Thanks to the official Chinese Forza website, we now know that a host of new content and changes are coming to Forza Horizon 5 for Festival Playlist Series 4 – starting 3rd February 2022.
While we await the last week of Series 3 to start tomorrow (27th February 2022), the all-new cars are coming thick and fast for the open-world racing game, starting with the NIO EP9 2016 electric hypercar.
NIO EP9 2016, Series 4 Summer
This BEV beast set a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap record and has over 1000bhp. NIO isn’t a flash in the pan concept company either – it offers a full range of less powerful electric cars and is expanding into European markets.
This will be one of the Season Rewards for 45 points between 3rd-9th February.
Wuling Hongguang Sunshine S 2013, Series 4 Fall
Alright, this is a weird one, if at least interesting. The Wuling is a minivan is available with up to eight seats within its boxy stature, which we expect to be decidedly top-heavy around corners. You won’t be setting many speed camera records in this…
This will be one of the Season Rewards for 25 points between 10th-16th February.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 2012, Series 4 Winter
A returning Forza Horizon favourite, this 911 will be one of the Season Rewards for 25 points between 17th-23rd February.
MG MG3 2015, Series 4 Spring
The strange car choices continue, with the MG3. This is, in a word, humdrum. Heck, this isn’t even the facelifted version of the staid hatchback. But, not many other games can say that they include the MG3. Well, none, as it happens.
This will be one of the Season Rewards for 25 points between 24th February and 2nd March.
Festival Playlist changes
Recently, some of the events have been quite challenging in the Festival Playlist. Namely, the Boys Own event two weeks ago, or sadly sometimes just bugged.
As of Series 4, the number of challenges included each week will be reduced and open vehicle restrictions will be used more often.
Mandarin dubbing
For those who can speak Mandarin, Forza Horizon 5 will add authentic dubbing to tie in with the launch of Series 4 and the new Chinese vehicles.
February Car Pass schedule
The paid downloadable content Car Pass will continue in February 2022, with four new models dropping throughout the month.
2019 Volkswagen Golf R
MG XPower SV-R 2005
This is more like it. Here’s a forgotten supercar from the early ’00s. The then cash-strapped MG was looking for a halo car, so bought out the remnants of ailing Italian manufacturer Qvale, slapped some Fiat Punto headlights on it and hey presto – it’s a new car! Ish.
Only 82 were produced, sadly, and production ceased when MG Rover went under in 2005.
Mazda 323 GT-R 1992
Porsche 911 Sport Classic 2010
Horizon World Cup competition
In a move that reminds us of GT Sport’s FIA Nations cup, there will be a new competition within Forza Horizon 5 too.
Players can represent France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US, with points being attributed to those driving vehicles from different national or regional car manufacturers. Again, sound familiar?
All comparisons aside, we will wait to see it in action to discover its nuances. Events will take part across Weekly Challenges, Seasonal Championships and Playground Races in Series 4.
This addition was teased on the in-game menu for the current Festival Playlist and will begin on 3rd February.
Unique Horizon World Cup-themed trinkets can be unlocked, including jerseys/outfits representing each of the six nations. There will also be a Halo-themed car horn to acquire.
To kick things off, there will be two exhibition events. One in summer, featuring the Can Am Maverick X RS Turbo R 2018 against a fleet of monster trucks, and a second in spring featuring the VUHL 05RR 2017 against a squad of motocross riders.
After a couple of the Festival Playlists padded for time over the festive and new year period, it’s safe to say that Forza Horizon 5 will be back with a bang next month! Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and we’ll be back when further details are revealed.
