Today’s extended Forza Monthly broadcast has now revealed the forthcoming Series 8 update for Forza Horizon 5 in its entirety, before it drops on Thursday, May 26.
Continuing with the seasonal theme, Series 8 will focus entirely on the celebration of German artistry, and is officially known as “German Automotive Excellence”. As such, player can expect the theme to play a role throughout, including the core reward cars, Car Pass rewards, as well as the events which are all focused around German brands. Players can also unlock new clothing items inspired by Germany’s national colors.
Many will consider the star of Series 8 as none other than the new-to-Forza 2021 Porsche 911 GT3 (992). Powered by a 4-liter, naturally-aspirated boxer 6, the GT3 sends 502hp to the rear wheels, can sprint to 60mph in 3.2 seconds, and will charge on to its top speed of 197 mph.
The 992 GT3 brings more to FH5 than stunning good looks and the performance to match. Creative director Mike Brown made a point to highlight the body-colored trim along the headlights, wheel rims, and interior stitching will change relative to the selected color. It’s a feature exclusive to the GT3 for now, but one we hope makes it way to the broader selection of cars in the future.
Also included is the 2018 Audi RS4 Avant. Brown makes light of the fact that the Forza community often asks for new vehicles from the Bavarian brand, and this series update will do just that. The 2.9-liter, twin-turbocharged V6-powered wagon sends 444hp to all four wheels, and will charge to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
While normally topping out at 155mph, the RS dynamics package bumps the top speed to 174 mph. As highlighted during the stream, the RS4 includes upgrade parts from ABT Sportsline which will no doubt make for an interesting bit of kit.
Finally, there’s the returning Mercedes-AMG GT. First appearing in Forza Motorsport 6, the 4-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 GT returns and will have featured in every Forza game since. While a bit squirrely in previous games, the AMG GT is more well-behaved this time around thanks to handling improvements featured in FH5.
While the events are the usual affair, one thing stands out and that is The Trial events in Series 8. Typically, Trial events are among the most difficult to complete as players are paired with five human teammates and everyone needs to work together. That brings with it its own issues: players not using a properly upgraded car, or blocking other players and not the AI, to name a few.
Series 8 looks to alleviate some of the systemic woes with The Trial by having the entirety of the month’s events feature stock vehicles. Even better, players can win the car featured in every season’s Trial event from one of the Seasonal Championships if it isn’t already in their garage.
Finally, there’s the Car Pass vehicles that sort out the month and things start off with another new Audi in the 2020 RS3 Sedan. Following that is the sporty V6-powered 2018 RS5 Coupe, then the 1982 Volkswagen Pickup LX, and the final nod goes to the 2020 BMW M8 Competition Coupe.
We expect the update for S8 to arrive on Tuesday, May 24, and the full-blown season to get underway on the aforementioned Thursday, May 26.
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