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...

My FH5 Log: THE M4

In its glorious past, BMW made some of the coolest cars speedo boys love to drive. Now, the world's best luxury carmaker has just gone south of the border because of questionable designs that draw flak from the motoring crowd. One such example is this...

That's right, what you're looking up here is the G82 BMW M4 Coupe, in Competition spec, which I've just won from FH5's Rami's Racing History playlist. The Bimmer with the terrifying kidney grille caused a perfect storm from the motoring crowd is here and it's ready to upset almost everyone.

The G82 M4, like its 4-door G80 M3 equivalent, features the controversial vertical kidney grille slapped on the front, which caused outrage from the motoring community. Putting aside its controversial front face, the G82 M4 is armed with the 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox if you're into the more powerful Competition variant with 510PS of power, 650Nm of torque, and a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds. It also comes with an upgraded suspension and chassis setup to make it wider, lower, more rigid, and more enjoyable to drive than its predecessor.

The particular M4 that I've won from the said playlist is the Competition model in a standard rear-wheel-drive configuration, which is great if you're in the mood for smoking. Of course, I can have this G82 M4 in all-wheel-drive Competition configuration but I'll think about it because it's a little surprise that I'm experimenting later on. Anyway, while not have a single comment about its front face, the new M4's dynamics are what fancied me to get one. It drives like every M car should and I'm starting to find great reasons to enjoy it.

Well, well, looks like the time's come to compare two generations of the BMW M4. With the F82 and G82 now living under one roof, it's time to find out which version is the best.

With the streets of Guanajuato my makeshift laboratory, both M4 versions will lap around the cathedral in the fastest time possible. Without further ado, roll VTR.

After letting loose with their hot laps, here are the results;

F82 M4 - 1m08.552s

G82 M4 Competition - 1m08.819s

What a shocking result! Despite being more powerful than its predecessor, the G82 M4 couldn't beat the previous F82 M4 by around 0.3 seconds. Guess the big kidney grille wasn't the only problem with the current generation.

Sure, the face is not what you called friendly and it's not nearly as good as the previous model but hey, at least I got the chance to drive the all-new BMW M4 in Forza Horizon 5. 

Having a blast with this car, I have learned a very valuable lesson about this car. I don't know what that is but it's time to grow up. There's room for improvement for the new M4 and this is something we can all agree on.

Anyway, enjoy your new BMW M4.

BMW M4 Cabriolet (G83)

The monstrously-grilled BMW M4 is also available in the open-top Cabriolet version and it offers the same driving thrills and spills of the Coupe, now with the foldable hardtop if you're in the mood for open-top driving on sunshine.

2022 BMW M4 Cabriolet

Priced at 98,500 Euros plus additional costs, the Cabriolet version of the M4 is more expensive and bulkier than its coupe equivalent but it still behaves like it, not to mention the monstrously-huge vertical kidney grilles at the front to put salt to your wounds.

Of course, behind the monster grilles, the M4 Cabriolet still dons the same reworked dynamics, improved performance, cutting-edge tech, and more, just like its coupe equivalent. The same goes for the interior as well, but don't toy with the Alexa-ish BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant or you'll ruin somebody's day.

The M4 Cabriolet is offered exclusively in Competition trim, donning the same 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder engine from the coupe version, producing 510PS of power and 650Nm of torque while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox and the rear-biased M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that lets you have fun without the drama involved. 

Despite being heavier than the coupe, which is the main reason why its 0-100kph time has increased to 3.7 seconds compared to the M4 Coupe Competition xDrive's 3.5-second mark, the M4 Cabriolet is still as fun to drive as the coupe because of its sport-tuned dynamics that work wondrously on the road and track, and thanks to its M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that works like the current M5, it's still as addictive as the coupe equivalent. You'll spend the rest of the day cranking the ohms until you are as high as a kite flying in a middle of a thunderstorm.

Just like its coupe equivalent, the M4 Cabriolet is bad plus good equals better for everyone who is man enough to drive this monster.

Photo: BMW

BMW M3 (G80) and M4 (G82)

Well, it had to happen. After so many complaints from speedo boys ranting about the terrifying vertical kidney grille slapped on the second-generation 4-Series' face and feared that the next M3 and M4 could get the same treatment as the one mentioned, the new generation BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe have arrived and yes, it dons the terrifying vertical kidney grille that had most speedo boys complaining. So, behind the terrifying grille, what's it feels like to be with the new model?

2022 BMW M4

2022 BMW M3

The new BMW M3 sedan and M4 coupe have arrived with the terrifying vertical kidney grille slapped on the front, the kind of grille most speedo boys are complaining about, probably because our favorite German luxury car maker's gone progressive in every way, but behind the grille, the new models featured reworked dynamics, improved performance, cutting-edge tech, and more, keeping in tune with BMW's motorsport knowhow as well as...the times.

Of course, as speedo boys keep complaining about the massive vertical grille on the face, there's more to this design that polarizes them. On the interior, it still operates and feels just like their normal equivalents, apart from the annoying but clever BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant that works like your Amazon Alexa device in every way or so but since they're potent versions of the 3-Series sedan and 4-Series coupe, you are greeted by the M-specific treatments that differentiate them such as its sports seats, buttons, and some extras. The carbon fiber trim's a bit tacky by the way but being tacky is what these new models do best.

Under the hood, the new models are armed with the 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder engine that can be mated to either a no-nonsense 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic gearbox if you're into the more powerful Competition variant with 510PS of power, 650Nm of torque, and a 0-100kph time of 3.9 seconds. As speedo boys complained about the looks but went to buy one anyway, looks like the less powerful base variant with the manual gearbox is the best pick because speedo boys love sports cars with a manual gearbox. Hey, the one with the manual gearbox can be so much more fun to drive than the new Toyota GR Supra, which has less power and no manual. Cue the raspberry sound effects, boys.

While the performance is somewhat rewarding for speedo boys who didn't bother about its controversial looks, the new M3 and M4 are getting more fun to drive than their predecessors. That's because they have updated its suspension and chassis setup to make it wider, lower, more rigid, and more enjoyable to drive than the previous models. There are also clever bits as well such as the M Dynamic Mode on the stability control, updated TCS, M Drive Professional system with M Traction Control, and more, giving you more ways to get intoxicated by its addictive dynamics that made you want to drive for more.

In standard rear-wheel drive specs, the new M3 and M4 really show some vitality through the corners and when you try oversteering it, you should be just fine. Speedo boys really dig the ones with rear-wheel drive configuration but with the all-wheel-drive variants arriving later, there's so much to get hooked with the new models because, for those who have experience with the all-wheel-drive M5, you can expect near-similar results with these two.

The case of "bad plus good equals better for everyone" could be the ideal summary for the new M3 and M4 because with the design that attracts so much heat from complaining speedo boys, the improved performance and dynamics, as well as the manual gearbox, are what made them good. Think about it, if you still complaining about the looks, why are you driving one?

Photo: BMW

Forza Horizon 4: Hardcore Beamers

From the legendary M3-GTR to the questionable M4 GTS, BMW is known for making hardcore versions of its ever-popular models based on the 3-Series architecture and for wooing enthusiasts everywhere, these hardcore Bimmers are known for being track-focused, meaning they have stripped every concession of comfort in the pursuit of being driver-focused, go-to, track toys.



Although drivers can take them on the road, they feel like they're not judging the fact that these Bimmers stripped every necessity for weight-saving purposes, but when taken to the track, these Bimmers surely shine themselves like gymnasts. Let's get to know those hardcore Bimmers from the M3-GTR to the M4 GTS.



The BMW M3-GTR remains a legend in BMW M Power history and this road-going version is no exception. Made for homologation purposes, the E46 M3-GTR is the first ever BMW to be powered by a V8 engine, a 4.0L one derived from the racing version, producing 380HP of power and mated to a 6-speed manual. It is capable of getting 0-100kph in over four and a half seconds. BMW only made ten of these, making the M3-GTR road car an ultra-rare machine to hunt for even if it was labeled as the "Most Wanted." Pun intended.



Next up is the M3 GTS, a stripped-off version of the M3 Coupe with all of its comforts removed and increased the size V8 engine to 4.4L, resulting in 450hp of power output, while mated to a seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift. Apart from that, the M3 GTS features high-performance suspension, high-performance brakes, and improved aerodynamics, giving it a more race car feel on the go.



Lastly, for now, is the BMW M4 GTS, the lightweight version of the BMW M4 Coupe capable of getting through the Nurburgring at 7 minutes and 28 seconds. It is the first to use water injection that pumps more power to its turbocharged six-cylinder in-line 3.0L engine, resulting in 500hp of power and 600Nm of torque. With the 7-speed DCT equipped, the M4 GTS can go 0-100kph in less than four seconds and onwards to 305kph. Apart from that, the M4 GTS weighs 1,510 kg thanks to its removal of interior comforts, extensive use of CFRP, and more. They've even reworked the chassis and driving dynamics to make it more track-focused while keeping its road-legal status at the same time.







So, now that I got the chance to know about these track-day BMWs, how about sending these three for a time attack...with a twist? Since we've used a Street Scene stage somewhere in Edinburgh, the objective the cars will do is to set a fast time while avoiding traffic. I know it sounds outrageous but hey, challenge accepted.

After surviving the night around Edinburgh, here are the lap times;

M3-GTR - 2:24.211
M3 GTS - 2:17.437
M4 GTS - 2:16.417





From M3-GTR to M4 GTS, it took almost eight seconds to evolve these hardcore Bimmers from the former to the latter and it seems that BMW had done a pretty good job shaving off some fat to make their fast cars even faster than they were in the last decade.

I just hope this go-faster recipe will never change even if it's in the hands of a much terrifying replacement coming soon.

Forza Horizon 3: Himmel Mancheese

In case you never know, Porsche returns to the world of Forza and with their new six-year partnership agreement, looks like we'll be seeing Porsches in future installments and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Since Porsche was freed from EA exclusivity, most games are willing and able to feature Stuttgart's finest not just for action racing but for racing simulation to demonstrate Porsche's true capabilities and for the Forza franchise, this is a welcoming feat.



The opening salvo of Porsche's return to Forza is the latest 911 (991) GT3 RS, as seen on Forza Horizon 3's Porsche Car Pack of April. This is known to be one of the fastest track cars Porsche ever made and finally, the 911 everyone wants to get on the groove, especially in the Land Down Under.



The GT3 is the stripped-out model that took Porsche decades of German engineering that brought into this and like its normal model, the 911 GT3 provides some stylish design and spartan driving manners with its organic bodywork, "mild" driving feel, and a decade-old philosophy. The GT3 RS model pushes the GT3 to the extreme by dropping 10kg of weight from the normal GT3, increase the flat-6 engine's size from 3.8 to four liters, and feature unique aerodynamics that makes the track weapon more potent on the racetrack and because it lapped the Nurburgring in under seven minutes and 20 seconds, it's surprisingly faster than the Porsche Carrera GT supercar of 2003.

I miss the 991 911 Turbo from the previous installments but to me, the handling is a bit harsh and mild for a high-powered 911 and now, with the 911 GT3 RS, although it's not as powerful as the Turbo, the handling is really magic to me and finally, some "himmel mancheese" to get our mouth on. This is definitely the 911 everyone's wanting for, although the PDK is out of context for the track toy, and driving the 991 911 GT3 RS is by no means the actual representation of a childhood memory where someone is playing Ridge Racer V and their favorite car was the Himmel EO. This is like that RRV favorite because like that, its stylish design and spartan driving manners makes them very hard to resist such temptation and who can blame them?

Speaking of which, this car got featured in The Grand Tour where Jeremy Clarkson compares it with this...





This is the BMW M4 GTS which I found this on FH3's Alpinestars Car Pack. Like the GT3 RS, this is a stripped-out version of the BMW M4 that rids of everything that doesn't help with driving such as a radio of course and some rear seats, add some unique aerodynamics inspired from its DTM racing champion, and to top it all, arm the six-cylinder in-line turbo engine with water injection to deliver 500HP of power. All sounds great but it's about eight seconds slower than the 911 GT3 RS on the Nurburgring and in The Grand Tour's Eboladrome, two seconds slower than the GT3 RS as well.



Hey, since these two are featured in the show and compared, how about I can compare these two at the only place in Byron Bay I know? How about, you guessed it, The Grand Tour Sprint? Yep, the sprint track with the words "Grand Tour" on it. Sounds catchy but let's get on with it.



And now, the results...

2016 BMW M4 GTS (493hp/442ft-lb/3,329lb/51%/2,979cc/S1 849) - 2:27.381
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (493hp/339ft-lb/3,131lb/39%/3,996cc/S2 929) - 2:18.906

Hey, The Grand Tour is right about the M4 GTS slower than the GT3 RS. Although I like the way BMW made their response against the track-focused Porsche, they really made a hash of it and there's a metaphor for this one but I don't know what that is.





Feeling pleased about the 911 GT3 RS, I did something special for this Porsche and yes, you get the point. With the design ready, the 911 GT3 RS is ready to take on other 911 drivers in the city for a little cars, coffee, and a race.





Although it lost the comparo, the M4 GTS doesn't want to be left behind so I made a little familiar design for this car and while the 911 GT3 RS is busy wowing the other 911 cars, the M4 GTS will have to hang out with the other city delinquents. Poor girl...



That, ladies and gentlemen, is what you called the Himmel Mancheese.