Pt. 5: Grand Touring

While hot hatchbacks, JDM and Muscle are all great car classes to race with, for a lot of you it is the Grand Touring classes that really defines the sport of auto racing and the Forza Series. That's okay though, because there is plenty of room in your racing schedule for this rather elite class while still leaving space for the rest, right?

For this Volume we get to choose from the following sub-classes:

- Sport GT

- Exotic GT

- Birth of the Supercar

- Ultimate Grand Tourer

- Modern Hypercar

- Vintage Touring

The fact that Vintage Touring falls in the same physical slot as the previous pair of sub-classes is just a happy coincidence, but that is the class we opted to choose for our WTG run and why? Well, because it allows us to pick from the following awesome cars:

- 1952 FIAT 8V Supersonic (1,039,700 Cr.)

- 1953 Chevrolet Corvette (247,950 Cr.)

- 1953 Ferrari 500 Mondial (1,013,150 Cr.)

- 1954 Jaguar XK120 SE (171,950 Cr.)

- 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe (438,400 Cr.)

- 1956 Lotus Eleven (151,750 Cr.)

- 1957 Ferrari 250 California (1,410,800 Cr.)

- 1961 Jaguar E-type S1 (108,750 Cr.)

- 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso (544,950 Cr.)

- 1964 Aston Martin DB5 (510,150 Cr.)

- 1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GT (80,450 Cr.)

What an incredible list of cars to choose from! Clearly Ferrari was busy in its move to dominate the GT class, but with competition from Mercedes, Lotus, and Jaguar of course, it was not what one might consider to be a closed field. And then there is the FIAT Supersonic - a car we have to admit we have only ever seen in a movie and here in Forza.

Strictly from a speed perspective the Supersonic is not the fastest choice, but it is the most expensive. Being a glutton for punishment we decided to go ahead and try the FIAT on for size. If it does not work out we can always switch to our second choice, which is the E-type S1 Jaguar. Just saying :)

Grand Touring Volume

So getting this show on the road, we begin with the Timberland Series, with 6 racing events, having chosen the '52 FIAT 8V Supersonic in the D398 / D400 class.

Timberland Series

Series 7 of 15 - 6 Races

Recommended Cars

Bear in mind that this is purely subjective and based upon a combination of our own and other racer experience. Clearly YMMV but the suggested cars below are competitive for this Series.

1. - Sport GT

   - 2013 SRT Viper GTS

   - 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

2. - Ultimate Grand Tourer

   - 2012 Ferrari F12berlinettta

   - 2010 Aston Martin One-77

3. - Exotic GT

   - 2017 Ford GT

   2010 Noble M600-

4. - Modern Hypercar

   - 2011 Bugatti Veyiron Super Sport

   - 2012 Hennessey Venom GT

5. - Birth of the Supercar

   - 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

   - 2004 Saleen S7

6. - Vintage Touring

   - 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

   - 1952 Fiat 8V Supersonic

The first Series is broken down into six unique races:

Race 1: Watkins Glen

* TRACK: Short Circuit Alt. (6 Laps). 2.48 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Braking Engineer +20% Braking +6% Grip (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Increased Sway Bar Stiffness +3% Grip (Common) Boost/Green

The reason you choose to increase Braking and Grip is due to the type of course, which has short runs and lots of turns that demand better grip and braking. Adding power in this situation would not help you.

It is difficult to imagine a more forgiving course they could choose for the familiarization race for this new class of car. The graceful curves nicely show off just how easy it is to get into a drift with these beauties, and equally shows why that is probably not a great idea if finishing in the top 3 is part of your goal.

Race 2: Road America

* TRACK: Full Circuit Alt (3 Laps). 4.12 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

Despite the relatively short length of the course, and its plentiful collection of curves and turns, this is a track that will benefit from boosted speed, braking, and grip, in that order.

This course is far less forgiving than the previous, offering more technical challenge and some heart-breaking turns that will quickly reveal whatever weaknesses exist in both your car - and you. This can be even more of a challenge when the pack you are racing includes well-trained drivatars from your mates with aggression and driving styles nearer to your own.

One of the drawbacks here is the narrow width of the course, which tends to cause packing early on which can result in the lead cars getting too great a lead on you, so you want to watch for that and avoid it as much as possible.

Race 3: Nurburgring

* TRACK: Nurburgring GP (4 Laps). 3.20 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 12,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Grip Engineer +12% Grip +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

This is a highly technical track that benefits significantly from close attention to your driving - mistakes here are costly. The best Strategy is to increase Grip and Brakes as much as you can manage.

Wow! Not only is our next race on this iconic course that is challenging under ordinary circumstances, we get to do it in the rain!

Completing this race will unlock the Showcase Event Factory Spec Racing: Monza Ultima GTR Cup.

Race 4: Lime Rock Park

* TRACK: Lime Rock West (8 Laps). 1.50 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 11,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Grip Engineer +12% Grip +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

Speed is useless here - you want lots of Brakes and lots of Grip to gain the edge on this one.

This one is a relatively short but highly technical challenge that will insist on you trotting out your drifting legs in order to stay ahead regardless of how aggressive your turns are!

Despite the higher lap-count this race is over before you know it!

Race 5: Road Atlanta

* TRACK: Road Atlanta (5 Laps). 2.54 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Braking Engineer +20% Braking +5% Power (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Flat Out +3% Power -1% Weight (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Enhanced Intake Flow +3% Power (Common) Boost/Green

The unique combination of fast-runs and turns require some emphasis on Power and Braking. Saving a little weight will also help.

For this race we head in a different direction in terms of challenge. Fortunately though with this being one of the older and better established tracks it should have a much lower learning curve.

Race 6 Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps

* TRACK: Circuit de Spa (3 Laps). 4.35 MI/L

* SERIES: Timberland Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 11,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Grip Engineer +12% Grip +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

For this course there is no question at all when it comes to Mod Card Strategy - you need lots of Brakes and lots of Grip. While there are in fact some speed zones here, the bottom line is that you are not very likely to work through your entire gear range on them, so put Speed out of your mind for this one.

You will recognize fairly quickly that this track basically contains the more challenging elements of all of The Tracks we have raced up to this point, making it about perfect for closing out this Series!

Completing this race unlocks the next Series in the Volume - Rolling Roads Tour (8 of 15).

Rolling Roads Tour Series

Series 8 of 15 - 6 Races

Recommended Cars

Bear in mind that this is purely subjective and based upon a combination of our own and other racer experience. Clearly YMMV but the suggested cars below are competitive for this Series.

1. - Sport GT

   - 2013 SRT Viper GTS

   - 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

2. - Ultimate Grand Tourer

   - 2012 Ferrari F12berlinettta

   - 2010 Aston Martin One-77

3. - Exotic GT

   - 2017 Ford GT

   2010 Noble M600-

4. - Modern Hypercar

   - 2011 Bugatti Veyiron Super Sport

   - 2012 Hennessey Venom GT

5. - Birth of the Supercar

   - 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

   - 2004 Saleen S7

6. - Vintage Touring

   - 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

   - 1952 Fiat 8V Supersonic

The second Series is broken down into six unique races featuring a variety of surfaces focused on hills and climbing. In the previous Series we chose the Vintage Touring class and we are sticking with it and with the FIAT for this next one!

Race 1:Rio de Janeiro

* TRACK: Rio National Circuit (5 Laps). 2.84 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 12,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Braking Engineer +20% Braking -5% Weight (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Flat Out +3% Power -1% Weight (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green)

The Mod Card Strategy we are using here may seem too small to make that big a difference but in fact it is just the right setup for this course. Race after race has established that.

The challenge here is to learn when to slow down. Seriously. You will see what we mean rather quickly.

Race 2:Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca

* TRACK: Full Circuit (5 Laps). 2.24 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 11,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Grip Engineer +12% Grip +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

This is another track that requires control over speed. Focus on Grip and Brakes, and your driving of course.

One of the best established and older tracks in the series, hopefully you like and know wit well...

Completing this race unlocks the Showcase Event TopGear Jaguar F-Type Bowling!

Race 3:Bernese Alps

* TRACK: Alps Festival (4 Laps). 3.63 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 11,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Increased Sway Bar Stiffness +3% Grip (Common) Boost/Green

Setting up your car for this race means adding power and grip - a fair amount of grip - thanks to the curves.

The Alps Festival is probably THE most forgiving track in the game - which means it also offers some of the best competitive racing when you have a crew of well-trained Drivatars in your crew. Actually it really helps a lot of you have mates who play and who have trained their Drivatars to really give ya a run for the money!

So yeah, have lots of fun with this. But did you get first? Did you? Really? Well good on ya!

Race 4:Mount Panorama

* TRACK: Bathurst (3 Laps). 3.86 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 9,400 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Flat Out +3% Power -1% Weight (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

For most racers the real challenge for this course is the complex set of turns at its southern end. If you are going to have trouble, that is where it is going to happen. Despite the largely speed-oriented bulk of the track then, Braking is actually a more strategic move here. Which is why our Mod Card Strategy is divided into those two camps.

Yeah there really is not much to be said about Bathurst for this class of car. It has some fun bits but mostly to be honest? Yeah pretty annoying. Still you have it to do, so get it done!

Race 5: Sonoma Raceway

* TRACK: Sonoma GP (5 Laps). 2.22 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 12,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Grip Engineer +12% Grip +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

Sonoma begs for precision control, and that means putting ALL of your emphasis on Brakes and Grip and eschewing Power because why? Because it is Brakes and Grip that give you the edge you need to dominate this course.

So yeah... Sonoma... This can be one of the more frustrating courses, especially if your mates Drivatars are good so hey, there is no shame in lowering the Drivatar settings temporarily for this race if you find the comp is too tight. Really :)

Race 6: Watkins Glen

* TRACK: Watkins Glen Short Alt (6 Laps). 2.48 MI/L

* SERIES: Rolling Roads Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Braking Engineer +20% Braking +6% Grip (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Increased Sway Bar Stiffness +3% Grip (Common) Boost/Green

The reason you choose to increase Braking and Grip is due to the type of course, which has short runs and lots of turns that demand better grip and braking. Adding power in this situation would not help you.

Back to the Glan for fast and forgiving racing on a track that you can easily dominate. What a nice way to end this Series!

Completing this race completes the Series, and unlocks the final Series for this Volume - Pure Motorsports Showdown.

Pure Motorsport Showdown Series

Series 9 of 15 - 6 Races

Recommended Cars

Bear in mind that this is purely subjective and based upon a combination of our own and other racer experience. Clearly YMMV but the suggested cars below are competitive for this Series.

1. - Sport GT

   - 2013 SRT Viper GTS

   - 2012 Nissan GT-R Black Edition

2. - Ultimate Grand Tourer

   - 2012 Ferrari F12berlinettta

   - 2010 Aston Martin One-77

3. - Exotic GT

   - 2017 Ford GT

   2010 Noble M600-

4. - Modern Hypercar

   - 2011 Bugatti Veyiron Super Sport

   - 2012 Hennessey Venom GT

5. - Birth of the Supercar

   - 1992 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

   - 2004 Saleen S7

6. - Vintage Touring

   - 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe

   - 1952 Fiat 8V Supersonic

The third Series is broken down into six unique races. Once again we chose the Vintage Touring Class.

Race 1:Daytona International Speedway

* TRACK: Daytona 24 Hour (4 Laps). 3.59 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Flat Out +3% Power -1% Weight (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

While this is a bit of a longer run, the basic challenges make increasing Power and Braking an obvious strategic boost and provides a major edge.

We cannot imagine actually doing an endurance race on this particular course, but four laps? Yeah, we can do that easily! And so will you!

Race 2:Yas Marina Circuit

* TRACK: Yas Marina Full (3 Laps). 3.45 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

The Marina offers an awkward collection of challenges that require a mixture of Power and Braking with a little Grip thrown in. If you lack the suggested Cards we suggest you get them, even if it means running Endurance races for the Creds!

While this track has more technical challenges than most, it works very well for this car class.

Completing this race unlocks the Showcase Event Endurance Racing: Bathurst 100. So good on ya!

Race 3:Circuit de Catalunya

* TRACK: Catalunya GP (4 Laps). 2.89 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 11,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

For this course the emphasis must be on Speed and Grip. Braking is key however, so you want to be sure you choose cards that have Braking in addition to Grip or Power.

A nice and fast course that is easily dominated.

Race 4: Circuit of the Americas

* TRACK: Grand Prix Circuit (3 Laps). 3.42 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 9,900 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

For this course the emphasis must be on Brakes and Grip with some Power thrown in to balance out the long stretches where that can be handy..

As you line up you learn that the course you are about to race on is the first intentionally built GP track in the Americas. What that translates to is a serious challenge, lots of technical and a very real need to learn this course and the best approaches to its turns.

As the race begins you fight your way through the pack until the real race comes down to you and a handful of cars that took an early lead. And we know what you are thinking. Don't fool yourself. You are thinking - "I will ease up behind him and then when we go into the turn I will slide to the outside, he will hit the brakes, and I will fly right past him!"

But when you try that, at the very center of the turn you start to feel the rear wheels losing their grip, the subtle change in the vibration and the shriek of the tyres just a brief warning, before you start to slide off the track, screaming "Goose!"

Seriously though, this is a GREAT track! Lots of challenge, lots of fun! Enjoy it Mav,

Race 5: Hockenheimring

* TRACK: Hockenheimring (4 Laps). 2.84 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 10,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Precision +3% Grip +4% Braking (Uncommon) Boost/Green

For this course the emphasis must be on Speed and Grip. Braking is a bonus but if you lack cards containing both, you should focus on Grip.

This was another of the fast and challenging tracks, offering some heartbreaking starting turns thanks to the pack, but once you have freedom to move across the entire width of the track, you can easily dominate,. So the trick here is to get out in front as fast as you can while avoiding getting trapped early on.

Completing this race unlocks the Showcase Event Race Driver Experience: Endurance Prototypes Sebring Rain Invitational

Race 6: Autodromo Nazionale Monza

* TRACK: Monza Full Alt. (5 Laps). 3.59 MI/L

* SERIES: Pure Motorsport Showdown Series.

* DIVISION: Vintage Touring

* REQ.: Finish in the Top 3 Positions. for a 12,000 Cr. Purse.

Recommended Mod Cards

Each course can be made easier by using specific Mod Cards. If you do not presently own the version of a card we recommend, use the next version down that you do own. The recommended Cards for this track are:

(1) Powertrain Engineer +10% Power +12% Braking (Super Rare) Crew/Blue

(2) Flat Out +3% Power -1% Weight (Uncommon) Boost/Green

(3) Increased Sway Bar Stiffness +3% Grip (Common) Boost/Green

After considerable experimentation we found that this combination makes a very good and effective Strategy for this track.

Completing this race completes the Series and the Volume, and unlocks the Professional Racing Volume (Volume 4) which is the one where the racing really starts to get interesting!