My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Ford GT

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.

The next car that I would like to cover is the second-generation Ford GT that was featured in Forza Motorsport 6. This was a special game for the franchise as it celebrated 10 years of Forza Motorsport.

Unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show, the second-generation Ford GT is another modern interpretation of the legendary Le Mans winner, the GT40.

This new version features significant styling improvements compared to its 2005 predecessor, along with various aerodynamic enhancements, including an active rear spoiler and a large underbody. The car also incorporates aluminum subframes and carbon fiber body panels for better performance and efficiency.

Under the hood, it is powered by a 3.5L V6 twin-turbo engine that produces 647 horsepower and 550 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Ford GT can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 216 mph.

It was originally limited to 200 units built at Ford's Markham plant in Ontario, Canada, with each costing nearly half a million US Dollars. However, increased demand prompted five times the production until Ford ended production of the new Ford GT in 2022 with a total of 1,350 units made.

How about a little commemorative lap around the Watkins Glen track to demonstrate how a decade of automotive brilliance made the second-generation Ford GT the American supercar that embodies the heritage of the legend itself? Let's roll the tape.

And just like that, many things happen in a decade. Faster things.

Forza Motorsport 6, like the second-generation Ford GT, shows what a decade of brilliance can create. It met the demands with incredibly realistic results.

WHAT WE'VE BEEN RACING TOWARDS

Next time, it's the turn of the 991.2-spec Porsche 911 GT2 RS, the hero car of Forza Motorsport 7.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - McLaren P1

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 McLaren P1, the hybrid hypercar that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 5, one of the games that spearheaded the Xbox One era of 2013.

The McLaren P1 is a hybrid supercar that embodies the brand's technological expertise and motorsport heritage. Its main goal is to be one of the best driver's cars in the world and a worthy successor to the McLaren F1. The P1 is powered by McLaren's newly developed IPAS petrol-electric powertrain, which features an improved version of the 3.8L V8 twin-turbo engine used in the 12C, along with a single electric motor. This combination produces a remarkable total power output of 903 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.

Unveiled at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the P1 is limited to just 375 units, each priced at £866,000. All units have been sold out.

Let's have a commemorative lap around Spa in the midst of the rainfall. It's just like that Top Gear episode where Jeremy Clarkson drives the McLaren P1 around Spa during rainfall. I've recreated that moment before, and I'm more than happy to do it again, see if I'm better than last time. Let's roll the tape.

Just like old times, they said.

The McLaren P1 transformed our perception of hybrid cars with speed and power, just as Forza Motorsport 5 transformed the franchise in ways previously unimagined. This is evolution, personified.

A NEW GENERATION OF RACING

Next time, let's take a look at the Ford GT, the hero car of Forza Motorsport 6.

Gran Turismo World Series 2025 Round 1

The Gran Turismo World Series returns for its 2025 season. New and returning players have gathered in the front of the sold-out audience in BBC Broadcast Studios in London to determine which one will draw first blood in the 2025 GTWS season.

Before the race began, an important announcement was made in the world of Gran Turismo: future updates will introduce a Chinese company for the first time in the franchise. It was revealed that the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra will soon be available in Gran Turismo. Additionally, the Chinese company is also developing its own Vision Gran Turismo entry.

Screengrab from Gran Turismo

Onto the race, the Manufacturers Cup saw Subaru draw first blood as its ace, Takuma Miyazono, barely defeated BMW's Seiya Suzuki, to win the race while Ryota Kokubun of Mazda completed the podium. The Nations Cup, meanwhile, saw a 1-2 Spanish finish as Jose Serrano fended off Pol Urra for the win, while Valerio Gallo from Italy completed the podium.

The 2025 Gran Turismo World Series continues in Berlin's Uber Eats Music Hall for Round 2 this September 20, 2025.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Ferrari 458

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 Ferrari 458 Italia, the supercar that headlined the last Forza Motorsport game of the Xbox 360 era, Forza Motorsport 4.

Launched in 2009, the Ferrari 458 Italia serves as the replacement for the F430, marking a significant evolution in Ferrari's design and engineering philosophy, blending craftsmanship and technology.

Behind the Pininfarina styling, the 458 is powered by a 4.5L naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 570HP of power and 398 ft-lb of torque. Mated to a 7-speed F1-style dual-clutch gearbox, it sprints from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of 325kph.

The 458 features an aluminum spaceframe that contributes to its lightweight construction. The suspension system features front double wishbones and a rear multilink setup. Equipped with the most advanced traction control systems, including E-Diff and F1-Trac, it offers exceptional dynamics and stability befitting a supercar.

The 458 is the last mid-engine Ferrari supercar to feature a naturally aspirated engine. It was replaced by its turbocharged successor, the 488, in 2015.

Let's have a commemorative lap around the sacred ground of F1's Spanish Grand Prix, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, demonstrating the feeling behind the wheel of the last mid-engine Ferrari supercar to feature a naturally aspirated engine. Roll the tape.

The Ferrari 458 Italia is not just a supercar; it demonstrates performance that goes beyond limits, similar to how Forza Motorsport 4 exceeded expectations as an Xbox 360 game.

AN ENTIRELY NEW CAR EXPERIENCE

Next time, let's take a look at the McLaren P1, the star car of Forza Motorsport 5.

My FH5 Log: Parting Shot

Forza Horizon 5 has delivered its final update, which is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC via STEAM, and, for the first time in Forza history, on PlayStation 5. Welcome to Horizon Realms!

What is Horizon Realms? This new feature allows players to revisit areas from past updates, such as:

- The Retrowave Highway from the Horizon Retrowave update

- The Oval Track from the High Performance update

- The Cars and Coffee venue

- The Summer Party location

- The Midnight Neon Airstrip

- The Lunar Drift Arena

- Dia De Muertos

- The Stadium Maze from Hidden Horizons

- Winter Wonderland

- The Stunt Park

- The Ice Rink

- The Stadium Track, which debuted in the last-ever FH5 update

With Horizon Realms, you can relive these exciting locations!

Each realm offers two gameplay modes: Free Mode and Skill Mode. In Free Mode, players can explore the realm solo or with friends. In contrast, Skill Mode lets players compete to set skill score records on their chosen realm. There is a new set of accolades to beat as well as four new prize cars.

Win the new Stadium Track race to unlock the Lamborghini Revuelto, the newest hypercar packed with a 6.5L V12 PHEV powertrain and the first Lamborghini to break the thousand horsepower barrier.

Complete Skill Mode in one Realm to unlock the Hennessey Mammoth 1000 6x6 TRX. Based on the RAM 1500 TRX, it's the ultimate V8 six-wheeler that can rip through all kinds of roads, even if they're rough.

Complete Skill Mode in six Realms to unlock the Lotus Exige Cup 430, the ultimate swansong for the Exige, powered by an improved 3.5L V6 supercharged engine producing 430HP of power.

Complete Skill Mode in all Realms to unlock the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, an off-road special limited to 1,499 units. It's powered by a 610PS 5.2L V10 engine mated to a 7-speed DCT, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260kph.

Having obtained the four new accolade cars, it's time for me to have a go with these four masters of realms, just to get a taste of their performance.

So, what do you think? Well, the fun doesn't stop with these four because there's one final Forza Horizon 5 DLC car pack, the Nissan Retro Rides Car Pack. It features four Nissan cars that came straight from the legendary Pike factory. These iconic Nissan Pike cars are...

The Nissan Be-1

The Nissan PAO

The Nissan S-Cargo

And the cream of the crop, the Nissan Figaro.

These four Nissan cars that came out of the Pike Factory are well known for their rarity and uniqueness, worthy of being called a collector's item. Now...

I got the chance to drive these four Pike cars to show their worth. Roll the tape.

No kidding. The Figaro is the peak of the Nissan Pike Factory car roster. No wonder Sarah Jane Smith drove one in The Sarah Jane Adventures.

With the addition of Horizon Realms and the Nissan Retro Rides car pack, Forza Horizon 5 has officially reached a final car total of 899. This includes all 899 cars from purchasable items, prize cars, Forza Edition cars, and DLCs.

As I said before, let's enjoy the final days of Forza Horizon 5. Let's make the final moments of Horizon Mexico special, for this will be the final stop of the Forza Horizon saga. It's a shame there won't be another Forza Horizon after this.

Whether you've been playing this game on your Xbox Series consoles since Day 1 or starting Forza Horizon 5 for the first time on your PlayStation5, it's good to know that you have enjoyed the best Forza Horizon game ever made. Come on, let's make the final days count.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Audi R8 V10

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 Audi R8 5.2 V10 FSi quattro, the supercar that graced the cover of 2009's Forza Motorsport 3 video game.

Named after a winning Le Mans Prototype race car, inspired by the Le Mans quattro concept, and running on the same components as the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 served as the company's image leader when it made its debut in 2007.

When it was launched, it was initially available only with the 420HP V8 FSi engine, but two years later, the V10 variant of the Audi R8 was added. It features the same 5.2L V10 engine from the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, but it only produces 518bhp of power, sprinting from 0-100kph in less than four seconds. Aside from the engine, the R8 is armed with a quattro all-wheel-drive system and an Audi Space Frame aluminum body.

The Audi R8 V10 is offered with a choice of a coupe and an open-top roadster. There's even a limited-edition GT model that shaved 100kg of weight and improved its V10 engine to produce 560HP of power.

Let's have a commemorative drive around Le Mans Circuit de la Sarthe, the place where the Audi R8 was inspired by. Roll the tape.

Although it doesn't live up to its namesake, it proved its worth.

The Audi R8 cemented its status as the brand's image leader, and its presence as the cover car of Forza Motorsport 3 showcased its “vorsprung durch technik” philosophy to both worlds.

WHERE DREAMS ARE DRIVEN

Next time, let's take a look at the Ferrari 458 Italia, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 4.

My GT7 Log: The Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 became the talk of the town since its 2019 debut, the same year as the fourth-generation Mazda 3. Here in Gran Turismo 7, I got the chance to sample the first Mazda crossover SUV of the Reiwa era.

So, what's it all about the Mazda CX-30?

As the second model of Mazda’s next generation lineup that started with the fourth-generation Mazda 3, the CX-30 is all about being the standing ovation of the crossover hatchback market. Although it looks similar to its Mazda3 equivalent, the cladding and increased ground clearance make the CX-30 easy to differentiate.

Under the hood, the CX-30 is offered with a choice of a SKYACTIV-G 2.0L, SKYACTIV-D 1.8L, and the revolutionary SKYACTIV-X 2.0L engine with Spark Control Compression Ignition and M Hybrid. All petrol models are mated with either a 6-speed AT or 6-speed MT, but the diesel variant is mated only with the 6-speed AT.

The CX-30 featured in Gran Turismo 7 is the one with the SKYACTIV-X 2.0L engine with Spark Control Compression Ignition and M Hybrid. Sadly, it's offered with FF configuration, unlike the Mazda3 offered in-game with its i-ACTIV AWD. If only GT7 would add drivetrain swaps in future updates. That seems unlikely but in the meantime...

Let's drive the CX-30 around Brands Hatch to demonstrate its SKYACTIV-VEHICLE ARCHITECTURE and G-Vectoring Control the CX-30 possesses. It won't be an easy task, but calculations suggest that it can complete a full lap around this track within two minutes. Let's see if I can beat the buzzer with this Mazda crossover around the Hatch. Roll the tape.

I managed to lap Brands Hatch with the CX-30 in 1m59.421s. Not much, but it was a sure buzzer-beater like any anti-climactic basketball moments you saw on TV.

Although the CX-30 has a very misleading name that throws a curveball into the Mazda SUV range, it delivers the same promises as today's Mazda 3 does. It’s paramount to the crossover hatchbacks, and if you are asking for the competition, chances are that the CX-30 will be the last one to pop up from the rest.

Like all good Mazdas of today, the CX-30 is one of the new symbols of quiet luxury, and there's no need to show off when you know your worth. It offers almost anything that proves irresistible to all market demographics, from styling, comfort, dynamics, and reliability. Even high-end subdivisions are unsafe from this crossover's appearance.

With the CX-30, you'll know what it's like to "be a driver" when you drive one.

My GT7 Log: OPEN MIND VEHICLE

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V was launched in Japan in 2018 and introduced a hybrid powertrain for the first time. Unfortunately, it is also the last CR-V to be manufactured in Japan, as Honda closed its Sayama plant at the end of 2022. In Gran Turismo 7, I had the opportunity to drive this final Japan-made CR-V.

So, what's it all about, the fifth-generation Honda CR-V, the last CR-V made in Japan?

The fifth-generation CR-V had its Japan premiere at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show and became available for sale a year later, following its global release two years prior. This generation maintains the design language of its predecessors while introducing Honda's Solid Wing front fascia. Notably, it is the first CR-V to offer a hybrid powertrain, which you will be driving in this game.

The RT-spec CR-V Hybrid model features Honda's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive (i-MMD) hybrid system, which includes a 145 PS 2.0L i-VTEC Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine paired with two electric motors that generate a total power output of 154 kW. The hybrid variant takes full advantage of the i-MMD's three-mode powertrain, delivering performance comparable to a three-liter class vehicle, with impressive fuel efficiency of 21.2 km/l under WLTC mode standards. Meanwhile, the 4WD variants achieve about 20.2 km/l.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V is the last CR-V to be made in Japan following Honda's closure of its Sayama plant at the end of 2022.

To get the feeling of the CR-V Hybrid's Intelligent Multi-Mode Drive system, later called the e:HEV, I went to Willow Springs to demonstrate its capabilities. I know, having a commoner's crossover on a race track isn't common sense to us, but this is common sense in a nutshell. Roll the tape.

My drive with the Honda CR-V Hybrid RT6 made me post a 1m49.388s lap time around the Big Willow, which isn't my quickest attempt yet, but it demonstrated just how much common sense the i-MMD hybrid system was in what's known to be the last CR-V from Sayama.

The fifth-generation Honda CR-V may be the last one produced in Japan, but it highlights the practicality of its hybrid system. While many are unhappy about the decisions made by Gran Turismo, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of Japanese-made cars that have made an impressive impact not just in Japan but on the world market.

As said in the commercial, it really is the OPEN MIND VEHICLE.

One day, the CR-V will return, albeit a fully-imported one from a nearby Asian country. In the meantime, let's enjoy driving the last Japan-made CR-V on Gran Turismo 7.

DOOM: The Dark Ages

The creators of the Doom games envision what Doom would be like if it were set in medieval times. This is their answer.

DOOM: The Dark Ages (Xbox)

DOOM: The Dark Ages serves as a prequel to the DOOM remake saga that began with DOOM (2016) and continued with DOOM Eternal. This game delves into the secret origin of the Doom Slayer's rage as players combat countless hordes of demons during medieval times.

Featuring id's largest and most expansive levels to date, The Dark Ages allows players to explore through castles, forests, dungeons, and even spaceships as they vanquish against the legions of Hell by all means necessary. There could be hidden areas to find out for yourself, so be ready with everything you've got. The riskier it gets, the more rewarding the game's going to be.

As a DOOM for all slayers, The Dark Ages features a customizable difficulty setting, allowing seasoned veterans and newcomers to personalize their gameplay by just how difficult the enemy AI will going to be and others.

In addition to the iconic DOOM weapons, including the Super Shotgun, DOOM: The Dark Ages introduces a brutal new arsenal, featuring weapons like the Shield Saw. This weapon not only provides defense against enemy attacks, but it can also deliver deadly physical strikes. Mastering the Shield Saw is essential for effectively overcoming the relentless demon hordes.

Even in medieval times, it’s the DOOM fans who have been enjoying the series since the 2016 reboot and DOOM Eternal. This installment will overshadow Darksiders and Elden Ring in no time. For those seeking one of the deadliest games of 2025, look no further than this one.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Nissan Fairlady Z

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 Nissan Fairlady Z Z33, the car that graced the cover of Forza Motorsport 2, which was launched for the Xbox 360 console in 2007.

Two years after the production of the Z32 model ended, the Fairlady Z made a comeback in the summer of 2002 as part of the Nissan Revival Plan, led by then-CEO Carlos Ghosn. The Z33 Fairlady Z was sold in the world market as the 350Z.

With styling inspired by a concept car from the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, the Z33 Fairlady Z is available in both a hardtop coupe and an open-top roadster variant. It was the first Fairlady Z model to feature the Nissan logo on the front, replacing the Z emblem that previous models displayed; the Z emblem is now located on the side view of the car.

The Z33 Fairlady Z is powered by the same VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine found in the Nissan Skyline V35, producing 280 PS of power and offering a choice between a 5-speed automatic transmission or a 6-speed manual transmission. Following the lifting of Japan's 280 PS power limit in the mid-2000s, the engine officially produces 294 PS of power.

The Z33 Fairlady Z became the first Z car to compete in Japan's Super GT series, participating from 2004 to 2007. It also took part in the Super Taikyu Series, where it won the ST3 Class championship in 2004, 2005, and 2007. Additionally, it competed in the Japan Rally from 2003 to 2005, the 2003 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, and the 2004 D1 Grand Prix (D1GP).

Let's have a commemorative drive around Road Atlanta, see if the Z33 Fairlady Z lives up to the reputation as the cover car of FM2 and the ideal poster car from the golden age of racing games.

The Z33 Fairlady Z is the ultimate poster car from the golden age of racing games. Its appearance on the cover of Forza Motorsport 2 highlights its significance.

FUEL YOUR FANTASY

Next time, let's explore the Audi R8 V10, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 3.

My FM Log: Spirit of Forza Motorsport - Honda NSX

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 begin with the one that started it all. It's the NA2 Honda NSX-R, the hero car of the first Forza Motorsport game, launched 20 years ago.

Honda revived the NSX-R variant of the facelifted model in the form of a concept, as seen on the 2001 Tokyo Motor Show, and then it went on sale a year later.

Like the base model, the NSX-R still comes with the same 3.2L V6 engine, which is an improvement from the previous NSX, and is mated with a new 6-speed MT. Unlike the base NSX, the R features improved performance and aerodynamics, resulting in better downforce courtesy of its new hood, new rear wing, and extensive use of carbon fiber.

It became the first street-legal road car to break the 8-minute barrier from the legendary Nürburgring.

Let's have a little commemorative drive around Suzuka Circuit in honor of the first cover car of the first Forza Motorsport game. Kinda think of it, I've already done this stint when I was playing Forza Motorsport 7 several years ago, examining the evolution of the Honda NSX. Anyway, let's see if I can do better with the same setting but playing what's now known as the final Forza Motorsport game.

I did a bit better this time, but I still had a lot of fun taking a commemorative drive in the legendary NSX. This car graced the cover of the first Forza Motorsport game two decades ago, and it still looks impressive after all these years.

YOU ARE WHAT YOU RACE

Next time, let's explore the Z33 Nissan Fairlady Z, the cover car of Forza Motorsport 2.