The prize car for clearing the Mustang Tour in Forza Motorsport (Xbox Series X|S) before the November 27, 2024 deadline is another of the professionally-tuned sixth-generation Mustangs featured in the world of Forza; the Saleen S302 Black Label.
Based on the facelifted sixth-generation Ford Mustang, the Saleen S302 Black Label is the top-tier variant that enhances the capabilities of the standard Mustang.
For this model, Saleen has equipped the base Mustang's 5.0L V8 engine with a 2.6L screw-type supercharger and an intercooler system, featuring a 103mm throttle body that generates 12 psi of boost. It also includes 47 lb fuel injectors, a cold air induction system, a retuned ECU, and a Saleen-tuned exhaust system. By Saleen's standards, the Black Label boasts an impressive 340 horsepower increase over the standard V8-powered Mustang, all while maintaining Ford's full warranty.
To see how capable this near-800HP 'Stang by Saleen is, I return to Laguna Seca for a one-lap drive. Let's roll the tape.
My personal best in Seca in this car is 1m45.020s. Not quick as such but it proved its worth as one of the most formidable tuned 6th-gen Mustangs on the road and track.
The Ford Mustang Boss 302 is undoubtedly one of the most successful muscle car racers in history, and this #15 Trans Am competitor is proof. Having won this car in Forza Motorsport's Update 13 Open Class Tour, the first of the game's Year 2 roadmap, it's time to get to know this motorsport legend.
The Mustang Boss 302 was built to directly respond to the Trans-Am racing. It was built to compete against Chevrolet's Camaro Z/28 and its racing program for the Boss 302 was spearheaded by Bud Moore Engineering and Carroll Shelby.
Driven by Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, the Boss 302 Mustang showcased successive results in the 1970 Trans-Am series. Such performance secured Ford the Manufacturers Championship, and Jones, its driver, was coronated the 1970 Trans-Am champion.
With a quick introduction done, it's time to take this #15 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am racer on a quick lap across Laguna Seca, the track where two Boss 302s crossed the checkered flag and got away without facing disqualification due to not having SCCA emblems on it.
It's a true story because instead of facing disqualification along with its Javelin and Barracuda competitors, the chief steward gave them a warning saying they would fine them if these cars didn't have the required banners while heading to Dallas for their next race.
Long story short but you get the point. Anyway, let's roll the tape.
I did it in 1m49.930s. Not as quick as what the drivers did but it's worth reliving the moment.
"It’s been a fun ride over the past years, and we couldn’t be prouder of our spirited, up-for-anything compact vehicle. Even though we will no longer be producing the Fiesta, we think we’ve got a few vehicles in our lineup to fill your criteria for versatility and driving enjoyment to seek out new adventures."
The people behind the Forza games forgot the memo and injected the not-for-US final-generation Fiesta into Forza Horizon 5 as the prize car from the High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist.
Another Ford we never got in the States has popped up during the Forza Horizon 5 High-Performance Dailies update. What's it all about?
The Ford Fiesta Mk8 made its world premiere at Ford's Go Further 2016 event in Germany and it's available only in a hatchback body style in regular, the sporty ST, and the crossover-ish Active. The ST is powered by a 1.5L three-cylinder engine that produces 200PS of power and 290Nm of torque. Mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox, it does 0-100kph in 6.7 seconds.
A limited-edition Fiesta ST Edition was unveiled. Available exclusively as a three-door and only 500 units were built and sold only for Europe, it dons the Azura Blue exterior paint and other exclusive features.
Production of the Fiesta ended in June 2023.
To give the not-for-US final-generation Fiesta a rather unnecessary sendoff it deserved, let's drive it to one of the latest Sprint races offered in this update. I've driven the not-for-US final-generation Ford Focus at the Rocosa Sprint as well as the final JDM Toyota Camry at the San Juan Sprint. Now, let's use the Valle Del Rio Sprint as the final destination for Europe's favorite little car. Roll the tape.
Shame.
The Ford Fiesta is a great car. It's stylish, affordable, and fun to drive. Unfortunately, Ford discontinued the Fiesta in the United States. If they had kept it in their lineup, it would have been one of the most affordable high-performance daily drivers on the market. Sadly, it's too late for that.
Ford Fiesta Retired. Now What?
The Ford Fiesta has been a great car for Europe since its introduction in 1976. It became one of the all-time greats, along with the legendary Cortina. For eight generations, this world-proven compact fulfilled its role within Ford's lineup as an efficient and easy-to-drive car that relatively well. Now that the Fiesta's story is done, its outstanding legacy will live on forever.
The Lincoln Nautilus is a luxury SUV that was based on the Ford Edge. Sadly, the Edge has been discontinued, so the Nautilus is now on its own as it approaches its second generation.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
Starting below 52 grand in US Dollars plus additional costs, the second-generation Nautilus has matured into a sophisticated crossover that caters to even the most prolific East Coast elites with its new-era Lincoln styling, premium interior, and a suite of tech to toy with.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
By adopting the new-era Lincoln styling inspired by the Star Concept, the all-new Nautilus tries its hand at being frank and polite to its owners. Whether if its kitted with the available Jet Appearance package or indulged in the ultra-premium Black Label, the all-new Nautilus is all about making a statement while cruising from Brooklyn to Wall Street.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus interior
The biggest surprise is its new interior and by first impression, it feels like you're driving a concept car from the future. The Lincoln Digital Experience features the largest panoramic display in its class as well as the 11.1-inch center-stack Touchscreen with Google software involved. Call it flashy but its futuristic dashboard layout showcases the loud and proud side of Lincoln's calm, cool, and collected status.
Along with the Revel Ultima 3D audio system, wireless charging ports, and the Lincoln Connect, the all-new Nautilus features an available Digital Scent where drivers can insert whatever scent cartridges they have and release it on its air conditioning. There are different scent cartridges available to purchase so don't be shy.
To deliver sedan-riding comfort for this five-seater crossover, the all-new Nautilus features an array of relaxing features such as Perfect Position massaging seats, and the available Auto Air Refresh. As for boot space, it's between the 70 cu. ft. mark with the rear seats folded down.
2025 Lincoln Nautilus
The all-new Nautilus features a choice of a 2.0L turbo and a 2.0L turbo hybrid with the latter producing 310HP of power and a combined EPA-estimated mileage of 30MPG courtesy of its CVT. The petrol variant is mated to an 8-speed AT. Although heavier than the old one, the all-new Nautilus tries hard to be civilized with its independent suspension setups, power 4-wheel disc with Anti-Lock Braking System, AdvanceTrrac with Roll Stability Control, and EPAS. It's spacious, versatile, and comfortable at its own pace.
Although an array of ADAS is not absent for the all-new Nautilus, it features Lincoln's BlueCruise 1.2 with improved versions of its ADAS features from hands-free driving, Lane Change Assist, the new In-Lane Repositioning ability, and other improvements worth noticing.
The all-new Lincoln Nautilus has matured even without its Ford Edge benefactor, and although costly to have one because it's "made in China", it tries to be calm, cool, and collected while navigating the East Coast traffic chaos at ease.
“Unfortunately, Ford will no longer be building the Focus. But you can still contact your local dealer about availability and check out our other vehicles that might be perfect for you and your family.” This is what Ford said when production of the third-generation Focus, the last-ever Ford Focus sold in its home market, ended in 2018. When Ford said goodbye to the Focus after three generations, the world market forgot the memo and decided to have another go with the Focus, except this was overseas only.
This is what's known to be the Mk4 Ford Focus, the one Americans didn't get, and I won this car from Forza Horizon 5's High-Performance Dailies Wet Season Playlist. If we, the American people, still had the Ford Focus here, it would look like this.
The Mk4 Ford Focus runs on a C2 platform, which makes it roomier and stronger than the world-proven Mk3 model. It was launched in 2018 and is offered with a five-door hatchback, the Active, and the estate version. It received a minor change in 2021, and China received the 4-door sedan variant.
This variant featured in the game is the Ford Focus ST, the definitive hot-hatch driving experience. It's powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost engine producing 280PS of power and 420Nm of torque. It is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed AT that propels this hatchback to a 0-62mph time in 5.7 seconds. The ST Track Pack features KW coilover suspension with springs, Brembo 18" performance brakes, and Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tires for track-level control.
The Ford Focus ST Edition is a limited-edition model that includes all of the features of the Focus ST but with some special touches. It has a special Azura Blue exterior paint with black contrast elements, Motion Blue interior stitching, Winter Pack, Driver Assistance Pack, and a B&O sound system. Only 300 of these cars were made and sold.
Let's see how the Ford Focus ST performs against the competition in one of the new sprint races. The results will leave you speechless.
Why are we so meek? We really wish the Ford Focus would remain in the native lineup but sadly, it's too late for that.
If Ford had retained the Focus in its native lineup, it would have become one of the most affordable high-performance daily driver's cars offered. Sadly, it's too late for that. The Mk3 Focus was the final Focus offered for Americans, and the Mk4 Focus turned out to be the true ending. With production ending next year, what's next? Here's your headline...
FORD FOCUS RETIRING. NOW WHAT?
We appreciate your interest in the Focus. Enjoy it while you can.
I can't believe it's Prime Day again! 🤯 This annual event is when you can unleash the ultimate beasts in Forza Horizon 5 and let them tear up the track.
For the third time in the game's history, the Horizon Community Choice update brought the McLaren MP4-12C to the Prime Day lineup. That means there are four ways to celebrate Prime Day in Forza Horizon 5. Time to get wild!
Ah yes, the beasts of Prime Day. They're the Jurassic menace I'm talking about because they are business and leisure without compromise. From the roaring sound of the 6.2L V8 engine of the F-150 SVT Raptor, the lightness of the Renaultsport Megane III, the track-honed performance of the MP4-12C, to the Zonda R's ultimate expression of speed, these unstoppable missiles are the heavy beasts only a few people are lucky enough to drive these while their concentration's on racing mode.
Whether it's the F-150 SVT Raptor battles against a HALO jumper, a Renaultsport Megane III battling against a Porsche Boxster, the McLaren MP4-12C surviving the Nurburgring, or the Zonda R going all-out, you can really hear these high-performance cannibals roaring to the sounds of prime. These heavy beasts really are badass. Yes!
From as far as Arizona and Rockingham, these heavy beasts come to Mexico to show that these unstoppable missiles were never past their prime, even if it was Prime Day. It's time to make these beasts roar!
THIS...IS...PRIME DAY!!!
The Jurassic menace from these four prime specimens made PRIME DAY the Jurassic menace you don't want to mess with. Life couldn't get even more exciting when you have the rare opportunity to drive these heavy beasts mixing business and leisure without compromise.
As Americans are celebrating the birth of the so-called "greatest nation in the world," what better way to celebrate the day of grills and fireworks than driving the best sports cars of America; the Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette?
Today's Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette have been radically changed, with the C8 Corvette now a mid-engined supercar, and the seventh-generation Ford Mustang being the last V8-powered American muscle car.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that has been in production since 1964. It is known for its powerful engine, sleek design, and affordable price. The Chevrolet Corvette is another iconic American sports car that has been in production since 1953. It is known for its performance, handling, and luxurious interior.
Both the latest versions of America's best sports cars have such an impressive resume. The latest Mustang flexed its muscles in Formula Drift, NASCAR, IMSA, Supercars, and any other sports car racing series from the GT4 to the GT3 classes. It even got the chance to race in Le Mans as well. The Corvette, meanwhile, has a proven track record for being the last to become the LMGTE class champion before the WEC LMGT3 Class kicked in. The question now is, which of these American legends is the best?
I've picked the Horizon Mexico Circuit as the venue for my little ID4 duel and for this duel, I've picked the C8 Corvette Stingray and the Mustang Dark Horse. Although the C8 Corvette Stingray is five horses less compared to the Mustang Dark Horse, its supercar form and midship layout should give the Vette a fighting chance. The Mustang Dark Horse, well, it's Horizon Mexico after all. Roll the tape!
And now the results...
C8 Corvette - 1m12.906s
Mustang Dark Horse - 1m15.893s
In an unorthodox rivalry between the last V8 muscle car and the American midship supercar, the Corvette wins.
The Ford Mustang and the Chevrolet Corvette are two of the most iconic American sports cars of all time, but they couldn't be more different. Still, both are excellent choices for a day of driving fun. Whether you're cruising down the highway or tearing up the track, you're sure to have a blast behind the wheel of either of these American classics.
Back in the Horizon Race-Off update a long time ago, I got my hands on the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang and it's a just cause for me to drive one.
However, this wasn't the only all-new Mustang in the FH5 stable present. The dark side of the all-new Mustang has awakened.
Here it is, the dark side of the all-new Ford Mustang has awakened.
This is the first-ever Ford Mustang Dark Horse that I won in the Forza Horizon 5 Modern Horizons Wet Season playlist and with two versions of the all-new Mustang present, it's time for me to get to know about the dark side of the Mustang.
Following the arrival of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang, a more potent version called the Dark Horse was unveiled. Being a track-focused road car that rivals the Porsche 911 GT3, the Mustang Dark Horse's 5.0L Coyote V8 engine produces 500HP, making it the most powerful naturally-aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever made. It is mated exclusively with the TREMEC 6-speed manual gearbox with rev-matching and no-lift shifting. In addition to its track-focused dynamics, the Dark Horse features a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system.
The Dark Horse is truly the dark side of the Ford Mustang. The normal V8-powered Mustang is already a great car, but the Dark Horse takes it to a whole new level. Its track-focused dynamics, including a Gen-3 MagneRide Damping System and Brembo brake system, make it an absolute beast on the track. I’ve tested both models and the Dark Horse has the superior handling of the two. If you’re looking for a Mustang that can handle the world’s most demanding tracks, the Dark Horse is the car for you.
To prove my point, I've summoned the normal V8-powered Mustang GT for a one-lap time attack outside the stadium amid foggy conditions. Let's find out if the Dark Horse really is the Dark Horse. Roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Ford Mustang '24 - 1m15.759s
Mustang Dark Horse - 1m14.575s
Just like that, the Dark Side prevailed.
The Mustang Dark Horse is the dark side of the all-new, seventh-generation Ford Mustang. With its motorsport know-how from its racing equivalents, this track-focused road car boldly shows its dark side on the asphalt.
Welcome to the Dark Side.
The Mustang Dark Horse proved its point but I still have a lot of experiments with it so...um...watch this space.
With the seventh-generation Mustang and the Ford F-150 Raptor R already in every Forza Horizon 5 player's garage, the time has come for the real Horizon Race-Off to begin.
Throughout the Horizon Race-Off series update on FH5, players worldwide raced through different road and dirt tracks to gain access to these modern-day Blue Oval heroes. The pro-asphalt aimed for the all-new Mustang while the pro-offroad worked hard to get the F-150 Raptor R. As the goals were met, they've got the chance to try them both but the real question is, which one is the best?
Being an idiot savant myself, I've sent the Mustang and the F-150 on a best-of-three match to determine the winner. The first match will be...
The Airport Cross Country Circuit. This abandoned airfield is the Raptor's advantage because being Built Ford Tough, it will be smooth sailing for it. Let's roll the tape.
F-150 Raptor R - 1m08.585s
Ford Mustang '24 - 1m11.672s
So, the F-150 Raptor R wins Game 1 but there's still time for the Mustang to shine because Game 2 will be this.
The Lookout Circuit located outside the Horizon Rush site. This bone-shaped asphalt course will showcase the all-new Mustang's improved dynamics. Let's roll the tape.
F-150 Raptor R - 1m12.439s
Ford Mustang '24 - 1m05.566
The Mustang wins Game 2, making this match a stalemate. With both Blue Ovals won, it's time for the winner-take-all finale to determine which Ford is the best. Although it's hard to determine which venue will be, there's only one choice...
Race to the Horizon Mexico Festival site. Whichever the fastest Ford to arrive at the main festival gate is the winner. Think of it like the final duel on the game show Physical 100 but this is Forza Horizon 5. No rope-pulling, no pole-dropping, no limits. It's just two modern-day Fords the community worked hard to obtain throughout the Horizon Race-Off series update. Let the battle commence.
GO!
F-150 Raptor R - 3m11.408s
Ford Mustang '24 - 2m57.528s
The all-new 2024 Ford Mustang is the winner!
The Horizon Race-Off is finished, but having proved that cars like the Mustang and the F-150 are extremely debatable, rivalries will go on. Win or lose, they're all in this together.
Being pro-asphalt or pro-offroad, it makes no difference because in a game like Forza Horizon 5, ANYTHING GOES. That is the bottom line.
Having completed the Asphalt Racers' mission, all Forza Horizon 5 players who took part in the Horizon Race-Off series update earned themselves the keys to the all-new seventh-generation Ford Mustang.
Before getting excited to drive the 7th-gen 'stang, let's get to know more about what's known to be the last true muscle car of the new normal.
The seventh-generation Ford Mustang continues the muscle car's legendary story while being peppered with modern touches to adapt to the "new normal".
Although similarly styled compared to its predecessor, the seventh-generation Mustang features two engine choices such as the 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Modular Power Cylinder, producing 315hp of power and 350lb-ft torque, and the fourth-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 engine that produces 486HP of horsepower and 418lb-ft of torque, not to mention the secret Remote Rev feature that allows you to rev the engine with your remote car key. All engines are mated to either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.
While retaining the independent rear suspension and line lock from its predecessor, the seventh-generation Mustang features an updated MagneRide Damping System as well as selectable Electric Power-Assisted Steering with three settings. It even comes with the signature Drift Brake shaped like a conventional handbrake.
With its legendary performance, the seventh-generation Mustang is the last word in American performance. With its competitors gone extinct, this Mustang means forever even until the end of time itself.
The Mustang community has been demanding to have the seventh-generation Mustang featured in the game since it went on sale last year and now that it's here, just in time for the Mustang's 60th anniversary celebration, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the seventh generation Mustang's arrival in the world of Forza.
Although not the first, it's starting to feel at home in the game. It showed potential in Supercars, NASCAR, IMSA, and Formula Drift. Now, it plays a key role in FH5's Horizon Race-Off series update alongside the Ford F-150 Raptor R.
As I'm enjoying the all-new Mustang in the game, two uninvited guests are crashing the Mustang's party.
These uninvited guests are the 1967 Shelby GT500 from the game's Acceleration Car Pack, the classic muscle car popularized from the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds", while the other one is the prize car from the Horizon Race-Off Dry Season playlist, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, the one with the supercharged 4.6L Terminator V8 engine with 390hp of power. Both of these snake beaters have been highly demanded by Forza fanatics since the beginning of time.
The all-new Mustang is primed and ready to teach these "snake beaters" a lesson they will never forget in a one-lap time attack around festival grounds. Roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Shelby GT500 '67 - 1m30.073s
Mustang SVT '03 - 1m27.187s
Ford Mustang '24 - 1m19.730s
Looks like Kikay Matsing ate the twin snakes for tea. Snake Eater.
Built for norm-breakers breaking dullness, boredom, and cliche, the all-new seventh-generation Mustang is the wake-up call for those ready to get up and feel the freedom, full send.
With its aggressive, sleek, and chiseled design worthy to be called beautiful, as well as its sound that gets your heart racing, if you have the urge to drive before driving the car itself, it's easy to prove that you have Mustang in your blood. Just cause.
Now that the all-new seventh-generation Ford Mustang and the Ford F-150 Raptor R finally gathered, the real Horizon Race-Off begins. Which one stands tall? Find out soon.
