My FH5 Log: A true heir to the Scuderia's throne

The SF90 took over the F8 as the newest V8 masterpiece of the Ferrari stable. Although it's similarly sized to the F8, the LaFerrari-inspired hybrid drivetrain and the PHEV setup made it too extreme to fit into its shoes. Ferrari created a lesser version of the SF90, eschewing its 4WD layout, sizing it to 488 proportions, and chopping two cylinders off.

The result is the Ferrari 296, a V6-powered hybrid supercar that's part of Forza Horizon 5's Italian Exotics Car Pack. It's supposed to be the successor to the Ferrari F8 Tributo, but it has the same know-how as the SF90 and is sized for both road and track.

The Ferrari 296 is the second series-production PHEV from Ferrari after the SF90 Stradale. It is also Ferrari's first V6-powered model in nearly half a century. The 296 has a 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine coupled with an electric motor with MGU-K, which produces a combined output of 830PS and 740Nm of torque. This configuration enables the 296 to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in just 2.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 330kph. In testing, the 296 lapped the Fiorano circuit in just 1:21. 

In addition to its electrified performance, the 296 features eSSC, eTC, eDiff, a brand new 6-way Chassis Dynamic Sensor, a new brake-by-wire system, and ABS evo.

The Assetto Fiorano package includes adjustable Multimatic shock absorbers derived from GT racing, high downforce carbon-fiber appendages on the front, and various lightweight materials throughout the vehicle. It is even offered in a special livery inspired by the 250 Le Mans.

I've been itching to drive the 296 because of its appearance not just on the road, but on GT3-class races from the DTM to IMSA. It even won the 2023 Nurburgring 24-hour race as well. I can't wait to get behind the wheel and feel the power of this hybrid supercar for myself. Because it's here, I have plenty of reasons to enjoy Ferrari's newest masterpiece judging by its brake-by-wire system, the race-derived dynamics, the V6 PHEV powertrain, and its overall Ferrari-ism. Although not as cool as its V8-powered predecessors from the 458 to the F8, it's more than enough to thrill me into bits.

To prove that the 296 is the true heir to the Scuderia's throne, I've lined up against the F8 Tributo, the ultimate V8 masterpiece Ferrari has ever made. With the stadium grounds the main venue, it's time to see if the V6 PHEV horseman can topple its V8-powered predecessor. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

F8 - 1m04.531s

296 - 1m02.830s

A near-two-second gap between them, proving that the V6-powered 296 can be as good as its V8-powered predecessors such as the F8. That's downsizing done right. You can sacrifice your size without sacrificing performance.

The Ferrari 296 is a true thoroughbred that was tried and tested on the road and track. It proves that Ferrari still kept its head in the game despite costly sacrifices in the pursuit of performance. It showed its worth at the world's most demanding racetracks and here in Horizon Mexico, it shines bright as the sun undergoing a solar flare.

EPILOGUE

Having been pleased with both the F8 and the 296, it's time to give these two Ferrari supercars their moment to shine in a series of exhibition races I've prepared for them. But first...

After doing a little angelus prayer, the F8 Tributo prepared its...you guessed it...fortune carat for the role of Prichan idol Anju. As for its successor, the 296...

The Ferrari 296 is proudly wearing its...how should I say this...Solar Crown as it plays the role of PriMagista Jennifer. Like I said, the toughest ones are always in the Ferrari and Ferrari is the alpha male of the supercar realm. Two Ferrari supercars as the two final bosses from the Pretty Series. Touche...

With the makeover done, the Angelus and the Regia Solis are performing against a pack of fans who can't wait to get their hands on these two Ferrari machines. The F8's going underground against a pack of street racers blasting outside Festival grounds while the 296 battles against a pack of expendable drivers uphill. Let's roll the tapes.

The Angelus or the Regia Solis? Who performed better? Can't say...

The F8's Perfect Finale and the 296's Lux Aeterna. The Angelus and the Regia Solis performed like they've never performed, and watching these two Ferraris showcasing their Ferrari-ism made me fired up for more.

Think you're up against these Ferraris? I'm looking forward to seeing you try.

Dismissed.

ABB FIA Formula E S10 - Misano ePrix

There has just been a proper circuit race in Formula E history as Formula E's 10th-anniversary celebrations continue in Misano for its first real circuit racing.

Screengrab from Formula E

In the first part, Antonio Felix Da Costa won, but he was disqualified from the race because his throttle damper spring wasn't found in conformity with the regulations. As a result, Oliver Rowland, who finished 2nd, was promoted to 1st place. A first win for Nissan. 3rd placer Jake Dennis is now in 2nd,  and 4th placer Maximilian Gunther's now in 3rd.

In the second part, meanwhile, it's redemption time for Porsche driver Pascal Wehrlein as he puts his misfortunes from the previous race behind him and wins his second race of the season, ahead of Jake Dennis and Nick Cassidy.

After Formula E's first real circuit race, Pascal Wehrlein is in the lead with 89 points, neck-and-neck with Jake Dennis, and Nissan's Oliver Rowland is in 3rd with 80 points.

The next race will be the Monaco ePrix this April 27th.

Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series Round 1

Super GT's 30th-anniversary celebrations have officially begun with the opening salvo of the 2024 season held in Okayama.

The 2024 season of the Autobacs Super GT Series marked the debut of the Honda Civic Type R Super GT machines that replaced the now-discontinued NSX Super GT predecessors as it prepares to clash against GT500-class machines based on the Toyota Supra and the Nissan Fairlady Z. 

The clash between the Civic Type R, the GR Supra, and the Fairlady Z became known as the most unexpected Super GT season in its 3-decade history.

Screengrab from Super GT

The #36 au TOM'S GR Supra drew of Sho Tsuboi and Kenta Yamashita drew first blood with a win in Okayama while the #39 DENSO KOBELCO SARD GR Supra finished 2nd and the #100 STANLEY CIVIC TYPE R-GT finished 3rd. In the GT300 class, meanwhile, the #2 muta Racing GR86 GT is the winner while the #65 LEON PYRAMID AMG GT3 finished 2nd and the #7 Studie BMW M4 GT3 finished 3rd.

The next round of the Autobacs Super GT 2024 Series will be in Fuji Speedway this May 4th.

2024 Formula DRIFT Pro Championship - Long Beach

The streets of Long Beach, California, served as the opening salvo for the 2024 Formula Drift championship, which saw some drastic changes such as dropping single qualifying runs in favor of a reimagined tandem-only format. Not only that, they picked up new sponsors such as South Korea's Kumho Tire, hand cleaner brand Fast Orange, and Alpinestars, among others. The 2024 season is going to be the turning point in Formula Drift history.

Screengrab from Formula Drift

James Deane in his #130 AutoZone Ford Mustang RTR Spec 5-FD and Simen Olsen in his #707 Feal Suspension Nissan S14.9 are the drivers who advanced to the finals and amid wet weather, they put in a good opening salvo with their crowd-pleasing drifts.

By unanimous decision in a rain-soaked final round, James Deane drew first blood with a win against Olsen. Aurimas Bakchis in his #723 Feal Suspension / GT Radial Nissan S15 finished in 3rd place.

The next event is at Atlanta for the Road to the Championship this May 9-11.

Let's Do The News! (April 14, 2024)

                     

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Transport group PISTON is holding a transport strike this April 15 and 16 followed by a rally. PISTON National President Mody Floranda warned there will be major action before the end of the month. Floranda expects the majority of PISTON members will participate in the transport strike as well as others from the Manibela group and other local associations that are members of the local federation.

- Iran launched drone and missile attacks towards Israel as a reprisal for the Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria on April 1st, which Israel has not officially acknowledged. Over 200 drones and missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by Israeli forces and its allies. Some were hit such as an IDF base in southern Israel.

- A 40-year-old male killed six people in a stabbing attack at a mall in Sydney, Australia, before he was killed by police. The attacker "acted alone" and police say it's too early to speculate on the suspect's motivations. Australian PM Anthony Albanese says "hearts go out to those injured" in this "horrific act of violence". The police urged people to avoid the area and advised that the mall was closed.

- The Link! Like! Love Live! app welcomed three new additions to the Hasu no Sora Jogakuin School Idol Club such as Hina Sakurai as Ginko Momose, Fuuka Hayama as Kosuzu Kachimachi, and Rin Kurasu as Hime Anyoji. They'll be joining alongside existing members Nozomi Nirei as Kaho Hinoshita, Kokona Nokana as Sayaka Murano, Niina Hanamiya as Kozue Otomune, Kotoko Sasaki as Tsuzuri Yugiri, Kanna Kan as Rurino Osawa, and Kona Tsukine as Megumi Fujishima.

- Denver beats Boston to win its 10th NCAA men's Frozen Four championship title.

- Alex Pereira knocked Jamahal Hill down in the first round of their UFC 300 match, retaining his light heavyweight title.

- Dave Bautista and Eric Nam are joining the cast of the movie adaptation of the Nickelodeon cartoon Avatar: The Last Airbender.

TTFN.

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

My FH5 Log: Centennial Podium Reimagined

Ferrari, Toyota, and Cadillac. Three carmakers took over the podium of the centennial anniversary running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in the summer of 2023 with Ferrari the victor. I've been asked if I can reimagine the Le Mans' centennial podium as road cars, which car per brand will it be standing in the now-legendary podium and why?

My obvious choices for my Le Mans centennial podium reimagined as road cars are; the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, the Toyota GR Supra, and the Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. When you do an improv on them, you'll know they had learnings from their now-legendary podium-standing equivalents in Le Mans.

The SF90 Stradale uses most of Scuderia Ferrari's motorsport know-how and the teachings from the LaFerrari to create the de-facto flagship PHEV hypercar that can dominate the road and track with surgical precision. Powering the SF90 Stradale is a plug-in hybrid setup, a first for Ferrari, where the turbocharged F154 4.0L V8 engine, producing 780PS of power, is connected to three electric motors, two on the front axle and one between the engine and the 8-speed double-clutch gearbox, resulting to a monstrous 1,000PS of total power output that pushes the SF90 to a 0-100kph time of 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 340kph.

The Toyota GR Supra is the first of the Reiwa-era JDM sportscars when it was launched in May 2019, a month after the beginning of the Reiwa era in Japan. Despite the BMW connection because it runs on the same mechanicals as the BMW Z4 G29, most speedo boys went for the Toyota rather than its BMW equivalent because, obviously, IT'S A TOYOTA. Powering the GR Supra is a choice of a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo engine and the 3.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo engine for the range-topping RZ variant, seen here, producing 340PS of power and 500Nm of torque. All of the engines are mated to an 8-speed Steptronic gearbox. Later updates gave a power hike on the 3.0L turbo engine as well as the implementation of a 6-speed manual gearbox, which made it slightly lighter and more fun.

The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing transforms the sober American businessman's car into a WMD for the road and track. The 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine was a complete carryover from the old CTS-V but it has been boosted to produce 668HP of power and 659lb-ft of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed AT that propels this car from a 0-100kph time of 3.7 seconds and a top speed of over 200mph. It also comes with eLSD, advanced suspension refinements, Launch Control, Performance Traction Management, and MRC 4.0, among many others.

Judging by the performance the reimagined centennial podium possessed, there's no way I would have a three-way shootout between them because, truth be told, the SF90 will mince them both just as Ferrari crushed both Toyota and Cadillac in the Le Mans centennial anniversary race of 2023. I know, the CT5-V Blackwing's more powerful than the Supra but because the Supra is lighter, it slips through the American businessman's car gone mad at ease. Still, using the power of improv, I decided to give the reimagined Le Mans centennial podium a little talent show to demonstrate their native talents and with that, some makeovers.

Using Hana again? I'm starting to fall in love with my in-game GR Supra decorated with Aikatsu Planet's Hana because it has that "main character energy" on it, just like her. This is why I'm using her again for the little exhibition show I've run for her. A final encore, if you like.

The Wings on the Road, CT5-V Blackwing, is now peppered with a touch of Beat from Aikatsu Planet. Suits its personality well because driving the CT5-V Blackwing gives you the impression of pouring a bottle of cola into a teacup and sipping it in. I admire its level of sophistication as much as Beat herself. The CT5-V Blackwing is an awesome super saloon but today, the wings on the road's got Beat's name all over them, the equivalent of drinking cola out of a teacup. Classy, siddity, and elegance.

Lastly, Ferrari's de-facto flagship hypercar, the SF90, is now wrapped in the thorns of Rose from Aikatsu Planet. The toughest ones are always in the Ferrari and Ferrari is the alpha male of the supercar realm, making it the ideal role for the SF90 as Aikatsu Planet's toughest character, the final boss if you like. Up for a real challenge? You'll gonna have to take on her.

With my favorite cars mirrored in, it's time for the reimagined Le Mans centennial trio to have exhibition matches against Horizon's best drivers assembled including dummy drivers in reserve. Time to show these three what they're capable of and how Le Mans influenced sports cars like these. Send in the clips.

The trio put on a great show as if this was the last live show of their lives.

Ferrari, Toyota, and Cadillac took over the podium of the centennial anniversary running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the summer of 2023 with Ferrari the victor. When reimagined as road cars in the form of the SF90 Stradale, the GR Supra, and the CT5-V Blackwing, they really shine because of the learnings from their podium-standing equivalents, and when they're mirrored in, they can see their true colors.

Should the next Le Mans race come in, will Toyota mean revenge against Ferrari? Is Ferrari defending its Le Mans comeback? Or will there be another surprise in store? Only time will tell in the summer...