My FM Log: Turning the page to a new Forza

The all-new Forza Motorsport is here and as players jump into their newest installment, they begin by choosing one of three starter cars after playing the pre-game races that featured the hero cars.

Unfortunately, none of the three starter cars interest me because they're basically previous-generation vehicles such as the Honda Civic Type R FK8, a facelifted sixth-generation Ford Mustang, and a Subaru VA WRX STi in S209 form. Still, I made my decision...

I have gone for the 4WD Subie, the last WRX STi ever made.

Based on the facelifted VA-spec Subaru WRX STi, the S209 is the third STi-tuned model for the United States following the WRX STi Type RA and the Subaru BRZ tS released in 2018. Because this is sold exclusively Stateside, the engine that powers it is a tuned version of the EJ25 2.5L flat-four turbocharged engine offered in the world market version rather than the EJ20 for the Japan-spec WRX STi, producing 341hp of power and 330lb-ft of torque while mated exclusively with a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Apart from that, the S209 features 19-inch forged BBC wheels wrapped in Dunlop 265/35R19 high-grip tires, the widest in an STi car, as well as a unique strut tower bar and draw stiffener that has been proven in the Nurburgring 24-hour race, carbon roof, and other aerodynamic upgrades to deliver improved airflow and downforce.

It is limited to 209 units exclusively for the US market.

I am already familiar with the un-Japanese ultimate version of the WRX STi back in FH5 but because this is Forza Motorsport, the driving experience of the S209 does vary. Still, it's more than enough to be called the final blow unleashed by Subaru. Judging by the way it handles and performs, this is a WRX STi like I've never experienced before. Something that is off-limits for the Japanese Subarists, if you catch my drift.

Because the S209 is a US-exclusive ultimate version of the VA-spec WRX STi, I decided to give it a quick run around the legendary Laguna Seca, home of the infamous Corkscrew Corner. Let's see how much of an STi the S209 performs. Roll the tape.

I managed to set a lap time of 1m52.816s around the Laguna Seca in the S209. Not the quickest but at least, I managed to experience what's like behind the un-Japanese ultimate WRX.

Although this is the end of the road for the WRX STi, my Forza Motorsport experience is only getting started. There are plenty of road cars and race cars from spanning half a century tackling through the world's challenging racetracks and these cars can't wait to have my word on it.

THIS...IS...FORZA!!!