Aston Martin Valkyrie running on top of a blue road
Horizon brush

The Horizon Festival Takes a EuroTrip in European Automotive.

26 February 2024- Playground Games
Hear ye! Hear ye! The finest makers and cars from Europe take over the Horizon Festival as European Automotive sets in to bring over the very best from across the Atlantic!

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!

Release notes & Game Fixes

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.

Giants Walk the Earth Again with New EventLab Props

Seven dinosaur props displayed in front of a mountain on a desertic terrain

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!

A cone, cube, prism, and cylinder shown on top of a wooden boardwalk with smaller icons on the bottom with different shapes

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.

Two star trophies standing on the ground in front of a mountain scenery

Set Your Best Times in Rally Adventure!

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.

European Automotive Car Pack.

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.

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.

2021 Bentley Continental GT Convertible

White Bentley Continental with its roof off parked on a stone driveway in front of a house

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.

1987 Mercedes-Benz AMG Hammer Wagon

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.

2019 Jaguar XE SV Project 8

Blue Jaguar drifting trough a corner on a dusty race track

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?

2020 Automobili Pininfarina Battista

Pininfarina Battista with its scissor doors open parked on a dirt road

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.

Festival Playlist.

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.

2022 Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro

Aston Martin Valkyrie with its Gull-wing doors open parked in front of an old plane
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.

1968 Lancia Fulvia Coupé Rallye 1.6 HF

A Fulvia taking a bend on a dirt road surrounded by mountains.
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.

2021 Volkswagen ID.4

An SUV driving on a wet road. The water underneath it produces a reflection of the car
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.

1975 DS 23

A Citröen with a white roof parked in front of a house on top of a dirt driveway.
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 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.

2021 Mercedes-AMG SL 63

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.

2002 Lotus Esprit V8

The back side of a Lotus Esprit parked in front of a stone fountain.
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.

1992 Mercedes-Benz 500 E

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.

1966 Volkswagen Double Cab Pick-up

The VW Double Cab Pickup driving on a street decorated with colorful paper cut-out with different shapes
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.

What’s Next

Aston Martin Valkyrie driving on a quiet road with a snow-covered mountain as its backdrop

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!