My FH5 Log: The last Audi TT

Production of the Audi TT ended late last year, ending its 25-year run since its 1998 debut. Although gone, its legacy will never be forgotten.

The world already bid the Audi TT farewell but here in Forza Horizon 5, it's time to have one last ride with the Audi TT.

The Audi TT RS, in its final generation guise, is the ultimate version of the Audi TT, the fitting car for the TT's final drive here in Horizon Mexico. But first, a little re-introduction with this one.

The Audi TT RS is the ultimate all-around sports car, capable of reaching uncharted heights that no other sports car in its class dares to go. Powered by a five-cylinder 2.5L turbocharged engine, the Audi TT RS produces 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed DSG, the Audi TT RS sprints from 0-100kph in 3.7 seconds and has a top speed of 280kph thanks to an optional extra.

For the 2020 model year, the third-generation Audi TT RS received a minor change, featuring an improved exterior design with wider air intakes, a new front spoiler, new inlets flanking the grille, redesigned sills with black inlays, a new rear wing, new air vents, and a revised diffuser. However, the 2.5L turbocharged engine remains unchanged, meaning it still has 400PS of power and 480Nm of torque.

In late 2022, Audi unveiled the TT RS iconic edition, of which only 100 were made for European customers. It features a unique aero kit, a special interior, and Nardo Grey exterior paint. In late 2023, Audi ended production of the TT, which had a three-generation run of 25 years since its 1998 debut.

I won this car at the Horizon Race-Off Storm Season Playlist and the way it looks and feels is just like its pre-facelifted equivalent that we had years ago. Despite donning a different look, it is still the unscripted hero we're familiar with, chewing off the Ariel Nomad and spitting its backbones.

It's still the 4WD sports car in its class you don't want to mess with because anyone trying to square off against the Audi TT RS will make them realize why it performs that others can't. With its unique turbocharged 5-cylinder engine, legendary quattro all-wheel-drive, and short proportions, no one comes close to the Audi TT.

To see how much the final Audi TT RS progressed compared to the first TT that got the RS variant, the second-generation Audi TT, let's drive these two at the Castillo Del Mar for a little progress check. Roll the tape.

And now the results...

TT Mk2 RS - 2m30.334s

TT Mk3 RS F/L - 2:21.7084

Nearly nine seconds. That's how much improvement the final TT RS gained from the first TT RS and Audi never joked about the progress the TT has made through the years.

Before making my last farewell with the Audi TT, I gave it one last attempt to shine and that meant calling in an old friend.

The third-generation Audi TT RS gets all vibrant and pastel for the role of Waccha PriMagi's Miruki Amauri. It's the same one I did from the pre-facelift but you will notice a slight difference between them. Don't thank me, thank Honeytan for this, dao.

With Miruki back for her final encore, it's time for the last Audi TT in history to perform its final dance. Roll the tape.

Not the prettiest ending I hoped for but this is how the Audi TT rolls.

It's been a privilege working with you...

25 years, three generations, one Audi TT. Beyond its tenure, this unique sports car chose to exist rather than to live, and in the end, it made a huge mark in the motoring scene. Although gone, its legacy will never be forgotten.

Auf Wiedersehen, Audi TT...

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?

My FM Log: The ultimate 718

The Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the ultimate 718 that knows no bounds when it comes to its serious performance and dynamics, and having won this car from the Ringer Tour until the final Thursday of March, Forza Motorsport allowed me to drive one.

So, what's it all about the ultimate 718? Unveiled at the 2021 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is the ultimate version of Porsche's mid-engined sports car that pushes beyond its limits on the road and the track.

Using the same 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine from the 992 911 GT3, the 718 GT4 RS produces 500PS of power output, and while mated exclusively with a 7-speed PDK, it does 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 315km/h, faster than the normal 718 Cayman GT4.

Performance aside, the 718 GT4 RS features numerous chassis upgrades such as 30mm lower ride height, ball-jointed suspension mountings, stiffer springs, and anti-roll balls, as well as adaptive Bilstein dampers, 20-inch forged aluminum centre-locking wheels, and the available Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake carbon-ceramic discs.

Thanks to such improvements, it lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife in 7:04.511, faster than the base 718 Cayman GT4, with river Jörg Bergmeister behind the wheel.

Because the Nordschleife made its appearance in Forza Motorsport, I decided to take on a merciless punishment with this car as I tried to match the real-world lap time set by this car on this track.

SPOILER ALERT: I failed.

Although I didn't beat the real-world lap time, I had fun trying out the ultimate 718 in the Green Hell. I am extremely grateful to experience the ultimate expression of Porsche's mid-engined masterpiece that tries hard to be the 911's anti-thesis.

Although nearly as good as a 911 GT3, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is unique and spartan as every Porsche should be. The more you know.

Enjoy your new ride.

My FH5 Log: Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel

Although they both share the same four-liter vessel, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin. Differences aside, these two are born to make bold statements on the road and the track.

Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS share the same 4.0L flat-six naturally aspirated engine as well as the seven-speed PDK but what separates them is the power output as the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is 10PS less compared to the 911 GT3. 500PS for the 718's vs. 510PS for the 911's. However, despite being less powerful than the 911 GT3, the 718 GT4 RS is 20kg lighter than the 911 GT3, 1415kg vs. 1435kg.

Both the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS lapped the Nurburgring Nordschleife with the former at 6:59.927 and the latter at 7:04.511, meaning for Porsche fanatics, being RR is the way to go for a Porsche, not MR.

Since this is Forza Horizon 5, the 911 GT3 and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS deserved some quiet time on party grounds because, despite their sibling strife, they sure know how to entertain the festival goers with their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance that will keep them longing for more. 

There are too many variables between them but it's time to find out which is the best. In genuine Porsche fashion, I went to the streets of Guanajuato to give the 911 GT3 and the 718 GT4 RS their every day "need for speed "they deserve while figuring out which of these hardcore versions is pure alpha. Let's roll the tape.

And now, the results...

992 911 GT3 - 1m33.994s

718 GT4 RS - 1m34.361s

It may be a one-sided brawl but in the end, the 911 GT3 is still Code Alpha compared to its mid-engined sibling by nearly half a second. Close shave but touche.

No doubt about it, the 911 GT3, and the 718 Cayman GT4 RS are two different sides of the same coin but when you experience them both, their unique race-inspired aerodynamics and performance make you drive faster and harder for longer. It's the new taste for peanuts, the Porsche way.

EPILOGUE

Having grown my interest in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS, which is one of the DLC cars in Forza Horizon 5, it's time for me to give this hardcore 718 a much-needed makeover before setting off for its one-car showtime.

Yes, I know. If Dorothy gets my 911 GT3 like last time, my 718 GT4 RS gets Reona. Get it? It's the new meaning for Fortune Party, and good things happen when you light up their fortunes.

Anyway, it's showtime for our Reona-chan as my 718 GT4 RS takes on a re-enactment of the famous Sydney Opera House by a certain FH5 player named China4567690. Shoutout to the master of this creation. Anyway, let's get the show rolling.

Man, the race-tuned suspension wasn't built for this but at least it had fun exploring the underbelly of the Sydney Opera House re-enactment.

On the road and track, you will forever be thankful that the GT4 RS is the ultimate version of the 718 that knows all asphalt. With its 4.0L naturally-aspirated engine, 7-speed PDK, and race-inspired aerodynamics, the 718 Cayman GT4 RS is "perfectly irrational" in every way. When you pair this car with the 911 GT3, this is what the Glänzende Nova & Frischer Himmel looks like to you, the speedo boy.

The legend will never die...

My FH5 Log: Euro Trash

Would you look at that? The European Automotive update of Forza Horizon 5 is constantly littered with European junk cars out from the junkyard and into the ever-growing FH5 car roster. The cesspool of junk cars keeps on growing.

First up is the Lancia Fulvia from the Hot Season Playlist. Powered by a 1.3L V4 engine, it's the car that made Lancia win its first World Rally Championship. Not bad for a front-wheel-drive coupe that costs more than the Jaguar E-Type when it was new.

Next up is the Citroen DS 23 from the Storm Season Playlist. This is the iconic hatchback that first introduced Citroen's signature hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension system which uses liquid hydraulic and gas-pressured suspension instead of springs, giving it a comfy ride on all kinds of road surfaces. It was the first to use disc brakes.

Fresh from the Dry Season Playlist is the Series 4 Lotus Esprit, the last V8-powered Lotus ever made and one of the last production cars with pop-up headlights.

The Hot Season Playlist featured a double bill of German garbage; the Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up and the Mercedes-Benz 500 E. The Doka is basically the pickup variant of the Volkswagen Type 2 minibus while the 500 E is the V8-powered variant of the W124 E-Class made from a Porsche factory.

Let's give the quintuplet of European garbage a good dirty driving just showcase just how good these rusty beaters from the Old Continent were. Roll the tapes.

These rusty beaters proved their point but as it turned out, they were nothing compared to the worst European toxic waste of the pack; the AMG Hammer Wagon from the European Automotive DLC Pack.

The AMG Hammer Wagon is a one-off W214 wagon built for a client from the USA. Started out in life as a diesel-powered W214 wagon until the original owner commissioned AMG to convert it into a super wagon, armed with a 6.0L V8 engine producing 375hp of power while mated to a 4-speed AT. It even comes with a locking differential to help the rear axle endure the punishment from the V8 engine, among others.

Want to see how the AMG Hammer Wagon roars? You're in luck because let's get the tape rolling.

The latest batch of toxic waste dump proves that the cesspool of rusty beaters never stops growing, giving Gen Z players uncontrollable anxiety, complaining about why the Forza producers keep dumping junk cars in such a wonderful racing game.

Are we seeing more junk cars in the next FH5 series update next week? Yes, there will be junk cars next week so brace yourselves for more rusty beaters ruining your FH5 experience.