So far in our Pitpass Report series, we’ve given you a glimpse into purpose-built prototypes, Japanese speedsters, and European hot-hatches – all a part of Forza Motorsport 3’s massive 400 car roster. This week, Forzamotorsport.net is proud to present our first peek at a small slice of American pride, both classic and current, that await you in Forza 3.
Although the more vintage of these beauties can sometimes be more than a handful on the circuit, with the proper tuning and upgrades available in our Forza Storefront Community, even the most primitive muscle cars of yore can take on the small-displacement, high-powered, agile cars of today. Also of note: This week we’re officially revealing Sedona Autopark Raceway, a new track to the Forza Motorsport heritage. Set in rural Sedona, Arizona in the Southwestern United States, this Autopark is home to our new oval racing circuit (perfect for some stock car racing with our new stock cars in the game) as well as drag strips, and some very scenic circuit routes. Being at Sedona is like reliving a motorsports event in which you’re the fan, the organizer, and the star.
As always, Forzamotorsport.net strives to bring our fans new info on Forza 3 before launch every other week (provided we get no more heat wave anomalies here in Seattleland). Check back to the site often for updates, podcasts, and to interact in our forums section. For up to the minute news, please follow us on Twitter @turn10studios.
See the official Screenshot gallery here.
American Muscle
In this selection of American automotive greatness you can show your patriotic flare old school style and choose a racing icon of the 1960s or bump up the time machine, take a modernistic approach and jump behind the wheel of a high-tech 21st century machine. No matter your choice big cubic inches await and Forza Motorsport 3 designers have captured all the raw audacity of the musclecar era to deliver a truly visceral motoring experience. This collection of deep-throated cars displays varying degrees of handling prowess which will prove challenging on tight circuits, demanding highly developed driving skills and the proper use of the tuning garage. So let the Star Spangled Banner, not to mention the checkered flag, wave as you check out the newest race track and the latest group of cars destined for glory on Forza Motorsport 3.
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427
A classic among classics, the ’67 427 Stingray is a rare gem as only 21 ‘Vettes with the potent L88 powerplant rolled off the production line. The 427-cubic-inch L88 was factory rated at 430 horsepower but this number is considered laughably conservative as many believe the actual power figure to be in the 550-horse range. The bottom line is this Stingray can blast out the power but can it cut an apex? Tuners should consider upgrading the suspension to enhance the car’s stability in the corners. At auction these things top $1 million when they’re put on the block so Forza 3’s 90,000 credit price tag is a steal of a deal.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Forget about the Bumblebee SS from the Transformer movie franchise, can the new Camaro hang on the track? Its retro styling masks a formidable powerplant and a modern multi-link suspension set-up. The potential is obvious as a voluptuous 426-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 provides the thrills while a low, wide hunkered stance promises performance in the twisties. The 2010 Camaro SS is a blank canvas and tuners and painters alike will have plenty to explore. Before you start mixing Bumblebee colors be aware that GM is coming out with a Transformers Edition of the all-new Camaro.
2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10
Dare-to-be-different types will get a kick out of flogging a pickup truck around the Nurburgring, Circuit de la Sarthe or the like. The Ram definitely hauls more than groceries, how’s 0-60 in 5.2 seconds? As the SRT10 moniker indicates the Ram pickup sports a V10 engine. Detoured directly from the Viper production line the V10 pumps out 500 horses from its massive, even for American muscle, 505 cubic inches of displacement. Bilstein shocks, 22-inch wheels and tires and huge 15-inch brakes team with a 55/45 weight distribution to create a pickup that can really skate, generating some surreal g-forces and a surreal racing experience.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
While the ’69 Charger may be best known as the high-flying, ramp-jumping General Lee from the “Dukes of Hazard” TV show it is a real down-to-earth powerhouse. The R/T features a 440 Magnum V8 which pounds the pavement with 375 horsepower. Forza drivers will have to balance the R/T’s brute power against its archaic live axle, leaf spring rear suspension. From a raw, let-it-all-hang-out perspective the tail-happy Charger may be the wildest drive in this group. Take it to Sedona Raceway Park for a few blasts down the drag strip.
2006 Dodge Charger SRT8
The 21st century edition of this Mopar favorite has a legend under its hood, namely a 6.1-liter Hemi that generates 425 horsepower. The SRT8 sports technological advancements that the old Charger couldn’t even dream of, especially when it comes to handling. The new Charger sports track-tuned shocks and springs, Brembo brakes, traction control, and a good helping of built-in ‘Bling’ compliments of 20-inch rolling stock. The Charger SRT8’s chiseled silhouette will attract painters like moths to an open flame and tuners who get it right will use the SRT8 to flame the competition without mercy.
2009 Dodge Challenger SRT8
The Challenger shares its running gear with the stout Charger SRT8. The big difference here is aesthetics, the Challenger has a wider, sleeker look and it’s a two-door coupe where the Charger is a four-door sedan. Painters may find more to like with the Challenger and its throwback styling but drivers should also embrace the car because no matter what you’re racing it’s hard to go wrong with 425 horsepower and 420 lbs-ft of torque.
2008 Dodge Viper ACR
When it comes to American muscle few cars can match the brawn of the Dodge Viper ACR. Where others are race-capable street cars the ACR is street-drivable race car. ACR stands for American Club Racer and this Viper has all the racing attributes you could want, advanced aerodynamic downforce, great mechanical grip, weight reduction and a purpose built suspension in ‘as delivered factory trim.’ Toss in a thunderous 8.4-liter V10 with an angry 600 horses in the corral and you have a whipping stick of a ride with zero tuning investment.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
The Boss 429’s bragging rights rumbles under its hood in the form of a NASCAR-inspired 429-cubic-inch V8. Designed to challenge the 426 Hemi of the day in NASCAR, the 429 was dropped into the Mustang to meet the sanctioning body’s homologation rules. The 375-horse plant was born to hot lap and should relish as much wide open throttle antics as you can muster. Nostalgic liveries and some savvy suspension investments on the tuning side will make this old-timer a present day road warrior. Chart your progress at Sedona Raceway Park’s drag strip where you can extend the full-throttle antics to a full mile.
2008 Saleen 331 Supercab
Not to be left out of the pickup truck meets race car equation Blue Oval fans get a specially tricked out F-150 from famed Ford tuner Steve Saleen. The 2008 Saleen 331 Supercab takes a four-door pickup and drops a performance bomb square in its face. Saleen takes the F-150’s 4.6-liter V8 and adds its Series VI twin-screw supercharger, bumping power to 450, a 150-horse boost over the regular 4.6-liter V8. Saleen cashes in on its extensive racing experience and gives the 331 the agility of a sports car with a performance tuned suspension, 15-inch brakes and 23-inch wheels and tires. Imagine the shock value of a pickup truck that can spank so-called supercars.
1967 Shelby Cobra 427 S/C
The Shelby Mk III Cobra 427 was not a racing sensation; that honor went to the GT40s and Cobra Daytona coupes. While privateers did win SCCA A-Production championships from 1965 to 1969, the Ford-powered roadsters were never global killers like their Shelby brethren. It is this semi-illustrious racing career that made the cars a hot commodity among collectors. Thirty one of the competition spec 427s went unraced. These individuals were subsequently detuned, made “road worthy” and sold to the public as Cobra 427 S/Cs; the S/C standing for Street/Competition. The S/C’s side-oiler 427 was taken from 485 race-trim ponies to 425 and the rest is history. The Forza 3 price of $1.43 million credits is about where the bidding for an original ’67 427 S/C would start… remember that when you challenge the game’s physics model squeezing between cars.
Sedona Raceway Park
This destination on Forza 3 is one of the most versatile venues on the game and a great place to give your latest creation a thorough shakedown. There are two road circuits, a traditional oval and a drag strip on the grounds. To evaluate handling players can choose from a 4.13-mile road course, a higher speed 2.02-mile circuit and a 1.51-mile oval. Those wanting to establish the brute acceleration of thir rides can give the strip a try and select distances of .12-miles, a quarter mile, half mile or stand on the gas for a full mile. By all means enjoy the Arizona desert scenery but don’t take your eyes of the track for too long because the turns are tight and the track is lined with gravel which will send you spinning in short order.
