Horizon 5 Gets New 90s JDM Cars

Forza Horizon 5’s “Back to the 90s” update introduces JDM classics and quirky new additions, as well as the return of the popular Horizon Backstage feature.

FH5 is gearing up to take us on a nostalgic ride back to the golden age of motoring. Series 39, aptly named “Back to the 90s,” runs from October 10th to November 7th, 2024.

The latest update celebrates an era that many consider the pinnacle of JDM car culture, bringing a mix of drift-ready legends and some, well, less slide-friendly options (at least in stock form). But fear not – FH5’s drivetrain swap options ensure you can transform any of these rides into a tire-shredding monster.

New Cars Join The Roster

Although Playground Games could’ve benefited from reading our JDM Cars of the Nineties guide to get some better ideas (not that we’re biased!) We’re glad they’ve mostly opted for Japanese cars for their list, alongside a lesser-known British exception.

1997 Toyota Soarer 2.5 GT-T

JDM drifting fans will be delighted to see the third-gen Soarer added to the game, kicking off the summer season (October 10-17). Although the official blurb for the update claims that the 1JZ-GTE powers its 278 bhp and 280 lb-ft of torque to “all four wheels,” we’re pretty certain that’s incorrect!

The turbocharged 1JZ engine is one of the most sought-after JDM options for drifting, given that it can easily handle 500+ horsepower with supporting mods. It’s also featured in many other JDM Toyota models, such as the Chaser/Cresta/Mark II Tourer V, Supra MKIII, and Crown and Verossa. All of these are rear-wheel drive, and the Soarer is no exception.

Although it might not rival the 2JZ-GTE powerhouse typically found in the MKIV Supra, it still has plenty of tuning potential that you can squeeze out with upgrades and tuning in the game. In the real world, many 1JZ-GTE owners have opted to upgrade to a 1.5JZ, combining the affordable 1JZ with aspects that make the 2JZ great.

The Soarer might not be the most popular choice for drifting, but when done right, it’s hard to see why not.

If you’ve never heard of the Soarer and you’re not sure why, it’s likely because they’re not commonly imported to the States. This is mostly because they are readily available on the US market under a different guise.

You may know it as the 2JZ-GE-powered Lexus SC300 or the 1UZ-FE-powered SC400. However, the sought-after 1JZ engine is the missing piece of the puzzle for both US models.

The Soarer is a perfect addition to the game and a great 90s icon. Try to squeeze the maximum potential out of the 1JZ before going straight in for an engine swap – you may be pleasantly surprised.

JDM enthusiasts may notice the Origin Lab body kit included in the image above, which brings out the best of the bodylines, but you might want to work on the stance and fitment a little!

1998 Mitsubishi FTO GP Version R

It’s hard not to have a soft spot for Mitsubishi’s V6-powered pocket rocket. It might be front-wheel drive in stock form, but a drivetrain swap will have that sorted in no time. Although far from popular in real-world drifting, I remember seeing a drifting FTO in Germany many years ago. As you can imagine, it drew its fair share of attention in the paddock!

Since it’s the “Version R” model, it gets several suspension improvements, a limited-slip differential, and thicker anti-roll bars for improved handling. Its 2-liter V6 engine, while small, is responsive and can provide 0-60 mph in just over 6 seconds before you consider any upgrades.

Whether you want to keep it as Mitsubishi intended or transform the nimble coupe into a unique drift machine, it’ll be a hoot to drive either way; you’ll just need to wait until Autumn (October 17-24).

1990 Aston Martin Lagonda

You’d be forgiven for having no idea what this is, but this unique Aston Martin stands out among the new additions, not only for its boxy styling but because it’s the only non-JDM option. The British gentleman’s choice certainly provides something different to the mix!

If you think the design doesn’t scream “90s” as we know it, that’s probably because the Series 2 Lagonda was introduced in 1976. The styling barely changed until this variant in the game, which barely made it into the selection, given that it was discontinued in 1990.

With that said, we love old-school cool, and this ticks (some) of the right boxes. It certainly stands out, and with a 5.3 L V8 under the hood, it pushes out 280 hp and 301 lb-ft torque, making it just a little slower to 0-60 than the FTO at 6.2 seconds.

However, at 4,409 lbs, consider some weight-saving upgrades if you plan on throwing it sideways – it’s certainly not quite as nimble as the FTO in that regard! You can don your finest tuxedo before getting behind the wheel of the Lagonda during the Winter season (October 24-31).

1996 Subaru SVX

Rounding out the list of 90s JDM choices in Spring (October 31-November 7) is the Subaru SVX. It’s another lesser-known boxy choice that brings its unique aircraft-inspired design and “window-within-a-window” profile, making it stand out as a true 90s oddball for those who like something a little quirky.

Powered by a 3.3-liter boxer engine producing 231 horsepower and featuring Subaru’s signature all-wheel-drive system, the SVX wasn’t built with drifting in mind. However, its all-wheel-drive system could make for some fun AWD drifting or off-road rally antics.

Of course, the drivetrain swap is always an option if you fancy something a little different – we’d also throw on a turbocharger (or a whole new engine) to take things up a notch!

Series Reward Vehicles

For the completionists out there, these are the series reward vehicles:

• Mercedes-Benz 500E (80 points)
• GMC Typhoon (160 points)

The Return Of Horizon Backstage

The update also includes more exciting news: “Horizon Backstage” will return to the Forza series on October 10 after a three-year hiatus.

The popular feature gives players a second chance to acquire cars they might have missed during previous time-limited challenges. It’s a great opportunity for collectors to complete their virtual garages.

Each week, the community votes on two pairs of cars, with the winning pair becoming available in the Backstage area. To get these cars, players need Backstage Passes, which can be earned through Festival Playlist challenges or purchased in the Forzathon shop.

As a welcome gift, all players will receive one free Backstage Pass when the feature launches.

The timing of Horizon Backstage’s return to Forza Horizon 5 is interesting. It mirrors the feature’s introduction in Forza Horizon 4, around two years after the game’s release.

This could be seen as a sign that the developers are preparing to wind down major content updates for FH5 and shift focus to the next installment in the series, Forza Horizon 6.

If Playground Games follows a similar timeline to the transition from Forza Horizon 4 to 5, we might expect Forza Horizon 6 to be announced in the summer of 2025, with a potential release in late 2025. We can hope, right?!

Bonus Additions

The update also includes:

New Hide & Seek Achievements

• “Hider and Seeker” (10 Gamerscore)
• “Bounty Hunter” (20 Gamerscore)
• “The Hidden” (20 Gamerscore)
• “Dedicated to the Cause” (30 Gamerscore)
• “Never Back Down” (50 Gamerscore)

Inflatable VHS Collectible

• Will appear in a Festival Playlist Challenge on Week 3
• Can be found and smashed in the game world
• Available as a prop for EventLab creations

Three New Badges

1. “Stay Cool”
2. “Cassetting the Trend”
3. “Would You Like Help”

New 90s Outfit

Unlockable by completing the #DressToImprezza Photo Challenge in the first week of the Festival Playlist.

Bug fixes & Improvements

• Fixed issues with specific car models
• Resolved problems in Hide & Seek game mode
• Corrected localization issues for accolades in multiple languages

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