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.

Let's Do The News! (November 18, 2024)

          

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- The PH House of Representatives' Quad Committee hearing was suspended, according to Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who gave no reason for the cancellation.

- A reward of one million pesos is being offered by the House of Good Government and Public Accountability for any information regarding "Mary Grace Piattos." Her signature appears on nearly all of the acknowledgment receipts for the confidential funds associated with the offices of Vice President Sara Duterte.

- Super Typhoon Pepito has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, according to PAGASA.

- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will no longer mandate the registration of privately owned accounts that will endorse candidates for the 2025 national and local elections (NLE).

- US President Joe Biden allows Ukraine to strike Russia with long-range US missiles. Biden authorized Ukraine to use US long-range missiles to strike inside Russia.

- Hyundai showcased its Avante N TCR Edition to commemorate Hyundai N's recent TCR Series victory.

Hyundai Avante N TCR Edition Concept

- The TV series Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-kun will return for its 4th season.

- Choi Yoojung and Kim Doyeon renewed their contracts with Fantagio while Ji Suyeon left.

- James Harden is now ranked 2nd in the NBA's all-time 3-pointers list.

- Charlotte Hornets player LaMelo Ball broke his silence following a $100K fine for his anti-gay term.

TTFN.

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.

Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig wins 73rd Miss Universe pageant

Amid controversies surrounding the organization's owner JKN Global, the 73rd Miss Universe pageant proceeded as planned in the heart of Mexico.

Beauty queens from many countries are vying for the top spot bestowed by Nicaragua's Sheynnis Palacios, the previous winner.

Image: Miss Universe

Denmark's Victoria Kjær Theilvig is crowned the 73rd Miss Universe winner, beating the likes of Nigeria's Chidimma Adetshina, who faces scrutiny after South Africa issued a warning to revoke her ID documents according to reports, Mexico's Maria Fernandez Beltran, Thailand's Suchata Chuangsri, and Venezuela's Ileana Marquez.

In the Q&A segment, asked what message to the future generation of women, Theilvig said;

"My message to all the world that are watching out there is no matter where you come from, no matter your past, you can always choose to turn it into your strengths. It will never define who you are. You just gotta keep fighting. I stand here today because I want to change, I want to make history, and that's what I'm doing tonight. So, never give up always, believe in yourself, in your dreams, and that is exactly what you're going to do. Thank you."

Congratulations to Victoria Kjær Theilvig and the finalists of the 73rd Miss Universe pageant!

2024 Repco Supercars Championship - VAILO Adelaide 500

The 2024 Repco Supercars Championship concludes with the VAILO Adelaide 500. With everything happening this season behind them,  all eyes are on the two Red Bull Ampol drivers, Will Brown and Broc Feeney as they will settle the score in the finale. The question is, which one will be the champion?

Screengrab from Supercars

In the season's penultimate race, the Red Bull Ampol team delivered a 1-2 finish with Feeney the winner and Brown the second-placer. At the same time, Cam Waters was the only Mustang driver completing the podium with a third-place finish. In the finale, Will Brown's victory ahead of the two Mustang drivers, Optus' Chaz Mostert and Monster Castrol Racing's Thomas Randle, earned him the right to be crowned the champion.

Congratulations to Will Brown for becoming the 2024 Supercars champion!

This concludes the 2024 Repco Supercars Championship. See you next season.

Let's Do The News! (November 16, 2024)

         

Your daily round-up of today's news...

- Pepito intensified into a Super Typhoon as it approached the Bicol Region.

- 11 SAF personnel were sacked for moonlighting, according to the Philippine National Police.

- Former UK MP William Wragg tells the BBC he felt "enormous guilt" over his role in the Westminster honeytrap scandal.

- Israel police questioned Tzachi Braverman, an aide of Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, over altered records of the October 7, 2023 terror attacks.

- The left-wing alliance of Sri Lanka's new President Dissanayake wins in a landslide.

- Vaccine shares have dropped following Donald Trump's vaccine-skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointment as health secretary.

- Formula 1 will host Monaco Grand Prix races until 2031 via a new contract extension.

- Penske Entertainment has purchased the Long Beach Grand Prix.

- The TV anime Himitsu no AiPri was renewed for a second season.

- THE IDOLM@STER Tours arcade game's service will commence this 2025.

- Jake Paul defeats boxing legend Mike Tyson via unanimous decision.

- Connor Williams abruptly retires from the NFL at the age of 27.

- BBC's Doctor Who TV series announced the title of the 2024 Christmas Special. The 2024 Christmas Special is titled "Joy to the World".

TTFN.

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.