Unleashing Speed: Forza Horizon 4's Fastest Cars

Video gaming has come an astonishingly long way in a relatively short period. It wasn't that long ago that most games were composed of simple, pixellated graphics, yet today we can immerse ourselves in visually stunning masterpieces like Forza Horizon 4 and its successor, Horizon 5. These titles push the boundaries of realism and open-world gameplay, offering an unparalleled driving experience that continues to captivate players worldwide.

Forza Horizon 4, whilst now a few years old, remains a beloved entry in the racing genre. It continues to be fully online, running through a curated selection of older series playlists as the spotlight has shifted to Forza Horizon 5. Despite no new DLCs or major updates being planned, Horizon 4 is very much in its prime, offering a complete and thoroughly enjoyable experience. The game's incredible setting, a condensed but vibrant representation of Great Britain, provides a diverse playground for every type of car enthusiast. From the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands to the quaint villages and bustling streets of fictional English towns, the landscape itself is a character, evolving with the game's groundbreaking seasonal changes.

Forza Horizon 4 vs. Forza Motorsport: A Tale of Two Racing Worlds

Since Playground Games introduced the Horizon series in 2012, it has become an integral and immensely popular branch of the broader Forza franchise. The Horizon games distinguish themselves by embracing an open-world philosophy, granting players the freedom to abandon the confines of a racetrack and explore vast, dynamic landscapes. Whether it's tearing down an open road, navigating a muddy dirt path, or venturing off-roading into untouched wilderness, the sense of liberation is palpable. The Horizon series seamlessly integrates cities, towns, and charming settlements, alongside ancient monuments and hidden secrets, transforming the act of driving into an adventure of discovery. This open-ended approach offers a refreshing alternative to traditional racing game structures.

In stark contrast, the Forza Motorsport series, developed by Turn 10 Studios, focuses on authentic track-based simulation racing. Motorsport games are precision instruments, designed to meticulously replicate the physics and performance of race cars on renowned circuits around the globe. They cater to a different kind of enthusiast – one who relishes mastering apexes, perfecting braking points, and fine-tuning every aspect of a car for competitive lap times. Whilst both series are built upon a foundation of realistic car physics and stunning visuals, their gameplay philosophies diverge significantly. Horizon leans into a more arcade-like feel, prioritising fun, accessibility, and exploration, whereas Motorsport champions the rigours and technical demands of professional racing.

The Science of Speed: How Tuning Transforms Vehicles

Forza Horizon 4 boasts an incredibly diverse and extensive selection of vehicles, ranging from vintage classics to cutting-edge hypercars. While some cars are inherently fast from the factory, the true magic of speed in Horizon 4 often lies in the player's ability to tune and upgrade their vehicles. The game's robust customisation system allows for radical transformations, enabling even seemingly slow cars to achieve blistering speeds that defy their real-world counterparts.

The secret sauce often involves key performance upgrades. An engine swap is a common tactic, replacing a car's original powerplant with something far more potent, such as a high-revving V12 or Bugatti's mighty W16. Adding turbochargers (or superchargers) dramatically increases horsepower, while stripping out unnecessary weight improves the power-to-weight ratio. Furthermore, converting a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle to all-wheel-drive (AWD) can provide superior launch traction and stability, crucial for putting immense power down efficiently. These modifications, combined with meticulous tuning of gears, suspension, and aerodynamics, allow players to push cars far beyond their factory limits, unlocking the incredible top speeds we'll explore next.

Unleashing the Beasts: The Fastest Cars in Forza Horizon 4

To truly conquer the vast map of Great Britain in Forza Horizon 4, you need speed. While the game features hundreds of vehicles, a select few, when properly tuned and upgraded, stand out as the undisputed kings of velocity. Here are Forza Horizon 4's fastest cars, ranked by their achievable top speeds:

10. 2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque – 273 MPH

Kicking off our list is an exquisite Italian supercar from Pagani Automobili. This relatively young carmaker, established in the 90s, quickly rose to prominence with its iconic Zonda series and later the Huayra. The Pagani Zonda Cinque is exceptionally rare in the real world, with only five ever produced. In Forza Horizon 4, however, its digital availability means tuners can unleash its full potential. By fitting it with powerful turbochargers and other horsepower-boosting upgrades, players can push this stunning machine to an incredible 273 mph, making it a formidable contender on the open road.

9. 1992 Bugatti EB110 SS – 284 MPH

For veteran Forza Horizon players, the Bugatti EB110 SS might evoke a sense of nostalgia, having been the fastest vehicle in the very first Horizon game back in 2012. Playground Games clearly appreciates tradition, as the EB110 SS remains one of the series' fastest cars to date. With the right modifications, including often swapping its original V12 for the Chiron's monstrous W16 engine, gamers can achieve a blistering 284 mph. This transforms the classic EB110 SS into a true speed demon, capable of outrunning many modern hypercars.

8. 1963 Shelby Monaco King Cobra – 285 MPH

You're unlikely to spot this on your local high street, but in Forza Horizon 4, the Monaco King Cobra is an absolute force of nature. This prototype race car, conceived by the legendary Carroll Shelby, debuted in 1963 with a potent 4.7-liter V8. In the game, a fully upgraded King Cobra can reach an astonishing top speed of 285 mph. Interestingly, it's also widely considered the quickest drag racing car in the game, dominating virtually everything else on the strip. It’s an unstoppable beast, a testament to what extreme tuning can achieve within the game's physics.

7. 2002 Koenigsegg CC8S – 286 MPH

Koenigsegg, the Swedish hypercar manufacturer, makes another appearance on our list with the relatively obscure CC8S. While not as famous as the Agera or One:1, the CC8S holds a special place in Forza Horizon 4 due to its combination of rarity and sheer speed. Having debuted as seasonal content, the CC8S isn't available through the standard Autoshow. Players must either acquire it during specific seasonal rewards or purchase it from the highly competitive Auction House. If you manage to get your hands on this beauty, you'll understand its allure; capable of hitting 286.6 mph, the Koenigsegg CC8S is one of the scarcest and most sought-after vehicles in the game.

6. 1993 McLaren F1 – 286 MPH

In the world of video games, fiction often beautifully mimics reality, and Forza is no exception. Game designers strive to ensure their in-game vehicles perform akin to their real-world counterparts, leading to incredible recreations like the McLaren F1. During its heyday, this British legend was the fastest production car in the world, capable of around 240 mph. In Forza Horizon 4, however, the F1 is significantly faster thanks to game physics and upgrades, capable of reaching a remarkable 286 mph. If only the real-life McLaren engineers could have squeezed that much more speed out of it back in the nineties!

5. 2017 Koenigsegg Agera RS – 293 MPH

The standard Koenigsegg Agera is impressive, but its RS variant truly elevates the bar. The Agera RS is a former real-world production car speed record holder, and its digital rendition in Forza Horizon 4 lives up to its reputation. Unlike the standard Agera, the RS version was a DLC vehicle, requiring a separate purchase. However, players who invested in this car were rewarded with an even quicker version of the Agera, capable of topping out at an astounding 293 mph, making it one of the elite few knocking on the 300 mph door.

4. 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS PO – 294 MPH

The Porsche 911 GT3 RS PO (Pre-Order) is an incredibly exclusive car in Forza Horizon 4. Initially offered to players who pre-ordered the game via Amazon or unlocked after reaching level 20 in The Eliminator battle royale mode, it is now only obtainable through the Auction House. Given its rarity, prices for this vehicle are often astronomically high. However, for those seeking a blend of breathtaking speed and iconic design, it can be well worth the investment. This Porsche can compete with the fastest hypercars in the game, reaching a top speed of 294 mph on a long enough stretch of road, far surpassing any other Porsche in the game's roster.

3. 1956 Jaguar D-Type – 303 MPH

Now, we enter the realm of truly extraordinary speeds, where cars undergo extreme modifications to achieve their velocity. The 1950s Jaguar D-Type is a prime example. While some fans have speculated about a possible game glitch contributing to its performance, the fact remains that a correctly upgraded D-Type can hit a mind-boggling 303 mph. This classic British racer effortlessly breaks the 300 mph barrier, putting many modern hypercars to shame. The D-Type was also notably one of the fastest cars in Forza Horizon 3, showcasing its consistent potential across titles.

2. 2010 Mosler MT900S – 311 MPH

Much like the Jaguar D-Type, the Mosler MT900S bears little resemblance to its stock form once fully upgraded, aside from its striking appearance. To transform the Mosler MT900S into what was once the quickest car in Horizon 4, nearly every component needs to be swapped. The stock MT900S isn't particularly impressive, but it serves as an amazing lightweight platform for extreme modification, akin to the Ultima GTR. By swapping its engine for a Lamborghini V12, stripping away all excess weight, and converting it to all-wheel drive, the Mosler MT900S can leave almost everything else in its dust, hitting an incredible 311 mph.

1. 2012 Ferrari 599XX Evolution – 323 MPH

The undisputed champion of sheer speed in Forza Horizon 4 is neither a Koenigsegg, nor a Bugatti, nor a peculiar classic. That honour belongs to Ferrari and its extraordinary 599XX Evolution. Like the Koenigsegg CC8S, this car is only sparingly available, typically earned through specific in-game events or purchased from the Auction House. Players fortunate enough to acquire it will own Forza Horizon 4's single fastest car. Compared to other cars on this list, the 599XX Evo simply devours them for breakfast!

Achieving a mind-blowing top speed of 323 mph, often utilising a specific suspension glitch that allows the rear bumper to 'dig in' and reduce drag, the 599XX Evolution firmly cemented its place as the quickest car available in the game. It remains an unstoppable force, a true testament to the extreme performance possible within the Horizon world. Luckily for players transitioning to the newer title, the 599XX Evo isn't the fastest car in Forza Horizon 5, with that accolade now held by the Koenigsegg Jesko Attack, ensuring new speed challenges await.

Exploring the Dynamic World of British Seasons

One of the most innovative and beloved features of Forza Horizon 4 is its dynamic seasonal cycle. Every week, the game world transitions through a new season – Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring – each profoundly impacting the driving experience. Summer brings dry roads and long days, ideal for blistering speed runs. Autumn introduces slippery wet leaves and a vibrant palette of colours. Winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, with frozen lakes becoming temporary race tracks, demanding different driving skills and car choices. Spring ushers in rain and muddy tracks, perfect for off-road vehicles. This constant change ensures that the game world always feels fresh and encourages players to experiment with different car types and tuning setups to master each season's unique challenges. It adds an incredible layer of depth and replayability, making the British setting truly come alive.

Frequently Asked Questions About Forza Horizon 4 Cars

How many cars does Forza Horizon 4 have?

Forza Horizon 4 launched with over 450 licensed cars, and through subsequent updates, seasonal rewards, and DLC packs, the car roster has grown significantly to well over 700 unique vehicles. This vast collection ensures there's a car for every driving style and preference, from classic muscle cars to modern hypercars, rally legends, and off-road beasts.

Is Forza Horizon 4 still worth playing in 2024?

Absolutely! Despite the release of Forza Horizon 5, Horizon 4 remains a fantastic game. Its unique British setting, dynamic seasons, and vast car collection offer hundreds of hours of engaging gameplay. The online community is still active, and whilst new content updates have ceased, the existing content is extensive and incredibly polished. It's a complete package that offers immense fun and replayability.

Can all cars reach the top speeds mentioned without upgrades?

No, the top speeds mentioned for the fastest cars in Forza Horizon 4 are almost exclusively achieved through extensive in-game upgrades and meticulous tuning. Stock versions of these cars are still fast, but they will not reach the extreme speeds discussed. Players need to invest in engine swaps, turbochargers, weight reduction, drivetrain conversions (like RWD to AWD), and fine-tune their suspension and gearing to unlock the cars' ultimate potential.

What is a "suspension glitch" or "engine swap" in Forza?

An "engine swap" in Forza refers to replacing a car's original engine with a different, often more powerful, engine from the game's available options. This is a common upgrade for boosting performance. A "suspension glitch" (like the one sometimes used with the Ferrari 599XX Evolution) refers to a specific tuning setup that, intentionally or unintentionally, exploits game physics to gain an advantage, such as reducing aerodynamic drag by having the car's rear bumper scrape the ground at high speeds. These are often discovered by the community and can be very effective for top speed runs.

How do I get the rarest cars like the Koenigsegg CC8S or Ferrari 599XX Evolution?

Many of the rarest and fastest cars in Forza Horizon 4 were initially introduced as seasonal rewards, Forzathon Shop items, or exclusive DLC. If you missed them during their initial availability, your primary method of acquiring them now is through the Auction House. This in-game marketplace allows players to buy and sell cars using in-game credits. However, be prepared for high prices, as supply for these sought-after vehicles is often limited.

Are the top speeds in Forza Horizon 4 realistic?

While Forza Horizon 4 boasts realistic car models and a sophisticated physics engine, the extreme top speeds achieved with heavily modified cars are generally not realistic for real-world vehicles. The game allows for far greater modifications and power outputs than would be practical or safe in reality. This is part of the arcade-like fun of the Horizon series, allowing players to push the boundaries of what's possible and create fantastical speed machines.

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