Forza Horizon 3: Here are all the cars announced so far

Microsoft, Turn 10 and Playground Games are announcing Forza Horizon 3 cars weekly, so we thought we’d summarise the first month of announcements.

Here are the spotlight cars announced so far:

Week One

2016 Ariel Nomad

When Ariel founder Simon Saunders brought the world the skeletal, Ariel Atom most asked, “What is it?” Upon discovering the Nomad’s track-destroying abilities and epic fun driving characteristics, now most just asked, “Can I have a ride?” The same goes for the Atom’s off-road cousin, the Ariel Nomad. Its steel tube chassis provides protection from everything but the elements. While its suspension is not quite that of a Baja-buggy, it’s plenty adept for everything off-road while still able to hang it out on a curvy road or track. Pushing the rear-end out of shape at the whim of your right foot is a Honda 2.4-liter engine delivering more than enough power for a good time. With the Nomad, you can make friends no matter where you go, and go anywhere they go.

2015 Ford Falcon XR8

The XR8 represents the top of the Ford Falcon line. Under the hood is the grunty power of the Boss supercharged 5.0-liter V8. No matter where you are in the power band, the XR8 is ready to pull away with a gesture from your right foot. Outside, the smooth lines of this four-door sedan are reminiscent of the V8 Supercars that are built from its mold. Sure, this is a production vehicle meant for the city streets and country highways, but you will find performance ready to thrill you at every corner.

2015 Baldwin Motorsports #97 Monster Energy Trophy Truck

B.J. Baldwin is one of the winningest off-road drivers in the history of this grueling sport. He was the first to solo the monumentally challenging Baja 1000, and won the race to boot. Baldwin’s skill behind the wheel is backed up by his physical ability to take all the desert can dish out. The #97 Monster Energy Trophy Truck is the perfect complement to its legendary pilot; sucking up bumps and whoop-dee-doos, or landing the biggest jumps you can find in Forza Horizon 3’s Australian outback. There’s more horsepower here than any average driver will ever need and more suspension travel than nearly any vehicle on the planet. With the right driver behind the wheel, this truck can lay waste to anything else in the Outback. Think you can fill B.J. Baldwin’s race seat? Strap in and let’s find out.

2014 Ford FPV Limited Edition Pursuit Ute

When it comes to Utes the FPV Pursuit is the cream of the crop. With only 120 models produced, these are collectors’ items the moment they leave the showroom floor. Unless you’re from Australia the concept of a Ute may seem strange, but all that will fade as soon as you sit in the driver’s seat and fire up that supercharged V8 with its high-flow dual exhaust. Sure, you can still haul the hay for the horses, but getting from the farm to town and back has never been so fun.

2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS

The first side-by-side buggy playable in a Forza Horizon game is here and it is nothing less than a beast. The RZR XP 1000 EPS (Electronic Power Steering) is just about the most fun you can in a side-by-side. You will find upwards of 100 hp, a long-travel suspension and a full safety cage in what amounts to a mini-buggy. A single-speed gearbox means you just punch it and hang on. Let the off-road tires find traction and let the shocks suck up the bumps; you just hang on and watch the water spray and dust fly. When it comes to navigating tight trails and narrow gaps, the RZR will give you an advantage over other vehicles and when it comes to outright thrills, it is hard to beat, period.

2016 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4

Ferruccio Lamborghini was a Taurus, hence the influence of the symbol of the raging bull on the many cars of his prestigious brand he began in 1963 to compete with rival Ferrari. Lamborghini was born in 1916, and the new Centenario was built to celebrate his 100^th birthday. Built on the Aventador Super Veloce chassis, complete with a powertrain giving it an advantage in lightness and a formidable 740 hp. With further tuning, the Centenario gleans nearly 20 more ponies from the V12 and loses 11 pounds, while gaining significant downforce and cooling from its body design. Every exterior detail was designed with function in mind to manage drag and improve downforce. Making history of its own, the Centenario is the first Lamborghini to employ rear-wheel steering. With only 20 models in the works and a price tag of $1.9 million each, Forza Horizon 3 will likely be the only place most of us will get a chance to experience it.

More information and a full list of cars up to this particular week can be found here.

Week Two

1951 Holden 50-2106 FX Ute

The roots of the Holden Ute go back to the to a post-World War II era, when the world couldn’t get enough Australian wheat and wool. When “Australia’s Own Car” – the 48-125 Holden four-door sedan –launched, it only had one model and Aussies had to wait more than two years for a load-hauling version. Once the Ute arrived, it was dubbed the “FX” – though exactly why it earned that moniker is the subject of debate. What was clear is that these durable and hearty vehicles were perfect for the work that needed to be done, whether it was on the farms or construction sites of Australia. With just 60 hp in its stock form, the FX is a far cry from the powerhouse utes of today. But the heart and soul is all there.

1974 Holden Sandman HQ Panel Van

Few vehicles are as distinctly Aussie as the Sandman HQ panel van. Originally, these sedan deliveries were derivatives of the typical ute with a metal or plastic shell enclosing the cargo tray. They developed into a phenomenon that escalated to its height in the 1970s before falling off in popularity. The most famous Sandman was driven by Mel Gibson in the original 1979 “Mad Max” film. Like many, Max’s panel van was converted for camping. During the climax of their popularity, Sandman panel vans were tricked out with mural paint jobs, custom windows and details that spoke to each owner’s passions. Sure, some were used for more utilitarian uses but in some cases, what went on in the backs of many of the funky Sandman HQs around the country was often more exciting than merely hauling around the tools of the trades that helped build urban Australia.

2014 HSV Limited Edition GEN-F GTS Maloo

As you bang through the gears and are rocked back in your seat at the release of the clutch, you’ll quickly understand why the GTS Maloo is referred to as the “Ferrari of utes.” It’s one way for Holden to say thank you in big way before the Australian manufacturer closes its doors in 2017. While utilitarian in purpose, this ute is all about going very fast. Take the supercharged V8 under the hood or the upgraded brakes and suspension. This Maloo is ready for track duty straight away, mate!

More information and a full list of cars up to this particular week can be found here.

Week Three

1948 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta

Not only has Ferrari’s Barchetta been the subject of a famous rock song, the 166MM is arguably one of the most significant and potent sports cars in Ferrari history. It won the Mille Miglia (hence the MM) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. At Le Mans, Luigi Chinetti drove 23 of the 24 hours himself, and only one hour was left for Lord Selsdon to meet regulations. Barchetta, the nickname given to the car by journalist Giovanni Canestini, translates to “small boat” and you can see the lines of the Barchetta in the cars of British automaker AC and the later Shelby Cobra. As the song goes, the roar of the V12 and its visually stunning shape will make practically any historic Ferrari fan long for that better vanished time.

1953 Maserati A6GCS/53 Pininfarina Berlinetta

The Berlinetta’s gorgeous form, courtesy of famed body maker Pininfarina, is only outdone by its racing pedigree. It was built for competition in road racing events like the Mille Miglia. Under its beautiful surface is a race-bred chassis built by Gilco, powered by a free-revving short-stroke inline six-cylinder that delivers around 170 hp. Definitively Italian, the A6GCS is alluring to view and astounding to hear. Get your own eyeful or earful to fully comprehend this amazing vehicle.

1969 Jaguar Mk II 3.8

When you hear the term “saloon” used in reference to cars, the Jaguar Mk II is likely the car that comes to mind. As well it should; these spacious, luxurious and fast cars were iconic throughout the 1960s and are raced every year at the Goodwood Festival of Speed against the momentum racers less than half their size. While the initial impression is one of extravagance, the Mk II’s performance is palpable. With the 3.8-liter six-cylinder, it is capable of propelling its considerable heft to highway speeds very quickly and can reach speeds in excess of 120 mph. In its day, the Mk II was the getaway car of choice for would-be-criminals, as well as the choice of British police to patrol the motorways. In other words, no matter what you’re looking to get up to, the Mk II will make a fine addition to your garage.

More information and a full list of cars up to this particular week can be found here.

Week Four

1971 Meyers Manx

Bruce Meyers created the Meyers Manx when he was living in a shed and building boats out of a then relatively new material called fiberglass. The shape of the Manx created an allure that spoke to those in search of freedom and fun. It was copied by many companies seeking to profit from Meyers’ design, but none have matched the style and form of the original. The lightweight chassis fitted with a Volkswagen engine and suspension found its way into many record books in the desert, hill climb racing and even drag racing. Whether you are putting the Manx through its paces or just cruising around enjoying the open-air ride, there’s nothing else like this original dune buggy.

2011 Penhall Cholla

In the desert, the Cholla is the meanest cactus around with its needle-like spines partially enclosed in a papery sheath. In the buggy world, Penhall’s Cholla is one mean mother as well and ready to destroy the competition when it comes to sucking up bumps and flying across rough terrain. When the Cholla debuted at the Baja 1000 in 2011, it won Class 10 by four hours – that’s a margin that doesn’t even leave its dust to be eaten. With more than 20 inches of wheel travel in the front and back, punishing environments will feel silky smooth and the hugest jumps will be absorbed with a smooth landing. Buggies are a staple for the Outback and the Cholla is without a doubt one of the best in the business.

1979 Toyota FJ40

Among iconic SUVs, the FJ40 deserves its place near the top. Designated F for the engine and J40 for the short wheelbase chassis (there are mid and long wheelbase models as well), this competitor to the Jeep CJ and Land Rover has a long and loyal global following. The coming of the FJ40 can also be thanked for building worldwide confidence in the reliability and durability of Toyota vehicles since 1960, when the model was first introduced. The FJ40 is a rugged off-road vehicle that is happiest when it is covered in muck, fording a river or climbing a mountain. Hop in and let your Australian adventure begin.

More information and a full list of cars up to this particular week can be found here.

Forza Horizon 3 heads to Windows PC and Xbox One on 27 September. We previewed it at E3 2016, here.