Lamborghini's first-ever PHEV hypercar, the Revuelto, has arrived in Forza Motorsport and I got my dibs over the Revuelto's long-awaited debut in the world of Forza, two years since the hypercar went on sale to the general public. Talk about extreme tardiness, huh?
So, what's it all about the Revuelto, the hypercar that rewrote Lamborghini's six-decade history?
In 2023, Lamborghini celebrated its 60th anniversary by unveiling the long-awaited successor to the decade-old Aventador: the Revuelto, the brand's first-ever high-performance plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Priced at half a million euros, plus additional costs, the Lamborghini Revuelto takes over as the new V12 king of the Lamborghini lineup, incorporating lessons learned from the electrified V12 series limited models, such as the Sián and the reborn Countach.
The Revuelto is powered by an 825 PS 6.5L V12 engine, which is paired with a rear P2-P3 eMotor, a front e-axle, and a lithium-ion battery with pouch cells, generating a total power output of 1,015 PS. It features an 8-speed e-DCT transmission, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 350 km/h.
With its carbon fiber bodywork, active rear wing, double wishbones equipped with Lamborghini MagneRide dampers, electric power steering, Carbon Ceramic Brakes Plus, and the latest generation of Lamborghini Integrated Vehicle Dynamics, this new hypercar is designed to be incredibly exciting to drive, both on the road and on the track.
I've used the Suzuka Circuit to demonstrate the Revuelto's revealing performance. This revelation is more than enough to prove that Lamborghini's newest hypercar has what it takes to get to Position Zero. Anyway, let the revue begin.
A revue's too hard to miss, especially if you're witnessing a thousand-horsepower Lambo slash its way through Suzuka in this revue performance I've orchestrated and I did it in 2m22.005s. Not the best revue I've done but the Revuelto standing on Position Zero served its point.
It has been two long years since the Lamborghini Revuelto was unveiled, and now it has finally made its way into the Forza racing game franchise, which is set to go extinct this year. Although its arrival feels a bit late, I am incredibly proud to get behind the wheel of Lamborghini's newest masterpiece, a culmination of six decades of engineering and design.
My day with the Revuelto is done but as they say, THE SHOW MUST GO ON.
The Toyota GR Yaris and the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N are prize cars in Forza Motorsport's Daily Racers update. Having got my hands on these two everyday heroes on the road and track, let's get to know them two.
I acquired the Hyundai IONIQ 5 N by completing the Open Class Tour update or finishing 10 races in the Open Class Featured Multiplayer until the March 12, 2025 deadline.
The IONIQ 5 N is the high-performance variant of the IONIQ 5 crossover and signifies that Hyundai N is embracing electrification.
Equipped with an 84 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors that power both the front and rear wheels, the IONIQ 5 N delivers a default output of 609 PS and 740 Nm of torque. When the N Grin Boost feature is activated for ten seconds, the power increases to 650 PS. Additionally, with N Launch Control engaged, it can achieve a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 260 km/h.
Hyundai has truly excelled with the IONIQ 5 N, which has won the 2024 World Performance Car award as well as Top Gear's 2023 Car of the Year. This high-performance electric crossover not only boasts an impressive design but also the power and speed to match. Its recent achievement of setting a new record at Pikes Peak with a time of 9 minutes and 30.852 seconds in the Modified and Production SUV/Crossover classes further underscores its performance capabilities.
Moving to the Toyota GR Yaris that I acquired by completing the Daily Racers Tour or finishing 10 races in the Daily Racers featured multiplayer until the March 26, 2025 deadline.
Known as the second JDM sports car of the Reiwa era, the GR Yaris served as the template for Toyota's next rally car. Take the fourth-generation Yaris, strip the two extra doors off, make it wider, jam it with the G16E-GTS 1.6L 3-cylinder intercooler turbo engine, and lodge it with the GR-FOUR four-wheel-drive system. The result is a road-legal rally car akin to the legendary Toyota Celica GT-FOUR.
In addition to the 1.6L turbocharged variant, there is a cheaper and much slower RS variant with the 1.5L M15A-FKS engine mated to a CVT.
Having acquired these two high-performance Asian superheroes, let's drive these two around Brands Hatch to prove just how "super" these everyday superheroes are.
They both know how to use their superpowers effectively. As the saying goes, "with great power comes great responsibility." That's why I admire them both.
The Audi RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are the flagships of the Audi RS range, and they may be the last of these RS flagships to be equipped with pure thermal engines. In Forza Horizon 5, let's have a final salvo with the two Audi RS flagships.
The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the 4K-spec Audi RS7 Sportback are regarded as the top guns of the Audi RS hierarchy, yet they pose only a minimal threat to BMW's M5 and Mercedes-AMG's E63. Both are equipped with a formidable 4.0L V8 TFSi engine featuring a 48-volt electrical system and a cylinder-on-demand mechanism for enhanced efficiency on the go. This engine delivers 600PS of power and 800Nm of torque. When paired with an 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox, it accelerates from 0 to 100 kph in just over three and a half seconds, and with the dynamic package plus, it can achieve a top speed of 305 kph. There's even a performance variant that has seen its V8 engines enhanced to 630PS, reducing the 0-100 kph time by 0.2 seconds.
With their quick introductions done, it all comes down to this question: which of these RS flagships is the best? The RS6 Avant or the RS7 Sportback. With a bone-shaped circuit located near the Horizon Rush site as my laboratory, it's time for these blood relatives to settle the score for the last time in the heat of the rainfall. A fitting tribute to the last pure thermal-powered Audi RS overlords. Roll the tape.
Here are the results...
RS6 C8 - 1m07.818s (Wet)
RS7 4K - 1m07.100s (Wet)
It was a close result, but in the end, it seems the saloon equivalent is the winner after all. I didn't expect the RS7 to be slightly lighter than the RS6. No big deal.
As the Audi RS lineage prepares for the "new normal," we can be certain that the era of powerful Audis will never be forgotten by future generations. The C8-spec Audi RS6 Avant and the C8-spec Audi RS7 Sportback have made their mark, but one day they will return—this time as even more formidable versions that are truly challenging to handle. Remind you of any?
EPILOGUE
After delivering their final blow as pure thermal-powered RS overlords, the RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback are ready for their true final blow. Having winded up to similar levels akin to the RS6 Avant performance and the RS7 Sportback performance, I gave them roles that suit their personalities.
Trust anyone who has an RS6 Avant in their spare time because they had a lot of fun driving through the Swiss Alps in style and comfort. With that, I shall call you...Fuwari. As in, Fuwari Midorikaze, one of the Tricolore members from PriPara. Na-chu!
As for my RS7 Sportback, its high and mightiness as the true RS flagship invoked the wrath of a high-and-mighty PriPara idol, and with that, I shall call you...Chili. Chili Tsukikawa, of course.
With everything settled, Fuwari and Chili are up for their Making Drama they'll never forget. The RS6 Avant is taking on an EventLab re-enactment of a Forza Motorsport classic track, the Bernese Alps, while the RS7 Sportback is locked in a duel against...someone outside the temple in the middle of snowy weather. Making Drama, Switch On!
Chili may have a rough "chilly" day but Fuwari feels right at home with the Bernese Alps re-enactment. Still, kudos to the masterminds of these EventLab creations.
The RS6 Avant and the RS7 Sportback may be polar opposites, but they both share the same powerful engine that has driven them to the very end. They have fulfilled their purpose, but they don't have the classic "Beauty and the Beast" ending. As witnesses, we are grateful to observe their final days and are ready to share their stories.
As we both say goodbye to the Forza series and the Subaru Legacy this year, it's time for one last drive with the first-generation Subaru Legacy sedan and see how much it can learn from the last surviving Subaru sedan, the Subaru WRX S4 VBH.
Subaru has an impressive resume of 4WD saloons that boldly go where no sedan has gone before, such as the Leone, Legacy, Impreza, and WRX. Sadly, the signs of the times favored the crossover market and as the once-dominant sedan race is diminishing rapidly to the point of extinction, Subaru's not spared from it, leaving the VB-spec Subaru WRX S4 the last remaining sedan in the range.
To review, the second-generation Subaru WRX S4 was unveiled in 2021, marking the first use of the Subaru Global Platform in its two-decade history. This new platform enhances safety, improves handling dynamics, and reduces noise, vibration, and harshness. The same platform is also used in the second-generation Levorg, the estate version of the WRX.
The updated model features a flat-four boxer turbo engine that has increased in size from the previous model's 2.0L to 2.4L. It produces 275 PS and 375 Nm of torque. This engine is paired exclusively with the newly developed Subaru Performance Transmission, a sport-tuned continuously variable transmission (CVT) that offers an 8-speed manual mode. It provides 30% faster upshifts and 50% faster downshifts compared to the previous WRX S4's Sport Lineartronic CVT. The one featured in Forza Horizon 5 is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is offered only in overseas markets.
A race-spec WRX S4 achieved a significant milestone by winning the SP4T class at the 2024 ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, marking the first victory for this VB model in its second appearance at the Nürburgring.
The first-generation Subaru Legacy, meanwhile, achieved significant success in rallying, including Patrik Njiru's victory in the Group N class at the 1990 Safari Rally. In 1993, it secured a one-two finish at the first leg of the Acropolis Rally, and it won the eighth round of Rally New Zealand with the late Colin McRae at the wheel.
The first generation Subaru Legacy was launched in Japan in February 1989 and was offered in several variants, including the 220 PS (162 kW) DOHC 2.0-liter turbocharged "RS" model, which was available exclusively with a 5-speed manual transmission.
So, how much does Subaru's current Nurburgring hero learn from the grand old dad of JDM rally legends? Using the top of the caldera as our arena, the two Subaru sedans from distant generations will dish each other with a one-lap time attack. These cars aren't afraid to get dirty. Would you? Anyway, let's roll the tape.
And now, the results...
Legacy (BC) - 1m06.333s
WRX (VB) - 58.876s
I guess Subaru's rallying heritage still remained even in this mediocre S4. Drivers like Travis Pastrana and Lia Block gave the WRX S4 a fighting chance in the ARA while others used the WRX S4 for track purposes from the Nurburgring to Super Taikyu. I can't blame them.
The Subaru Legacy's story is finished and this first-generation Legacy is a clear reminder of progression not just for the Legacy nameplate but also for Subaru. It helped Subaru cement its status in the world of rallying and became the cornerstone of grand touring pleasure. Some of the attributes have been carried over to today's WRX, although it's not fully developed to do things its ancestors have done. Too soon, junior. You have a lot to learn from the best.
EPILOGUE
The Subaru WRX S4 VB may have been an average 4WD saloon that ended up becoming the last remaining Subie saloon, but because this is Forza Horizon 5, I have interesting opportunities for the WRX S4 to discover.
The car is perhaps not as famous as something like the Aston Martin Vantage, but the WRX S4 can still do its job well in this game, and I'm interested to see how far I can take it. The WRX S4's ability to go off-road makes me curious about how it will fare in the mountains, which should be a fun place to drive. Perhaps this car may be interested in this, too?
Sigh. I gave the S4 a choice, and it went for the other. It wants to be that Liella girl, Kinako Sakurakoji. Fine, have it your way. I shall now call you Kinako.
But hey, on the plus side, I’ve managed to make some revisions underneath so that now this car behaves as if the Subaru Performance Transmission is set to its 8-speed manual mode. I even gave it the looks to imitate the STi S210 in my mind, a special version of the WRX S4 that’s a road-going version of the race car that won the Nurburgring 24-hour race in its class. It has a 30-PS power hike, but it’s only mated with the Subaru Performance Transmission.
With the looks of the STi S210 and the mentality of Kinako Sakurakoji, my WRX S4 is battling against two racers in their juiced-up cars in an EventLab scenario in an industrial district. Typical street racing vibes but is the WRX S4 up for this challenge? Let's find out.
Although battered and bent after that "grand slam", it managed to survive and win this EventLab situation. Well done, Kinako-chan. You know what they say "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog". Man, I'm going to miss playing those cool EventLab scenarios.
The Subaru WRX S4 may be the last remaining Subaru sedan on sale today but rest assured that its legacy of creating all-weather, all-capable, 4WD saloons will never be forgotten.
From the WRC to the Nürburgring, on or off the road, tarmac, gravel, or snow, this represents world-class quality done right. This is... SUBARU 4WD.
The COBRA version is the most potent variant of the fourth-generation Ford Mustang and the kind of Mustang we, 90s kids, fondly remember. Here in Forza Horizon 5, let's thrust through time uncovering the most potent Mustang.
We begin with the 1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R, the last Exclusive Prize Car of Forza Horizon 5 that I got from the Midnight Muscle Storm Season Playlist.
The fourth-generation Ford Mustang was launched in 1994 and although it runs on the same Fox Body platform as the third-generation model, it features a muscular and round exterior design while staying true to the Mustang's roots. It was offered with the choice of a 3.8L V6 engine with 145HP of power and the 215HP 4.9L V8 engine for the GT model. The Cobra model features a GT40-style 5.0L V8 engine producing 240hp of power. Mated to a 5-speed Borg-Warner MT, it sprints from 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 140mph.
The 1995MY Cobra R saw the V8 engine's size increase by 5.0L to 5.8L, resulting in 300hp while mated to a Tremec 5-speed MT. The only drawback is that only those who carry a racing license or manage a race team to drive one.
When the fourth-generation Mustang received a minor change in 1999, donning Ford's New Edge design language, it didn't take long until the Cobra R joined the lineup as a special limited-edition model. Limited to 300 units, the 2000MY Ford SVT Cobra R is powered by a shorter 5.4L DOHC Modular V8 engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, producing 385HP of power.
In the twilight of the SN-95 Mustang came the cream of the crop, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. This model is powered by the supercharged 4.6L Terminator V8 engine with 390hp of power.
With the COBRA meeting done, it's time to let the cobras clash around Guanajuato's Bola Ocho to see how potent the Mustang Cobra came in this generation. Let's roll the tape.
Here are the results...
1995 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R - 1m02.996s
2000 Ford SVT Cobra R - 1m01.061s
2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra - 1m00.761s
"Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"! The 2003 Mustang SVT Cobra, with its Terminator V8 engine, is truly the apex predator of the SN-95 Mustang lineage. Although it is the last model to carry the Cobra name, it perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Mustang for kids who grew up in the 90s.
With the last two cars from the game's final series update, the grand total in Forza Horizon 5's car roster is 891. That's it. 891 cars, including DLC cars, prize cars, and Forza Edition cars. It's a shame that they won't be adding any more after this, there are only a few days left before Mi Ultimo Adios.
Until then, let's enjoy the final days of Forza Horizon 5. Let's make the final moments of Horizon Mexico special for this will be the final stop of the Forza Horizon saga. It's a shame there won't be another Forza Horizon after this.
The third-generation Dodge Challenger is no doubt the biggest upset in the muscle car market. When it was launched in 2008, it was an underdog. But it soon became a rising star, even a top contender in the muscle car market. In 2015, it became a real force to be reckoned with when the Hellcat variant was added. So, how did they do it? Let's find out.
The one that propelled the Dodge Challenger to the top of the muscle car food chain is the Challenger SRT Hellcat.
Powered by a supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, it's the most powerful engine ever made by FCA (now Stellantis). Dodge claims it can produce over six hundred horsepower, but it has been verified to generate 707 HP, the most powerful V8 engine ever made in a production car.
With the red key fob engaged, all of the power from its supercharged V8 engine is unleashed. To withstand the monstrous power output, a specially designed 8-speed automatic gearbox is developed to manage the extra power and torque. Thanks to its potent engine, the SRT Hellcat can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds and reach a top speed of 199 mph.
Fast forward to the early years of the US of A under the Trump administration, the Dodge Challenger's status as the apex predator of the muscle car food chain was cemented by this; the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
The Dodge Challenger SRT Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known for breaking every world record in history, especially the fact that it was the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Thanks to the insights gained from the Dodge Challenger Demon, the team at Dodge aimed to develop the flagship variant of the third-generation Challenger. They incorporated all the knowledge from the Hellcat, Demon, and Redeye into this model. The result is the Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, which I won in the final series update of FH5 titled "Midnight Muscle." This car is the second-to-last exclusive vehicle in the game, just so you know.
The Challenger Super Stock was unveiled during Dodge's Fourth of July celebration in 2020. This model is based on the Hellcat Redeye but features an additional 10 horsepower on its supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine, bringing its total to 807 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the Super Stock can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.25 seconds. It achieves a quarter-mile time of 10.5 seconds at a speed of 131 mph, with a top speed of 168 mph (tire-limited).
With the Challenger Hellcat lineage taken care of, it's time to find out which of these three Hellcats is the fastest as the main festival grounds struck midnight. Let's roll the tape.
And now the results...
Challenger Hellcat - 1m17.411s
Challenger Demon - 1m16.693s
Challenger Super Stock - 1m15.025s
What a hell-raising shocker, ladies and gentlemen. I thought the Challenger Demon had the upper hand but it's the less-powerful Challenger Super Stock that emerged victorious. No wonder they made the Super Stock the range-topper of the third-generation Dodge Challenger.
As I mentioned before, during my time in Hell's Paradise, Dodge's reign of terror on the streets with their Hellcat lineup has come to a dramatic end. From the introduction of the Challenger SRT Hellcat to the emergence of the ultimate Challenger Demon, Dodge has established itself as the motoring industry's knight of the apocalypse. As the brand transitions into the electrified era, we can be certain that its audacious legacy will not be forgotten. Dodge has rewritten the rules of performance with a mix of passion and adrenaline.
EPILOGUE
I have grown to respect the range-topper of the final-generation Dodge Challenger, which just gave me a devilish idea. After a platter of Devil's Food Cake, here she is, in her devilish glory.
I shall now call you "Aroma", after the Gaarmagedon member from PriPara, Aroma Kurosu. The devil's in the details, devi!
Under Aroma's spell, let's find out if the Devil Cookie crumbles, and to find out, I went to an EventLab creation devilishly called "Devil's Rush Raceway SS", packed with unforgiving elevations worthy of its name. Don't crumble for me, Devil Cookie. Aroma is on your side.
The elevation really is "hell" but Devil Cookie's harder to crumble, thanks to Aroma's thingamajigs.
The third-generation Dodge Challenger is celebrated by Mopar enthusiasts as a major highlight of the muscle car era, thanks to the incredible power of its Hellcat engine. With the fury of the Hellcat roaring to life, this car has left an indelible mark on the asphalt, embodying the spirit of performance and excitement.
I said this before and I'll say it again. See you in hell, Dodge.
