The Forza Horizon 5 Japanese Automotive series begins on Thursday, February 2 and through the next four weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to unlock the new-to-franchise 2023 Nissan Z and the 1965 Toyota Sports 800, as well as the returning 1995 Toyota MR2 GT and 1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR4.
26 January 2023- Alan Walsh
Get ready for a Festival Playlist that highlights the incredible car culture of Japan.
Meanwhile, over in EventLab, creators are invited to try out the new Car Park Prop Pack in the Blueprint Builder, while drivers can further customize their tuned JDM rides using a selection of 23 new-to-Forza Japanese-branded rims.
Game Fixes & Release Notes
The next Forza Horizon 5 update will be available to download on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs though the Microsoft Store and Steam from Tuesday, January 31 before the series officially begins two days later.
Here’s a look at some of the new fixes and improvements coming in this update:
- On PC, we’ve added visual preset support for Intel ARC Series GPUs.
- Fixed an issue with the Horizon Promo list where an incorrect version of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG One was displayed.
- Visual fixes for the 1992 Honda NSX-R, 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R, and 2005 BMW E46 M3 when a custom widebody is fitted.
- Fixed an issue where the driver would not correctly hold the steering wheel in the 2003 Nissan Z Fairlady.
- Fixed a visual issue with the Forza Street Front and Race Bumper options on the 2005 Subaru WRX STi.
- Gift Drops intended to be delivered to New Players would occasionally be sent to Veteran Players. This has been fixed.
As always, the full list of fixes will be published in our release notes once the update is released for download. Our team is closely monitoring your Forza Horizon 5 feedback as new fixes are developed and introduced in each series update. Click here to see a list of the issues that we’re currently investigating.
EventLab Car Park Prop Pack
The Blueprint Builder is expanding its props library to give EventLab creators the tools they need to build their own car parks with the style, flair and uniqueness that they deserve.
The Japanese Automotive update introduces 57 new car park themed props and objects including modular pieces with Snap functionality, while others will also have a variety of colors to choose from. We can’t wait for our creative community to put these fresh props to good use!
New Japanese Brand Car Rims
It wouldn’t be a Japanese Automotive event without some fresh rims for your rides.
Kit out your favorite JDM cars – or any vehicle in your garage – with 23 new-to-Forza Japanese-branded rims featuring high-profile aftermarket names like Advan, Enkei and 5Zigen:
Gram Lights
- 57BNA
Advan
- AVS Model 6
- RCIII
- RG-D2
- RS-DF
- RSII
- RZ-F2
- Super Advan SA3R
- TC-4
Enkei
- TM7
- TS-10
- TSV
- VR5
5Zigen
- 5ZR Copse
- Becketts MK6
- D-Force RSX-6
- FireballRR
- Heidfeld
- Heidfeld Mesh
- Hyper 5ZR
- ProRacer Z1
- ProRacer ZR5-F
- Sports Engine SC3000
Festival Playlist
We’re celebrating Japanese Automotive culture with JDM inspired car rewards and events on the Festival Playlist – including an opportunity to score the hard-to-find 2020 Nissan GT-R Nismo.
In addition, a new Showcase Remix available in the Summer “Wet” season called “A Twist of Freight” will see you take on a unique variation of the “Catch Me If You Canyon” train race. You’ll be driving the 2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-R fitted with a Rocket Bunny kit during a cloudy, atmospheric evening sunset.
Every week of the series, a new Photo Challenge will task players to find and capture the Japanese Stone Lantern. Meanwhile, in the Winter “Dry” season, a Lucky Cat collectible can be discovered in Aerodromo La Selva – the abandoned airfield towards the south of Mexico.
Here are the new reward cars available to earn this series. Unlock all four of them to earn 1000 Accolade Points in Japanese Automotive Collector. In addition, there’s also a sweet 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster up for grabs for players in Europe courtesy of our friends at Oreo.
2023 Nissan Z
When the last 370Z rolled off the Nissan factory line in 2020, there was much anticipation by enthusiasts for the car that would eventually replace it. Fast forward to today, and its successor is finally here, and now you can take it for the ultimate road-trip across Mexico. To celebrate fifty years of heritage in the Z line, the 2023 Nissan Z features design elements inspired by previous Z series models. This includes a front design with a rectangular radiator grille based on the Datsun 240Z, while the rear of the car harkens back to the Nissan 300ZX (Z32) with horizontal taillights in a black trim. While its storied history is all over the car, everything else has been newly developed for a fully modernized driving experience with a 400-horsepower, 3-liter twin-turbo V6 under the hood and 350 lb-ft of torque.
1995 Toyota MR2 GT
In 1991, the MR2 received a full redesign that made it sportier and more Ferrari-like in appearance. By ‘95, due to rising prices and insurance premiums, it was ending its production run, making this model especially prized by collectors. The GT featured a 2.0-liter, 241-horsepower engine with a five-speed gearbox, capable of 228-lb-ft of torque, mounted behind the seats that put it on equal footing with cars like the Ferrari 348. The MR2 name would make its return when Toyota attached it to the Spyder convertible.
1992 Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
A turbo-charged, four-cylinder, 4WD, four-wheel steering, four-door sedan, sold in limited numbers makes the Mitsubishi Galant VR-4 a treasured piece of JDM history. In fact, without it, the later Lancer Evo might not even exist. The Galant VR-4 was the platform that Mitsubishi developed its impeccable AWD system and, in the process, won no less than six rally championships. It also makes for a barrel of thrills to drive. The VR-4 ignites off the line, cuts into corners, and brakes with precision. The engine develops potent horsepower put to the wheels via a center differential that detects wheel slippage and re-directs power to the axle with the most traction. Four-wheel steering engages at speeds more than 31 mph and turns the rear wheels up to 1.5 degrees to enable optimum turn angle and cornering stability. One look at the VR-4 equipped with the bull bar, the huge halogen fog lamps and roof vents and dressed in its classic Mitsubishi race livery make it obvious this car means business.
1965 Toyota Sports 800
Thanks to the meticulous attention to detail by aerodynamic stylist Shozo Sato and aircraft designer turned Toyota engineer Tatsuo Hasegawa, the body of the 1965 Toyota Sports 800 was one of the most aerodynamic of its era with thin-gauge steel in the monocoque chassis and strategic use of aluminum across select body panels, the stowable Targa roof and seat frames. This allowed the car to reach beyond the elusive 100mph mark. While only 3,131 units were manufactured, the car was never officially distributed outside of Japan, and only 300 examples were produced in a left-hand drive configuration, some of which did eventually see their way to the United States. Powered by a 0.8-liter air-cooled 790 cc horizontally opposed two-cylinder boxer engine, the Sports 800 unleashes 45 horses at 5,400rpm. The iconic two-door coupé was manufactured at Kanto Auto Works in Japan through October 1969 for a total production lifespan of four years.
2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster 'Oreo Edition'
Forza Horizon 5 and Oreo have teamed up to create the most playful car you’ll ever drive. Adorned in a delicious cookies-and-cream livery, this 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster ‘Oreo Edition’ proves that no adventure is complete without some tasty Oreo treats. Unlocked by purchasing a qualifying Oreo product and following the redemption steps outlined here.
Pagani hand crafts some of the finest super cars in the world. For those who want to let the wind blow back their hair at up to 217 mph, the Cinque Roadster is the perfect choice. Built of carbon-titanium—that’s carbon fiber weaved with titanium strands—the Cinque is lightweight and strong. Thanks to the massive intake’s location just above the cockpit, the rush of air combined with the bespoke Inconel and titanium exhaust bellows a glorious V12 chorus. Only five were built, so driving one in Forza Horizon 5 will be the closest most will ever come to the real thing.
What’s Next
The Horizon Wilds Takeover is happening! Available from March 2, this upcoming Forza Horizon 5 series features the return of a refreshed Stunt Park, as well as new cars, decorations, and a collectible.
The update will also introduce our tribute content for Ken Block, which includes a special Player Badge featuring #43, Ken Block-inspired Accolades, Hoonigan cars featured in Festival Playlist events, a new Forza LINK chat phrase: “GO FAST RISK EVERY THANG,” and finally, a Seasonal Championship with the returning 2016 Hoonigan GYMKHANA 9 Ford Focus RS RX reward car.
We’ll have more details on the Horizon Wilds Takeover in late February. Stay tuned!