MY FH5 Log: THE S7AMPEDE

Having completed the Asphalt Racers' mission, all Forza Horizon 5 players who took part in the Horizon Race-Off series update earned themselves the keys to the all-new seventh-generation Ford Mustang.

Before getting excited to drive the 7th-gen 'stang, let's get to know more about what's known to be the last true muscle car of the new normal.

The seventh-generation Ford Mustang continues the muscle car's legendary story while being peppered with modern touches to adapt to the "new normal". 

Although similarly styled compared to its predecessor, the seventh-generation Mustang features two engine choices such as the 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Modular Power Cylinder, producing 315hp of power and 350lb-ft torque, and the fourth-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 engine that produces 486HP of horsepower and 418lb-ft of torque, not to mention the secret Remote Rev feature that allows you to rev the engine with your remote car key. All engines are mated to either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

While retaining the independent rear suspension and line lock from its predecessor, the seventh-generation Mustang features an updated MagneRide Damping System as well as selectable Electric Power-Assisted Steering with three settings. It even comes with the signature Drift Brake shaped like a conventional handbrake.

With its legendary performance, the seventh-generation Mustang is the last word in American performance. With its competitors gone extinct, this Mustang means forever even until the end of time itself.

The Mustang community has been demanding to have the seventh-generation Mustang featured in the game since it went on sale last year and now that it's here, just in time for the Mustang's 60th anniversary celebration, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate the seventh generation Mustang's arrival in the world of Forza. 

Although not the first, it's starting to feel at home in the game. It showed potential in Supercars, NASCAR, IMSA, and Formula Drift. Now, it plays a key role in FH5's Horizon Race-Off series update alongside the Ford F-150 Raptor R.

As I'm enjoying the all-new Mustang in the game, two uninvited guests are crashing the Mustang's party.

These uninvited guests are the 1967 Shelby GT500 from the game's Acceleration Car Pack, the classic muscle car popularized from the movie "Gone in 60 Seconds", while the other one is the prize car from the Horizon Race-Off Dry Season playlist, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra, the one with the supercharged 4.6L Terminator V8 engine with 390hp of power. Both of these snake beaters have been highly demanded by Forza fanatics since the beginning of time.

The all-new Mustang is primed and ready to teach these "snake beaters" a lesson they will never forget in a one-lap time attack around festival grounds. Roll the tape.

And now, the results...

Shelby GT500 '67 - 1m30.073s

Mustang SVT '03 - 1m27.187s

Ford Mustang '24 - 1m19.730s

Looks like Kikay Matsing ate the twin snakes for tea. Snake Eater.

Built for norm-breakers breaking dullness, boredom, and cliche, the all-new seventh-generation Mustang is the wake-up call for those ready to get up and feel the freedom, full send. 

With its aggressive, sleek, and chiseled design worthy to be called beautiful, as well as its sound that gets your heart racing, if you have the urge to drive before driving the car itself, it's easy to prove that you have Mustang in your blood. Just cause.

Now that the all-new seventh-generation Ford Mustang and the Ford F-150 Raptor R finally gathered, the real Horizon Race-Off begins. Which one stands tall? Find out soon.

My FH5 Log: Muscle Garbage

Forza Horizon 5's Summer Party update gave us a cesspool of muscle oldies fresh off the garbage bag. That's right, older-generation muscle cars have invaded the summer-themed playlist and we got our hands dirty on scavenging such garbage.

Anyway, let's take a look at the Summer Party dump we've scavenged throughout the course of the update...

This is the Ford XB Falcon that was salvaged from the Wet Season playlist. This car needs no further explanation because this appeared in the Mad Max movies, a car worthy of surviving the post-apocalyptic warzone. Anyway, if you need some info, the XB Falcon is the second phase of the third generation of Ford's Australian-made model, which features minor cosmetic differences from the previous XA model. The XB Falcon features different body styles from a saloon, an estate, a ute, a van, and many others. Engine configurations include a 200ci 6-cylinder, a 250ci 6-cylinder, a 302ci V8, and a powerful 351ci V8. Depending on the engine choices, it can be mated with either a 3-speed MT, a 4-speed MT, or a 3-speed AT. In its involvement in motorsports, a driver named Allan Moffat drove a Falcon to victory in the 1974 Sandown 250 using a GT hardtop model as well as the 1976 Australian Touring Car Championship in the same model and the 1977 Australian Touring Car Championship, using both the XB and the XC Falcons.

Next up is the DeBerti Ford Mustang, the one we've salvaged from the Summer Party playlist as one of the overall prize cars. Tuned by DeBerti, this facelifted 6th-gen Mustang features a unique grille and a heavily tuned V8 engine producing over seven hundred horsepower.

Salvaged from the Storm Season playlist is the Hot Wheels Pontiac Firebird, the winner of the 2020 Hot Wheels Legends Tour and immortalized as a Hot Wheels toy a year later. Based on a 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, owner Riley Stair jammed an LSX V8 engine into it and heavily tuned it to produce a thousand horses.

Lastly, fresh off the Hot Season Playlist, the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455. It's by no means one of the muscle cars that survived the Oil Crisis to live the tale.

Having gotten to know the latest cesspool of old cars, it's time to give the latest dump a wide variety of challenges to show their worth in these trying times. The XB Falcon will live a Mad Max moment by taking on a post-apocalyptic sandbox curated by Forza resident "GT Deny" while the DeBerti Mustang battles against a pack of unbeatable drivers in an EventLab creation penned by "DorifutoMerc", the Hot Wheels Pontiac Firebird racing through the Acceleracers-inspired cave track curated by "AnPsyc0", and the Firebird SD-455 taking on a rather familiar racetrack re-enacted by "TypeHardFark". Alright, let's get this party started.

Launch!

How's the cesspool doing? Are they still doing the shots? Good.

And that's the cesspool of muscle garbage fresh off the FH5 Summer Party update. Expect another wave of toxic waste coming to this game; mostly Italian ones because next week marks the beginning of the Italian Automotive update where Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Abarth, and Lancia are back in the party and you can expect another cesspool of old cars sweeping your way as expected.

Until then, enjoy your new rides!

Ford Mustang - Seventh Generation

The previous-generation Ford Mustang rewrote the history of America's greatest muscle car by taking over the world with its stampede. With its world-renowned dynamics, raw American power, and classic Mustang moments, it really was the turning point for the now world-proven muscle car. Hot on the heels on the road to its 60th anniversary, the seventh-generation Mustang is unleashed, picking up the pieces where its world-proven predecessor left off.

2024 Ford Mustang Convertible

America's longest-running muscle car is now on its seventh generation and the all-new Mustang is locked and loaded with new and exciting features that will show speedo boys worldwide this is the pure alpha and pure omega of the new normal. Speaking of pure omega, it really is because with the competition's gone extinct, this is the only muscle car you'll gonna need in this unstable world.

2024 Ford Mustang

Beginning with the styling, the all-new Mustang looks vaguely similar to the pre-facelifted sixth-generation predecessor but they've sharpened it knife-edge to make the all-new model the sharpest-looking Mustang on the road, be it hardtop or open-top. As expected, the iconic rear view is retained and when the signals flare up, watch out because they're still scary to look at just like someone's full moon.

2024 Ford Mustang interior

2024 Ford Mustang Convertible interior

Sharp the new exterior is, the new interior is a real shock for the speedo boys behind the wheel because of the dual display with a 13.2-inch touchscreen. Although there are buttons and switches involved, navigating through this brand-new touchscreen is a mere herculean task, especially for seasoned Mustang veterans. 

Complain all you want about the dashboard but the optional RECARO seats and a cool-looking handbrake dubbed the Drift Brake adds some fun to your Mustang driving pleasure. As for spacing, it feels slightly roomier compared to its predecessor, although the rear seats are still deemed nearly inaccessible for humans like you, meaning it only works for your pets, a child seat, or some extra goodies in case your 13.5cu.ft. boot space is full.

2024 Ford Mustang

Now, let's talk more about the performance and this is where the seventh-generation Mustang gets its hooves. Of course, the Drift Brake is one of the signature features you can find on this model but let's dig more on the other cool features on this seventh-gen Stang. While retaining the independent rear suspension and line lock from its predecessor, the seventh-generation Mustang features an updated MagneRide Damping System as well as selectable Electric Power-Assisted Steering with three settings. When you get it right, this new model feels so addictive to drive even on the bends. Smoke it all you want because this could be your last muscle car to smoke with for eternity.

Under the hood, the seventh-generation Mustang features two engine choices such as the 2.3L EcoBoost engine with Modular Power Cylinder, producing 315hp of power and 350lb-ft torque, and the fourth-generation 5.0L Coyote V8 engine that produces 486HP of horsepower and 418lb-ft of torque, not to mention the secret Remote Rev feature that allows you to rev the engine with your remote car key. All engines are mated to either a 10-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual gearbox.

Those who want more from the Mustang can consider the potent Dark Horse variant packed with the 500HP 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, specially-made 6-speed TREMEC manual, and Brembo brake system.

Addictive the all-new Mustang's performance is but what's not addictive is the implementation of Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features consisting of Auto High-Beam Headlamps, AutoLamp Headlamps, BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB, Post-Impack Braking, Digital Rear View Camera, Rain-Sensing Wipers, and Rear Parking Sensors, among many others.

The all-new seventh-generation Mustang starts at 30,920 US Dollars for the coupe, 39,020 US Dollars for the convertible, and 50,270 US Dollars for the Dark Horse.

With its legendary performance, controversial technology, the unique Drift Brake, and the more potent Dark Horse variant, rest assured that the seventh-generation Mustang is the last word in American performance, and as the competition's gone extinct, this Mustang means forever even until the end of time itself. You'd be glad to have it when you had the chance to drive the last true American muscle car.

Photo: Ford Motor Company

My FH5 Log: American Muscle Powerhouse

While Americans are busy with their grills and fireworks, here in FH5, it's time to honor America with a quick comparison between the three American muscle powerhouses.

America truly is the home of muscle cars and even in the new normal, Gen Z people still want to have a blast of the past by settling the debate over which muscle car is the best, and here are the three competitors;

First up is the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, a track-focused version of the Camaro ZL1. The normal Camaro ZL1 is powered by a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, it produces 650HP of power and the same amount of torque while mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic gearbox. The 1LE offers the same amount of performance as the ZL1 but with the added track performance to make it capable on the track. From its track-focused aerodynamics, Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve dampers, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar 3R tires built specifically for this car, and weighing 60lbs less than the normal ZL1, the ZL1 1LE is the ultimate Camaro built for the most elite drivers everywhere.

Next up is the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the sixth-generation Mustang on steroids. Dubbed as the most powerful Mustang ever made, the GT500's 5.2L Supercharged Cross Plane Crank V8 engine produces 760hp of power output and 625ft-lb of torque. Mated to a TREMEC 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, it's capable of hitting the 0-60mph mark in the mid-three second mark and a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds. The GT500 runs on the near-similar aerodynamics as the GT4 racecar as well as the optional carbon fiber pack for lesser weight and a more enjoyable driving experience. It features next-gen magnetic dampers that allow the GT500 to have the best lateral acceleration of any Mustang experienced.

And finally, the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, which is still revered as the ultimate muscle car. The Demon is a special-edition Challenger SRT that made supercars cowered in fear because of the supercharged 6.2L HEMI V8 engine producing up to 840HP of power and the fastest 0-60mph time of any production sportscar, 2.3 seconds to be precise. It was well known to break every world record in history, especially the fact that being the first production car in the world that can do the longest wheelie as verified by the Guinness Book of World Records.

With the trio of ultimate American muscle cars set, it's time to settle once and for all which of these three is the greatest, and with that, let's use the hill climb course located somewhere near the caldera. It's like the Mexican version of the famed Pikes Peak International Hill Climb in my mind and the hill climb is the perfect discipline for the trio to flex their steroid-induced muscles as they attempt to drive their way to the top. Let's find out which one came out on top, shall we? Roll the tape!

After flexing their muscles on the hill climb, here are the results;

ZL1 1LE - 3:15.596

GT500 -  3:11.225

Demon - 3:29.109

What a shocking result! The most powerful muscle car in the world got beaten by a Mustang that is nearly a hundred less! Looks like Ford is the winner because their new GT500 not only is powerful full-stop but also capable of handling through the track like a European sports car, which is the GT500's breakfast, lunch, and tea. 

It's a shame that despite the Demon is the most powerful of the three, it ended up dead last in my little hill climb experiment with the trio. Well, I got to say, despite whatever happened, these muscle car powerhouses did make America great for good times and bad times, whatever the reason.

Whether you're representing the General, the Blue Oval, or Mopar, it's a real privilege to experience the ultimate American muscle cars. Although they may not be forever, their legacies will be forever remembered just by the smell of the high-performance race fuel exhumed from their tailpipes and the burnouts they've pulled.

Welcome to America!

My FH5 Log: Can your Mach-E do this?!

For nearly six decades, the Ford Mustang has been known as the king of muscle cars. Many have tried to compete with it but failed to match the Mustang's legendary reputation known the world over.

When Ford unveiled the first-ever Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, Mustang purists are shocked that how pray tell they've used the name of the muscle car for a fully electric crossover that has nothing in common with the muscle car everybody loves, feared, and respected.

At the hands of RTR and resident fun-haver, Vaughn Gittin Jr., they saw a golden opportunity to turn the already regular Mustang Mach-E crossover into the ultimate all-rounder. They've called it the Mustang Mach-E 1400 Concept.

Having obtained by clearing all of the stages from the brand-new FH5 Horizon Story, Drift Club Mexico, it's time to have a roast with the specially-tuned Mach-E.

Tuned by RTR, the one-off Mustang Mach-E 1400's electric powertrain produces the titular 1400HP of power output courtesy of seven electric motors and a 56.8-kWh battery made up of nickel manganese cobalt pouch cells. Thanks to its unique aerodynamic appearance, not only does the Mustang Mach-E 1400 work on a drag strip but also on the racetrack and gymkhana. It even works as a drift car as well. Not only that, the Mach-E 1400 features different configurations to make it behave like an FF car, an FR car, or an AWD car. It's like three different cars in one unique electric monster.

In FH5, you can drive the Mach-E 1400 in either rear-wheel-drive mode or AWD mode at the push of a button. Whichever driving mode you choose, the Mach-E 1400 Concept is going to be your next skill record breaker because if you get addicted to its drifting credentials unheard on an electric car, you may end up falling in love and spending the whole day breaking the all-time skill records. Smashing objects, burnouts, drifting, going at full speed, feel free to throw whatever means necessary to this vehicle because being a Mach-E tuned by the fun-haver himself, it's about as show-off as the legendary Hoonicorn.

I'd really wish I want to compare this to the Hoonicorn but in the meantime...

A group of speedo boys in their super-expensive exotics wanted to challenge the Mach-E 1400 for a street race. With the driving mode set to 4WD and with my brave face on, it's a challenge accepted for the world's craziest Mustang Mach-E ever made. Roll the tape.

Guess the speedo boys are in for a shock, realizing they've been defeated by an electric SUV. Anyway...

The Ford Mustang Mach-E 1400 is a clear reminder that the future of motoring is going to be as exciting as this monster machine that loves to tear through asphalt and eat its tires off without harming the environment, almost. As the world of motoring shifts its focus towards electrification, there's still hope that there will be fun-to-drive cars to be made at this time of the new normal. Although they're not as exciting as their petrol-powered ancestors, it takes time to get used to them.

Welcome to the new normal. Almost the same as the old...normal.

My FH5 Log: Leaning over

Having fought my way through the Series 3 update of Forza Horizon 5, I got my hands on the two exclusive rides on this Series playlist; the Zenvo ST1 and an ancient Mustang Mach 1. Now that everything's settled in the Series 3 update, it's time to get to know the heroes of this playlist.

Although made by the country that has more windmills than any other nation with its capital city heaven for cyclists, the Zenvo ST1 is a monstrous hypercar that is powered by a twin-charged 6.8L V8 engine producing 1,086hp of power and 1,054ft-lb of torque, capable of reaching flat-out speeds of over 233mph.

First introduced in 1969, the Mustang Mach 1 features distinctive reflective striping on the sides as well as a pop-open gas cap, dual exhausts, matte-black hood with simulated air scoop, and NASCAR-inspired cable and pin tie-downs. The updated version of the Mach 1, launched in 1971, features a honeycomb sportlamp grille and a urethane bumper, among many others. Engine choices range from the 302ci Windsor V8 engine to the more powerful 429ci Super Cobra Jet V8 engine. The Mustang Mach 1's shot of fame is from a scene of a 007 movie, Diamonds Are Forever, where James Bond escapes the cop chase by driving this car on two wheels to slip through the tight alley.

With the quick intro done, these prized cars found something to lean on; a quick race to showcase their strengths. Roll the tape.

Enjoy your new rides.

Forza Horizon 4 - 1000 ways to drive

You got an 840hp Dodge Challenger Demon? That's cute because what I have here, after fought my way through the Series 32 Horizon Spring Playlist, is the Shelby 1000, the monstrous muscle car we first encountered in the original Horizon several years ago. Having found its way back into the party, let's get to know more about this one now that you got your hands on it.

First appeared at the 2012 New York International Auto Show, the Shelby 1000 is revered as the most powerful Mustang ever made at the hands of the late Carroll Shelby and the experts at Shelby American. It was offered with two different versions such as the 920hp road-going version, seen here, and a 1,100hp track variant. Both of these variants featured hand-built 5.4L V8 engines with improvements courtesy of Shelby as well as chassis stiffening, improved clutch, improved braking, rear suspension upgrade, strengthened driveshaft, and other improvements.

With the quick intro done, it's time to take the Shelby 1000 to its paces with a super-long drag race on the highway against other muscle cars trying to stand out. Let's roll the tape.

Job well done. There's nothing else I can say.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 4: The snake on steroids

The Ford Mustang has been known as the king of muscle cars because while there are others trying to steal away its crown, credit due to the Dodge Challenger for their Hellcat and Demon monsters, the Mustang will always be the alpha male of the pack because of its stardom and muscle that can't be outwitted, outplayed, and outlasted.

Alas, the time has come for Ford to deliver their last play to the speedo boys who are loyal to the Mustang legend; the ultimate Mustang known as the Shelby GT500.

Having won this car in the Series 32 Horizon Summer Playlist, it's time to have a word with the ultimate snake in the world.

Based on the sixth-generation Ford Mustang, the Shelby GT500 is the most powerful road-going Ford ever made because the 5.2L Supercharged Cross Plane Crank V8 engine produces 760hp of power output and 625ft-lb of torque. Mated to a TREMEC 7-speed Dual Clutch gearbox, it's capable of hitting the 0-60mph mark in the mid-three second mark and a quarter-mile in less than 11 seconds. Apart from its tire-crushing performance it delivers, the GT500 runs on the near-similar aerodynamics as the GT4 racecar as well as the optional carbon fiber pack for lesser weight and more enjoyable driving experience. It features next-gen magnetic dampers that allows the GT500 to have the best lateral acceleration of any Mustang experienced.

Supercharged muscle cars don't care about collateral damage or error because being one of the most coveted machines a speedo boy would die for, it's all about spreading freedom and liberty with real American values, some noise, some burnouts, and the idea that they can eat almost everyone in a drag strip...unless if someone turns up with something more powerful than them. The GT500 is one of them and although not as powerful as the Dodge Challenger Demon, which is revered as the ultimate king of muscle cars in ages, it is still as Republican as any American-made muscle car can get. It's all about striking first, asking questions never, and the GT500 will show no mercy to any car that gets in its way.

To showcase its "strike first, show no mercy" approach, the GT500's facing some crazies in the streets of Edinburgh for a street race. Finally, some off time for me. Got the tape ready?

That's Cobra Kai, the Mustang way.

The Mustang GT500 really is the ultimate Mustang ever made and I'm glad I got my hands on this supercharged snake on steroids that strikes its predator without explanations. Now that I had my fill on the GT500, I can't wait to think about what should I do next with this king cobra.

Enjoy your new ride.