Microsoft Announces 6 Years of Porsche Starting with Forza Horizon 3

Porsche have made their long awaited return to the Forza franchise and frankly, i’m super excited about it! Microsoft’s Turn 10 Studios and Porsche announced at the New York International Auto Show that the German car manufacturer has signed a 6 year deal for a variety of Forza franchises. So we know they’ll be around for at least a while. Thank heavens for that!

The Porsche Car Pack has been released today for Forza Horizon 3 and includes seven Porsche models to the game. There will also be a series of #Forzathon events where players can earn Porsche reward cars at no cost. This is a great chance to earn that Porsche model you want without having to fork out $6.99 USD. Not a huge amount but we all love winning free stuff, right?

Not only is this Porsche’s debut to Forza Horizon 3 but also to this console generation. It’s been a long wait! The deal kicks off with open registration for the newly announced esports sponsorship debut from Porsche in Forza Racing Championship Season 3: The Porsche Cup.

Included in the Porsche Car Pack is a broad range of cars from their illustrious and innovative history. A list of cars had been leaked in an update error but it’s still satisfying to see the confirmed Porsche Car Pack. Enthusiasts I’m sure will be a little disappointed it doesn’t feature their favourite models, but there’s still some real gems amongst them. So, let’s get to the good part.

Forza Horizon 3 Porsche Car Pack

2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Porsche fans were worried about this car because of potential changes. It was suggested that the engine would be moved to the front and turbo-charging be utilized. However, thankfully the engine was rear-placed and rear-wheel steering was used. Using a 4.0 litre 500 horsepower engine and being lighter than the GT3, this thing is perfect perfection.

2016 Porsche Cayman GT4

The Cayman, the evolution of the Boxter borrows some features from the 911 GT3 with it’s front suspension and brakes but there’s also some distinct differences and improvements. The engine is mounted ahead of the rear axle which moves the weight forward to improve handling and balance. It’s nowhere near as powerful with a 3.8L 385 horsepower engine but this car is a lot of fun.

2017 Porsche Panamera Turbo

The Panamera didn’t receive a great reception when it was introduced in 2009. Porsche’s attempt at a four door luxury sedan just lacked the sexiness of their iconic two door sports cars. However, with a more glamorous wider and taller body, and longer wheel base, the new Panamera is a better looking Porsche. It also has the performance to go with it. A V8 turbo 550 horsepower engine and impressive handling, the Panamera shakes up the super-sedan market.

1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS

The Carrera RS still compares with modern race cars and had a huge influence on the development of the 911. It was initially designed for GT racing but Porsche had to manufacturer 500 models to meet racing rule requirements. It’s popularity grew and Porsche ended up manufacturing  1,580 models. in 2014, the RS hit a record sale of $1,402,500 in 2014. A collectors item and a true honor to drive if you get the chance. I’m happy to settle with driving it in the game.

1995 Porsche 911 GT2

The 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 continues the legacy of the ’73 Carrera RS with its lightweight design and high power and performance. The 3.6 liter, twin-turbo flat-six produces 424 horsepower, and the fully adjustable suspension delivers impressive traction on any road surface. Porsche in this model delivered a great road racer. Some would say this was the greatest Porsche of all time. Sporting modern design and technology and also having the same original windscreen size as the first 911 from 1964.

1955 Porsche 550A Spyder

The 1955 Porsche 550A Spyder was the first car built by Porsche specifically for racing. It was intended to be raced at Salinas in 1955 by Hollywood royalty James Dean, however he died in a car accident shortly after filming the movie “Giant”. The space-frame tubular chassis made it lighter than its competitors. It’s impressive performance started Porsche’s high reputation helping global sales. I’m sure this will be a pleasure to cruise around in on Forza Horizon 3.

1960 Porsche 718 RS 60

The 718 RS 60 is the Grand Daddy of the the 550A Spyder. It had a larger 160 horsepower 1.6 liter, quad-cam, mid-engine layout. The RS 60 had a stellar debut, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring, the Targa Florio and defended its European Hill Climb Championship. It tied with Ferrari in the 1960 World Sportscar Championship, even though Ferrari had nearly double the displacement. I can’t wait to go up against the Ferrari 250 in Forza Horizon 3.

Porsche + #Forzathon

As previously mentioned there will also be the opportunity to win some Porsche cars from the #Forzathon events. These will run between April and May. Forza have confirmed that you don’t need to own the Porsche Car Pack to enter . Here’s the list of events:

Event #1

Basket of Goodies

14th – 17th April

Win the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 and more!

Event #2

Show Us What You’re Working With

21st – 24th April

Take home the Porsche 959 and more!

Event #3

Horizon Secret Service

28th April – 1st May

Compete and win the Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3 and more!

One-Day Event

Putting on a show

April 18th

Win the Porsche 918 Spyder and more!

Are you excited to get in the drivers seat of a Porsche in Forza Horizon 3? Let us know which model you’re most excited to get your hands on! The trailer for the Porsche Car Pack is below.