styled nose and improved features really made a statement about the two. The question is, which of the new-era Buicks will you drive?

Photo: General Motors

My FH5 Log: The Commander

By the moment the Chevrolet Corvette C8 stepped into the world of Forza, fans got the taste of what's known as The General's first mid-engined sports car that rewrites the rules of what a Corvette can do on the road and on the track.

Sure, being a mid-engined Corvette is treason to its heritage but hey, it never hurts driving the C8 Corvette, even in Horizon Mexico.

I've already tried both the Stingray and the E-Ray, the one from the start and the other as a reward for those who purchased the new Forza Motorsport video game for the Xbox Series X and S consoles and Windows PCs. With Forza Horizon 5's American Automotive kicked in, here comes the C8 Corvette that slots between them.

This is the Corvette C8 Z06 that I just won from the American Automotive Wet Season Playlist for 20 points and this Corvette is as Republican as, let's say, Republican Space Rangers!

Anyway, what's it all about the C8 Corvette Z06? By using most of its know-how from the C8.R racing machine, the Corvette C8 Z06 is a track weapon capable of slithering through the road and track with its race-inspired dynamics, available Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, and the Z07 Performance Package.

Powering the C8 Z06 is a smaller but more powerful 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.

To see if the C8 Z06 has the stance of a Republican Space Ranger, I took it on an EventLab creation penned by Subie156. It's called Midtown City Circuit, and we've been joined by some other goodfellas who can't wait to take a crack on this right-wing supercar made in the USA. Let's roll the tape.

For an American-made supercar with an old-school V8 engine that is small but powerful not just the normal C8 Corvette but also its predecessors, the C8 Corvette Z06 showcased its right-wing dynamism in the face of adversity. Hey, how about those Republicans?

The C8 Corvette Z06 truly is America's answer to the Porsche 911 GT3 because of its naturally aspirated V8 engine, C8.R-inspired dynamics, and sleek aerodynamics. It's a real purist's car worthy enough to wave the American flag in the face of the planet. With all three variants of the C8 Corvette present in FH5, the question now is, which one is the best? Find out soon but in the meantime...

Guess these guys are off to watch a football game today. This reminds me, I need to be off too because I'm preparing something special soon. Watch this space.

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