Microsoft and Playground Games have confirmed that next week, on St. Patricks Day, March 17, 2015, they’ll be launching a new car pack for Forza Horizon 2 celebrating the Mazda MX-5’s legacy of sporty style and thrilling driving all for the low cost of free. There’s also a Mazda MX-5 Rivals challenge where players can sign up for the chance to win a 2016 Mazda MX-5.
The Mazda MX-5 Car Pack for Forza Horizon 2 contains four brand new cars. Starting with the digital debut of the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata which is making its digital debut first in Forza. The pack covers 20 years of the MX-5’s legendary contributions to sport car history including the 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5, the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Super20 concept car, and the upcoming 2016 Mazda MX-5.
The 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata has 115 horsepower in comparison to 116 found on the original. It’s also a bit heavier but the intuitive steering, danceable rear end, and impeccable transmission are all still there.
The 1990 Mazda MX-5 Miata is small, nimble and full of fun. It’s didn’t take a load of horsepower to make this car exciting, it’s the whole package that makes it a nimble joy to drive. Thanks to its desirable traits such as precise steering and a supremely shift-able transmission, the 1990 MX-5 delivers the memories of the roadsters of the past.
The 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5 features a factory-built turbo in the mix and sprints to 60mph in under seven seconds. It’s turbo-lag? Well that’s nearly non-existent. It’s plus turbo equals fun factor multiplied, making it a formula for success that any automotive devotee will love once they get behind the wheel.
The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Super20 was shown in 2010 in medium grey and was repainted a muted yellow for 2011. Taller tires on Enkei rims, coil-overs, and front and rear anti-roll bars give the Super20 an improved ride and smart stance. Under the hood, you’ll find 200 horsepower complimented by a Cosworth supercharger, ECU tune, and Racing Beat header and exhaust.
Microsoft are also planning a Rivals contest for Forza Horizon 2 players on Xbox One which starts Tuesday March 17th until Thursday April 30th 2015 which gives gamers an opportunity to win a real-life 2016 Mazda MX-5. Once you register, you’ll need to set a time in the ‘Mazda MX-5 Challenge’ Rivals event. For more information, see Microsoft’s terms and conditions right here.
Alan Walsh is a games journalist, head writer at AR12Gaming. They contributed 52 articles to ICXM in 2015, focused on game reviews, Windows and PC, and Xbox news: leads editorial for AR12Gaming and reviews titles for OpenCritic.