My FH5 Log: Sea Breeze Flowing To the Stars

Have you heard the story of the sea that loved the moon? Of course, you do. I mean, everybody's familiar with the Legend of the Moon and the Sea. It's a love story a thousand years in the making and making the most out of the "Sea and Moon" vibe, I decided to let Forza Horizon 5's finest grand tourers do the singing and dancing.

If you are in the middle of a drive from the sea to the moon, which GT car is your pick? The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera? The third-generation Bentley Continental GTC? Or the BMW M8? This is exactly the question this game was designed to answer but first, let's get to know the GT cars.

Beginning with the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, this potent version of the DB11 is the ultimate grand tourer designed from the ground up. Underneath its muscular shape and seductive curves, the DBS Superleggera carries the same 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine as the DB11 but uprooted to produce 725PS of power and 900Nm of torque while mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox, it can get from 0-60mph in three and a half seconds and onwards to 211mph. It even comes with torque vectoring, a mechanical LSD, and F1-inspired aerodynamics to make it more track-honed while retaining its grand tourer status.

The Bentley Continental GT's styling is inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept, giving it a fresh new take on Bentley's iconic two-door grand tourer. The third-generation Continental GT runs on the same platform as the second-generation Porsche Panamera and is powered by a brand new 6.0L W12 TSI engine producing 626HP of power and 900Nm of torque. With the 8-speed DCT and 4WD system it does 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and onwards to 207mph. The GT Convertible follows the same recipe as the hardtop variant but has a roof that can be opened or closed in 19 seconds even while traveling at residential speeds.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupe is the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90. It has the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. It produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, and can go from 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250kph, but an optional extra can raise it to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that behaves like a rear-wheel-drive car.

These three grand tourers were proven to be the ideal contenders when you want to take a long drive from the sea to the moon just like the legend itself but if The Sea and The Moon witnessed them, which one is worthy to be a favorite for the ancient couple?

Blessed by the power of The Sea and The Moon, the three grand tourers are in the middle of a one-lap time attack to see which one is the best. Don't worry, nobody's drinking three pints of water just like that Grand Tour episode where they're driving around the racetrack while holding the urge to pee. There's your reference point for you but anyway, let's go!

And now the results...

DBS SL - 56.139s

Continental GTC - 58.959s

M8 - 57.207s

The rear-wheel-drive DBS with its 725PS 5.0L V12 Twin Turbo engine crushed its 4WD opposition but judging by the palindromic results, it's close. Still, these three did a great job pleasing The Sea and The Moon in style and comfort.

The sea breeze flowing to the stars while driving in these grand tourers is a clear reminder of a sad story I just remembered. The DBS Superleggera marked the end of Aston Martin's V12 supremacy, and Bentley ended their 12-cylinder story with cars like the Bentley Continental GT. I don't know what fate's in store for a car like the BMW M8, but some say, it's not going to last long. Whatever the reason, they fought hard until the endgame, and while stories like these plunged speedo boys into an ocean of heartache, they should be thankful to have grand tourers with happy endings worth remembering forever.

That is the sea breeze flowing to the stars. The legend of the sea and the moon is revisited by three dying grand tourers fulfilling their dying wishes to the sea and the moon.

BONUS CHAPTER:

With Hibiki and Michiru done their job, it's time for my Continental GTC to have a one-car show to demonstrate its Bentley-ism. I know this because I got this car from the European Automotive DLC Pack and I loved it, despite its convertible taste.

Before getting its one-car show, some makeover has to be done...

After some extensive makeovers, the Continental GT Convertible is portraying the role of, you guessed it, Shiori from Aikatsu Planet. Suits its personality.

Feeling pleased with this makeover, the Continental GT Convertible is awakened for the clash of the land and the sea with the competition waiting to get a good look at this Bentley. Let's roll the tape.

From the clash of the land and the sea, the Bentley is the summit of its endgame.

Bentley's decision to end the production of the legendary W12 engine has me in an ocean of heartache, just as I was when Aston Martin ended its V12 hierarchy. But bittersweet aside, I'm glad I had a blast playing around with these British-built 12-cylinder wonders alongside a German V8-powered grand tourer nearing its euthanasia while revisiting the legend of the sea and the moon, in my mind.

OK, so we've done our little storytelling. Who wants bream from the Caspian Sea? How about some moonlight cookies or sea fairy cookies?

BMW 5-Series G60 & i5

BMW's premium midsize saloon, the 5-Series, has been regenerated from scratch and it spawned its all-electric derivative, the i5. Time for a little quick dive with the all-new 5-Series.

2024 BMW 5-Series and i5

The 5-Series G60, starting at 57,500 Euros plus additional costs, marked a brave new chapter for BMW's premium midsize saloon, and with the spawning of the first-ever i5 all-electric variant, yours for 70,200 Euros, this is the 5-Series of the new normal, like it or not.

2024 BMW i5 interior

Beginning with the styling, the G60 5-Series prefers to keep it clean, unlike the other "new normal" Bimmers with their monster grilles. While the front view is pleasant for observers, the rear lamps can be utterly mistaken for a facelifted fifth-generation Camaro. Looks odd but this is a clear sign that BMW's designers haven't lost their touch even though the big ones made them lose their minds. 

Step inside, the G60 model showcases the business-end behind the wheel such as the available HUD and augmented view, a 12.3-inch info display and 14.9-inch control display, BMW Live Cockpit Plus, BMW Drive with "QuickSelect" and BMW OS 8.5. 

Because of the new model's minimalist approach which resorts to the reduced number of buttons and controls, it's going to be difficult to figure out where the volume controls and the climate controls are. That's the new normal for you, but still, the added in-car gaming is a flashy gimmick for this one.

The normal G60 5-Series kicks off with the 520i variant with the 208PS 2.0L turbo engine and the 520d with the 197PS 2.0L diesel engine. All of these engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic with the 520i sprints 0-100kph in 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 230kph. Come spring, PHEV variants of the G60 5-Series come into play with the most powerful version being the 550e xDrive with the 3.0L PHEV powertrain producing 489PS of power.

The i5, meanwhile, features a rear-wheel drive eDrive40 variant with 340PS of power output and the all-wheel-drive M60 variant with 601PS of power output, making it capable of hitting 0-100kph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 230kph, the same as the 520i. The i5 eDrive40 is good for 582km while the i5 M60 does 510km in one full charge.

Whichever 5-Series you're on, the G60 model is still the 5-Series we're familiar with; having a near-perfect weight distribution making it capable of handling like a proper BMW, and with the front double wishbones and rear five-link suspension, this is textbook BMW dynamics behind the wheel. To get the most out of it, the G60 5-Series can be fitted with electronically controlled shock absorbers, Integral Active Steering, and new vertical dynamics management, not to mention the Adaptive M Suspension Professional. 

As for safety, the G60 5-Series comes with the available Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control Assist and Distance Control, with Stop & Go, Highway Assistant, the world's first Active Lane Change Assistant, and the available Parking Assist Professional.

Thoughts on the G60 5-Series? Despite its minimalist approach on the inside and the questionable rear view, the improved design, dynamics, and technology made the new model a serious premium executive midsize saloon. Although it's not as fancy as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class W214 it has its crosshairs, the G60 BMW 5-Series is still a textbook BMW business end even though it now comes with the all-electric variant. Should the W214 E-Class and the EQE be worrying? Can't say...

Photo: BMW AG

My FH5 Log: Realizing Voltage

The final week of the Forza Horizon 5 Horizon Creatives update featured the last two new-to-Forza electrified prize cars on the list; the BMW i4 and the Rivian R1S.

Yes, both of these prize cars are purely electric; one is a purely electric luxury liftback while the other is the SUV version of the R1T that I obtained a while back. Might be doing some comparisons later but anyway, let's get to know about the other two electric cars, now that I've got my hands on them.

Beginning with the BMW i4, which is the one I've obtained from the Horizon Creatives' Hot Season Playlist, this is basically an all-electric version of the BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe G26. The variant offered in FH5 is the eDrive40 and the electric motor that powers the rear wheels has 335hp of power and 317ft-lb of torque.

Lastly is the Rivian R1S, the PPV equivalent of the R1T. I also obtained from the Horizon Creatives' Hot Season Playlist as well. Like its truck equivalent, the R1S uses a bespoke platform that includes the battery pack, drive units, independent air suspension, active damping, and hydraulic roll control, among others, making it capable of driving through 3+ feet of water and can rock crawl a 100% grade, thanks to its 14.9-inch ground clearance. Seen here is the one with the Quad-Motor AWD with 10 driving modes, producing 835hp of power and 908lb-ft of torque, capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in three seconds and has 11,000lbs of towing strength.

Having got my word on these two electrified prize cars from the said playlist, it's time to give these two an electrifying workout by sending them to those custom EventLab challenges curated by the game masters behind the creations. The i4 will tackle a custom circuit curated by the game master Spacepacas while the R1S will tackle against a group of professional drivers in an offroad course curated by its game master Twisted Knot. Let's roll the tape.

If anyone's interested in one of these EventLab creations, here are the share codes:

Expedition Training Circuit by Twisted Knot: 122 673 472

Kiyosumi Cuircut by Spacepacas: 118 048 070

So, now that the whole Horizon Creatives prize car collection is completed, I guess it's time for me to spend the last days of Horizon Mexico before getting ready for next week's Forza Motorsport game. Oh wait, I did have early access, am I right? Still, that would be spoilers to explain more about the new Forza Motorsport game because of early access but in the meantime, let's spend the final moments of this Horizon Mexico getaway while I still can. Let's party like it's...you get the idea. LET'S iGO!

My FH5 Log: Dos Por Dos

Ah, the BMW M2. If my memory serves me correctly, this baby M car became my favorite when it was first launched nearly a decade ago. It's the car that often leaves drivers with a rather nice impression at the fit of peak. It's easy to fall in love with the M2 thanks to its driving feel.

As the sun sets on the original M2, the time's come to perform its metamorphosis.

The BMW M2 the world knew has turned and now on its G87 spec, the all-new, second-generation BMW M2 is locked and loaded to pick up the pieces where its F87 predecessor left off.

Having obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Creatives series update's Dry Season Playlist for 20 points, it's time for me to have the word on this odd-looking version of my favorite BMW M car.

Although this is based on the G42 2-Series Coupe, the M2 G87 features a totally different front face that differentiates it from the normal 2-Series Coupe. Under the hood, the M2 G82 uses the same S58 3.0L turbo six-cylinder engine as the M4 G82 but it's been detuned to produce 460PS of power and 550Nm of torque, which is more powerful than the previous M2 F87 Competition model. It can be mated to either a 6-speed MT or an 8-speed M Steptronic AT with Drivelogic which makes it capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 4.1 seconds and a top speed up to 285kph thanks to an optional M Driver's Package. That's 5kph more than the old M2. It also features Active M Differential at the rear axle, Dynamic Stability Control, M Drive Professional with M Traction Control System, Adaptive M suspension, and other dynamic know-how involved.

The M2 G87 was designed and produced in Mexico, which makes it fit in the game's Mexican landscape.

Despite its butchered looks, it still drives just like the M2 I've remembered from a long time ago. With the added power, improved dynamics, and classic BMW M know-how, the M2 G87 still delivers just the good parts drivers are expecting. No, wait, it's far beyond expectations of what a proper M car should be. Fast, agile, and down-to-earth enjoyable behind the wheel. It's everything the all-new M2 is all about.

Having enjoyed my dibs on the M2 G87, the main question is how much improvement it gained compared to the previous M2? With that, I went back to the festival grounds to compare two generations of the BMW M2 and find out if the M2's metamorphosis from the F87 to the G87 paid off. Let's roll the VTR.

And now, the results...

M2 F87 - 1m18.445s

M2 G87 - 1m15.909s

I guess metamorphosis really paid off. The G87 model managed to beat the F87 at the rate of 2.54 seconds, I presume.

The BMW M2 G87 is still the undisputed favorite M car in this age of the new normal. Despite its odd-looking design, the added grunt and dynamics made the new M2 perform even beyond the wildest expectations. 

This baby M car has turned.

My FH5 Log: Rising Voltage

The Storm Season of the Forza Horizon 5's Horizon Creatives series update introduced players to two new electric cars to try; one from BMW and the other is from Rivian, making its Forza franchise debut.

The BMW iX and the Rivian R1T are two electric vehicles that stormed their way through the FH5 Horizon Creatives Storm Season playlist as prize cars and now that I got my hands on these two EVs, it's time to shed some lightning with these two high-voltage wonders.

Beginning with the BMW iX, this is basically the production version of the iNEXT Concept, and apart from its controversial styling, the iX marks the debut of the new-generation BMW iDrive system. Running on BMW Operating System 8, the new iDrive system takes advantage of its BMW Curved Display and the BMW Intelligent Personal Assitant with voice function as well as other noticeable features that will enrich drivers' experience. The xDrive50 variant seen here produces 503PS of power, which is less than today's M3 Competition, 765Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 4.6 seconds, and a top speed of 200kph.

What about the R1T? This electric pickup truck is the maiden product of the US-based electric vehicle maker Rivian. It uses a bespoke platform that includes the battery pack, drive units, independent air suspension, active damping, and hydraulic roll control, among others, making it capable of driving through 3+ feet of water and can rock crawl a 100% grade, thanks to its 14.9-inch ground clearance. Seen here is the one with the Quad-Motor AWD with 10 driving modes, producing 835hp of power and 908lb-ft of torque, capable of sprinting from 0-60mph in three seconds and has 11,000lbs of towing strength.

With their quick introductions done, it's time to let my inner Game Master flow as I'm sending these two electric cars to their designated challenges because this is Horizon Creatives after all, the perfect series update to spend your last days in FH5 before moving to this October's Forza Motorsport game.

First off, the BMW iX is tackling the yet-to-be-repaired roads of Guanajuato in my updated version of my Guanajuato Rallycross EventLab creation due to an anonymous request to make it an "Anything Goes" event. Hope this is what you wanted.

Next, the Rivian R1T is thrown to the not-too-distant future when extreme global warming turns the entire Horizon Mexico festival into a frozen wasteland just like what happened in the movie The Day After Tomorrow. It's the ideal EventLab challenge to let its Quad-Motor AWD powertrain rip through the snow-buried festival grounds. So much for the rescue flares, guys.

Let's roll the tapes.

If you want to take a crack at my EventLab creations, here are the share codes...

Guanajuato Rallycross V2 - 110 867 006

Horizon Mexico Ice Age - 140 591 782 

These two electric cars are worth driving in my last days of Horizon Mexico but, as it turned out, they're just getting started because there's another electric BMW and another Rivian coming to the festival later during the Horizon Creatives update soon so stay tuned.

My FH5 Log: The 8 You Give

Since 1989, the BMW 8-Series has been the flagship grand tourer that feels right at home on the road and on the track. With two different generations present in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to have a quick dive with the 8er.

From the original E31 to the G15-spec revival in addition to the F92 BMW M8 range, the 8-Series is all about business and pleasure for the desired driver behind the wheel. With the right blend of luxury and performance, this German grand tourer does it all like a man in a suit and tie but with rubber shoes.

Just how different are these two generations of the 8er? Let's examine...

Beginning with the 850CSi, the one that I've obtained from the Horizon Creatives update as an overall prize, it was based on the 850i but the 5.0L V12 engine has been tweaked into a 5.6L V12 engine, producing 372 horsepower and 402lb-ft of torque. It can do 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 184mph. It's the only BMW model to have a V12 engine mated to a manual gearbox.

Now, let's move to the BMW M8 Competition Coupe, one of the game's DLC cars. It's basically the coupe version of the BMW M5 F90, meaning it still packs the same 4.4L V8 turbo engine and the 8-speed automatic. In its Competition spec, it produces 625PS of power and 750Nm of torque, sprinting through 0 to 100kph in up to 3.2 seconds and electronically limited to 250kph or with an optional extra where it can be raised to 305kph. Like the M5 F90, the M8 comes with an M xDrive all-wheel-drive system with M Dynamic mode that allows it to behave like a rear-wheel-drive car.

Now that we get to know about the two 8ers, it's time to find out how much the 8-Series has progressed from the original to the current model, and with that, I'm on the streets of Guanajuato, closed course, to proceed with this German experiment. Let's cue the tape.

And here are the results...

850CSi - 1m19.012s

M8 - 1m05.949s

Well, the evolution of the 8-Series from the E31 850CSi to the F92 M8 Competition took around 13 seconds from that to this. Guess BMW's wise to revive the 8-Series five years ago, albeit with mixed results.

From the V12-powered goodness of the 850CSi to the turbocharged V8 tango of the M8 Competition Coupe, the 8-Series really is business and pleasure at its own pace. Sadly, with some rumors saying it will be gone again, rest assured that I've given two generations of the 8er the best time of their lives, and looks like they've served their purpose before being erased by the times one more time, honest.

This is the 8 you give. Hope you've enjoyed driving both generations of the BMW 8er.

CASE CLOSED.

My FH5 Log: G80 M3

The BMW G80 M3 is no doubt one of the most controversial cars ever made due to its polarizing front face which caused a lot of mixed reactions when it first came out in 2021 and now that it made the rounds in Forza Horizon 5 via the Horizon Creatives update, the time's come to experience behind the wheel of one of the most controversial Bimmers of all time.

Obtained from the Horizon Creatives' Wet Season Playlist, the all-new G80 BMW M3 kickstarted the lineup of BMW models coming to this update in addition to two vehicles from a certain brand making its Forza franchise debut. It's spoilers but let's focus on this big-grilled Bimmer teased and taunted the world over.

The G80 M3 marks the third time BMW made a four-door M3 since the E90 and the F80 models. It features the controversial vertical kidney grille slapped on the front, which caused outrage from the motoring community. Putting aside its controversial front face, it 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.

I already drove the G82 M4 a long time ago in the game and this four-door equivalent feels pretty much the same to me, although the sedan is slightly heavier than its coupe equivalent. Like the G82 M4, it's rear-wheel-drive in default and I have the option to have it equipped with xDrive all-wheel-drive system but I'll think about it because it's a little surprise that I'm experimenting later on.

While figuring out what kind of surprise I'll make with the G80 M3, I've picked a certain EventLab creation to test this monster-grilled abomination since we're in the month of Horizon Creatives after all. I've selected one of Twisted Knot's creations and this EventLab creation is the ideal place to let the G80 M3 loose. Let's roll the tape.

A slight mistake but hey, this M3 proved its point.

Love it or hate it, this big-grilled BMW M3 is a proven super saloon in its own right and looks like I'm starting to get hooked on it amid its horrifying looks. Forget face value, this is the M3 you would want to come back for more if you're brave enough to do so.

About the little surprise, I said for the G80 M3, I'm currently working on it so watch this space.