Forza Horizon announces April Top Gear Car Pack!

Aston Martin Vanquish for Forza
Horizon's April Top Gear Pack

Here it is, it's the final car pack of Horizon to be covered on the Season Pass and this is known to be the April Top Gear Car Pack, due out in Tuesday! With the collaboration between Forza Horizon and the hit TV series BBC Top Gear, players are indulged with six new rides including the new Aston Martin Vanquish that James May drove on the USA road trip episode of Top Gear Series 19 and the Bowler Nemesis EXR-S.

List of cars:

2012 Aston Martin Vanquish

2012 Bowler EXR S 

2011 Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale Zagato

2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVan

1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG Mercedes CLK GTR

2002 BMW M3-GTR (FREE Download)

This pack costs 400MSP but Season Pass owners get it for free. However, for Season Pass owners, this will be the last DLC Car Pack to be covered here.

Details: http://forzamotorsport.net/en-US/news/April_TopGear_Car_Pack

Forza Horizon: Black Monday, Black Friday, Black Saturday, Black whatever day it is...

The AMG Black Series models

The AMG Black Series models from Mercedes-Benz, once you go black with one of those, you'll never go back because you'll be always gone insane with one of those machines possesed by insanity done by the skunk works of the Mercedes-AMG. With weight reduction, bucket seats and exterior alterations, the Black Series models are always standing out the crowd and they always feel and sounds...GRRRR...like muscle cars because they're very angry.

Apart from the muscle car-esque sounds, they possess a very challenging handling and dynamic drifts, meaning most cars with dynamic feel tend to drift at high speeds but challenging to recover. It maybe challenging to handle a Black Series model but they're really are gut-wrenching screamers that can tear down Colorado into two.

The SL65 AMG Black Series is definitely a balls-out bone crusher. It's about 12 times the bone crushing power of 12 of your favorite female characters derived from random fighting games. Because this is the most powerful AMG model ever built, its V12 engine generates about 661HP of power and over a thousand Newton meters of torque. It may have more torque for shreds but it's performance is so bone-crushing, it's like you went home from the convention fractured after being crushed by some girl who dressed as Lili.

(laughing)

The C63 AMG Black though, this is like marrying a cannibal who ate two people. As I speak, this is the wildest C63 AMG Coupe I have ever seen in my life and with the matching gold paint on the body, it really is like Winnie the Pooh in road rage. It feels like I'm wrestling a giant yellow bear but this car's not a wild bear, it's a skunk. A Punky Skunk. (laughing)

With these cars, feels like everyday's a Black Monday, Black Friday, Black Saturday, Black whatever day it is...

Forza Motorsport 4: Evo vs. STi

The battle between two sides

Over the years, Subaru and Mitsubishi had been locked in combat for decades just so they can outperform, outhandle, and outwit each other with their road going rally cars and everytime they launched different versions, they try outdo each other with a quantity of letters and numbers after the car's names. You've been given a choice; for one lap at the Nurburgring, you want the super-sharp Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution but for the journey home, you want a more comfortable Subaru Impreza WRX STi.

Here at Forza Motorsport 4, I'll be only comparing the STi's and the Evo's offered on this game and luckily, it will be somewhat a duel between Evos and STi's.

First up the 22B vs. the Evo VI

Subaru Impreza 22B - 1:28.290
Mitsubishi Evo VI - 1:29.321


Next: WRX STi GDB-Type II vs. Evo VIII MR




Subaru WRX STi GDB-Type II - 1:27.591
Mitsubishi Evo VIII MR - 1:27.818


NEXT: WRX STi GDB-F vs. Evo IX MR




Subaru WRX STi GDB-F - 1:26.718
Mitsubishi Evo IX MR - 1:27.556

AND FINALLY: WRX STi GRB vs. Evo X





Subaru WRX STi GRB - 1:26.986
Mitsubishi Evo X - 1:26.346

VERDICT: Hmmm...It appears my Stigness can only handle Scoobies because back when I was high school, I was very fond of the STi's regime. I once drove a GDB-F WRX STi since WMMT3 (or maybe the Fast and Furious PS2 game?) and I have to say that this is the kind of car I literally fell in love with. No matter how many times I've been bashed by adolescents in their Mitsubishi Evos, I'm on the urge of getting to know each other but then, with current generations revealed in Tokyo since 2007, it seems my love for Impreza STi's had been evolved and I swore myself that I will never ever get alienated by the aggressive raw power of the Mitsubishi Evo X...but I did. Sure, the Impreza STi GRB really won my heart but it's the Evo X's sheerness and agility really made it jealous. And that's how the age-old question's in boiling point as Evo fans and STi fans starting to melt down over debates.

Hey, since Subaru and Mitsubishi are out in the world of motorsports, and soon these two will be consigned at the history books, I think that this fight ends with an armistice, not a peace treaty.

Forza Motorsport 4: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

The German Screamer

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 AMG model yet. 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.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed this on Top Gear Season 13 Episode 03 and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 1:30 at the Top Gear Test Track.

Forza Horizon: Barn Find DB5

A Special Agent infiltrating Horizon?

Ever since the iconic Bond car, which is the Aston Martin DB5, made a stunning comeback in the Bond film, SKYFALL, which stars Daniel Craig reprising his role as Agent 007 James Bond, the world really amazed a surprising reunion with the best secret agent in the world and what we think of it as the best Bond car for over five decades. Well, I guess that's how the Bond 50th anniversary really made it special by bringing back the best Bond car on the best Bond movie with an Academy Award winning theme song by Adele.

If you have already found the DB5 as a barn find, you'll be glad to know that you are driving the best Bond car in the decades. Just don't tell everyone that you became a secret agent trying to infiltrate the underbelly of the Horizon Festival!

Forza Horizon: Joss JT1 reward

Here she is, waiting for you

I guess this is it. This is the final Season Pass bonus car to be offered on Forza Horizon and it's some Australian prototype dream machine known as the Joss JT1. I heard that the development takes a long long time but hey, they're Australians making the dream so it takes time until they found some investors to develop their dream machine that will mark history as the pride of The Land Down Under.

Until then, I still have to try out the up-and-coming pride of Australia in a driving heaven known as Forza Horizon and see if the Australians are ready for the great supercar race...

Forza Motorsport 4: 2010 Joss JT1

Why I haven't seen this Aussie fellow?

While most of the supercars are made in Europe, it seems most countries outside Europe, including the United States are joining the supercar fray. A country that is Australia is not alone because they too are joining the supercar fray.

Joss Development, under the directorship of Matthew Thomas and Laurajean Thomas, dedicated this project to create what has been known to be Australia's first supercar while using the know-how learned from races such as Formula One, Le Mans, and other forms of motorsports here and around the globe.

The Joss pre-production concept made an appearance at the 2004 Melbourne International Motor Show in March 2004 and it gathered massive praises from the public and went on to also show at Adelaide and Sydney Motor Shows at the same year.

The test vehicle was powered by an all aluminum 6.8L V8 engine that develops 440bhp of power and 420lb/ft of torque while mated to a Porsche Carrera 2 G50 transaxle 5-speed manual with reverse via linkage system.

In terms of bodywork, the test prototype wears epoxy based GRP for the main body while carbon fiber and kevlar reinforcement were used for strengthening needs. All that bodywork leads to an estimated curb weight of 940kg.

Because of its light body combined with a big V8 engine, 0-100kph takes about three seconds and an estimated top speed of over 300kph.

As of now, Joss are still looking for partners to invest funding in the project but if that project come to fruition, this will be the pride of Australia the world will appreciate for.

Forza Motorsport 4: 2010 Devon GTX

The Dashing Debonair

Unveiled at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Dodge Viper-based Devon GTX is the initial product of Devon Motorworks and it was conceived by Swedish designer Daniel Paulin and Devon Motorworks founder Scott Devon.

The noticeable design features of the GTX comes with an aircraft-quality carbon fiber body, "up and forward" articulating doors, two-tone wheel surrounds, minimal front/rear overhangs, dual center exhaust ports and carbon fiber racing seats.

The GTX comes with the 8.4-liter (510 cubic inches) V-10 engine that produces 650 horsepower (484.7 kW) at 6100 rpm and its mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Former Ford executive engineer Andy Benedict was in charge of the product development for the GTX while assembly and manufacturing are headed by Clive Hawkins, founder of the Aria Group. Dr. Joseph Katz, Chairman of the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at San Diego State University, supervised the aerodynamic testing for the Devon GTX.

In vehicle validation and testing, courtesy of former 24 Hours of Le Mans champion Justin Bell, the Devon GTX set an unofficial lap record at California's Willow Springs Raceway.

It maybe scheduled to produced in 2010 but recent economic downturns shelved the car's hopes for production.

Forza Horizon: The Speed of Fear

Awaiting its prey

The first time I drove the Ultima GTR in FM4 last year, I still can't lay a finger about this extraordinary kit-car that was once independently lapped the Top Gear Track faster than any other car Stig drove, even the Atom V8 or the Huayra. It maybe light, tricky to master, and odd-looking but this is a perfect racing machine for those who want it small and light that can topple the "David and Goliath" effect, proving the small but mighty can take down the largest and overpowered machines in the world.

Here, in the world of Forza Horizon, it's all about being in Nostalgia mode because what reminds me is a distant past from my childhood era. This car really reminded me of RAGE RACER's Age Vainqure, not quite as quick as the others but better in the handling department. This is all about the speed of fear in one of Britain's finest kit car known as the Ultima GTR. It's about as serious as your Sir Chief but the levels really plant a smile on your face..

Forza Horizon: Pre-Order Cars available for the public

Hey there! Missed one of those pre-order cars for Forza Horizon? Thinking that you've chose the wrong pre-order car or you want to have more than what you've bargain for? Guess we're in luck because announced and went on sale yesterday, those pre-order bonus cars are now available on the XBOX Marketplace for 400MSP and for that, you'll be able to complete the set of five pre-order cars and you will be thankful for that.

Cars you'll be getting, in cased you missed one, are...

Nissan 370Z - Nissan's latest incarnation of the Fairlady Z, codenamed Z34, carries the legendary Z-car tradition within its modern look, athletic stance, and its 3.7L V6 engine mated with a 6-speed manual transmission that comes with SynchroRev Match, where the gear matches the sound of the revs.

Don't be deceived by its headline

Aston Martin Virage - Aston Martin's grand tourer that slots between the DB9 and the DBS offers a perfect balance between style and performance.

Yes, really. It really is...

Volkswagen Golf VI R - The high-performance version of the sixth-generation Golf offers athletic footwork in hatchback proportions.

Waking up the neighbors, eh?

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG - AMG's halo car which is the spiritual successor of the gullwing-doored 300SL packs some elegance on design with some spartan performance.

A perfect bounty for a storage hunter

Ferrari 458 Italia - The latest V8 grand tourer from Ferrari offers exceptional balance in the performance scale and attracts a mass scale of fans everywhere.

Pretty, isn't it?

Now that you have all five pre-order cars, which of these five tickles your fancy?

Forza Motorsport 4: 2003 Renault Sport Clio V6

Paradise in the hottest hatch from the past!

There was one main reason why Renault created the first ever mid-engined hot hatchback based on the second-generation Clio (known in Japan as the Renault Lutecia) and that's because there wasn't enough room to place the 3.0L V6 so what they did here is remove the back seats and place the V6 engine midships.

The V6 engine that powers it was lifted from the Laguna while shifting was provided by a 6-speed manual gearbox. For a car with little size and big power, the Clio/Lutecia V6 comes with a specially designed struts and with the grip done by wide tires, the Clio/Lutecia V6 transformed into a road-hugging machine when it faced a corner. What's more, the V6 Clio transformed an front wheel drive car into a midship RWD rocket.

At the 2002 Paris Motor Show, a facelifted Clio V6, under the banner "Phase 2" was revealed and it comed with an improved V6 engine that generates 251HP of power, revised suspension geometry and larger 18-inch rims.

Jeremy Clarkson reviewed the Clio V6 at Series 2, Episode 5 of BBC Top Gear and when handed to The Stig, it set a lap time of 01:36.2 at the Top Gear Test Track in "very wet" condition.

Forza Motorsport 4: 1997 Mitsubishi GTO

There was a time Mitsubishi made a sportscar
cooler than the LanEvo!

The Mitsubishi GTO was sold in the US as the 3000GT and also on that country, with partnership of Chrysler, a version of the Mitsubishi GTO called the Dodge Stealth was offered with a different body style but retains the same mechanical components as the GTO.

The GTO uses the same platform derived from the Diamante sedan while it was powered by a 3.0L V6 engine, in natural aspiration or twin-turbo options. The turbocharged V6 produces 276HP of power and 307.3ft-lb of torque.

The GTO also comes with numerous automotive technologies such as all-wheel drive, 4-wheel steering, electronically-controlled suspension, and anti-lock brakes. It even comes with an active aerodynamic system that adjusts the front and rear spoilers based on the car's speed, along with the active exhaust system that modifies the exhaust note.

For 1993, the retractable headlights were replaced by fixed headlights and the turbo variant is mated with a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission.

Production of the GTO ended in 2001.

Forza Horizon: Cavallino Rampante

Dangerous Curves

Once started in life as a unicorn car in Forza Motorsport 4 but now it's a yours-to-keep car courtesy of Horizon's March Meguiar's Car Pack. The Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale, which in a terribly confusing way, the road version of the racing version of a road car.

Of course the Ferrari 360 is one of the all time greats but for this Challenge Stradale, think of it as a 360 GTi. A sportier car with a more direct connection to the track made in honor of Ferrari's F1 World Champion title four years in a row from 1999 to 2002.

The Challenge Stradale weighs less than the standard model because it has carbon fiber door panels, removed carpets, carbon ceramic brakes, titanium wheel bolts, dual rear floor with F1-inspired flows, slightly longer nose, slightly modified sills, slightly necked boot and the rear is higher than the front.

Lighter, more aerodynamic, and faster than the normal 360 but is the Challenge Stradale better? Well, let your judgment be known...

Forza Horizon: Badlands Rumble

The arrival of the March Meguiar's Car Pack on Forza Horizon sees the arrival of three new-to-Forza German cars for us to joyride. Yes, those three new cars are German; one is a high-performance wagon, one is a rear-wheel drive hatchback, and one if a high-performance offroader. Need to say more?

This is a wagon you'd promised for...

First is this, the all new Audi RS4 Avant. Like its previous model, it has the same 4.2L V8 that produces the same power that you would expect from an M3 Coupe but without drawing quite so much attention to it. Like its previous model, that exhaust note kinda feels like a tribute to Pavarotti. It's as sonorous as the Chinese name of the Chevrolet Camaro (Ke Mai Luo) and this is the kind of car that doesn't want to kill you. Yes, really, the ride's good, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive's keeps you out in the crash zone and it's not as complicating to drive as the other cars. It maybe idiotic in the exterior design but the driving feel is not quite idiotic until you're starting to behave like a cannibal...

The one and only rear-wheel drive hatchback

For the first time in racing video game history, the second-generation BMW 1-Series has arrived and what you see here is the M135i, the newest member of the BMW M Performance Automobiles that were a bunch of normal BMW's with M genes included to deliver M-style precision in a normal Bimmer. Bimmer fans concerned about the discontinuation of the BMW 1M Coupe in Easter 2012 were soon reassured by the arrival of a much hotter version of the BMW 1-Series hatchback. While the M135i prove to be more than a worthwhile replacement for the 1M but the performance figures are a bit lacking. Despite all this, let's just remember that this is the only rear-wheel drive production hatchback we can all enjoy in Horizon. It's like The Doctor, who was the last of the time lords. The blend of wit, excitement and drama on the M135i were all here.

Oh, and beware of the military troops hunting you

Fans of Top Gear USA might remember that Tanner Foust once drove the G63 AMG while being hunted by the US Army and in the end, Tanner was busted by the army. Now, this is the much more bigger brother of the 63, the V12 powered G65 AMG. While it looked identical to the G-Wagen that Tanner drove while being chased by the army, the G65 is boosted with the 6.0L V12 twin-turbo engine mated with an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G‑TRONIC automatic transmission system. An AMG V12 engine with a 7-speed gearbox? Whoa, but this isn't the first time the G65 comes with that, it's the latest AMG SL65 that gave credit for it. But still, with all that brute power, luxurious interior, and the off-road capability that can make use in the game of KING or INFECTED at the Carson Golf Course near the Media Center, the G65 is truly a force to be reckoned with...

Oh yes, this would be a Badlands Rumble when those three came together to show off THE MOVES...

Forza Horizon: Barn Find Classic

The BMW M1 is an instant classic

Well, I'd never talked about the barn finds I have found in Forza Horizon, it's perhaps because I'd never gotten the chance to talk about it but now, I am.

This is one of the barn finds you can find on Horizon, and that is the BMW M1. By the moment I found this one and only Bimmer supercar, I got to know what is like to be driven in one of the most legendary Bimmers in the history and gotta tell you that it's a bit tricky to master it first but if I put in all of my effort of mastering the M1, boy do I got that reward?

Forza Horizon: Why I need more hot hatches...

Forza Horizon has it all; from European exotics, American muscle cars, Asian tuners, hot hatches, classics, anything that this game has in store for gamers like me. Anyway, when I said hot hatches, yes they have those hot hatches but sometimes as for me, not all hot hatches are created equally. Sure the main point of an hot hatch is to be as fun as a supercar but you can have a boot, some amenities, anything that made you as spoiled as a spoiled brat. However, I don't think there was some kind of a hot hatch that really tickles my nerves. I mean come on, the best hot hatch you can find is from a French car company which I'm afriad wasn't part of the Horizon game. It's still a mystery when will this "best hot hatch" come to Horizon soon but in the meantime, I have to check over the alternatives and as for me, the results came up none because none of these hot hatches seem to please me, not even this one...

Messing up the warehouse

I tried out the 2013 Ford Focus ST on Horizon and after a few more minutes, I really want to sum it up if this one's an ideal hot hatch for a Horizon gamer like me but it's not that very easy to describe the qualities of the 2013 Focus ST. Under the bonnet is a 2.0L EcoBoost engine that produces about 250PS of power and 340Nm of torque. Zero to 100kph takes about 6.5 seconds and flatout in about 248kph.

Of course, a true hot hatch needs to be sharp, agile, and overall more fun to drive like what you felt on the supercar and seems that the Focus ST...doesn't do those things.  Sure, it has a sport-tuned suspension that is capable on the corners but the steering precision is a bit too harsh for me. There's a bit of an understeer, a bit of torque steer, and it's about as busy as a regular third-generation Ford Focus.

Kaa-kaa!!! Kaa-kaa!!! Oh, what did I just do?

Something tells me that the front view doesn't look pleasant on the Focus ST because it reminded them of some super-deformed character that goes like this..."Kakka! Kakka! Kakka!". Oh, what did I just do? Am I doing the "kakka! kakka!" noise right now? Wait a minute, I shouldn't talk about that or do I? (laughing)

It's a long weekend ahead on us

Despite its drawbacks to its steering, it's problematic revs, the design, and about as busy as a normal third-generation Focus, there are a couple of things that you'll praise about the 2013 Ford Focus ST such as the EcoBoost engine that powers it and the torque. You have to be a major major hooligan to get yourself drunk inside the 2013 Focus ST's underbelly but at what cost? Your dignity? Nah, this hot hatch from Ford is always accessible to every "speedo boy" in the world.

Sadly though the ST is not the type of Focus enthusiasts might like because according to them, the best Focus ever made was the Euro-only RS model but which Focus RS?

Could be handy if I was followed by more than one shadow

Let's skip from that question and move on to the Focus RS I might like about and that's the RS 500. The Ford Focus RS 500. As the name says it all, this final edition model of the European 2nd generation Ford Focus is limited to 500 units (101 of them are in the UK) and what to expect on the RS 500 is an improved 2.5L turbo engine that produces 345bhp of power, zero to hundred sprint in 5.4 seconds and flatout in 165mph. It's the fastest Focus ever made and the best Focus that enthusiasts love is the best Focus...for the priviledged few because all 500 units had been spoken for.

The Black Panther

Thanks to some very clever front differential, the grip is just right, not like the sluggish handling from the 2013 Ford Focus ST if I might say. It's also well balanced as well. This is just the perfect Focus everybody in Horizon really wants because it really has a well balanced chemistry of power and precision. I like that way.

Invited to the party? Oh yes you are...

The Focus RS500 is the best Focus I have ever driven in Horizon but when it comes to search for a perfect hot hatchback, thing is though that even I liked the Focus RS500, perhaps I can do better than that... There are some hot hatches coming soon on Horizon and delving through the hot hatch underbelly offers me a lot of choices to make...

Speaking of which, condolences to those Ford fans in Japan because...um...it's too bad that Japan won't get the 2013 Focus ST even though that the third-generation Ford Focus is now available in Japan in hatchback only and sourced from an ASEAN country that starts with a letter T.

Forza Horizon: V10-powered cousins

A Black Knight in Shining Armor

This is the Audi R8 GT, it's somewhat an improved version of the Audi R8 V10, which in the world of Forza, was one of the best cars I have ever driven since FM3 and for a car that is limited to 333 units worldwide, the R8 GT has an updated 5.2L V10 engine that produces about the same power as the Gallardo LP560-4. That's right, the GT version develops about 560HP of power! Think about it though, for a car that really doesn't have a sense of humor (no matter the corny punchline you'll throw), the R8 GT is definitely a serious lightweight exotic that was trimmed down for perfection and using the knowledge of Audi's motorsport enrichment since Le Mans....

Into the dark skies

Because the V10 engine's upgraded and it lost a hundred kilograms thanks to Audi's consistent use of lightweight materials, 0-60mph time is 3.6 seconds and on a straight, it goes about 320kph according to the manufacturer. It terms of driving feel, the R8 GT is really a sharp handler on its own right. Even though it's a 4WD exotic with its engine mounted at the middle, the R8 GT sure knows how to dance in the corners unlike any other 4WD cars that goes too much grip. It really tickles my instincts but sometimes it really bores me a lot, sort of...

R8 GT showing the nite grooves

Surprisingly though, because the Audi R8 is just a German take of the Lamborghini Gallardo despite the fact that the R8 has some of the Lamborghini components, I was gonna think that the GT version is the Audi equivalent of the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera but question is, is the R8 GT better than its Italian stalemate?

It's the Superleggera, hear it roar

The lesser the weight, the more interesting it gets

Uh....this is somewhat too much because while the Audi R8 GT is all about being a serious driver's car, the Gallardo Superleggera is all about being insane. While having the insane V10 engine, same as the R8 GT's, the insane V10 noise, the insane design that present Lambos get, and its Lamborghini quality, the Gallardo Superleggera really thinks that the R8 GT tries to mimick its moves and by judgement, comparing between the R8 GT and the Superleggera is confusing but hey, it seems that the Superleggera was there in the first place of being the lightweight version of the Gallardo and by terms of Superleggera; less weight, more fun. The Audi R8 GT is quite somewhat a carbon copy of the Gallardo Superleggera because they both have improved V10s and they both gone to the South Beach Diet.

What's this? A ray of light coming?

When I drove both the R8 and the Gallardo, those experiences I felt on these cars are pretty much the same but sometimes different, depending on my driving style, road conditions, and their moment of truth. Only someone with a keen judgment can decide which of these two is the better bet and as it turned out, it's not that easy picking a winner between these two...

Try driving these two and you'll see the difference...

Forza 4: Who let the A4's out?

Oh, look who's booked in at the Top Gear Test Track on Forza Motorsport 4. It's those high-performance variants of the Audi A4 through the years. The S4 B5, the S4 B6, the RS4 B7, and the  S4 B8, those were high-performance models of the Audi A4 through the years but those cars are arguing that which one is better. To settle those differences, my inner Stigness send me to lap these cars round the Top Gear track one by one by one to find out which of these "A4 on steroids" is the best...

Let's start with the S4 B5




Based on the Typ 8D (B5) A4, the S4 succeeds from the first Audi C4 S4 when it was debuted in 1997 as part of the Audi A4 B5 minor change.

The B5 S4 is equipped with a 2.7L V6 twin-turbo engine which includes a cast iron cylinder block with two aluminum alloy cylinder heads. This engine produces 265PS of power and 400Nm of torque while mated with a 6-speed C90 manual transmission.

The sedan version was launched in 1997 while the station wagon variant, called the S4 Avant, was launched a year later. In 1999, the B5 S4 went on sale on the USA. Production ended in 2011 although it was sold alongside the A4 B6 through 2002 in North America.

The S4 B5 also makes motorsport history when this is the car of choice for Michael Galati at the 2001 SpeedVision World Challenge where he won the GT title in a Champion Racing S4, winning 4 races and made it to its first manufacturer's Championship.



The S4 B5 crosses the line in 1:32.861...

Now it's the B6's turn...




Following with the success of the B5 S4, the S4 model is now based on the Audi B6 A4, which was based on the Volkswagen Group B6 (PL46) platform. It was available in saloon, Avant, and Cabriolet.

For this model, the S4 B6 comes with the 4.2L V8 engine that can go 0 to 60mph in 5.6 seconds  in the saloon with manual transmission (Avant 5.8 s, Cabriolet 5.9 s) but American car magazine Motor Trend managed to make the S4 B6 go from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds.

In the USA, the S4 B6 was subjected to the $1,700 gas guzzler tax (combined 20.2 miles per US gallon (11.6 L/100 km; 24.3 mpg-imp)) for the six-speed manual sedan.



The B6 Audi S4 did it in 1:30.163...

Next up, the RS4 B7




The first RS4 was introduced in 1999 and went on sale in 2000 as an Avant-only model. From its discontinuation in 2001, Audi produced 6030 RS4 Avant models.

In 2005, the RS4 returned and it was based on the B7 Audi A4. It was available in the European public in mid 2006 and later in North America and up to its discontinuation in 2008, 10,000 units were made. It was available in three body variants; a sedan, an Avant, and a Cabriolet version.

Powered by a 4.2L FSi V8 engine and mated with a 6-speed manual transmission, the RS4 can accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds while top speed is normally limted to 155mph.

The B7 RS4 marks a departure from the Audi RS cars tradition (where the previous RS 4 and RS 2 were available exclusively as Avants.) ever since the first Audi RS6. Unique features of the B7 RS4 are the smaller, flat bottomed steering wheel (complete with "Sport" button), Recaro shell-type race bucket seats with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters, and carbon-ceramic brakes.

In Top Gear Season 7 Episode 2, Jeremy Clarkson races the RS4 against mountain climbers at the French Alps and in the end, the mountain climbers defeated the RS4. It went round the Top Gear Test track in 01:25.7.

In Top Gear Season 10 finale, James May drove the RS4 while Jeremy Clarkson's in the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG and Richard Hammond's in the BMW M3 at the Ascari Race Resort in Spain.



The RS4 did it in 1:23.201, meaning not only I beat Stig's record, it beats the other two but would that lap time be more than enough to be beaten by the current-generation Audi S4 B8? Let's find out...




From the moment the Audi B8 A4 was launched in the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, this model is now based on the Volkswagen Group MLB/MLP platform. A year later, Audi has launched an S4 model which was based on the current B8 A4.

Beginning with the B8, the saloon and Avant version was available while the convertible variant was replaced by the Audi S5 Cabriolet in 2009, the year when it went on sale for the European public.

For this model, downsizing occured because the B8 S4 replaced the 4.2L V8 engine with a 3.0L TFSi V6 engine with forced induction via a Roots-style Eaton mechanical supercharger.

Even though it's an S model, the B8 S4 competes with the BMW 335i and the Infiniti G37 since Audi discontinued the Audi B7 RS4 and Audi has never made a competitor to the BMW M3. Optional features on the B8 S4 includes active rear differential, active steering and ultra-quick electrically-adjustable shocks (both via Audi Drive Select Package).

APR Motorsport competed the B8 S4 at the Grand-Am Continental Tire Sports Car Challenge Grand Sport (GS) class.



As it turns out, the S4 B8 managed to do it in 1:28.223, that's about over five seconds slower than the RS4 but still more quicker than the previous S4 models so I therefore conclude that the RS4 B7 is the winner of my Top Gear Forza Motorsport 4 comparisons....

Go pick the RS4 B7...because it's sonorous...

Three new NFSMW DLC packs are headed your way!

2014 Ford Fiesta ST in NFSMW

The 2012 version of Need For Speed Most Wanted is the best NFS game ever at it garnered several awards and recognition but such success wasn't quite enough. Back in December, they've launched the Ultimate Speed DLC which features five hypercars that is too fast to break the law. Now, they've launched THREE new DLC packs on NFSMW! THREE DLC PACKS! It's available NOW on the PS3 and XBOX 360 while PC owners will have to wait till March 12.

First is the TERMINAL VELOCITY pack which expands the Fairhaven City map with the addition of Fairhaven International Airport. Explore through the terminals and runways with five new cars such as the Audi RS3 Sportback, the BMW 1M Coupe, the Alfa Romeo MiTo, the all new 2014 Ford Fiesta ST, and the 2012 Porsche 918 Spyder Prototype (not to be confused with the 918 Concept featured on the game). Since the 918 Spyder Prototype is the Most Wanted car, that shouldn't be a problem for you if you have the right car to take down this nimble Porsche.

Second is the NFS HEROES pack which comes with five iconic cars that are sacred to the NEED FOR SPEED HISTORY such as the Lamborghini Diablo SV, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 from Underground, Nissan 350Z from Underground 2, Porsche 911 GT2 RS, and (you'll gonna love this) the BMW M3 GTR. As we all know, the M3 GTR was the cover car from the original 2005 version of NFSMW and since it's the Most Wanted car to beat, relive the glory!

Last is the MOVIE LEGENDS pack which comes with five cars famous for their movie appearance such as the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, Aston Martin DB5, Aston Martin DBS, 1970 Dodge Charger R/T, and the 1967 Shelby GT500. Since the 1967 Shelby GT500 is the Most Wanted car, can you catch it before it's gone in 60 seconds? (pun intended).

Scoop: http://www.needforspeed.com/news/most-wanted-download-content-extravaganza-0

Forza Horizon announces March Meguiar's Car Pack

March Meguiar's Car Pack features
the new Audi RS4 Avant

With Spring approaches quickly, the producers of Forza Horizon announced the March Meguiar's Car Pack, the car pack where six brand new cars showcasing the art of motion. Whether if it's high-performance Europeans, a one-of-a-kind Japanese supercar, a road-going version of a track version of a road car, and a French hot hatch classic. That's right, here are the cars you might be expecting...

2013 Audi RS4 Avant
2013 BMW M135i
2012 Mercedes-Benz G65 AMG
2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale
1998 Nissan R390 GT1
2004 Peugeot 206 RC

This car pack costs 400MSP but for season pass owners, not only you'll get this pack for free, you'll also get the final Season Pass bonus car and that's the Joss JT1.

It's available next week...