My FH5 Log: Operation Horizon Music Hour

The Audi TT is 25 years old and it's set for its impending euthanasia, which saddens most fanatics of this car since the first generation. The third-and-final generation TT, in its ultimate RS form, is proof that it managed to stand through the test of time until its last drop.

So, how should I make the final moments of the Audi TT a memorable one?

What's this? A G82 BMW M4 Competition Coupe?! Looks like it's up to something...

Looks like the odd duo is having a little "Save the Last Dance" moment at the Horizon Badlands. How charming for a moment like this.

As the BMW M4 treats the Audi TT RS for a sprint at the Switchback Run, the two cars are playing the game of which one is the fastest. However, their little duel got interrupted by the arrival of...

...the all-electric Audi RS e-tron GT, the third wheel interrupting the TT RS's final moments on Planet Earth. Looks like it's a three-way fight now and with that, roll the tape.

And here are the results...

TT RS (8S) - 3m42.823s

RS e-tron GT - 3m36.016s

G82 M4 Competition - 3m40.888s

Such a result is making the TT RS blush. If the RS e-tron GT didn't pop up from nowhere, the M4 wins the friendly duel against the soon-to-be-euthanized TT RS. Sadly, it's too late for that and the all-electric RS e-tron GT struck them like...that one venue at Animaniacs Ten Pin Alley where funny things happen and you scored a strike. Anyone remember?

The Audi RS e-tron GT may have ruined the last dance between the G82 BMW M4 and the TT 8S RS but that was just Phase One of this operation. Here comes the latter half of this operation I called...Operation Horizon Music Hour.

The all-electric Audi RS e-tron GT got a little makeover by a fleet of Tanto-chan for the role of Waccha PriMagi's Auru Omega. The Tatejima motif on the Audi emblem at the back adds a nice touch to it. Just don't let Volt-chan overload it. Huhehe... Anyway, this is the all-electric Audi with a hint of Electro Remix to it. Omega be pleased.

The third-generation Audi TT RS, meanwhile, gets all vibrant and pastel for the role of Waccha PriMagi's Miruki Amauri. Call her cute, we dare you, dao.

Lastly, the weird-looking BMW M4 G82 Competition Coupe gets a new lease of life as it plunges through the Radiant Abyss and emerged for the role of Waccha PriMagi's Lemon Kokoa. Take note of the CSL-inspired stripes draw inspiration from her partner Carron and the ectoplasm thing coming out from the kidney grille. This feels just like...Miss Lemon!

There is a clear explanation for this PriMagi Music Hour shindig because a long time ago, the Pretty Series producers asked the fans which Primagista is the best and the top three best Primagistas get to perform the song called, you guessed it, Youkusou! PriMagi Music Hour. Auru is ranked 3rd, Miruki is ranked 2nd, and Lemon was hailed the best Primagista as voted by the fans. 

Long story short but anyway, I hope you'll appreciate my interpretation of the top three Primagistas as livery designs for my three favorite German sports cars. If you need share codes, here goes.

- Waccha PriMagi! Lemon Kokoa

  Car: 2021 BMW M4 Competition Coupe

  Share Code: 901 121 562

- Waccha PriMagi! Auru Omega

  Car: 2021 Audi RS e-tron GT

  Share Code: 163 280 712

- Waccha Primagi! Miruki Amauri

  Car: 2018 Audi TT RS

  Share Code: 133 775 705

Anyway, with the best three Primagistas on wheels getting dressed to impress, it's time to give this trio a series of challenges they can take on. The Audi TT RS, with its quattro all-wheel-drive system, will be tackling a rally stage against a pack of her...admirers. The fully-electric Audi RS e-tron GT, meanwhile, will be battling through a twisty road course while dealing with the bulk of its weight, and the G82 BMW M4 takes on a twisted night race against a swarm of her fans. Initiate the latter half of Operation Horizon Music Hour.

An explosive mix of Electro Remix, Cherry Sugar, and Radiant Abyss. The ideal cocktail of an adventure they'll never forget, especially for the soon-to-be-euthanized Audi TT.

As the M4 and the e-tron GT went through separate ways, leaving only me and the TT, it's time for me to have my last word with the Audi TT now that it served its purpose in a Waccha way.

How do I say this...oh yeah. After 25 years, the Audi TT is forever a staple to Audi's progressive values with its technology and tradition driven by instinct, and as the end draws near for this game-changing coupester, rest assured that it has left an everlasting mark in the history of Audi. An inspiration to us all.

Man, what a date night it turned out for the TT, seeking friends at the end of its lifespan while saving the last dance for her. Happy ending.

Auf Wiedersehen, Audi TT...

Audi Q8 e-tron

Back in 2019, the first-ever Audi e-tron crossover signaled a new start for Audi's electrification mission and it sets the template for Audi's electrified models. Despite its success, the e-tron didn't survive long enough and it was therefore removed from the lineup. Thankfully, it was reborn with a new name, which sounds confusing to some.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron

Welcome to the Audi Q8 e-tron and no, this new model has nothing in common with the ICE-powered Audi Q8 coupe utility vehicle because, despite the naming, it's basically a minor change version of the used-to-be-called Audi e-tron electric crossover.

Prices start at 74,400 Euros plus additional costs, a drastic price bump compared to the old e-tron crossover, so with the price hike, what do you get from this so-called improved version of the e-tron crossover, which is available in normal and Sportback models?

Beginning with the styling, the Q8 e-tron looks similar to the old e-tron crossover but with refreshed looks and aerodynamics to make a statement. It's the same goes for the sporty SQ8 e-tron variants.

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron interior

2024 Audi Q8 e-tron interior

The interior feels pretty much the same as the old model but there are signs of added use of recycled materials involved in the making. On the driver's side, you still have familiar features such as the 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit, a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and noticeable apps such as Apple Music and (oh no) Amazon Alexa, and an 8.6-inch secondary touchscreen that takes charge of the climate control features. 

Of course, the spacing is just like the old e-tron. It fits up to five people and it's got more room than its main rival, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and for added fun, Audi teams up with holoride to deliver VR excitement inside. Sit in the back, put on your VR glasses, and enjoy the ride. This is a gimmick even kids might enjoy.

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback

2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron

Checking out the electric propulsion system, the Q8 e-tron features a choice of either a 95kWh or a 114kWh battery pack with the latter producing 408PS of power, 664Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 5.6 seconds, 200kph of top speed, and 582km of driving range.

The SQ8 e-tron uses the same 114kWh battery pack as the normal one but it has improved performance, delivering 503PS of power, 973Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 4.5 seconds, 210kph of top speed, and up to 494km of driving range.

The dynamics were slightly revised compared to the old e-tron courtesy of its improved performance, air suspension, revised air springs, and updated steering ratio. Still, it possesses a mild driving feel but it feels a bit okay to get going from the beginning to the end of the day.

The SQ8 e-tron comes with an electric torque vectoring system that allows drivers to fully enjoy these crossovers to their fullest extent. Easier said than done.

The Q8 e-tron may be more of a facelifted e-tron crossover but it continues the electric crossover's success story even in this unstable world we live in. 

Why call it the Q8 e-tron even though it has nothing in common with the normal Q8 coupe crossover? It's complicated.

Photo: Audi AG

My FH5 Log: Progressive Values

Audi's tagline, Progress is an Attitude, truly showcased the German luxury car brand's progressive values when it comes to how much hard work they've implied. Of course, they may not be as cool as either a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW but when it comes to technology and behavior, Audi's a real standing ovation.

That's why Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Road Trip update showcased two progressively new Audis for us to try; the RS7 Sportback C8 and the first-ever Audi RS e-tron GT.

Beginning with the second-generation RS7 Sportback that I've obtained from the Storm Season Playlist, the ultimate version of the second-generation A7 is powered by a powerful 4.0L V8 TFSi engine with the 48-volt electrical system and cylinder on-demand system for added efficiency on the go. It produces 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque and when mated to an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it goes from 0-100kph in over three and a half seconds and with the dynamic package plus, up to 305kph of top speed. It also comes with a number of race-inspired suspension setups, including the available dynamic all-wheel steering and RS sports suspension plus Dynamic Ride Control.

Lastly, obtained as an overall prize in the Horizon Road Trip, the Audi RS e-tron GT is the ultimate version of the first-ever Audi e-tron GT for those who demand more. With styling inspired from the concept car, the one Tony Stark drove in the Avengers Endgame movie, its electric powertrain produces 598PS of total power and 830Nm of total torque but when boost mode is engaged, it produces up to 646PS of power for a brief period of time, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.

Now that we get to know these two progressively new Audis in detail, it's time to find out which one is the most progressive, and with that, it's a little sprint run at the streets of Guanajuato. As always, fastest time wins so, without further ado, let the progressive fight begin. Petrol vs. electric, this should be interesting.

After a quick sprint, here are the results;

RS7 C8 - 2:30.484

RS e-tron GT - 2:28.532

Call me crazy but it appears the electric-powered RS e-tron GT has chomped the RS7 Sportback by nearly two seconds. Guess Iron Man wasn't kidding about his...endgame.

Petrol or electric, celebrating the past or embracing the future, it's proof that "progress is an attitude" and Audi showcased the world what progress truly means. Now that's progressive, get it? Anyway, enjoy your new Audis, boys and girls. These two machines truly demand progress.

Audi e-tron GT / RS e-tron GT

From concept to reality, the Audi e-tron GT comes to life as the newest electric sports saloon that targets the likes of the Porsche Taycan and the king of electric saloons, the Tesla Model S. Time to have a quick look through one of 2021's most exciting electric cars to drive.

2022 Audi e-tron GT

The Audi e-tron GT, priced at 99,800 Euros plus additional costs, is more costly to own than the Tesla Model S, but despite being outgunned by the Californian superhero, this electric sports saloon promises to impress a new breed of Audi fanatics with its blend of performance and ecology ripe for this newcomer that promises to be as exciting to drive as a Porsche Taycan.

2022 Audi e-tron GT

Let's begin with the design. Being a concept turned reality, the e-tron GT's exterior is almost faithful to the concept car it was based on. Like the concept car, the e-tron GT is flat, wide, and has a long wheelbase fit for a classic Gran Turismo car. With its coupe-like form, it's no surprise that this electric premium sedan looks surprisingly attractive by Audi standards and it could be the one that can break the longstanding impasse that plagued Audi for being a pariah of the German luxury car market.

2022 Audi e-tron GT interior

Stylish the coupe-like form the e-tron GT is, the interior is all about true to its character. While not bothered to play around with its infotainment and Audi connect, including the highly annoying Amazon Alexa feature that has been butting everybody in the back seat as well as the virtual engine sound system on it that mimics the noises of internal combustion engines of the past, the driver's side is not half bad to live with. 

On the passenger side, it is still as comfy as an Audi A8 without all the drama involved, making it the ideal chauffeur car for VIPs who happen to work at high-profile environmental groups. As for the boot space on both sides, it wasn't half bad as long as you're not toying around with the front hood luggage compartment, trying to fool the world that it's got no engine on it because there isn't one. Only the electric motors are placed underneath the car and in control of all four wheels.

2022 Audi RS e-tron GT

About the electric motors mentioned, these two allowed the normal e-tron GT to produce a total power output of 476PS of power and 630Nm of torque. It does 0-100kph in 4.1 seconds and has a top speed of 245kph. As for the range, it's good for 479km on WLTP standards, and when plugged into a public charging station, it will reach 80% by 23 minutes.

It may be electric but it behaves just like an Audi. Not as exciting as expected but it sure is a well-balanced Audi that drives through any road conditions, even on snowy days, thanks to the signature Audi quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system with an electric twist. Couple it with its air suspension and damping, double-wishbone setup, and rear-axle differential lock, and you got yourself a luxury electric sedan that not only looks good on the road but feels good to drive.

Speaking of drive, there's an RS e-tron GT for those who demand more. Priced at an ultra-expensive 138,200 Euros plus additional costs, it is nearly similar to the normal one but it features numerous standard goodies that are optional on the normal model such as Matrix LED headlights, ambient lighting package plus, adaptive suspension, and rear-axle differential lock, among many others.

The electric powertrain of the RS model produces 598PS of total power and 830Nm of total torque but when boost mode is engaged, it produces up to 646PS of power for a brief period of time, sprinting from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250kph. It's almost as fast as an R8 V10 performance, making the RS e-tron GT an electric saloon with supercar levels of performance, well almost.

Of course, being a high-performance electric saloon built to satisfy every Audi fanatics of the world stage, there's no escaping the list of driver assist systems that will bore speedo boys behind the wheel but fine for well-behaved drivers.

And there you have it, the Audi e-tron GT may not be the ideal substitute for the Tesla Model S because of its pricing and performance, but as an Audi, it was made to blow away such expectations of what a so-called high-performance electric luxury saloon can do. This is the electric Audi that deserves well-needed attention.

Photo: Audi

Audi e-tron S

The Audi e-tron is an electric crossover that signaled a new era for the German luxury carmaker and although it's as thought-provoking as electric cars get, some wanted a little more fun. Wonder no more, well sort of, because the e-tron crossovers have gained some spice to heat these electric crossovers up.

Welcome to the Audi e-tron S, the more enjoyable version of the e-tron electric crossovers. With prices starting at 93,800 Euros plus on-road costs, which is as expensive as an Audi A8, it is available in both normal and Sportback variants, so whichever style you're going, you will still experience a more beefed-up electric powertrain that is as powerful and as quick as a V8-powered Ford Mustang, whatever it is.

By the looks of it, the e-tron S looks and feels like the normal equivalents in terms of design, interior, spacing, and tech that scares away even the most amped-up speedo boys behind the wheel, but being S, they've got beefed up exterior designs that differentiate it from the normal guys as well as what lies underneath its future-proof skin.

With the S gear set, the e-tron S can unleash the full grit of its beefed-up electric drivetrain with three-electric motors, a first for mass-produced electrics, allowing it to produce up to 503PS of power and 973Nm of torque, going from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and onwards to over 210kph, quicker than the normal e-tron as expected.

There's even more shockingly cool stuff about the beefed up e-tron crossovers because apart from its sport-tuned suspension that delivers its mild but menacing dynamics on the road and track, the e-tron S comes with the electric torque vectoring system that allows drivers to fully enjoy these crossovers to their fullest extent. They behave like rear-wheel drive vehicles under normal circumstances but when things get serious, the front motor comes alive and it's a side of mild language, hold the fries.

The e-tron S is for those who wanted more fun on the thought-provoking electric crossovers from Audi and looks like these beefed-up electric crossovers are on the roll on the road to a more exciting electric future, even in the wrong barrels.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi e-tron Sportback

The Audi e-tron crossover welcomes a new addition to the range and it's a coupe crossover variant of the first-ever electric crossover that got the whole world craving about.

Priced at 71,350 Euros plus additional costs, the Audi e-tron Sportback offers the same stuff as its normal equivalent, only with the slashed roofline that spells trouble for speedo boys because why are we getting so many coupe crossovers in today's motoring world anyway?

Like the normal e-tron, the e-tron Sportback is actually based on the current-generation Q3 Sportback with some fake grilles on it. Of course, you get the same five-seater comfort and the same minimalist interior as the normal one but while it is less roomy than the normal one because of the sloping roofline, the e-tron Sportback is still spacious enough for almost everything you can fit into, be it for your next outing or for your import/export stuff your business is doing all the time.

On the performance side, the e-tron Sportback features the same electric all-wheel drive and suspension setup as the normal one with the range-topper 55 variant producing 408PS of power and 664Nm of torque from its electric motors, making it capable of going 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 200kph. Although sluggish, it feels a bit quick to some going on the quarter mile, thank you instant acceleration.

On the lesser 50 variant, the e-tron Sportback can get up to 21.4kWh/100km on one full charge.

Like the normal e-tron, the Sportback possesses a mild driving feel because of the weight it carries like most electric cars today. It may be bulky to handle and corner but it feels a bit okay to get going from the beginning to the end of the day.

Although it has a sloping roofline that cuts some boot space from the normal one, it still works just like the normal e-tron crossover.

Photo: Audi AG

Audi e-tron vs. Mercedes EQC

Luxury carmakers Audi and Mercedes-Benz committed themselves to a carbon-neutral future by launching their newest electric vehicles in a form of, you guessed it, crossovers in the form of the first-ever Audi e-tron and the first-ever Mercedes EQC. Both crossovers are representatives of a carbon-neutral future and by first impressions, they are somewhat promising to get your hands on, but before jumping through the electric crossover bandwagon, let's look at the whys and the X-files on these electric luxury crossovers making a huge impact to the electric car craze.

2020 Mercedes EQC

2020 Audi e-tron

Both the Audi e-tron, starting at 69,100 Euros plus on-road costs, and the Mercedes EQC, starting at 71,281 Euros plus on-road costs, are electric crossovers emerged in an era where electric cars are surging the motorways in response to most but not all of the world governments' all-out efforts to curb CO2 emissions within the next few decades and they really are in tune with the times.

2020 Mercedes EQC

2020 Audi e-tron

Starting on the design, the first-ever Audi e-tron crossover is actually based on the current-generation Q3 crossover with some fake grilles on it like most electric cars possess and although questionable to look at, the e-tron is all business at the signs of motoring-related times. The EQC, meanwhile, is different in every single way and not reminiscent of existing Mercedes SUVs in the lineup because the folks wanted to give their electric crossover some originality that sets them apart from the rest and judging from its Sportage-esque rear view and the front face inspired by concept cars from their secret stash, the EQC is all about statement done right.

2020 Mercedes EQC interior

2020 Audi e-tron interior

On the inside, these two electric crossovers are heavily dominated with loads of tech in the dashboard to toy with unless if you don't want to overdo it to conserve its remaining battery charge on the trip back home, of course. Although they have room for five people onboard, the question is who's got more room? Annoyingly, it's the Audi that has more room than the Mercedes thanks to is larger dimensions compared to the EQC, meaning it has better legroom and better boot space compared to the EQC and looks like the Audi's got a point for that.

2020 Audi e-tron

2020 Mercedes EQC

Now we get to know more about the performance these electric crossover delivers and starting with the Audi, the highest system output generated from two electric motors is 408PS of power and 664Nm of torque, making it capable of going 0-100kph in 6.6 seconds and a top speed of 200kph. The EQC, meanwhile, generates a similar power output compared to the Audi but it has 44Nm more torque compared to the e-tron. Although its 0-100kph time is 1.5 seconds faster compared to the e-tron, its limited top speed is equivalent of an average Japanese passenger car on the road so therefore, both these electric crossovers are stalemates in the performance side.

Brushing off the the performance side, both crossovers possess mild driving feel because of the weight it carries like most electric cars to day but because the EQC is a tad lighter compared to the e-tron, handling one is like trying to win the Battle of the Bulge by all means necessary. Although not recommended to be taken on track duty because the bulge it carries will upset the drivers' arms, these crossovers feel right at home on the city and on the outside world thanks to its quietness and comfort these crossovers posses. Speaking of quietness, these crossovers are equipped with the most well-known driver aids known to man and machine, in case someone never heard of them coming through the pedestrian lane by the second.

So, which would you pick for your car collection? The roomier but stale-looking e-tron or the rather small, quick, and light EQC? The choice is yours.

Photo: Daimler AG/Audi AG