My FH5 Log: Republican Space Rangers

Wherever I see variants of the C8 Corvette grouped together, they remind me of the Republican Space Rangers from the GTA series because, even though they're space age by design, they still pack the beating heart of a trigger-happy Republican. I mean, hey. How about those Republicans?

With three variants of the 8th-generation Corvette gathered in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to get to know these variants before making the Phoenix Rumble.

First up is the starter; the C8 Corvette Stingray. Now as a mid-engined supercar, the all-new Corvette is capable of taking on the world's best sportscars with its radical styling, futuristic interior, and its newly-built 6.2L LT2 V8 engine mounted in the middle, which produces up to 495HP of power and 470lb-ft of torque, while mated to a double-clutch gearbox for the first time.

Next up is the C8 Corvette Z06, the Redneck equivalent of the Porsche 911 GT3. 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.

Lastly and obviously the most controversial Corvette of all is the C8 Corvette E-Ray, the first hybrid AWD Corvette in history. 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 three C8 variants introduced, it's time to hit the trio around the Horizon Mexico festival site to see which one is the best. Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

C8 Corvette - 1m14.041s

C8 Corvette Z06 - 1m10.120s

C8 Corvette E-Ray - 1m11.405s

It looks like The Commander beats Butch and Dick after all. The Z06 is proven to be the most potent of the three even though this isn't its final form. 

Be it the starter Stingray, the track-focused Z06, or the hybrid E-Ray, the eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette is truly a radical evolution of America's sports car. Even with its space-age design, it still packs the beating heart of a trigger-happy Republican who loves to use unreasonable force against the world. Hey, how about those Republicans?

Speak of the devil, looks like the international community called. Looks like they want to challenge the C8 Corvette in due process. Could this mean a new age of motoring warfare? Stay tuned.

Jujutsu Kaisen Senka Souran

The megahit anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen, has arrived at your fingertips with a tag-team fighting game where you can play as your favorite characters.

Jujutsu Kaisen Senka Souran
(PS5)

Jujutsu Kaisen Senka Souran
(Nintendo Switch)

Jujutsu Kaisen Senka Souran (Cursed Clash) is a fighting game based on the hit TV series where players get into tag-team brawls with their favorite characters.

Senka Souran features your favorite Jujutsu Kaisen characters such as Satoru Gojo, Yuji Itadori, Nobara Kugisaki, Megumi Fujishiro, Panda, Kento Nanami, and others. Each character has their own unique fighting styles and how you master them is entirely up to you. Best of all, they can be personalized to suit your tastes.

This game allows players to battle online either VS or co-op. The co-op part is where you and the others will team up against powerful enemies, especially in rush battles and survival battles.

As you enjoy kicking butts, Senka Souran features a Picture Drama mode where you will relive moments from the TV series first season as well as the movie Jujutsu Kaisen 0.

Fanatics of the megahit TV series got what they truly deserved, a cursed video game that is cursed enough to get you hooked for more because...this is Jujutsu Kaisen. Everybody loves this show and they're looking forward to playing as their favorites in this game. Are you cursed enough?

My FH5 Log: Darker Than Black

The AMG Black Series lineage is known for pushing beyond the limits with its race-bred performance and dynamics only the privileged can enjoy.

So, what makes the AMG Black Series, pun intended, darker than black? I got three AMG Black Series vehicles in Forza Horizon 5 to make statements.

Let's begin with the SL65 AMG Black Series. Using the R230 SL65 AMG as its basis, the Black Series is an upgraded version of the said model which comes with an improved version of a 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS five-speed automatic transmission. With the engine developing 661HP of power, it is the most powerful V12-powered AMG vehicle ever. 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds and top speed limited to 199mph. Aside from its raw power, the Black Series is 250kg lighter than the regular SL65 because of the use of light carbon fiber composite (CFRP) parts and replacing the foldable hardtop roof with a fixed roof.

Next is the C63 AMG Black Series, a beefed-up version of the C63 AMG Coupe. It is armed with an improved AMG 6.2L V8 engine producing 517PS of power and 620Nm of torque. Apart from the performance, it also comes with 255/35 R 19 and 285/30 R 19 wheels, black diffuser insert from SLS AMG GT3, chromed twin tailpipes, AMG sports suspension with AMG rear axle differential lock, 3-stage ESP, and others. Mercedes-Benz limits production of the C63 AMG Black up to 650 units but with high demand, it was extended to 800 units, and all of them bought one of these.

Lastly is the most powerful AMG Black Series vehicle ever made; the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series. It features aerodynamics inspired by the Mercedes-AMG GT3 racing machine, making it a road-legal track toy in its own right. Apart from the race-inspired aerodynamics, the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine has been tuned to produce 730PS of power output, making it the most powerful ICE-powered AMG model ever built. 

Mated to a 7G-DCT, it has a top speed of 325kph. It lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 6:48.047, which is faster than the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ, although beaten by a modified Porsche 911 991.2 GT2 RS, which was later beaten by the FH5 hero car, the Mercedes-AMG ONE.

With all three gathered around Copper Canyon, it's time to find out which of the AMG Black Series lineage is the best, and as always...

...fastest time wins. This comparison will demonstrate how much progress AMG has made with the Black Series lineage from the V12-powered SL65 AMG Black Series to the road-legal track car that is the AMG GT Black Series. Let's roll the tape.

And now the results...

SL65 Black Series - 1m07.134s

C63 Black Series - 1m06.917s

AMG GT Black Series - 59.743s

As expected, the AMG GT Black Series not only is the most powerful Black Series vehicle ever made but also the quickest because of its Nurburgring credentials. Exceptional for a road-legal GT3 car. It really is.

Because of the AMG GT Black Series' exceptional performance against the other two Black Series vehicles, it's time to reward this car with something gorgeous. So gorgeous, it makes me want to say "forget my husband, I'll go make money".

Finally, the AMG GT Black Series shows its true colors. Oh, Shuka-sama. You never fail to impress me. Shuka who? Shuka effing Hanazono! That's her! Sorry about that but hey, her look and feel suits its personality. It's got the impression of a seductive villainess from a steamy webtoon. Wait, what?

Steamy aside, our Shuka-sama prepares to unleash some unreasonable force against street racing veterans in reserve around what seems to be a re-enactment of Tokyo's Daikoku parking area. 

Interested in this EventLab creation by someone named Mojo5290? Here's the share code: 117 535 418

Anyway, let's get this sideshow on the road.

This reminds me that I would make a webtoon out of this experience; Lady Shuka used unreasonable force with her AMG GT Black Series. That would make a great title for my potential webtoon masterpiece.

Having respect with the AMG GT Black Series, it's sad to see that the entire AMG lineup is AWD only, making this the last rear-wheel-drive AMG vehicle ever made. Of course, BMW's M division got rear-wheel-drive vehicles like the M2, the M3, and the M4, but they've ended up like they're the only ones in the yard. So sad.

Still, no regrets. I'm glad I got to experience the last rear-wheel-drive AMG vehicle ever made. Even Lady Shuka's impressed with it.

Auf Wiedersehein, rear-wheel-drive AMG cars like the AMG GT Black Series. You made us proud.

My FH5 Log: CODENAME R

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history.

This is the Mk7.5 Golf R, or should I say, the wrong Golf R I got during the early months of Forza Horizon 5. There is already an Mk8 Golf R out in the open but the producers stuck with the Mk7.5 Golf R because they've completely forgotten the memo.

After several whinings later, I got what I demanded on Forza Horizon 5; a Mk8 Golf R. The one with the new Volkswagen and R logos on it. It's part of the Super Speed Car Pack.

Served as the flagship variant of the eighth-generation Golf, the Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights.

While featuring various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others, the Golf R is powered by the 2.0L petrol engine which produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque.

The Performance version adds 13PS of power and while mated to a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION, it does 0-100kph in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 270kph.

North American-spec Golf R models have a 6-speed manual standard with the DSG as an available option.

The Mk8 Golf R featured in FH5 is the US-spec version with the 6-speed manual gearbox, the one Europeans didn't get. Although it feels wrong for me to have a Mk8 Golf R with a gearbox not offered in its native homeland, I'm super happy to sample what's known to be the ultimate Golf R ever made. While not bothering about its controversial interior, the performance and dynamics are all mild and menacing for a super hot hatch. It feels nearly easy to drive...all the time, and it demands more as the opportunity arises.

To see how much improvement the Mk8 Golf R has gained, I've challenged it against the Mk7.5 Golf R, the expired good I've never asked to have, and taken them for a one-lap time attack.

For a quick recap, the Mk8 Golf R's 2.0L petrol engine produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. The main question is, does more power mean faster than the old model? Let's find out.

And now the results...

Golf Mk7.5 R - 59.743s

Golf Mk8 R - 58.876s

It's a close shave! The new Golf Mk8 R is nearly a second faster than the Mk7.5 Golf R! I'd say it's more of a scratch than a slash.

The Volkswagen Golf R is the range-topper of the Golf range that possesses the most potent performance of any Golf in history and the Mk8 Golf R pushes the limits of Volkswagen's popular midsize hatchback to greater heights. It really is the ultimate Golf R ever made but only just.

At this point, I was going to end this log but like a good K-drama, there's a bonus section at the end of the episode, and with that...

Looks like Miss Ruli came out to play. Ah, idol girls, you can't resist their temptation.

With the jewel vibes on, Codename R...R as in Ruli...is off against a pack of legendary drivers gathering around a city centre on a racetrack crafted by one of Forza's number one fans. Let's roll, Miss Ruli, as most would like to call you.

Incredible. Nobody can catch her.

It's sad to say that the Mk8 Golf will be the last Golf to have ICE on it and this R is a clear reminder that it has reached its peak. Whatever the reason, It's an honor to meet what's known to be the ultimate Golf R. Although not ultimate, that will do.

Mission accomplished, Codename R.

My FH5 Log: Community Day Classic (PART 4)

The Fiat Dino coupe and the GTA Spano are the highlights of the final playlist of the Forza Horizon 5 Community Choice series update.

First up is the GTA Spano, which I snagged after hitting the 20-point mark on the Hot Season Playlist.

First debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, the Spano is powered by a turbocharged version of the 8.4L V10 engine sourced from the Dodge Viper, producing 900PS of power and 1000Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed gearbox, it sprints from 0-100kph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 350kph. The Spano was updated in 2015 with a new and improved exterior design, aerodynamics, extensive use of graphene, and a 25PS increase to the V10 engine, improving its top speed by 20kph more. The Spano is limited to 99 units.

Lastly is the Fiat Dino 2.4 Coupe, which I snagged after hitting the 40-point mark on the Hot Season Playlist.

Designed by Giugiaro and Marcello during their early days at Bertone, the Fiat Dino, hence the name, is powered by Ferrari's Dino V6 engine in 2.0L and 2.4L configurations with the latter producing 180hp. The Dino is mated only with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Using my final days of community service, I've sent the Spano and the Dino through challenges set by certain Forza fans with the Dino slipping through the metropolitan twists and turns while the GTA Spano tackles a handmade circuit made by one of Forza's number one fans. Let's roll the tapes.

With the Community Choice prize cars, the FH5 car roster is now 799. The "A Purrrfect Collection" badge requires players to collect 800 unique cars, no duplicates, meaning there's one car missing for this task, but not to worry, the 30th series update of FH5, titled Lunar New Year, will put a closure to that with the Chinese Stars Car Park, available this Tuesday.

In the meantime, let's all enjoy the greatest hits from the world of Forza Horizon while celebrating all the hard work we've done as a community. In fact, we're the reason why we keep Horizon Mexico rolling for more. It's starting to feel like a happy neighborhood for Horizon festivalgoers and game masters everywhere if you catch my drift.

Truth be told, we're the main reason why Forza Horizon 5's with us. That's a Community Choice for you.

Never stop partying, folks. Never stop partying.

TEKKEN 8

Tekken is back in its most explosive installment welcoming new and returning players back to The King of Iron Fist Tournament. Ready for another balls-to-the-walls brawl with TEKKEN 8?

TEKKEN 8

TEKKEN 8 is the latest installment of Bandai Namco's hard-hitting TEKKEN franchise and the first for the latest generation of consoles, the PlayStation5 and the Xbox Series X|S. All bets are off as this newest installment showcases the Tekken franchise at its peak performance.

Featuring a roster of returning favorites such as Kazuya Mishima, Jin Kazama, Xiaoyu, Lili, Asuka, and others, as well as newcomers such as Victor Chevalier and Reina, it's all about fighting who's the favorite and, best of all, all of them can be personalized with various costumes and accessories you bought or unlocked.

This is just the start because post-launch, expect new and returning characters joining in the action soon, as well as special guest appearances that remain a secret until announcement. Be prepared.

Tekken 8 features new areas to interact with other players online, with the use of customizable avatars. You create your own and then jump into various modes such as Arcade Quest and Tekken Fight Lounge, interacting with other players as you please. You can even do a shoutout while in the middle of a fight as well. 

The Ghost Battle mode from the previous installment has evolved with the new Super Ghost Battle mode, an endless mode where an AI will memorize every move as you progress. You better need to step up if you want to rack up some cash and unlockable items for your characters. Best of all, you can even challenge other players' ghost data. A great way to warm up before taking on Online Battles.

If you get bored with all the bruising, you can play a game of Tekken Ball with either a CPU opponent or a buddy.

This new installment welcomes players to its Story Mode titled The Dark Awakens. In this explosive story mode, fans will witness the climactic showdown between Kazuya Mishima and Jin Kazama. The bloody father and son conflict has reached its endgame and it's going to be an edge-of-your-seat thriller until the finale.

With a roster of new and returning characters, new ways for player interactions, the father-and-son endgame story, the new Super Ghost Battle feature, and the return of Tekken Ball, TEKKEN 8 is the most explosive installment built for the new generation of consoles and once enjoyed, you can't stop demolishing the competition by all means necessary. This game is truly a show of force and with your friends' ghost data and rankings all over, what are you waiting for?

GET READY FOR THE NEXT BATTLE!

My FH5 Log: Community Day Classic (PART 3)

The Pagani Huayra and the W113 Mercedes 280SL are the highlights of the Forza Horizon 5 Community Choice's Dry Season playlist. Get your Pagoda air fresheners ready because these expired goods are going to be fresh.

First up is the Pagani Huayra, which I snagged after hitting the 20-point mark on the Dry Season Playlist.

The Pagani Huayra is the Zonda replacement named after Huayra-Tata, the god of wind from the Aymara legends. It made a world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Auto Salon in March. It is powered by a 6.0L Mercedes-AMG M158 V12 twin-turbo engine, producing over 700BHP and over 1,000Nm of torque. It can go 0-60 in 3.4 seconds, and flat-out, the Huayra blows away at 227 MPH (365kph). It is mated with a transverse sequential seven-speed gearbox with an AMT robotized system. The Huayra weighs 1,350kg, and it has a 44:56 weight distribution.

Lastly, the vintage Mercedes-Benz 280SL, which I snagged after hitting the 40-point mark on the Dry Season Playlist.

The W113-spec Mercedes-Benz SL, built from 1963 to 1971 with 48,912 units made, was one of the most iconic Mercedes vehicles in history. It was nicknamed Pagoda due to its slightly concave hardtop shaped like a pagoda.

Most models are equipped with a water-cooled inline-six cylinder engine with multi-port injection with the range-topping 280SL producing 170PS of power and 240Nm of torque. Gearboxes are offered with either a 4-speed manual, automatic, or a 5-speed manual. The front suspension has double wishbones, coil springs, and stabilizing bars while the rear has a swing axle, radius arms, compensating springs, and coil springs. Aside from that, parts of its body are made of aluminum to save weight.

It was the first sports car with a safety body that had a rigid passenger cell and designated crumple zones with impact-absorbing front and rear sections built into the structure.

In the spirit of community service, it's time to take these two expired goods on a quick drive with the Huayra taking on a handmade circuit made by a certain player while the 280SL takes on a Gauntlet-style rally course situated at Copper Canyon. Let's roll the tapes.

Mission accomplished for these two. Well done.

Next time, let's sample the Fiat Dino and the Spania GTA Spano in the final playlist of the Community Choice series update.

My GT7 Log: Head Honchos

Whenever I see the SLR McLaren and the SLS AMG, they remind me of those head honchos from certain racing video games. Before you take on the final boss, you'll gonna have to take the Number 2 first, some say.

Head honchos. Before taking on the final boss, you must get past its head honcho. These two Mercedes supercars played head honchos, and here in GT7, I got the chance to get to know...the semi-final bosses, if you catch my drift.

Let's begin with the SLR McLaren, a supercar you wish you would definitely want to invest yourself in the bull market. Get it? Bull.

Created from the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, the SLR McLaren comes with a 5.4L supercharged V8 engine specially developed for the SLR, generates 626 PS (460 kW; 617 hp) of power and 780 N·m (580 lb·ft) of torque, mated with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz said that this car has a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of around 209mph. Production ended in early 2010, and it was succeeded by the SLS AMG.

Lastly, the Mercedes-AMG SLS, the supercar that made AMG a force to be reckoned with. The car that separates the men from the boys.

The SLS is an AMG original masterpiece that serves as the spiritual successor of the legendary 300SL because of the gullwing doors it possesses. While the gullwing doors hark back from the said classic, the SLS AMG is powered by a 6.2L V8 engine that produces 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp) of power and 650 N·m (480 lb·ft) of torque. It was the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world when it was unveiled and when mated to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT seven-speed sports transmission, it does 0-100kph in less than four seconds and has a top speed of 317kph.

Having been satisfied with these head honchos, I went to Watkins Glen to find out which Number 2 is...well, Number 2. It's either Bull or Garrett, you know what I mean.

Have you guys done with your number 2? Because these head honchos are primed and ready to rattle the Big Apple, just like the good old days. Let's roll the tape.

Here are the results...

SLR McLaren - 2m08.366s

SLS - 2m07.507s

Looks like Garrett beats Bull by a margin. The SLS AMG trumped the SLR McLaren even in the Big Apple.

Before heading to the finals, you must get through these head honchos. Yeah yeah, I know how it ends, but hey, the SLR McLaren and the SLS AMG proved their point, with the latter the best right-hander for its commander.

So, up for The Finals? Oh wait...it's too early to say that but oh well...