My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Duke GP

 

Remember this one? This is the 991-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R from Forza Horizon 5's Apex All-Stars DLC Pack. A 991.2-spec 911-based race car made to comply with GT3-class regulations.

Fast forward to the 992 era of the Porsche 911 and here's the GT3 R of today. Yes, this is the current version of the 911 GT3 R racer and I obtained it from the Horizon Track Day's Dry Season Playlist. So, what's it all about the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R?

The new-generation Porsche 911 GT3 R, based on the 992 model, is an evolved version of Porsche's proven GT3 racing competitor that adheres to international GT3 racing regulations. It features a 4.2-liter engine, producing approximately 565 horsepower, and is paired with a six-speed sequential dog-type transmission. The car has a weight of around 1,250 kg, depending on the Balance of Performance.

The 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 R has achieved victories across various GT3-class racing championships, including IMSA, DTM, WEC, and others.

To see how much improvement the 992 version of the 911 GT3 R gained from its 991 predecessor, I went to the Stadium to do some work. Some of you say that I'm going to conduct this experiment around the oval and I say I'm not, because...

Because I'm using the Winter Wonderland Circuit to demonstrate the 911 GT3R's capabilities. Let's roll the tape...

And now the results...

991 GT3R - 59.810s

992 GT3R - 59.276s

This is what I call a "close shave". Even with the added power from its increased engine size, it's too close to call compared to its predecessor. 

The new Porsche 911 GT3 R is an evolution of the 991 GT3 R. It has a bigger engine and more power, but it's only marginally faster around the track, I presume.

From the Thomas Preining affair to our favorite IMSA dinosaurs Rexy and Roxy, and the Manthey PureRxing crew that got their first WEC LMGT3 title, the 992 version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R is proven to be a global winner in its own right.

The Duke of Stuttgart has been crowned. Go Beat The Duke if you can.

My FH5 Log: Runner vs. Hunters

Back in the Hidden Horizons update, Forza Horizon 5 introduced its ongoing players to a rather unique game called Hide and Seek. How does this new mini-game work? Let's talk about it.

Forza Horizon 5's Hide and Seek is a 5v1 mini-game where five players will be the Seekers and one player will be the Hider. Think of it like the Runner from Running Man up against the Hunters from Run For Money. Get it? I love Running Man and Run For Money, and this mini-game is everything you want to make a run for it.

The Hider is tasked to stay hidden from the Seeker rivals until the End Zone is active. With the End Zone on, the Hider must race towards it and win. The Hider is provided with a Chase Breaker power-up that can jam Seeker foes and render you invisible. You can only use it when the Seekers are too close to your vicinity and it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Seekers are tasked with hunting down the Hider and staying close. They win if the Seekers' Detection Meter is full before time runs out or the Hider reaches the End Zone. the Seekers are provided with the Ping power-up that detects a nearby Hider. If you believe the suspected traffic car is the Hider, activate the Ping and the Hider will be marked briefly. Like the Hider's Chase Breaker, it takes time to recharge before you can use it again.

The Hider is provided with the choice of four traffic cars:

• 2012 Jeep Wrangler
• 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor
• 2017 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2018 Mercedes X Class

The Seekers are provided with various vehicles such as:

• 2016 BMW M4 GTS
• 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1
• 2011 Mercedes SLS AMG
• 2015 Audi RS6
• 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo X GSR
• 2021 Ford Bronco
• 2017 Nissan GT-R (R35)
• 2016 Ariel Nomad
• 2004 SUBARU Impreza WRX STi
• 1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

The Hide and Seek Car List will be updated as expected in future updates. Anyway, there are 17 badges to collect as well as 10 in-game Accolades and 5 Achievements with a total of 130 Gamerscores. Long story short.

Further reading:

• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-hidden-horizons
• https://forza.net/news/forza-horizon-5-back-to-the-90s

Of course, if you are busy with the Hide and Seek Accolades, there's one worth noticing if you are busing filling the in-game Garage; Dedication to the Cause. Reach a 20-game non-stop streak in Hide and Seek, win or lose, and you'll be granted the keys to the Ford Bronco Raptor. First introduced as a Prize Car in October 2023's Dia De Muertos update, it's now an Accolade Car.

It's amazing that the majority of Seekers use the Bronco because of its off-road capability, which makes it worthy of hunting down Hiders.

Anyway, that's how you enjoy Horizon Hide and Seek in Forza Horizon 5. Are you a Runner or a Hunter? Play this thrilling Horizon minigame and find out.

My FH5 Log: Koenig Specials - The Reign

2024 marks Koenigsegg's 30th anniversary and what better way to celebrate 30 years of Spirit of Performance by driving the best of Koenigsegg in Forza Horizon 5. Let's continue our FH5 history lesson on Koenigsegg with the Regera.

In the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg introduced its first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) hypercar, the Regera. It's Sweden's answer to the now-legendary Hybrid Hypercar Holy Trinity of the 2010s.

The Koenigsegg Regera marked a departure from the company's traditional approach to hypercars. It combined comfort, luxury, and performance in one unorthodox hypercar that focused solely on power, technology, and innovation. Its name means "to reign" in Swedish.

The 5.0L V8 Twin Turbo engine is connected to three electric motors and a 4.5kWh liquid-cooled li-ion battery pack, generating a total of 1500hp of power and 1475lb-ft of torque. This allows it to sprint from 0 to 60mph in less than 2.8 seconds and reach a top speed of over 250mph.

One of the Regera's most notable features is its Direct-Drive transmission, which connects the engine to the wheels directly via a single gear, a setup similar to that of today's electric cars or CVTs for modern city cars for that matter. This reduces the complexity and weight of the drivetrain and improves efficiency, while still providing exceptional acceleration and top speed.

All 80 of these vehicles were made and sold.

For a hypercar with a CVT-esque gearbox and a turbocharged V8 PHEV setup, I wonder just how good is the Regera? To find out, I let the Regera for a quick lap around the festival to prove its worth. Roll the tape.

I did it in 1m05.799s, which is about as quick as the regular Koenigsegg Agera by my standards. Not bad for a hypercar with a CVT-esque gearbox and a PHEV setup.

The Koenigsegg Regera is a statement of engineering excellence and is one of the fastest cars on the planet. It's a blend of hybrid technology, extreme performance, and luxury. It's a car for a select few with a discerning taste for the latest in innovation and driving.

Next time, our FH5 Koenigsegg history lesson concludes with the recent masterpiece; the Jesko. Stay tuned.

My FH5 Log: The Born-Again 911s

The GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are prime examples of resto-mods, the trend in which old cars are born again in new and exciting ways to appeal to modern-day drivers.

What was so distinctive about these resto-mod Porsche 911s that set them apart from every other style example? Let's begin with one of my favorites; the Singer 911 DLS.

The California-based Singer Group Inc. has been restoring and reimagining 964-spec Porsche 911 vehicles since 2009. Following the success of their first model, the Classic Study, they introduced the 911 Dynamics & Lightweight Study (DLS), which evolves the iconic Porsche DNA with insights from Formula 1 technology. Aiming to create the most advanced air-cooled 911 in the world, the Singer DLS features reworked bodywork that enhances aerodynamics and incorporates extensive use of carbon fiber. In collaboration with Williams, the 4.0L air-cooled flat-six engine has been upgraded to deliver 500 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed Hewland gearbox. 

The DLS is part of a limited production run of 75 units, alongside the Classic Study, and is priced at over 1.8 million US dollars.

Now, let's focus on the Gunther Werks 400R, a 993-spec Porsche 911 born again for today's drivers.

Only 25 examples of this modern-day reboot of the 993-spec Porsche 911 Carrera have been produced. The car features lightweight materials, particularly carbon fiber, used throughout its body. It has bespoke LED headlights and a revised 4.0L naturally aspirated flat-six engine that generates over 400 horsepower. Additionally, it includes a modified Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox. Weighing in at 2,677 pounds, this car boasts an impressive power-to-weight ratio of 6.2 pounds per horsepower.

You may remember in one of my previous articles, I pitted the 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS against these two born-again 911s on a Coast Run and blew them both. If Our Lady of Margarete got my 992 911 GT3 RS, I forgot to tell you that I've done some overtime with these two born-again 911s. Would you like the check them out?

You may remember the moment I won this Singer 911 back in the Series 10 update, I have Eve Kagayaki's name written all over it. Now, my Eve-designed Singer 911 DLS returns, and this time with a slightly revised design that features PriChan logos written around it. Welcome back, Eve-sama.

The GuntherWerks 400R, meanwhile, has Alice...Kagayaki's name written all over it. Yep, Eve's long-lost twin sister makes her appearance. Yes, really. The ALIVE duo's finally gathered.

With the Kagayaki sisters' names written all over my born-again 911s, it's time to give these two their moment to shine. The GuntherWerks 400R will sprint through FoxFer64's re-enactment of the Middle Circuit track from the Choro-Q 2 video game while the Singer 911 DLS takes on Pato Bincidi's re-enactment of the Albert Park venue from the F1 Australian Grand Prix. Let's get these shows on the road.

Being "born again" never felt so...ALIVE. Get it? ALIVE.

Just like people, classic cars have the opportunity to be "reborn" in new and exciting ways. This is the essence of resto-modding, and the GuntherWerks 400R and the Singer 911 DLS are perfect examples of this transformation.

This is the joy of being "born again". A second chance to do things you haven't done in a lifetime, almost.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Tornado GP

The 992 911 domination in Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Track Day update continues with the in-game arrival of the offroad-oriented limited edition model, the 911 Dakar.

Having obtained this offroad-ready 911 from the update's Storm Season playlist, it's time for a quick introduction to the limited-edition rally raid sports car the Forza producers labeled as "911 Rallye" for unknown reasons.

Unveiled at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 911 Dakar is an off-road-oriented version of the iconic 911, paying tribute to Porsche's first-ever victory in the Paris-Dakar rally in 1984—an event that inspired the creation of the all-wheel-drive 911.

The 911 Dakar is powered by the same 3.0L biturbo six-cylinder engine found in the 911 Carrera, producing 480 PS and 580 Nm of torque. It is paired with an 8-speed PDK transmission, which enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.4 seconds. The top speed is limited to 240 kph, a restriction due to the all-terrain tires that are standard for this model, marking a first for the 911.

Notable features of the 911 Dakar include Rallye Launch Control, a standard lift system, increased ground clearance, a modified radiator with stone chip protection, and two new driving modes: Rallye and Offroad. Customers can also choose the Rallye Design Package and three decal sets inspired by Porsche's entries in the East African Safari Rally during the 1970s. Additionally, they have the option to add either a roof rack or a roof tent.

A total of 2,500 units were produced and sold.

Recently, a unique 911 Dakar commissioned by Sonderwunsch has been completed in Signal Yellow and Lamperdusable dual color, with light blue lines separating the two colors. This commemorates the end of the 911 Dakar's 2500-unit production run. My take may not match the real deal but this is what the 911 Dakar will be donning for today because this offroad sports car is up its show.

At this point, I was going to get our Teenieping friend Sandping to make me a sandbox for the 911 Dakar to play with but instead...

Instead, I went to another one of Dexter 4130D's EventLab creations which makes good use of the Halo props provided in this update. It's called the Spartan Rally and the 911's unique styling and spartan driving manners as well as the Dakar's offroading prowess will feel at home in this Halo-themed dirt track envisioned by one of the most respected Forza-devoted content creators.

Commence the operation.

Although slight mistakes were made, the 911 Dakar still has the beating heart of the Spartan warrior...from the world of Halo.

Capable of tackling everything Sandping would throw at it, the 911 Dakar is what happens when you turn one of the most influential sports cars of all time into a road-legal rally raid car that can embarrass even the Cayenne.

Sandping, you have lost your battle.

My FM Log: Black Label

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.

Enjoy your new ride.

My FH5 Log: Rennsport Reunion V - Spartan GP

The 911 is Porsche's iconic rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive coupe, known for its distinctive styling and minimalist driving experience. The Horizon Track Day update in Forza Horizon 5 pays tribute to the 992 model of this legendary sports car, beginning with the most stripped-down version of the 911: the GT3 RS.

Obtained from this update's Wet Season playlist, it's time to have a word with the most spartan 911 ever made.

The 992-spec Porsche 911 GT3 RS is an extreme, track-focused version of the 911, utilizing much of the technology from the 911 GT3 R racing car. This allows it to achieve a lap time of 6:44.85 at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, making it slightly faster than the most extreme Lamborghini Aventador, the SVJ.

Visually similar to the standard 992 911 GT3, the GT3 RS features aerodynamic enhancements including front aero bars and air outlets located at the front and rear fenders. It also boasts an adjustable active front diffuser and highlights include the massive swan-neck mounted rear wing—the largest ever installed on a production Porsche. This wing features an F1-style Drag Reduction System, enabling it to be flattened at the touch of a button. The front trunk (frunk) of the 911 GT3 RS is significantly occupied by a centrally positioned single radiator, inspired by its racing counterparts.

Under the hood, the naturally aspirated 4.0L flat-six engine produces a power output of 525 PS, which is a 15 PS increase over the standard 911 GT3. It generates 465 Nm of torque and is exclusively paired with a 7-speed PDK transmission. The GT3 RS can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in just 3.2 seconds—0.2 seconds quicker than the regular GT3—and has a top speed of 296 km/h, which is 22 km/h slower than the standard GT3. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber, particularly from the Weissach Package, the 911 GT3 RS has a weight of 1,450 kg.

Being the first Porsche equipped with an F1-inspired Drag Reduction System, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) easily transforms from a track toy into an ultra-high-performance track machine at the push of a button, pushing the boundaries of what a 911 can achieve on the racetrack.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the 992 911 GT3 RS, I decided to have a no-holds-barred Coast Run against these "born again" 911s I've lined up.

These are the "born again" 911s my 992 GT3 RS will face against; the Singer 911 DLS and the GuntherWerks 400R, two restomodded 911s that rewrote each other's histories in a spectacular and bespoke fashion. Anyway, let's get this show on the road.

And now the results...

Singer 911 - 2m44.648s

GW 911 - 2m50.170s

992 GT3 RS - 2m41.512s

Whether you love it or hate it, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) stands as the ultimate expression of an extreme track car that is designed for both the track and the road.

Having enjoyed driving the 992 911 GT3 RS in the game, it's time to reward the most spartan 911 ever made a little treat.

Riddle me this: I'm Austrian; my undefeated streak was ended by those girls, and I transferred to the school where they were enrolled for revenge. Who am I? If you're answer is Wien Margarete, then Ding-Dong-Dang! You're correct because the most spartan 911 ever made is all dressed up for the role of one of my favorite foreign school idols from the world of Love Live!

With the revengeful soul of Our Lady of Margarete fused, my 911 GT3 RS is battling against the competition in the EventLab re-enactment of the legendary Laguna Seca track curated by Forza player Arbi4908. Let's get it!

Winning, the Wien Margarete way! Get it? Winners are for Wien-ers. Was it supposed to be "Wieners are for winners"? Hehe... I'm such a fan of Wien Margarete (though someone whispered to me that I'm actually a Win Morisaki fan). Never mind all that!

The 911 GT3 RS is the hottest, hardest, tightest, and most exotic 911 ever made, and with the 992 model, it managed to blur the line between common sense and nonsense the Porsche way. Road and track egoists, rejoice.

My FM Log: Big Boss

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.

Enjoy your new ride!

My FH5 Log: 500 miles a day

The Subaru Alcyone SVX is the final prize car of Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s update and it's obtainable in this update's Spring Season Playlist. Now that I have one, it's time to get to know the last Alcyone ever made.

Introduced in 1991, the Alcyone SVX stands as Subaru's flagship grand tourer coupe, famously advertised with the slogan "500 miles a day." This remarkable vehicle combines striking Giugiaro-inspired styling with an eye-catching glass-to-glass round canopy, making it a true head-turner.

Under the hood, the Alcyone SVX boasts a robust water-cooled 3.3L boxer-six engine, featuring Subaru's pioneering variable torque distribution electronically controlled four-wheel drive (VTD-4WD). With an impressive output of 230HP and 228 lb-ft of torque, it pairs exclusively with a smooth 4-speed automatic transmission. The strut suspension on both the front and rear wheels, combined with ventilated disc brakes, ensures an exhilarating driving experience.

Despite its substantial weight, the SVX embodies the essence of a luxury grand tourer, delivering unparalleled comfort and responsive handling tailored for those long, enjoyable journeys ahead. Experience the legacy of the Alcyone SVX; it’s more than just a car—it’s a statement of performance and style.

With its introduction done, it's time to give the last prize car of the decade a challenging duel against a top driver in a certain EventLab creation made by a player named "VeIxity". Let's roll the tape.

Well, it may be a performance flop because it's only mated with a 4-speed AT but the SVX is nostalgia shaken and stirred.

And that’s it for Forza Horizon 5’s Back to the 90s. What a way to revisit our childhood memories the Forza way. And with the next update imminent, let’s hope the prize cars will be better than these.

My FH5 Log: Gone Lagonda

Forza Horizon 5's Back to the 90s Winter Season Playlist introduced us to an Aston Martin sedan we are unfamiliar with, the Aston Martin Lagonda.

We, Forza babies, don't know about this ancient Aston Martin saloon. The only Aston Martin saloon we remember is the Rapide. Anyway, long story short. Let's get to know about the Aston Martin Lagonda, the sedan.

First launched in 1974 and designed by William Towns, the Aston Martin Lagonda is the company's second attempt at creating a premium sedan and served as the successor to the ancient Lagonda Rapide. The first model was originally a saloon version of the Aston Martin V8. Still, later updates gave the Lagonda sedan a squarish and edgier shape, something unheard of on premium sedan standards. 

Seen in FH5 is the final version of the Lagonda, the Series 4. Featuring a more rounded but slab-sided styling compared to the Series 3, the Series 4 Lagonda is powered by a 5.3L V12 engine producing 289bhp of power and 321ft-lb of torque.

Until production ended in January 1990, only 105 units of the Series 4 Lagonda were made.

The Lagonda managed to last until the start of the final decade of the 20th century. But do you know something that came out before that? The comedy-horror movie Beetlejuice came out in 1989. That's why I've sent the ancient Lagonda to GT Deny's reenactment of Lydia Deetz's neighborhood in time for Halloween celebrations. Ready for a little tour around the hood? Let's roll the tape.

Nostalgia is all part of the game, more or less.

What are your thoughts on the ancient Aston Martin Lagonda sedan? Do you think the car looks good? Is the Lagonda a good car? Are there any particular features of the Lagonda that you like or dislike? Let me know what you think of the Aston Martin Lagonda.

Anyway, enjoy your new ride!