If you’ve been following the arcade racing game scene right now, you’d know that things aren’t great. Need For Speed is on hiatus, we haven’t seen a new Midnight Club in more than a decade, and it almost feels like the genre is starting to die out. However, among the darkness sits promise. Forza Horizon 6 is going to Japan, and we just got our best look at this new game yet.
I’ve mentioned previously that the original Forza Horizon holds a special place in my heart, but it’s something that bears repeating. It was a confluence of everything I was into in 2012, fast cars, electronic dance music, the festival vibe, and a certain air of optimism. While subsequent titles have been both critically acclaimed for their experiences and occasionally panned for getting rid of Rob Da Bank’s music curation and sticking with old models, it’s certainly become an era-defining series.
After years of fans wishing the game would take a big JDM swing, the team at Playground Games has gone for it. Later this year, Forza Horizon 6 will feature the largest world of any Horizon game, dynamic weather, customization, and of course, a whole lot of cars. A new gameplay teaser trailer just dropped, so let’s give it a look.
Right off the rip, we’re off to a strong start. That sure looks like Dan Burkett’s Formula Drift Mk4 Supra tandeming with Frederic Aasbo’s Papadakis Racing-built Rockstar Energy Formula Drift Mk5 Supra.
Mind you, Formula Drift isn’t indicative of the drift scene in Japan, so here are two cars that are: An S15 Nissan Silvia being chased by a JZX100 Toyota Chaser. The final evolution in the vaunted S-Chassis lineage and the four-door Ebisu missile, just carving up a mountain pass. Please refrain from not smoking.
Ah, the Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato, a glorious moment of lunacy from one of the world’s maddest carmakers. Take one V10-powered supercar, raise the ride height, have a special set of 186-mph all-terrains crafted, and bolt on enough cladding to make getting muddy guilt-free.
Mind you, if you aren’t into the off-road supercar thing for some reason, you might want to check out this lineup of a Ferrari 488 Pista, an Aston Martin Valhalla, a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, and an Aston Martin Valkyrie going for a freeway blast
Next up, it’s a parking lot that sure looks like the famous Daikoku Futo.Nissan GT-R Nismo? Check. Lamborghini Huracans? Check. S14 Nissan Silvia? Check. Oh, and if that isn’t JDM enough for you, the next shot might tickle your fancy.
Yep, that’s an EK9 Honda Civic Type R in the foreground, chilling with a current Nissan Fairlady Z Nismo and an incredibly cool WC34 Nissan Stagea. Sure, that last one might look like a Japanese Volvo V70, but we’re talking about a ’90s wagon with oily bits from the Laurel and the Skyline. RB-series straight-sixes, Skyline front suspension, it’s kind of the ultimate JDM family car.
Keep in mind, we’re only ten seconds into the trailer here, and there’s a whole lot more to look at. Stuff like this original Honda Civic dashing through a forest. Sure, it might not be the fastest way to see Japan, but it looks like a delightful way to tour the virtual landscape. Plus, with Forza Horizon 6’s teased modifications, there might be some real potential for speed here. More on that later.
How about pretty much the complete opposite of an OG Civic, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series? A flat-plane-crank four-liter biturbo V8 pumping out 720 horsepower, wild aerodynamic elements, and a Nürburgring lap time of 6:48.047. For those keeping track at home, that’s still quicker than a Corvette ZR1X. Talk about a high-water mark.
GR86, Kenmeri Nissan Skyline GT-R, and an E30 BMW M3. A weird mix? Perhaps, but on paper, they should be surprisingly well-matched. What’s that dark-hued car ahead of the M3? Great question. I’m fairly sure it’s a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, but the specific generation and variant is a little hard to make out.
Next up, the trailer cuts to a shot showing a Nissan S13 hatch, either a 180SX or a 240SX. What’s right next to it? A Honda Acty, of course. A pillar of the Japanese roadscape, the Acty is a kei truck that gets the job done. With the global popularity of imported kei trucks, I predict the community will have a ton of fun with this one.
Have you ever stopped to think that electric cars in video games use real electricity? Talk about a shower thought. Anyway, here’s a Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, a car I’m stoked to see in an open-world game. After spending a week in a real one, I came away absolutely astonished. It’s proof that when an automaker focuses on fun from the start, great things can happen regardless of propulsion.
Heck yeah, a Honda Beat! Honda’s little mid-engined kei-class sports car from the ’90s with a high-revving, naturally-aspirated, individual throttle bodied engine. It’s not the first time the Beat has appeared in the world of Forza, but its return is welcome. Also, “Horizon’s largest city ever?” Color me intrigued.
That’s not a Honda Prelude that’s taken a hero dose of Viagra, that’s Toyota’s GR GT, also the cover car of the game. Really, is there any other option? The GR GT is the best pick out there right now, a brand new machine from Japan on the cutting edge of speed.
However, there’s still something endearing about ’80s and ’90s machines. Honda City, Autozam AZ-1, go! While only one of these is a kei car, they’re both incredibly adorable. Also, hat-tip to whoever at Playground Games went with a narrow-body City rather than the bulldog-stance Turbo II.
Speaking of Hondas, here’s a current FL5 Honda Civic Type R and a Honda e. Admittedly, the Honda e is a strange addition considering it’s a small EV with a maximum of 152 horsepower, but it’s just a cool little thing, yeah?
Or how about a cool big Honda, an NSX Type-R? You know the mythos by now: Aluminum, Ayrton Senna, taking the fight to Ferrari, the whole shebang. The Type-R improves on one of the most iconic cars of the ’90s with serious weight reduction, retuned suspension, and a shortened final drive, among other tweaks.
Speaking of tweaks, the trailer for “Forza Horizon 6” also showed off a Miata with an enormous V10, turbos where its headlights should be, and rear overfenders to accommodate wider meats. There’s going to be some crazy tuning options in this game, giving us a little bit of the sauce we lost when “Need For Speed” went on hiatus.
How about a Porsche 911 with massive overfenders? Yeah, RWB is one of the more successful tuning exports from Japan in recent memory, and whether this kit is co-branded or just inspired by the work of Nakai-san, including it is a no-brainer.
Oh hey, it’s a kitted-out S2000. The trailer only reveals a close-up of this car, but I’m sure we’ll see more once the game releases.
Anyway, it’s hammer time. AMG Hammer time, to be precise. There just aren’t enough video games featuring these incredibly cool ’80s tuner cars, so shoutout to “Forza Horizon 6” for making this happen.
Speaking of rarities, how about the Sierra Sierra Enterprises Lancer Evolution VIII time attack car? One of the most iconic time attack cars of all time, yet because high-level time attack is mostly an extreme sport for the terminally unhinged, it’s very if-you-know-you-know.
Not quite as rare, the Ferrari FXX-K Evo. Yeah, it’s a LaFerrari track car for the well-heeled and adrenaline-seeking. Ferrari has always had a great showing in the Forza franchise, so this car’s inclusion just makes sense. Plus, it has a proper rival.
This is the Lamborghini Essenza SCV12, an 830-horsepower codpiece of epic proportions. Only 40 were made, it’s nowhere near street-legal, yet something in my head says that XTrac sequential in this is probably more pleasant than the automated single-clutch transmission in the Aventador, yeah?
Here’s a big one: An Acura NSX Type-S, Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion, Ariel Atom V8, Mk4 Supra, Lexus LFA, the aforementioned Essenza, an AZ-1, an HSV Gen-F GTS, a Pagani Huayra R, a Huracan, a Koenigsegg Jesko, and what appears to be a Holden Torana A9X all lining up for the mother of all drag races. I wonder what’s under the engine cover of that AZ-1?
You know what? Heck yeah, more Evos. The sight of a Lancer Evolution VIII and a Lancer Evolution III leaping through a wood is freaking sweet. Man, Mitsubishi used to build some cool stuff.
In case a spot of rallying isn’t far enough off the tarmac, the latest trailer for “Forza Horizon 6” also shows off a variety of side-by-sides and buggies. I spy modified and stock Polaris RZRs, plus a Can-Am Maverick, but then again, I sort of look at side-by-sides how a racing driver looks at a car—it’s a tool to do a thing with.
Oh, and because “Forza Horizon 6” is set in Japan, you just know that they had to do the thing. The car from the anime. I’m talking about the AE86, the Toyota Corolla Sprinter Trueno.
Yeah, Forza Horizon 6 looks sweet. Am I still a bit sad that the “Motorsport” side of “Forza” is on pause? Yes and no. Assetto Corsa and now Le Mans Ultimate with its latest upgrades are top-tier sims, and on a console with somewhat limited wheel support, it’s probably best to focus on what the hardware really needs: An open-world racer you can fire up and blow off some steam in. The sort of arcadey racing games we fell in love with as children. “Forza Horizon 6” arrives on May 19, and man, I’m excited. More excited than I’ve been for a console racing game in a long time. Please be good.
Top graphic image: Forza Horizon 6
I think this is the only game I’m halfway excited for in 2026.
Please add the Subaru Baja
Please add the Subaru Baja
Please add the Subaru Baja
What about GTA 6? Oh, you said 2026.
I have almost 600 hours in FH4 (I picked it up just before it was de-listed) and have really enjoyed it, but I think I will pass on this one and wait to see the setting for FH7. Or at least wit for a 90% off sale.
I know I am in the minority, but I have zero interest in JDM cars/culture or racing in Japan. NSXs, Mitsubishi GTOs, and R32 – R35 GT-Rs are about the only Japanese cars I find remotely interesting. I prefer routes with long open sweepers to tight technical courses. I want a sense of speed, not controller abuse.
Criterion’s Burnout series has by far the best drift mechanics of any arcade racer I’ve played. I don’t like drift zones in FH4, but would enjoy them more if the cars were as controllable as the ones in Burnout Paradise.
I ramble. Putting down the Wild Turkey.
Brother, wait for the next one? That’s like 6 years away! I don’t have the capacity for that sort of monkish patience.
I’m just a cranky old man yelling at clouds. I came back to delete or edit my comment since it doesn’t add anything positive to the world, but alas I was too late. I’ll likely get over myself and pick this up on sale sometime. Some of the changed mechanics sound interesting.
As an owner of over 800 different models in FH5 I’m more excited about this than I should be. Driving in Japan, better physics than in previous versions, MOAR CARS….sign me up
Imagine the raptor on a narrow backroad. 2 lanes are less fun when its reduced to a slot car track.
All I’m saying is that they’d better bring back Fujimi Kaido.
They did bring it back for Motorsport to celebrate the occasion. Unfortunately though, that game (as far as I know) is still a flop.
I did see that when I was checking the spelling of Fujimi Kaido. I gave up after Forza 6 and never bought a newer console.
Yeah, I bought Motorsport 7 before it was delisted, just so I would have it, and it’s definitely not their finest hour. I knew that going in, but still kinda sad, and it definitely put me in the mindset to avoid Motorsport unless it got genuinely good reviews (which it didn’t). I did the same for Motorsport 6, and it’s a much better game.
On the off chance you didn’t know, the Forza franchise has been available on PC since Horizon 3, either through the Xbox app or (starting with Horizon 5) Steam. It’s a much better experience, as you don’t have to deal with Xbox Live, and you can get much better performance. I went back to my Xbox One S for Horizon 5 while my desktop is down, and boy, in certain situations it can barely run the game without crashing.
My PC is probably even slower than my geriatric Xbox, but thanks!
I’m seeing a lot of recycled car content, with only the Toyota/Lexus cover car being really ‘new’ to the title. I have FH5 with 100% offline completion and all non-DLC cars… every one of these in the article I have (except the drag-race-cheater AZ-1, that was DLC).
With that said, I will still be one of the first ones playing FH6. It looks incredible and I’ve played through every title but 1 & 2.
They claim they’ve remodeled a lot of the cars. Which, they’re not new cars, but at least they’re theoretically improved.
This has been going on since car games have basically existed.
I hope it’s more like FH4 than FH5.
I spent 1,000+ hours in FH4. I loved everything about that game. I thought FH5 would be even more and bigger and better, but it just felt “off” somehow. I tried, really tried to get into it as much as I did FH4, but just couldn’t. It just didn’t click for me in the same way, and left me extremely disappointed. I gave up on FH5 after not even 100 hours.
I’m hoping FH6 will re-capture the magic that FH4 had for me.
I will always have a soft spot for FH4, but I know I’m biased, because I grew up near Broadway, and my grandparents lived in Ambleside*. FH5 might have been technically better, but it wasn’t ‘home’ for me.
Doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy FH5 though, and I’m looking forward to 6 🙂
*(both of which are depicted in the game, for those who’ve not played it)
I hope they don’t make it so childish like FH5. The FH5 map was great but the characters you interacted with were often cringe.
I can take or leave the characters, but what got me was the complete lack of effort or skill needed to progress in the game. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an open-world arcade game, it’s supposed to be fairly chill. But at the same time, I have over one thousand cars in my garage in FH5, and I only bought maybe a hundred of them, and only seventy of those from the auto show. Just check in once a week, win some silly races, do some silly challenges, and boom, you got like a million credits worth of stuff.
Yeah cringe characters have been a mainstay in the arcade racer games so that’s never gonna be a sticking point, but I think you did put your finger on my issue with FH5 (first time playing one since they brought it to PS). It’s got a lot going for it, and it’s definitely well on the side of fun playability, but yeah it started to lose my interest and felt pretty rote at a certain point and I was putting together cars just to try and put some challenge back into races, which shouldn’t be my job. But it was solid for just bombing down beautiful roads with no particular goal in mind while listening to a book or podcast.
It will be such a missed opportunity if they take the easy route too since the Japanese setting gives the perfect opportunity for career-based progression with delivery jobs or taxi missions, a la TDU games of yore. I get that it’s an arcade not a sim, but Forza Horizon has been coasting on its map detail and car count alone for nearly a decade now.
They could even still work it into their festival-based storyline. Say you need to come up with the cash to buy a festival ticket, then you work up through the levels of competition like in FH1 while still doing sim jobs on the side to save up for better cars and upgrades. Alas, because every Horizon seems to continue from the last they are so averse to implementing actual player progression ‘because you’re already the champion from last festival!!!1!1!’
I guess true single-player progression is just another thing the modern scourge of ‘live service’ games has taken away from us.
Wonder if the R34 GT-R still has its blatantly incorrect wheel offset.
They said that a lot of cars got completely new 3D scans to make the models more accurate. I don’t know which ones specifically though, but a really popular one like the R34 was probably redone
I’m one of the people excited for the Honda City and Honda e:
I will be MIA for a couple weeks after 5/19.
Pleaseee be good.
I have been dedicatedly following the franchise since they allowed PC cross play. While I really appreciate the attempt made on Horizon 5 in Mexico, I think it was a big let down for the fans who expected the release based in Japan.
For people who held off buying FH5 because of that issue, they’re missing a great game focused on offroad and rally legends. The mountain, desert, canyons, jungle, beaches, Tulum and Guanajuato are awesome places to explore, and while the highway bisecting the middle of the map is just a flat highway crossing the relatively flat part of the countryside, it does fulfil the mission of a quick way to cross the map.
I think I’ll miss Mexico, but I’ve been waiting decades for Japan.
I’m tempering my expectations somewhat – almost every road in FH5 was designed for streamers to do 400mph top-speed runs on. Super wide, gentle curves, very little elevation changes, etc. Just so boring to drive. I’m worried it’ll be the same story this time around, too.
This actually sounds like my kind of game (but I am not a streamer). In FH4 I hate the tight confines of say Ambleside Village or parts of Edinburgh.
(Ambleside is a town, although I guess the FH4 version is more large-village sized)
Thank you for the info; I had never really considered Ambleside as being an actual town of 2600. When I referred to it as a village, I was going by the names I saw in FH4: “Ambleside Village Circuit” and “Ambleside Village Beauty Spot.” Now back to the Ambleside Wikipedia article/rabbit hole…
The specifically called out the elevation changes in the developer direct for fh6.
If you can’t wait or want a less online, more PS2-era experience, I highly recommend the new Tokyo Xtreme Racer. It’s basically what happens when you throw a quirky, actually Japanese PS2 Era arcade racer at a modern game engine. Including the bugs. Not like game breaking stuff, more the charmingly derpy AI opponents and other nonsense you’d get back in the day. And the overly dramatic writing that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s fun if you want something that’s just a bit nostalgic, but looks gorgeous on modern systems.
Seconding this. For a one-trick pony (i.e. highway racing), TXR does its job very, very well, had lots of fun playing it a while ago.
As for Forza – a part of me wishes that this game to be good. In theory, it has all the things that made the previous parts fun plus it finally takes place in Japan, which by itself should be a nice contrast to Mexico in FH5.
On the other hand, I’m afraid Playground will “overcool” it by putting all the cool stuff at once and calling it a day.
This has been on my wishlist for some time. Probably moving up since I beat NFS Unbound a while ago and the itch for an arcade racer has been getting stronger.
Excited for this one
The new twist (US version) is that if you’re caught illegally drifting a Skyline in Vancouver, your car gets sent to Panama, you get sent to Nigeria, and your family gets a special tariff assessment bill.
I really really really can’t imagine that scenario going over in the Vancouver BC.
Vancouver,wa is a thing.
Imagine the gay cowboy suburb of portland.
I thought you just had to live in the US to get that treatment. No illegal behaviour required.
Depends what colour your skin is.
I got into this series late, buying FH4 just before it got delisted, but I’ve enjoyed my time so far. Skipped FH5, but will definitely be buying this one.
FH5 was perfectly fine, but FH4 was overall better in my opinion. I did like the mountain in FH5 though.
I’m not normally into DLC, but the DLC with new maps in Forza Horizon games is really good as well. Like the Lego and Fortune Island expansions for FH4.
Didn’t care much for the Lego expansion, but Fortune Island was great, as was the FH5 Rally expansion, by far the best driving roads in 5. I really hope FH6 has narrower, tighter roads that can challenge a player.