My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Porsche 911 GT2 RS

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 Porsche 911 (991.2) GT2 RS, the car that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 7.

The 991.2-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS is hailed as the ultimate 911. It is powered by a turbocharged 3.8L flat-six engine, sourced from the 911 Turbo S, but tuned to produce an impressive 700 horsepower, making it the most powerful 911 ever produced. Mated to a 7-speed PDK transmission, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 340 kph.

The 911 GT2 RS features a racing chassis equipped with rear-axle steering and dynamic cornering capabilities. It also includes a specially designed Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system with Sport Mode for an enhanced driving experience. The optional Weissach Package reduces the car’s weight by 30 kg through the removal of non-essential features and the use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and titanium. With this package, it set a record lap time of 6m47.25s at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it the fastest Porsche to conquer the legendary track.

This car made its world premiere at the 2017 E3 Showcase, where it was featured as the cover car for the Forza Motorsport 7 video game.

I originally wanted to recreate my Nordschleife achievement like I did in FM7. However, this time, I decided to take on the entire 24-hour layout of the Nürburgring, which combines both the GP Track and the Nordschleife. I wondered why no one else had attempted this. Instead of just tackling the Nordschleife, why not take on the entire Nürburgring? Anyway, let's roll the tape.

Both the Porsche 911 GT2 RS and Forza Motorsport 7 have demonstrated their limit-breaking capabilities to the world. They have rewritten the rules of how you race in the world, not just what you race.

TAKE YOUR PICK. TAKE YOUR SHOT. TAKE THE LEAD!

Next time, let's conclude Forza Motorsport's 20th Anniversary celebration with the 2023 Cadillac #01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R and the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray, the cover cars of the last-ever Forza Motorsport game.

My FM Log: Rennsport Reunions

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S and the Le Mans race car are two prize cars from Forza Motorsport's Update 19. Having obtained these two Porsches, it's time to have a word with them.

First up is the Porsche that nobody in Forza's target audience has seen because they were not born at the time of the race car's debut. It's the #1 Porsche System Engineering 924 GTP Le Mans, and I obtained it from clearing the Porsche Tour before the May 28, 2025, deadline.

In 1979, Porsche began developing the 924 Turbo as a Group 4 GT entry for the 1980 24 Hours of Le Mans. It featured a full alloy roll cage and an additional cross-brace beneath the hood. The body panels were constructed from aluminum, lightweight urethane, and fiberglass. The car utilized disc brakes and axles sourced from the 935 parts bin and a larger intercooler positioned in the nose. An upgraded dog-leg five-speed transmission with a limited-slip differential and its cooler mounted at the rear provided exceptional chassis balance. The suspension was fully adjustable, equipped with titanium springs and Bilstein coil-overs, both front and rear.

Porsche brought a small number of 924 Carrera GTs to compete in the GTP class at the 1980 Le Mans 24-hour race, with the best car finishing sixth overall. 

After a successful debut in 1980, Porsche returned to Le Mans in 1981. That year, Porsche entered both a 924 Carrera GTP and a 944 LM, each equipped with the new 2.5L engine that would later be used in the 924S and 944 models.

In 1982, 924s were only entered by privateers, with two cars being fielded by BF Goodrich using road tires. While the 924 won the IMSA GTO class in 1981 and the IMSA GT class in 1982, it never exceeded the overall performance of the factory-backed Porsche entries, even though the customer cars had more power than the original works cars.

Lastly is the King of 911s, the 992-spec Porsche 911 Turbo S. I obtained it from clearing Update 19's Open Class tour before the May 7, 2025, deadline.

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S is a bona fide supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

In 2024, a special 911 Turbo 50 model was unveiled in honor of the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary. Only 1974 models were made, a reference to the year the 911 Turbo was born.

Let's give these Porsche prize cars a quick lap around Lime Rock Park, demonstrating just how Porsche these Porsches are. Let's roll the tapes.

These two different machines have demonstrated what makes a Porsche...well...Porsche.

Enjoy your new rides!

Porsche Macan XAB

The Porsche Macan has entered its second generation and with a huge shock, the baby Porsche SUV was reborn as an all-electric crossover, a first for Porsche.

2025 Porsche Macan

Priced over 80,700 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Porsche Macan is morphed into an all-electric crossover much to the dismay of the owners of the previous-generation ICE-powered model. Although the move is blasphemous, it promises to be as cool as its predecessor. So, what are the key details?

2025 Porsche Macan interior

Beginning with the exterior, the all-new Macan mimics the design of the Taycan, something you would expect from the Porsche family, although the rear view can be easily mistaken for a Toyota Crown Crossover when you squint your eyes hard enough. Either way, its coupe silhouette is one of the main details of the all-new Macan.

The new interior of the Porsche Macan is similar to the Taycan and the Cayenne Mk3 minor change. It has a high-tech dashboard with a curved 12.6-inch driver's display, a 10.9-inch center screen, and an optional 10.9-inch panel for the front passenger. There are still some physical buttons for things like climate and volume control. Asked about the space, the all-new Macan, despite its electric powertrain, has up to 540 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded and an additional 84 liters of frunk storage that can be accessed by waving your hand at the Porsche emblem."

2025 Porsche Macan

Being the first to run on the all-new Premium Platform Electric Platform, the XAB Macan uses an 88v electrical architecture similar to the Taycan as well as the 100kWh lithium BMC battery,. The Macan 4 model with its 408PS power and a top speed of 220kph is good for 613km on one full charge while the range-topping Macan Turbo, with its 639PS power output, has a 0-100kph time of 3.3 seconds and flat-out in 260kph, 10 more than a typical German luxury sedan, and the driving range is good for 591km on one full charge.

On a straight line, the all-new Macan still has the "puncha yo buns" attitude and it's still a buff baby that can dance like a man, shake-a its fanny, shake-a Macan. A tough tootin' baby that can "puncha yo buns". It may only weigh nearly three tons but it's not a bad crossover to drive, although you could use some of your painkillers following that understeering drama with this one.

Transforming the Macan into an all-electric crossover is controversial by Porsche standards, but it remains the powerful vehicle that performs exceptionally. Come tarmac, gravel, or snow, from Eifel to Berlin, this Porsche is too macho to be ignored. It's still the buff baby that can dance like a man.

Photo: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Tyrant GP

Concluding the arrival of the 992 911 models in Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Track Day update is the renowned 911 Turbo S, often regarded as the King of 911s.

Having obtained it from a seasonal championship from the update's Hot Season Playlist, it's time to have a word with the King of 911s.

The 992-spec 911 Turbo S is a bonafide supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

A special 911 Turbo 50 model was unveiled in honor of the 911 Turbo's 50th anniversary. Only 1974 models were made, a reference to the year the 911 Turbo was born.

To demonstrate that the 911 Turbo S is the ultimate 911, I've invited the entire 992 911 road car lineup featured in Forza Horizon 5 to compete in a sprint to the Festival Gatecrash. We'll be racing several models, including the basic 911 Carrera S, the track-focused GT3, the off-road-capable Dakar, and the ultra-high-performance GT3 RS. Let's see if the Turbo S truly deserves the title of King of 911s. Roll the tape!

And now, the results...

992 Carrera S - 2m47.434s

992 GT3 - 2m38.458s

911 Rallye - 2m50.571s

992 Turbo S - 2m36.373s

992 GT3 RS - 2m38.091s

I think that explains it all. The 911 Turbo S is the KING of 911s.

A bonafide supercar killer five decades in the making, the 911 Turbo is the apex of the 911 hierarchy and with the 992 version, this is the ultimate 911 Turbo ever made.

Now that we wrap up the update packed with four 992 models from the GT3 RS to the Turbo S, it's time for the King of 911s to have its grand finale. But first...

The 992 911 Turbo S is in high spirits today as it takes on the role of Tamaki Nikaido, the character from Himitsu no AiPri and the second-in-command of Quartet STAR. Miss Sakura will surely be pleased to see her right-hand gal in action. I even remember that episode where Tamaki convinced Sakura to wear Non Manaka's costume.

With Tamaki Nikaido perked up for the big night, my 911 Turbo S is ready for the grand finale, which is racing through the EventLab re-enactment of the final stage from Ridge Racer Type 4, called Shooting Hoops. I've been searching for this re-enactment for ages and now I'm going to play with it for sentimental reasons. Kudos to whoever made this EventLab re-enactment.

"FINISH! There goes the winner! What an incredible race!"

The Porsche 911 is undoubtedly one of the greatest cars of all time. As the years go by, this iconic German masterpiece continues to demonstrate its timeless appeal and enduring performance. For six decades, the 911 has proven itself both on the road and on the racetrack, solidifying its status as a German powerhouse. We can expect even more remarkable achievements from this rear-engine legend in the future.

This concludes today's broadcast of 9-1-1. Goodbye, and good luck to Forza Horizon 5's next update featuring a quartet of previous-generation saloons ruining our Christmas celebration and a Z NISMO to save Christmas.

My GT7 Log: 992 vs 992

The 911 Turbo S and the 911 GT3 RS, in their 992 glory, are yours to drive in Gran Turismo 7. With both variants present, it's time to find out who the King of 911 is.

Starting with the 911 GT3 RS (992), the one that popped up from last year's Gran Turismo movie where Jann Mardenborough drove one at the Nurburgring to recover himself from his on-track accident that nearly cost his life.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS is a track toy that transforms into an extreme track toy at the push of a button. It has a styling identical to the normal 992 911 GT3. Still, it features front aero bars and air outlets at the front and rear fenders, an adjustable active diffuser, and a swan neck-mounted rear wing with an F1-style Drag Reduction System that allows it to be positioned flat at the touch of a button. The naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine that powers it has a 15PS power hike compared to the normal 911 GT3, resulting in a 525PS power output and 465Nm of torque output. Mated exclusively to a 7-speed PDK, it has a 0-100kph time of 3.2 seconds, .2 seconds less than the normal GT3, and flat out in 296km/h, 22km/h slower than the normal GT3. Thanks to its extensive carbon fiber usage, courtesy of the Weissach Package, the 911 GT3 RS weighs 1,450 kg.

Now, let's talk about the 911 Turbo S, the flagship variant of the 992-spec Porsche 911.

The all-new 911 Turbo S is a supercar that can go from 0-100kph in 2.7 seconds and has a top speed of 330kph. It has a 3.8L flat-6 engine with two VTG turbochargers that produce 650PS of power and 800Nm of torque. The only transmission offered is an 8-speed PDK, and the optional Sport Chrono pack is available. Apart from its performance, the 911 Turbo has a mild but spartan driving feel when enjoyed on track days. It has a four-wheel drive system, updated dynamics and aerodynamics, a PASM sports chassis, and a showy sports exhaust system.

Now that I know about the two best 992 911 variants, the Turbo and the GT3 RS, it's time to pit these two on a one-lap attack around the Red Bull Ring.

That being said, the 911 Turbo S, with its power output and 4WD system, can deliver a power-packed punch through the straights. But in corners, the 911 GT3 RS, in Weissach package configuration, shines through. The question is, which 992 is the pure alpha? Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

Porsche 911 Turbo S (992) '20 - 1m41.254s

Porsche 911 GT3 RS '22 - 1m42.381s

The 911 Turbo S won by a hair over the 911 GT3 RS, which is a track-oriented car.

For eight generations, the 911 is Porsche's signature rear-engined rear-wheel-drive coupe that offers unique styling and spartan driving manners. Whether it's the power-packed 911 Turbo S or the track-oriented 911 GT3 RS, the capabilities as a sports car are what made the Porsche 911 a European superpower in its own right.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Duke GP

 

Remember this one? This is the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R from Forza Horizon 5's Apex All-Stars DLC Pack. A 991.2-spec 911-based race car made to comply with GT3-class regulations.

Fast forward to the 992 era of the Porsche 911 and here's the GT3 R of today. Yes, this is the current version of the 911 GT3 R racer and I obtained it from the Horizon Track Day's Dry Season Playlist. So, what's it all about the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R?

The new-generation Porsche 911 GT3 R, based on the 992 model, is an evolved version of Porsche's proven GT3 racing competitor that adheres to international GT3 racing regulations. It features a 4.2-liter engine, producing approximately 565 horsepower, and is paired with a six-speed sequential dog-type transmission. The car has a weight of around 1,250 kg, depending on the Balance of Performance.

The 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R has achieved victories across various GT3-class racing championships, including IMSA, DTM, WEC, and others.

To see how much improvement the 992 version of the 911 GT3 R gained from its 991 predecessor, I went to the Stadium to do some work. Some of you say that I'm going to conduct this experiment around the oval and I say I'm not, because...

Because I'm using the Winter Wonderland Circuit to demonstrate the 911 GT3R's capabilities. Let's roll the tape...

And now the results...

991 GT3R - 59.810s

992 GT3R - 59.276s

This is what I call a "close shave". Even with the added power from its increased engine size, it's too close to call compared to its predecessor. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is an evolution of the 991 GT3 R. It has a bigger engine and more power, but it's only marginally faster around the track, I presume.

From the Thomas Preining affair to our favorite IMSA dinosaurs Rexy and Roxy, and the Manthey PureRxing crew that got their first WEC LMGT3 title, the 992 version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is proven to be a global winner in its own right.

The Duke of Stuttgart has been crowned. Go Beat The Duke if you can.

My FH5 Log: The Born-Again 911s

The GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are prime examples of resto-mods, the trend in which old cars are born again in new and exciting ways to appeal to modern-day drivers.

What was so distinctive about these resto-mod Porsche 911s that set them apart from every other style example? Let's begin with one of my favorites; the Singer 911 DLS.

The California-based Singer Group Inc. has been restoring and reimagining 964-spec Porsche 911 vehicles since 2009. Following the success of their first model, the Classic Study, they introduced the 911 Dynamics & Lightweight Study (DLS), which evolves the iconic Porsche DNA with insights from Formula 1 technology. Aiming to create the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world, the Singer DLS features reworked bodywork that enhances aerodynamics and incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber. In collaboration with Williams, the 4.0L air-cooled flat-six engine has been upgraded to deliver 500 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed Hewland gearbox. 

The DLS is part of a limited production run of 75 units, alongside the Classic Study, and is priced at over 1.8 million US dollars.

Now, let's focus on the Gunther Werks 400R, a 993-spec Porsche 911 born again for today's drivers.

Only 25 examples of this modern-day reboot of the 993-spec Porsche 911 Carrera have been produced. The car features lightweight materials, particularly carbon fiber, used throughout its body. It has bespoke LED headlights and a revised 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six engine that generates over 400 horsepower. Additionally, it includes a modified Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox. Weighing in at 2,677 pounds, this car boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

You may remember in one of my previous articles, I pitted the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS against these two born-again 911s on a Coast Run and blew them both. If Our Lady of Margarete got my 992 911 GT3 RS, I forgot to tell you that I've done some overtime with these two born-again 911s. Would you like the check them out?

You may remember the moment I won this Singer 911 back in the Series 10 update, I have Eve Kagayaki's name written all over it. Now, my Eve-designed Singer 911 DLS returns, and this time with a slightly revised design that features PriChan logos written around it. Welcome back, Eve-sama.

The GuntherWerks 400R, meanwhile, has Alice...Kagayaki's name written all over it. Yep, Eve's long-lost twin sister makes her appearance. Yes, really. The ALIVE duo's finally gathered.

With the Kagayaki sisters' names written all over my born-again 911s, it's time to give these two their moment to shine. The GuntherWerks 400R will sprint through FoxFer64's re-enactment of the Middle Circuit track from the Choro-Q 2 video game while the Singer 911 DLS takes on Pato Bincidi's re-enactment of the Albert Park venue from the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Let's get these shows on the road.

Being "born again" never felt so...ALIVE. Get it? ALIVE.

Just like people, classic cars have the opportunity to be "reborn" in new and exciting ways. This is the essence of resto-modding, and the GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are perfect examples of this transformation.

This is the joy of being "born again". A second chance to do things you haven't done in a lifetime, almost.