To start, Forza, the Italian word for “force”, is the name of a fictional racing simulator game made for Xbox consoles and Microsoft and published by Xbox Game Studio, with the first release "Forza Motorsport" in releasing for the original Xbox 2005. Since the original release nearly two decades ago, they have added a total of 13 titles to their series of racing games. Forza incorporates real-world supercars, racing teams, and racetracks, along with many fictional aspects to make the experience more immersive for the race fan, as well as the gamer.
In the most recent gameplay trailer, as well as the title cover, the new Corvette E-Ray and Cadillac Racing’s newest hypercar, the V-Series.R, appear as playable models. This has fans excited, not only for the chance to get behind the wheel, or controller, and see how the newest Corvette stacks up against the stiff competition, but they’re also excited to see the return of Cadillac Racing in Forza.
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Forza's Roster Includes Unique Cars
Neither Cadillac nor Corvette is strangers to the Forza roster. They are both included in every main title of the franchise and even in add-on downloadable content packs, with the former appearing in the Launch Bonus Car Pack for Forza Horizon 2. What makes these particular models special is the fact that the Corvette E-Ray is the only Corvette of its kind, in-game, as well as in the real world, and the Cadillac V-Series R marks Cadillac Racing’s return to the 24 Hours at Le Mans, the oldest, and most prestigious endurance race for sports cars.
The Corvette E-Ray Is The First Of Its Kind
The Corvette E-Ray is the first, and only, hybrid Corvette model to date, making it a landmark model for Chevrolet, as well as American Supercars. The hybrid all-wheel drive sports car features a 495-horsepower 6.2-liter V-8 from a Stingray Z51 and uses an 80-pound permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor that makes 160-horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque, for a combined 655-horsepower. According to Edmunds, Chevrolet claims the E-Ray can achieve 60 MPH in a mere 2.5-seconds, more than adequate speeds when compared to the star-studded roster Forza offers.
Chevrolet goes on to say the E-Ray boasts a quarter-mile drag time of 10.5 seconds, a full second faster than times recorded for the 2020 Corvette C8, and the 2019 Corvette ZR1. The E-Ray reports speeds exceeding 180 MPH, which will come in clutch when dueling it out against Porsche, Lamborghini, and Zonda, all Manufacturers featured in the upcoming Forza Motorsport, as well as over 500 other popular fictional and real-world race cars upon release.
As for those looking to put themselves behind the wheel of a real Corvette E-Ray, you’ll have to wait until the fall, when the E-Ray is set to hit markets. With a starting MSRP of $104,295 for the Targa and $111,295 for the convertible, most of us will likely stick to Forza’s proven ability to accurately simulate a variety of makes and models, from the racetrack to the streets, and everything between.
But if you do find yourself purchasing an E-Ray in the fall of 2023, don’t expect to save money in the fuel economy department, as though the EPA reports have yet to be released, Chevrolet only expects the E-Ray to get 19 combined city and highway MPG. Luckily you won’t have to worry about fuel costs in-game.
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The V-Series R Brings Cadillac Back To Le Mans
Forza’s Motorsport series, as well as its Horizon series, has never failed to give fans of racing and racing games a quality product that usually garners high scoring reviews thanks to their consistency and attention to detail. Their attention to detail is what has endurance racing fans itching to see Cadillac Racing’s newest hypercar, the V-Series R, appear in Forza Motorsport, which will be its first appearance in any game.
In early June, the V-Series R marked Cadillac’s return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 20-year absence from the race, last competing in 2002. An interesting connection between Forza and Cadillac Racing, the LMP1 Cadillac Racing NorthStar, which placed ninth in the 2002 24 Hours of Le Mans, made an appearance in Forza’s 2007 release, Forza Motorsport 2. As for the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, the V-Series R finished at a respectable third place for the #2 car, and fourth place for the #3 car.
If the V-Series R’s most recent real-world performance is anything to go off of, then the excitement growing around Cadillac Racing’s hypercar may double, as the V-Series R is turning out to be the fastest race car to come from an American manufacturer in recent history.
Powering the endurance race car is a 5.5-liter DOHC V-8 engine that makes 670-horsepower, though it’s worth noting that the horsepower for hypercar race competitions is series-specified, so Forza may allow further tuning to increase engine output, as allowed in many of their games, though some models come pre-tuned to increase in-game realism for real-world replicas. The V-Series R also employs a rear-mounted 50 kWh spec MGU electric motor supplied by Bosch.
With a seven-speed carbon fiber reinforced pneumatically actuated transmission, there are plenty of gears to satisfy your need for speed. The V-Series R reached speeds of 188-190 MPH during the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, at times outrunning BMW’s entry into the race. Considering Forza’s knack for recreating historical races, there’s no doubt in many Forza fans’ minds that the V-Series R vs. BMW grudge match will be an in-game treat, as well as a tough challenge.
Forza Motorsport Release And Early Access
Forza Motorsport is set to release for Xbox Series X|S and PC on October 10th, 2023, which coincides with the release of the featured Corvette ERay, no doubt a marketing move on Chevrolet’s part to add to the already growing buzz building around their very first hybrid Corvette. Cadillac made sure to cash in on their marketing opportunity as well, as Forza released gameplay footage of the V-Series R around the time the hypercar was set to make its first appearance at Le Mans, a popular, and widely viewed event.
Those looking to gain early access to Forza Motorsport will be able to pre-order the Premium Edition, which will allow you to play five days early. For updates on release, gameplay, and pre-order information, keep up with @ForzaMotorsport on Twitter, the official social media page for the upcoming release, to stay on the pulse of this anticipated addition to the Forza series.
