Conveniently coinciding with the new series, the Top Gear DLC car pack has arrived in Forza Horizon 2, a tradition withheld in the series since Turn10 acquired the Top Gear license for Forza Motorsport 4.
Supposedly handpicked by the Top Gear team, the Top Gear pack adds five new cars to the roster, and as usual it's an eclectic selection to suit all tastes, to say the least.
Of particular note is the debut of the LM002, Lamborghini's lumbering, military-grade off-roader. As you can imagine, it was a rather radical departure for the Italian sports car manufacturer at the time. It isn't the most desirable car ever to be added to Forza, but it's a thrilling novelty to see the often-forgotten 4×4 immortalised in a racing game – even now, Forza's car reveals still manage to surprise us.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=xtl1jZw3UPc%3Frel%3D0
Other star attractions include the new Lexus RC F, the timeless Jaguar XJ220 and the Lotus Cortina, whcih is available separately as a free download.
Here's a rundown of all the cars that make up the Forza Horizon 2 Top Gear pack:
2015 Lexus RC F
The RC F is much more than a GS Sedan minus a couple of doors. With a revised naturally-aspirated 5.0-liter V8 from the IS-F and pushing the rear wheels, the RC F is a formidable sports car. The noises it makes can be subtle until asked to produce juice; then listen for a raspy rumble that says things are about to go quick.
1993 Jaguar XJ220
The XJ220 was designed to be the fastest road car in the world, reaching 217 mph and echoing Jaguar’s top speed record-setting triumphs in the 1950s. The XJ220 bi-turbo V6’s 542 horsepower gives blistering acceleration, and the aerodynamically impressive body provides both low drag and reduced lift at the high speeds the XJ220 is capable of. This helped create a later racing version of the car, the XJ220C, which had an impressive showing at the 1993 Le Mans.
2014 BMW M235i
The newest entry to BMW’s M line is the M235i. It’s a smaller package on the outside with all the gusto of the bigger models on the inside. Well over 300 horses are raring to push you on your way, and a stiff yet still comfortable ride awaits. It may sound relatively tame, hence the enhanced “vroom-vrooms” piped into the cabin via the car stereo, but the forced induction inline six does just what you want it to when it’s time to go.
1986 Lamborghini LM002
The Lamborghini Military model 002 has a tube steel frame, massive ground clearance, heavy-duty suspension, and tyres so big they were specially designed by Pirelli. Compression is slightly lower to accommodate the lesser fuels that might be put into its massive 76-gallon tank. With a near eight second 0-60 time and top speeds on and off road of nearly 120 mph, you can tear up any surface.
2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale
The 458 Speciale is the car that will stop your heart and then kick start it again. The Speciale tops the Italia by reducing weight, increasing output, enhancing handling, and providing an epic driving experience. At a glance you will recognise the tell-tale striping of its predecessors – the 360 Challenge Stradale and 430 Scuderia.
1966 Ford Lotus Cortina – Free Car
One of the first “race on Sunday, commute on Monday” factory cars, the Lotus Cortina built its reputation on the track and in people’s daily lives. The Cortina provides a peppy 0-60 time of just under 10 seconds and skilful cornering. Without doubt, credit needs to also be given to its 115 horsepower, which are generated by a twin-cam 1.6-liter four-cylinder with throaty-sounding dual-Weber carbs.
The Forza Horizon 2 Top Gear pack is available now for £2.43 on the Xbox One hub store and for free to season pass holders.
Which car are you looking forward to driving the most? Let us know in the comments below.