Forza Horizon 4: Making the Corvette great again!

The Chevrolet Corvette is the ultimate symbol of American freedom since 1953. On the road and on the track, the Corvette has showcased what America is capable of when battling against the best of Europe and Japan.

Through the years, the Corvette has seen numerous evolutions with the seventh-generation Corvette served as the biggest turning point in its history for being the last front-engined, rear-wheel drive Corvette ever made. With the eighth-generation Corvette, America's sports car gained the most radical evolution ever witnessed.

The C8 Corvette marks a radical beginning in the Corvette's over six-decade history because, for the first time, it's mid-engined. While purists called the transition treason to the Corvette heritage, the people behind the development called it a fulfillment of the dream envisioned by a certain expert who tried creating mid-engined prototypes for General Motors. It's armed with the 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.

I won this car from the recent Horizon Series 31 Summer Playlist and since I'm familiar with the mid-engined Corvette Stingray (I tried one from another game, you know), I'm getting used to its newfound behavior this C8 Corvette possesses ever since its transition to a mid-engine layout. It's about as advanced, as dynamic, and as enjoyable to drive as, let's say, a Ferrari F430 and looks like Chevrolet's on the roll for making the Corvette great again, whatever that is.

To see how much the C8 Corvette evolved, let's take it to the streets of Edinburgh as it deals against the world's best sportscars just to show them how capable this new version is. Roll the tape.

Even with new tech and layout, it's still as old school as any American muscle can be.

The mid-engine C8 Corvette is no longer a muscle car from the past and has evolved into a supercar that takes on the world's best machines. Clichés aside, the new Corvette is proof of American greatness that can't be denied, and guess what, they've made the Corvette great again! Well, that's not a nice way to say it but well done about that. This is by no means the best Corvette I have ever experienced and that is the bottom line.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4 - The best of Series 30

Forza Horizon 4 made a milestone when it hit thirty series updates since its launch and the big 3-0 introduced us the new Horizon Super7 feature where users can create unique challenges and then upload it for the chance to get featured in the Super7 roster. Have you guys tried it out yet?

More importantly, Series 30 brought us four new prize cars to win by clearing specific Playlist challenges. I know, I'm a bit late but having won all of the four featured cars of Series 30, how's about the time to take a look at these machines that I've won throughout the Series Update?

First up is the cult classic midship Fiat sportscar, the X1/9. Styled by the famed Marcello Gandini of Bertone, the X1/9 is a lightweight Italian sportscar that is as close as you can get from the legendary Lancia Stratos, although it's still one of the most enjoyable cars to drive in ages.

Second is the Hoonigan Bronco. Based on a 1974 Ford Bronco, it was built for Ken Block's wife as a daily driver. It's got numerous off-road mods to this iconic Blue Oval offroader as well as loaded with the Mustang-derived Coyote 5.0L V8 engine at the front for some added muscle.

Third is one of our favorites; the Koenigsegg Jesko. Named after the founder Christian von Koenigsegg's father, the Jesko is the evolution of Koenigsegg's pursuit of speed that picks up where the now-legendary Agera left off. It's powered by a reworked V8 twin turbo engine that produces up to 1600hp of power and 1500Nm of torque while running on E85 fuel and it is mated by a bespoke 9-speed Light Speed Transmission, which delivers benefits of a double clutch gearbox without the weight penalty imposed. Apart from the power it delivers, the Jesko features the most advanced aerodynamics and track-focused dynamics that also works on the road.

Lastly, the Alfa Romeo 155. In its racing form, the 155 is one of the most successful touring cars in its history with the V6 TI raking up 38 race wins. In its normal form, it's a bit of a disappointment compared to its 75 predecessor because of its transition from the former's rear-wheel drive layout to front-wheel drive layout. The Q4, meanwhile, features a four-wheel drive layout similar to the legendary Lancia Delta Integrale.

Now that I got my fills on the Series 30 cars, let's give these cars a twirl and whirl, shall we?

Enjoy your new rides!

Forza Horizon 4: Tropical Syclone

The Series 28 update of Forza Horizon 4 is all about trucks being made by the good ol' US of A, and this prize car that I got from the Summer Playlist, the GMC Syclone, is their opening salvo so let's have a quick look at it.

Based on the Sonoma midsize pickup, the special edition GMC Syclone is powered by a 4.3L V6 engine with a Mitsubishi-derived turbocharger and a water/air intercooler from Garrett, producing up to 280hp of power while mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, making it capable of hittin 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and a quarter-mile run of 13.4 seconds, similar to a Corvette or a Ferrari as a certain car magazine said. In addition, the Syclone became the first production truck to come with 4-wheel ABS.

With the quick look done, let's sandblast this tropical cyclone to the beach and see if it can rock me like a hurricane.

Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

Forza Horizon 4: Reasonably fast Toyotas

The Lexus IS F and the Toyota 86 completes the Series 27 prize car lists and now that I got my hands on these two let's have a quick navigation between these two rear-wheel drive JDM greats.

The IS F is the first of Lexus's high-performance F sub-brand, which is made to target the likes of Mercedes-AMG, BMW M, and Audi RS. Based on the second-generation IS, it was powered by a 5.0L direct injected 2UR-GSE V8 engine producing 423PS of power and 503Nm of torque. It was mated with an 8-speed paddle shift transmission.

The Toyota 86 made its world premiere at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale a year later, signaling Toyota's return to making sports cars. Built in cooperation with Subaru, which spawned its BRZ equivalent, the 86 is powered by a 2.0L flat-4 engine producing over 200PS of power while mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic.

With the quick navigation over, let's give these two some actual demonstrations to see what they're made for.

Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

Forza horizon 4: The last cool Impala

Having fought my way from the Horizon Winter Playlist to snag one, the seventh-generation Chevrolet Impala SS is now under my FH4 car collection and it's time to talk about what's what about the last cool Impala, meaning the last rear-wheel drive Impala before the switch to a rather boring front-wheel drive platform.

The Impala SS nameplate was revived in 1992 when it first unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show as a concept car until it became a living thing in 1994, running on a redesigned GM B platform. It is essentially a high-performance version of the Caprice, specifically the one with the police kit on it, meaning it has some of the upgrades that the police car. Under the hood lies a retuned 350ci LT1 V8 engine producing 260hp of power and 330lb-ft of torque while mated to a 4L60E transmission.

With the quick info done, let's take this last cool Impala for a quick spin on the woods at the dead of night, shall we?

Excellent. There's nothing more to talk about.

Forza Horizon 4: It's just an RC F

A trio of Toyota Motor Corporation's finest sports cars are making a comeback on the Series 27 update of Forza Horizon 4. One of them is the Lexus RC F, the car that I just won from the Horizon Autumn Playlist.

Served as the replacement to the legendary IS F, the RC F is Japan's answer to BMW M4 and it delivers similar performance compared to its German rivals. Under the hood, the RC F comes with the same 5.0L V8 engine derived from the IS F but it's been updated so it produces 477PS of power and 530Nm of torque. It is mated to an 8-speed SPDS.

With the quick info done, how about a little demonstration at the Festival?

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride.

Forza Horizon 4 - Velar

The Range Rover Velar is a rather unusual member of the Range Rover family that some people suggest that it's more road-oriented than being a real Range Rover. Having won this car from the recent Horizon Winter Playlist, I had my dibs on this unusual Range Rover addition.

So, what's it all about this Range Rover Velar? 

Named after a dummy company responsible for the pre-production testing of the first-ever Range Rover, the Velar uses the same underpinnings as the Jaguar F-Pace and it slots above the Evoque. Under the hood,  the Velar offers almost the same choice of petrol and diesel engines as its close relative, the Jaguar F-Pace, with the most powerful in the range for the time being is the one with the Supercharged 3.0L V6 petrol engine producing 380HP of power and 450Nm of torque. To retain the same Range Rover capability as its relatives, the Velar comes with  the available Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control, It even comes with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics, which uses artificial intelligence to determine torque distribution, traction, and dynamics while being connected to its Dynamic Stability Control system, Torque Vectoring System and the Active Locking Rear Differential.

It's obvious that a certain someone said that the Velar doesn't behave like a proper Range Rover because first, it's not good on the track. Second, spacing's not big enough for big dogs from Canada. Third, not as agile as a horse. And fourth; you'd better be off with an F-150 Raptor instead. Reminds you of something, huh? 

Anyway, the Velar is quite the dark horse of the Range Rover lineup because while it's not as good as its big brother, the real Range Rover, it's good offroad only when you want to and on the road, it behaves like its F-Pace equivalent. Not bad but perhaps it can do better like most crossovers should in the name of being all-rounders. Yes, it's road-focused but it's almost a Range Rover full stop and you can spend the rest of the week exploring other places with this dark horse.

In the spirit of translating theories into actions, I flew first-class to LEGO Valley where I took the Velar for a little demonstration while up against other SUVs in an all-out torture to see which SUV stands tall. Let's get this party started, shall we?

That was a real torture but I can't believe the Velar survived the act.

The Velar may definitely not the best SUV to keep if you're in a mood for trekking outer worlds but for the fun of it, it's not really a bad crossover full stop.

Wish I want to conclude this impression but because of a certain someone, I had a brainwave because with its main rivals in the roster, I think the Velar wants to take on a real experiment, something that reminds me of a certain TV show I just saw with these three crossover pitting each other with disastrous results.

Check that out very soon because the Velar is ready for a real test. A test that is worth checking out!

Forza Horizon 4: My Pace

The Jaguar I-PACE is by no means one of the best electric crossovers ever made and now that I got my hands on it from the recent Horizon Autumn Playlist, let's get to know more about Jaguar's first electric vehicle.

So, what's it all about the I-PACE, you may ask? As Jaguar's first electric vehicle, the I-PACE features a well-sculpted design inspired by the concept car of the same name while delivering the same Jaguar dynamics without the emissions. Powering the I-PACE are two permanent magnet synchronous electric motors integrated with the front and rear axles and a 90kWh battery mounted within the wheelbase for better center of gravity, can easily get away from 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds. It offers wide array of features such as Adaptive Dynamics, Adaptive Surface Response, and All Surface Progress Control.

At first, I was going to think that because it's an electric crossover, I'd expect this to be a lot heavy to handle like most electric cars but I was wrong. Despite being electric, the I-PACE handles like a sportscar and it's way beyond expectations not as an electric crossover made for the commoners but as a Jaguar. Yes, it's still a Jaguar and I'm starting to fall in love with the I-PACE the moment I set foot on it.

With my first dibs on the I-PACE done, I want to find out more about the I-PACE's surprising dynamics not heard on any electric cars on the road and with that, it's time for a challenge.

Never mind the fancy design though, the I-PACE is all packed up and ready to leave Britain as it heads out somewhere to take on a little challenge I made for it.

After a little business-class trip to LEGO Valley, my little I-PACE prepares for a little business-class fight against crossovers at the airport just to see how much as a Jaguar this electric crossover is. Ready Set Go!

Guess this crossover's got the jaeger's touch, am I right?

The Jaguar I-PACE proved to the world that despite being an electric crossover, it can still perform like a proper Jag and it's no wonder why they made a one-make support race series to supplant Formula E races. Needless to say, this crossover never fails to impress me and I'm looking forward to drive it all day, all night, for the sake of pleasure.

Is it still a Jaguar? Yes it must be.

Forza Horizon 4: Keeping up with the Jolsons

The Series 26 update of Forza Horizon 4 kicked off with the arrival of a rather unconventional Bentley that time forgot. Don't know what that classic luxury car is but some say, it's the ultimate in its time. Say hello to the Bentley Turbo R, a classic luxury sedan that I just won from the recent Summer Horizon Playlist.

So, what's it all about the Bentley Turbo R, anyway?

From an era when Bentley and Rolls-Royce are in the same room, most Bentleys made in that era were long forgotten and shares little in common with its Rolls-Royce counterparts. At first, Bentley decided to throw in the towel on Rolls-Royce until this car came, which became the saving grace for Bentley. That's where the SZ series kicked in with the introduction of the Mulsanne Turbo.

Launched in 1985 and served as the replacement of the Mulsanne Turbo, the Turbo R carries the same turbocharged 6.75L V8 OHV engine from the Mulsanne Turbo, but with new fuel injection, boost control, and water-to-air intercooling, producing up to 385bhp of power and 750Nm of torque in its final year of production. It's mated to a 4-speed automatic gearbox, making it capable of a 0-60mph time of 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 150mph.

Although not as powerful as today's Bentleys but it's still quick even by modern standards, which is rather impressive for this old-timer but because of the fact that it's mated to an automatic gearbox, acceleration feels a bit sluggish and starting one from the starting line is proven to be quite a struggle. Cruising one of these while not in a middle of a race gives me an impression that I'm chauffeuring a London crime boss, if you know what I mean. Still, I'm starting to enjoy this classic Bentley the moment I set foot on it.

To see just how sluggish but cool the Bentley Turbo R is, I went further and further until I found something to prove its worth and with the venue set, the classic Bentley prepares to withstand a different kind of torture test. Let's roll the tape.

Now that's torture but well done, Bent-man.

The Turbo R maybe the most sluggish luxury car I have ever driven in the game but in historical terms, it's the one that saved Bentley from being faded away from motoring history and with that, I have to give this classic Bent-man a huge thanks.

Enjoy your new ride!

Project CARS 3

The Project CARS series was known to be quite a worthy contender to the sim racing genre since the first one came put and with the arrival of their latest installment, titled Project CARS 3, the folks from the Codemasters-run Slightly Mad Studios and Bandai Namco are at it again to deliver the most enjoyable Project CARS game to date.

First up, the newest installment features over 200 vehicles to choose from. Ranging from JDM street racers, American muscles, European exotics, and a slew of racing machines including those from IndyCar and for the first time, Formula E, these machines can't wait to be driven.

To make it more unique for the players, Project CARS 3 allows them to buy, tune, and customise their cars to their liking. 

This is true in a newly revamped career mode as players need to get through specific driver levels to unlock new vehicles to buy for future events to take on such as championships, hot laps, regular races, and new modes such as Breakouts (score points by hitting boards within the time limit) and Pace Setter (set the fastest average time within three laps).

Gain experience by racing regardless on which position you're on, drifting, mastering a corner, overtaking, and so much more. As you gain enough experience, you can win cash prizes as well as discounts on upgrades for cars even you haven't owned. When you gained enough experience, your Driver Levep goes up, unlocking new rides to purchase.

In tuning side, players can upgrade their cars by purchasing upgrade parts to boost the car's speed, handling, and performance. Mind the performance index, though, because when this is way over the required index, it can't participate so think carefully on how you tune your car.

There are some road cars that can be converted to race cars but also be mindful to that because once done, you can't revert it back unless you buy another one.

Also new is the ability for players to personalize their cars with the new livery editor, which is nice, but unlike other racing games, the livery editor is a bit limited and you can't freely make designs you want. Bad mark to this game, though.

In tradition, Project CARS 3 features the most authentic race tracks spanning across different continents with new additions such as Laguna Seca, the streets of Havana, Shanghai, and others. These tracks can adapt through numerous weather conditions so if you're playing on a Custom Race, feel free to experiment various weather conditions while racing.

To further up the ante, Project CARS 3 gives players a chance to shine by taking on numerous multiplayer online races and rivals events that can change from everyday to every month, giving them plenty of opportunities to take on.

So, what can I say about this game? Although the car list seems too small on sim racing standards while the livery editor feature's a bit too limited, not to mention the choppy graphics, the same Project CARS science is still working on this new installment and this is a must play for people who want to race at home in the midst of the new normal.

Project CARS 3 is available to download on PC via Steam and Xbox One. PS4 version available on the 10th of September, both download and physical.

Forza Horizon 4: Hella Yellah

The last Holden in the Series 25 update is the HSV VS GTS-R, a V8-powered monster saloon that is known to be one of the rarest machines to exist only in the Land Down Under and now that I got my hands on this rare beast, it's time for explanations.



Based on the VS Commodore, the HSV GTS-R is powered by a 5.7L V8 engine, which is a 5.0L engine improved by the folks from Harrop Engineering, producing 215kW of power and 475Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and a Hydratrak LSD.

In terms of design, the GTS-R features three-spoke wheels finished in charcoal, rear wing inspired from its V8 Supercar racing machine, carbon-fiber panels, yellow cloth inserts in the interior, and only one exterior color offered in this car: XU-3 Yellah.



With the quick explanation done and since I'm on my well-deserved break from Festival activities, time to take the GTS-R for a little street scene to see what's like to drive one of the rarest Aussie beasts ever existed.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: VL Commodore Group A SV

Forza Horizon 4's tribute to the soon-to-be-axed Australian motoring great, Holden, continues with the second additional car on the Series 25 update; the Holden VL Commodore Group A SV, the car that signaled the birth of Holden Special Vehicles division.



Based on the VL Commodore saloon, the SV is a special model featuring a special bodykit courtesy of TWR, which reduces drag by over 25% over the previous HDT SS Group A. The 5.0L V8 engine, producing 241HP of power, has been improved to withstand racing conditions.

It was limited to 500 units, due to homologation regulations, and it's only available in Panorama Silver exterior color, but due to demand, an additional 250 units were made.

After many failed attempts in racing since its 1988 motorsport debut, a race-spec VL scored a win in the 1990 Tooheys 1000 by Win Percy and Allan Grice, as well as the 1990 Nissan Sydney 500 by Perkins and Tomas Mezera in a privately entered car.



With the quick intro done, let's head to Fortune Island and give this VL Commodore a twist and shout just like the good old days.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your ride!

Forza Horizon 4: HSV E Series 3 GTS

The recent Forza Horizon 4 series update pays tribute to Holden, the Australian carmaker that is set to be disappeared at the end of the year following General Motors' decision to stop selling their cars in the right-hand drive market. The first one on the list is the HSV E Series 3 GTS.

The E Series 3 version of the VE Commodore-based HSV GTS is powered by a Corvette-derived 6.2L V8 engine producing 437hp of power and 405ft-lb of torque, while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. It can get through 0-60mph in under five seconds. The E Series 3 GTS features the same features as the E Series 2 but with added features such as Enhanced Driver Interface, Liquid Propane Injection, and Side Blind Zone Alert. It features the same look as the Series 2 but with a revised interior.

With the quick introduction done, let's give the E Series 3 GTS a quick roar on the meadows to see what's like living with an Aussie great.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!