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Forza Horizon 6's Career Mode Detailed
Andrew Evans
February 24, 2026
Hello, SpeedBiters! Here's what's on the menu today:
Australian GP renames corner after two female race engineers
Vauxhall to bring back the Corsa GSE this year
Rimac's hypercar aids aviation stunt
New Super Formula race weekend format for 2026
Bentley’s Bentayga special edition for women
...and more!
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INDUSTRY NEWS
Vauxhall is set to introduce a high-performance variant of the Corsa, marking its return to the hot hatch segment for the first time in eight years, having teased the model with a Vision Gran Turismo concept for the Gran Turismo racing game. The upcoming Corsa GSE will incorporate enhancements similar to those seen in the Mokka GSE, featuring sportier design elements and potentially improved performance metrics.
Bentley has introduced a limited edition of the Bentayga, specifically designed for female buyers in Japan, named the "Bentley Motors Japan Bentayga Something Blue Collection by Mulliner - for the Woman of Today", which debuted in Tokyo over the weekend. This exclusive series, inspired by the wedding tradition of "Something Blue", features a refined aesthetic with subtle blue accents and is limited to just ten units.
MG is exploring a lighter, more streamlined iteration of the Cyberster to maintain its appeal in the face of emerging electric sports cars from competitors like Alpine and Audi. Jozef Kaban, the brand's global design vice president, envisions this refined model as a purer sports car, emphasizing weight reduction to enhance driving excitement and create a distinct experience.
BMW has decided to replace its Level 3 autonomous driving system in the upcoming 7-Series refresh with a more economical Level 2 configuration, primarily to reduce costs associated with complex technology and regulatory hurdles. This trend is echoed by other manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis, who are also shifting focus away from Level 3 systems in favor of simpler alternatives.
Ford is recalling over 412,000 Explorer SUVs from model years 2017 to 2019 due to a potential failure in the rear suspension toe links, which can lead to compromised steering control and heightened crash risk. Owners are encouraged to visit dealerships for complimentary replacements with redesigned components to address this safety issue.
Volvo has expanded its recall of the EX30 electric vehicle from 40 to over 40,000 units globally due to a potential fire hazard linked to defective battery packs that may overheat and cause short circuits. Although no incidents have been reported, the company is advising owners to limit charging and park away from structures while it prepares to replace the faulty batteries at no cost.
Rivian has teamed up with EnergyHub to facilitate participation in utility-managed EV charging programs for its North American drivers, offering potential benefits like bill credits for charging during optimal times. This collaboration enables Rivian vehicles to connect with EnergyHub’s platform, which helps balance electricity demand by adjusting charging based on grid conditions, thereby supporting both passive and active managed charging initiatives.
For years, rumors circulated among BMW fans about a convertible version of the M5, and the company has now verified its existence while explaining its absence from the market. Initially developed as a production-ready model based on the E34 M5, this vehicle was ultimately shelved due to concerns that it would detract from sales of other convertible models in BMW's lineup.
The automotive sector in Europe is exploring prospects within the expanding defense market to offset losses from the transition to electric vehicles and the rise of Chinese competitors. A notable instance is the Renault Group's establishment of a facility in Le Mans, France, dedicated to manufacturing strike drones for military contractor Turgis Gaillard, with the CEO indicating potential for further projects in this area.
Tesla has initiated legal action against the California DMV to overturn a ruling that deemed its marketing of "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" as misleading. This lawsuit follows Tesla's recent compliance with DMV directives to adjust its advertising, raising questions about the rationale behind contesting a decision it had previously accepted.
MOTORSPORT
At the upcoming Australian Grand Prix, engineers Hannah Schmitz and Laura Mueller will be honored with a corner named in their recognition, marking a historic first for women in Formula 1. This tribute, which will see their names applied to Turn 6, is part of the 'In Her Corner' initiative and the race on March 8 coincides with International Women's Day.
For the 2026 season, Super Formula will standardize race distances across its double-header weekends and reintroduce fixed pit windows for all events, adjusting the timing based on track length. Additionally, the series will implement a knockout qualifying format for the single-header races at Sugo and Autopolis, while fuel flow rate will revert to 90kg/h following driver feedback on post-season test changes.
Mercedes' customers in Formula 1, including McLaren, Alpine, and Williams, will receive an upgraded race engine for the Australian season opener, following a period of testing with slightly varied specifications. As the team prepares for the new regulations and aims to ensure reliability, it has focused on refining the latest engine version for its own use, which will set the standard for its partners when the season officially begins.
Kimi Antonelli has acknowledged that Mercedes is facing challenges with race starts following pre-season testing in Bahrain, particularly due to new regulations that require drivers to manually manage turbo spooling. Despite some improvements noted during practice, both Antonelli and teammate George Russell expressed concerns about their performance compared to Ferrari, highlighting the need for further refinement.
Formula 1's CEO, Stefano Domenicali, expressed confidence that the championship could withstand the potential retirements of Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso, despite their significant contributions to the sport. He acknowledged the challenges both drivers face but noted their competitive spirit and the ability of emerging talents to engage fans in new ways.
Theo Pourchaire, previously affiliated with Sauber and a notable talent in the junior racing circuits, has been appointed as a development driver for Mercedes in 2026. Despite a promising start to his career, including being a top contender in Formula 3 and winning a Formula 2 title, his trajectory has seen ups and downs, leading to this unexpected opportunity with Mercedes alongside other development drivers.
During the early days of Formula E, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko expressed skepticism about the series' potential, ultimately suggesting that the team focused on Formula 1 instead. However, as the championship evolves with advancements like the Gen4 car, interest from F1 teams, including Red Bull, in exploring partnerships or technical collaborations with Formula E appears increasingly plausible.
Porsche has announced that its new Formula E team will operate without increasing its overall budget, relying instead on reallocating resources from its existing customer support operations. The company will maintain its current presence in the series, with six cars on the grid, integrating new talent into the program through this expansion.
At only 13 years old, Keelan Harvick has joined Toyota's development program, marking a significant step in his racing career. Following a series of impressive victories, including becoming the youngest winner of multiple prestigious events, he will race in numerous late model competitions this year, representing the #62 Toyota Camry with support from ExxonMobil.
CURIOSITIES
Playground Games has unveiled new details about the career mode in Forza Horizon 6, which takes players to Japan and introduces a structured progression system centered around earning Wristbands. Players will navigate a mix of competitive events and free exploration, guided by new characters, while unlocking various features and vehicles as they strive to achieve the title of Horizon Legend.
Rimac Automobili partnered with Dario Costa for an innovative aviation stunt in Turkey, providing its high-performance hypercars as dynamic practice targets. In addition to supplying vehicles, Rimac engineered a specialized aircraft canopy and seat to enhance Costa's maneuverability during the complex aerial feat.
A rare 1955 Aston Martin DB3S, renowned for its racing history, is set to be auctioned in Monaco at the end of April, with an estimated value reaching up to $4.7 million. This particular model, chassis 111, boasts a rich history in motorsport, having been driven by notable racers and maintained in original condition following extensive restoration.
The RUF 928S, a singular Porsche model originally commissioned by Samsung's Lee Kun-hee, features a genuine RUF VIN and has undergone restoration by RUF following its initial ownership. Set to be auctioned by Gooding Christie’s, this unique vehicle is projected to fetch between $400,000 and $500,000, reflecting its rarity and historic significance.
The Range Stormer, a concept vehicle introduced by Land Rover two decades ago, features unique split scissor doors and a striking design that aimed to redefine luxury SUVs. Although it garnered significant interest at its debut, this innovative model never transitioned to production, instead remaining a notable example of the brand's design evolution displayed at the British Motor Museum.
Mat Armstrong faced significant challenges in repairing his damaged Ferrari 296 GTB due to the company's stringent policies, which he claims saw him restricted from ordering parts and offered limited official repair assistance following his modifications that included components for the 296 Challenge track car. His experience illustrates the intricate and often precarious nature of owning modern supercars, particularly when attempting DIY repairs.
Volkswagen has issued a warning to consumers in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland about fraudulent used-car websites that feature non-existent vehicles at enticingly low prices. The automaker cautions potential buyers to be vigilant, as these scams involve fake contact information and payment methods, urging anyone affected to report the incidents to local authorities.
Automotive YouTubers Garbage Time caught attention recently by humorously replacing a vehicle's radiator coolant with Pepsi. Perhaps surprisingly the outcome, which saw a Proton S16 Sedan subject to the unusual experiment, wasn’t disastrous as the car survived a long drive without issues thanks to the high water content of the carbonated drink.
A recent RAC report has revealed that more than 10% of individuals caught driving under the influence are likely to offend again, with approximately 27,000 repeat incidents recorded over the past 11 years. The findings also highlight that despite existing penalties, including a driving ban and potential imprisonment, many offenders continue to pose a risk, prompting discussions about implementing stricter measures like mandatory breathalyzer interlocks for repeat violators.
California's Assembly Bill 43 allows municipalities to establish speed limits based on safety considerations rather than solely on the speed of traffic, enabling San Diego to potentially reduce limits on over 679 miles of its roadways. However, the city acknowledges that lowering speed limits alone will not suffice to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and injuries, noting the need for education and infrastructure improvements.
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