Forza Horizon 5 News

From the days of yore to modern wonders, this series’ Festival Playlist brings 8 samples of the best vehicles Europe has ever produced. Whether you’re looking for electric, sports, or utility, there are two unlockable cars available every week to fit your mood.

Unlock these exclusive cars by earning Festival Playlist points and by completing exciting events featured on the four weeks of the Festival Playlist.

[h3]2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro[/h3]

Earn 20 PTS during Week 1 “Summer” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from February 29 until March 7.

From the land of the ice and snow, a creature of legend storms the Horizon Festival.

The 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro wields a gobsmacking hybrid 6.5-liter V-12 engine that puts out 1,000 horsepower, 400 more than the version designed to run Le Mans.

Its exterior design goes completely against what’s expected from an Aston Martin, instead of being the reserved car driven by secret agents, the Valkyrie’s outdoors is an expression of the same lunacy that’s kept under its bonnet.

Drive into the Valhalla in this mostly extravagant chariot unlocking the Valkyrie AMR Pro on the first week of the Festival Playlist.

[h3]1968 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF[/h3]

Complete “Lucky Lancia” Seasonal Championship Event during Week 1 “Summer” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from February 29 until March 7.

From the same car makers that won every single rally Italian Rally Championship from 1965 until 1973, another off-roading racing legend arrives: the 1968 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF.

Famous for doing crazy innovations with their cars, Lancia fit the Fulvia with the V4 engine that produced 114 bhp that propelled Sandro Munari and Mario Mannucci to take their own edition of the Monte Carlo rally in 1972.

Not only is this car a remarkable off-roader, but it is also a piece of moving history and Italian racing legacy.

[h3]2021 Volkswagen ID.4[/h3]

Earn 20 PTS during Week 2 “Autumn” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 7 until March 14.

One of the first cars to enter Volkswagen’s EV lineup comes in as a practical and powerful SUV.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is a comfortable electric vehicle that doesn’t shy away from the acceleration we are used to seeing in electrically powered cars. The all-wheel drive system included in this SUV along with its 295 hp engine allows it to float from 0 – 100 in 5.4 seconds.

As per usual, one of the best parts of featuring an SUV (electric or not) as a reward car is seeing what type of vehicle you can create with its tuning options. Take advantage of its amazing acceleration or go from the ground up to create the best off-roading EV in your garage.

[h3]1975 Citroën DS 23[/h3]

Complete “Cult Legends” Seasonal Championship Event during Week 2 “Autumn” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 7 until March 14.

Ooh-la-la, a magnifique example of wonderful French engineering is available to unlock in the 1975 Citroen DS 23.

One of the most prominent features that makes this car special is its central hydraulic system which makes the DS 23 ride like no other vehicle. This car doesn’t have springs as suspension, instead it uses an intricate system of fluid and gas stored in a sphere that moves around when cornering absorbing shock like an active suspension would.

Being one of the fashion capitals of the world, France could not let one of its greatest cars go out without looking très chic. The almost futuristic outside design coupled with the aerodynamic lines encapsulated the groundbreaking ideas stored in its mechanical work.

It was named DS after the French word for goddess, and yes, we can still see the divinity in it after 40 years.

[h3]2021 Mercedes-AMG SL 63[/h3]

Earn 20 PTS during Week 3 “Winter” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 14 until March 21.

Great news, everyone: Mercedes has decided to transform their classic convertible into a piece of performance to rock you like a hurricane. Replacing the GT Roadster, the 2021 Mercedes-AMG SL63 is hitting the Horizon Festival to rock you like a hurricane.

As with the very best creations to come out of Germany, attention to detail is of the outmost relevance. Everything from the selection of materials to the decision to use a fabric top to save weight makes the car as light as possible, and as fast as you want it to be. Under the hood, the SL 63 proudly wears a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine that reaches 100 kmh from nothing in a mere 3.6 seconds.

Then, there’s the looks. As beautiful as you want a convertible Mercedes-AMG car to be as well as details that pay homage to the car maker’s legacy such as the front grill.

Discover the sensational feelings an AMG can put in your hands with the SL63

[h3]2002 Lotus Esprit V8[/h3]

Complete “Lotus Leaf” Seasonal Championship Event during Week 3 “Winter” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 14 until March 21.

Another hero from the Union Jack headlines the Festival Playlist. Made an icon due to its popping headlights and mighty 3.5-liter V8 engine, the 2002 Lotus Esprit V8 is no stranger to racing and adventuring in difficult terrain.

A hidden highlight featured in this car is its steering. This RWD handles nimbly and agilely through corners allowing you to make quick work of tight turns without needing any computer system to aid you in those endeavors.

Experience the final version of an English classic unlocking the Esprit V8 on European Automotive’s Festival Playlist.

[h3]1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 E [/h3]

Earn 20 PTS during Week 4 “Spring” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 21 until March 28.

Make no mistake, what you are looking at is a proper racer hidden underneath the looks of a regular sedan.

Back when this car was built, it was designed to have the lowest drag coefficients of the time. The same attention to detail can be found in things as small as the differently sized mirrors and as large as its recently tuned 5.0-liter V8 engine.

Sturdy is one way to describe this car, as its heavy doors and built are almost guaranteed to never rattle if the 500 E can move. However, despite weighing approximately two tons, the massive V8 fitted in this car allowed it to nimbly shift from 0-100 kmh in about 5.5 seconds.

Rediscover a car almost forgotten by time and build your own luxury racer with the Mercedes-Benz 500 E

[h3]1966 Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up[/h3]

Complete “V Double You” Seasonal Championship Event during Week 3 “Winter” Season on the European Automotive Festival Playlist. Available from March 21 until March 28.

Who would have thought that cutting the back part of a VW Type 2 could only make it better. The clever folks at Volkswagen did and that new utility vehicle was named the 1966 Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up.

Originally built to provide a comfortable family drive, the Type was transformed to fit different uses, among them one that is very dear to America: a pickup truck. Creating a flat space for cargo in the back while fitting a double cabin, the VW DoKa (as it came to be known) became a collector’s item as time went on.

Collect and build your own version of an already unique pickup and take it to every podium available at the Horizon Festival.

[h2]What’s Next[/h2]

Wait for the light to turn green and floor the accelerator! The Horizon Festival is off to the races with Horizon Race-Off, the next update coming to Forza Horizon 5

Get ready, set, and go for Horizon Race-Off!

The Horizon Festival sets off on a Euro trip to celebrate Europe’s car-making legacy in European Automotive. Celebrate the European legacy with eight cars coming to your garage as Festival Playlist exclusive rewards; earn PTS and complete different challenges to unlock different icons from Europe.

Complete your collection of European strikers with the European Automotive Car Pack available from February 27. This new Car Pack includes celebrated racers and comfortable cruisers from Germany, England, and Italy.

Plus, new props are added to EventLab featuring ancestral creatures, different types of land, and a wide assortment of shapes to include into your creations.

We are heading for the Motherland on the new update for Forza Horizon 5!

[h2]Release notes & Game Fixes[/h2]

The following list details some of the fixes and changes we are implementing with this new update.

• Fixed an issue with the 1993 Nissan Skyline GTR and the 1995 Nissan GTR LM in which artifacts were visible when using Ray Tracing
  
• It is now possible to remove the wing from the 2022 Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 RS
  
• Fixed texture issues on the doors of the 2008 Aston Martin DBS
  
• Fixed the cosmetic issues with the Hyundai Kona Forza Aero’s front bumper

You can find a list of issues we are currently investigating here. The Troubleshooting Hub is always open for you to leave any reports you have.

[h2]Giants Walk the Earth Again with New EventLab Props[/h2]


European Automotive brings very special additions for creators in EventLab, several new props will add new interesting layers to creations and put your creativity to the test.

First, 5 platforms of different terrains will be added to incorporate into your events and game modes. Choose between the different ice, grass, asphalt, dirt, and snow structures to give your events texture and depth.

We are adding 40 new shapes all with snapping functionality. You will now be able to add 4 new cubes, cones, pyramids, wedges, and more in both plastic and concrete versions. Every plastic version of these shapes comes in 8 different colors as well.

Did you hear that rumble? The final addition for EventLab in this series is the dinosaur props. Add 6 different scaly giants to your events and create unique game modes featuring prehistoric reptiles. Your creativity is the limit to find the best use for these new titanic props!


The complete list of additions includes:

• 25 Ramps & Platforms
  
  
  
  • 5 Asphalt platforms
    
  • 5 Dirt platforms
    
  • 5 Grass platforms
    
  • 5 Ice platforms
    
  • 5 Snow platforms
  
  
• 40 Shapes
  
  
  
  • 4 Cones (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Cubes (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Cuboids (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Cylinders (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Pyramids (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Frustums (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Spheres (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Torus (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Wedges (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
    
  • 4 Large Wedges (2 Concrete, 2 Plastic)
  
  
• 6 Dino Props
  
  
  
  • Ankylosaurus
    
  • Brachiosaurus
    
  • Pterodactyl
    
  • Stegosaurus
    
  • Triceratops
    
  • Velociraptor
  
  
• 1 Gameplay Prop
  
  
  
  • Star Trophy

Remember: both the shapes and platforms come with snapping functionality and plastic versions of the shapes are available in 8 different colors.


[h2]Set Your Best Times in Rally Adventure![/h2]

Sierra Nueva welcomes all racers looking for an off-roading challenge!

European Automotive makes all classes (D, C, B, A, S1, S2, X) available to set lap times on every route on Forza Horizon 5’s second expansion Rally Adventure.

Put your favorite rally vehicles to the test or see how good your tune ups turned out on the different stages of Sierra Nueva.

[h2]European Automotive Car Pack[/h2]

Celebrate Europe’s automotive legacy with a new car pack featuring four cars from some of the greatest car manufacturers Europe has gifted to the world.

This new Car Pack contains four high-speed cruisers eager to take on the fastest courses and roads the Horizon Festival can put beneath their wheels.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2814020/Forza_Horizon_5_European_Automotive_Car_Pack/?curator_clanid=40722422

Germany, England, and Italy team up to give you some of their greatest automotive accomplishments on the European Automotive Car Pack available from February 27 for $4.99 USD/4.99€ /3.99 £. This Car Pack is not included in the Forza Horizon 5 Car Pass or in the Premium Edition.

[h3]2021 Bentley Continental GT Convertible[/h3]


One of Grand Touring’s biggest icons has arrived. The power, style, and luxury of the 2021 Bentley Continental GT Convertible is here to ramble on at the Horizon Festival.

Check that heavy metal underneath the hood; the 2021 Conti will get its indomitable power from a W12 engine that produces 626 horsepower that can hit 100 kmh from a standstill in just 3.3 seconds.

That massive engine could only be covered with superb design. Really built with style, the luxurious heritage of Bentley shows in the door lines and headlights; the perfect way to wrap up the ideal GT ride.

Feel the Conti’s power running through your hair when you lower this car’s top with the European Automotive Car Pack.

[h3]1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Wagon[/h3]

A one-of-a-kind powerhouse, a family wagon turned into racer, a suburban king of the raceway; there are plenty of ways to describe the 1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Wagon, but our favorite one is unique.

This car started its lifetime as a regular wagon to drive around on Sundays with your family, until it got into the hands of AMG North America. It was then fitted with a 6-liter Mercedes V-8 and a body kit. This upgrade made the once-made-for-comfort car sprint from 0 – 100 kmh in just 5 seconds, the Hammer can also obliterate a quarter mile in mere 13.5 seconds.

You know what they say: when in doubt, strike it with a Hammer.

[h3]2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8[/h3]


An apex predator of the track, the Jaguar is a magnificent specimen of British automotive prowess. And this particular type of Jaguar, is not afraid to get its claws dirty when looking for a meal.

In the wild the 2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 tends to find its prey racing. When it's ready to pounce, the Project 8 puts its carbon fiber upgrades, aerodynamic remodeling, and supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine to work, surprising any unsuspecting opponent it finds on the road.

Unsurprisingly, this big cat’s looks are as striking as its power. A rear wing showing its power, a grill that entices racing, and racing strips that ensure maximum speed.

Like any other feline of this lineage, taming the Project 8 is near impossible. Do you dare?

[h3]2020 Automobili Pininfarina Battista[/h3]


Zero emissions and unbelievable power come together to create the Automobili Pininfarina Battista – the fastest GT car to ever come out of Italy.

Four electric motors send power to each wheel producing a combined total of 1900 bhp, a number that will stay in your mind until you experience it firsthand. Same with its 350 km/h top speed. The Battista can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 1.89 seconds, quicker than you will be able to mutter arrivederci as it flies past you.

Tradition in design and trend setting technology come together in the latest electric warrior joining the Horizon Festival, the 2020 Automobili Pininfarina Battista

[h2]What’s Next[/h2]

Wait for the light to turn green and floor the accelerator! The Horizon Festival is off to the races with Horizon Race-Off, the next update coming to Forza Horizon 5

Get ready, set, and go for Horizon Race-Off!

Listen to the roaring thunder of the 2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro.

This road legal car has been designed to emulate the technology and aerodynamics of F1 cars; see them in the complete rear wing and in the front bumper that resemble those found on Formula 1 vehicles.

Storm into battle wielding the mighty 6.5-liter V12 engine capable of producing 1,000 horsepower, Aston Martin claims this car can run the Le Mans 24 hrs. circuit in just 3:20 minutes.

Drive into the Valhalla in this mostly extravagant chariot unlocking the Valkyrie AMR Pro on the first week of the Festival Playlist from February 29 until March 7.

Shoot your suggestions to make Forza Horizon 5 the best experience for you at our Suggestions Hub.

If you have encountered any issues with this update or any other part of the game, please visit the Troubleshooting Hub.

Celebrate some of the greatest highlights of Europe’s incredible contributions to motoring on the first week of European Automotive’s Festival Playlist.

SERIES REWARDS

• 80 PTS: 2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello
  
• 160 PTS: 2021 Audi RS 6

SPRING REWARDS

• 20 PTS: 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
  
• 40 PTS: 2018 ATS GT

French engineering at its finest can be found on the 1975 Citröen DS 23. This unique (and très chic) car had an incredibly special hydraulic system that worked with fluids and gas moving the car’s most important bits. No coils or traditional steering can be seen on the DS 23, only clever design, and innovation.
To match its intelligent design, the French car maker opted to dress the DS 23 on the most fashionable steel it could find. Putting together sporting aerodynamics and a futuristic look, this car is recognizable everywhere at any point in time.
A fashion and technology icon from the city that saw the birth of countless pieces of art, the Citröen DS 23 will be at your disposal after completing the “Cult Legends” Seasonal Championship Event until March 14.

Even though this car’s name will ring a few bells and bring back memories, the new 2023 MG MG7 is like nothing you have seen before.

The classic MG went a complete redesign that you can clearly see with that new body that features a deployable spoiler that also widens as it rises.

The MG7’s new features do not stop in aerodynamics and cosmetic changes, it also includes a 1.9-liter engine that can amass 257 bhp.

Your next favorite sports saloon has come out of China is available to unlock for only 20 PTS on the final week of Lunar New Year until February 29.

If you have encountered any issue with this update, please make sure to report it on our Troubleshooting Hub. You will find other known issues we are currently investigating as well.

The last week of celebrations for the new dragon year has arrived. These are the challenges and rewards that come with it:

SERIES REWARDS

• 80 PTS: 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 6
  
• 160 PTS: 2016 NIO EP9

SPRING REWARDS

• 20 PTS: 2023 MG MG7
  
• 40 PTS: 2015 MG MG 3

Give Lunar New Year a proper sendoff visiting the Drift Arena at night and witnessing the incredible drone show featured in this series.

During daytime, the drones will turn into lanterns and show a dancing dragon in the Stadium’s sky.
Take a break from burning rubber and screeching tires to watch the shows one last time!

Bring your favorite cars to the Nürburgring and put them to the ultimate Time Attack test – the epic 20.8-kilometer Nordschleife track comes to Forza Motorsport in Update 5, free to all players.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2440510/Forza_Motorsport/

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Meanwhile, the Ringer Tour introduces you to the cars that German manufacturers have perfected within their performance-focused divisions.

[h2]Game Fixes & Release Notes[/h2]

Forza Motorsport Update 5 is now rolling out for download on Steam with the Nürburgring Nordschleife available today. Spotlight cars and new events across the Career, Featured Multiplayer and Rivals will start from Thursday, February 15 at 12:00 AM UTC.


Below you will find a snapshot of the fixes and improvements in Update 5. Head on over to Forza Support to find the full release notes.

• Players can now save Short Race replays. When racing against a full grid, Short races should save most replays; Medium races will not save full replays but will save up to 11 minutes. Work to improve replay save length is ongoing. [1655835]
  
• Players are now presented with the option to Skip Practice in the Career mode pre-race menu. Furthermore, if the player previously completed Practice, the game creates a save point and gives the player additional options when returning to a series for replaying or skipping complete practice. [1635662]
  
• Fixed an issue in Featured Multiplayer where players could encounter an infinite loading screen when attempting to change their Fuel and Tire setup at Grid Preview. [1611726]
  
• Players are now prompted to save their livery if they attempt to exit the Livery Editor without saving. [1437864]
  
• Added custom advanced zoom to the Livery Editor when applying decals to a car. [1621135]
  
• On PC, we’ve made numerous under-the-hood improvements to reduce CPU spikes and better utilize the GPU, helping to improve framerate consistency while driving. [1536749, 1651623]
  
• Fixed an issue causing custom wheel input layouts to reset to their default settings after relaunching the game with both a controller and steering wheel connected. [1593360]

[h2]New Track – Nordschleife[/h2]

Get ready to tackle the exhilarating challenge of the Nürburgring Nordschleife! This iconic track isn't just about its 12.9-mile length or its daunting twists and turns; it's a testament to racing history.


Located in Nürburg, Germany, the Nordschleife is renowned for its challenging and unpredictable nature. Built in the 1920s, the track has over 170 corners, 300 meters of elevation changes and is famous for its long straights and the Karussell, a banked turn that gives the sensation of being in a giant bowl. Its production car lap record is held by the Mercedes-AMG ONE with a time of 6:35.183, with the overall lap record of 5:19.546 held by the Porsche 919 Hybrid Evo.

Discover what makes this circuit an adrenaline-fueled crucible in Forza Motorsport, one which pushes drivers, manufacturers and cars to their limits. Experience the legendary Nordschleife and the combined GP Full Circuit in Career Mode and Rivals Time Attack or create your own track days in Free Play and Private Multiplayer.


We can’t wait for you to experience the Nordschleife in Forza Motorsport! Looking ahead, Update 6 coming next month will introduce the changes to car progression we spoke about last week and other improvements based on community feedback, as well as Spotlight cars and events. We also wanted to let you know that Update 6 will not include a track, and our next track release is scheduled for Update 7, expected to be available in April.

[h2]New Career Tour – Ringer Tour[/h2]

German engineering is at the heart of the Ringer Tour, the new limited-time Featured Tour available in the Career as part of Update 5.


In the Ringer Tour, discover the acclaimed performance divisions of German manufacturers and race some of their most renowned and modern cars in epic showdowns, including the cutting-edge, high-performance machines of BMW M, Audi Sport, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche 911.

Similar to previous Featured Tours, Series within the Ringer Tour do not have to be completed in a particular week – you have until March 28, 2024, to finish this latest Featured Tour. Spotlight cars are available at a discount for the week during which they are featured.


Complete all 4 series to unlock the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS – an ideal contender for the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

[h2]New Open Tour – German Automotive[/h2]

With each update to Forza Motorsport, the Open Tour gets refreshed with new events and a new reward car.


Open Tour is where you can continue the journey of your favorite cars. Cars that you’ve already built in a different Builders Cup series can be further levelled up and upgraded in the Open Tour.

In Update 5, the Open Tour is all about German marquees, including manufacturers who have who’ve left their mark on the Nordschleife. Build your favorite cars, no matter their country of origin, and bring them to the track to race Drivatars who will be behind the wheel of some of Germany's finest examples of automotive engineering.


All 4 refreshed Open Tour series (C, B, A, S) will be available on February 15. Complete all 4 series before March 14, 2024, to add the 1974 Porsche #1 911 RSR to your collection.

[h2]Featured Multiplayer – Spec and Open Series[/h2]

Here’s a look at your Featured Multiplayer calendar of upcoming events for Update 5:


[h3]Grand Prix Rivals – February 12-22[/h3]

Race with iconic formula car designs piloted by motorsport legends in the late 1980s and 90s.


[h3]Mustang Shelby GT500 Spec Series – February 22-29[/h3]

Master every track in this Spec Series featuring the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. Experience its relentless engine power, advanced suspension and robust brakes!

[h3]GTX Sportscar Series – February 29 – March 7[/h3]

From the late 70s to early 90s, the Grand Touring Experimental class transformed beloved street models into turbocharged track legends.


[h3]Forza Proto-H Series – March 7-14[/h3]

Experience superior aerodynamics and incredible horsepower in some of the most thrilling and advanced racecars in the world.

[h2]Featured Rivals – Update 5[/h2]

Set your fastest lap times across several thrilling new Rivals events in Forza Motorsport Update 5. To celebrate the arrival of the Nordschleife, the latest Featured Rivals challenges you to master the twists and turns of the Nordschleife behind the wheel of the 1979 #6 BMW Motorsport M1 Procar.


Calling all VIP Members! Test your skills in the Body Builder VIP Rivals event featuring the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Forza Edition on the Mugello Club Circuit.

The Logitech McLaren G Challenge has reached its final stage. Enter the Bonus Stage to earn a special in-game Driver Suit rewarded for your participation. How fast can you lap the Hakone Club Circuit in a 1997 McLaren F1 GT? Don’t forget to sign up at Discord.gg/LogitechG to qualify for prizes, including a chance to win a VIP racing experience with McLaren!


Here’s the Forza Motorsport Rivals calendar for Update 5:
*VIP Rivals events require VIP Membership, sold separately.

[h2]Race You to the ‘Ring[/h2]


Forza Motorsport Update 5 is available today on Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam. Download today and start hot lapping the Nordschleife ahead of the new events beginning Thursday, February 15. Remember you can share your feedback about future cars, tracks and features on our official Forza Suggestions Hub.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2440510/Forza_Motorsport/